Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-01-09
TALK ON CAREER OF
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
AT D. 4. R. MEETING

BENJAMIN Franklin was the reason
why State Librarian Fl. E. Dunnack
commanded the closest attention OF
the members Of Koussinoc Chapter.
D. A. r., at their regular meeting
TUESDAY afternoon at the Elks Home.
Mr.. Dunnack brought to the women
the story OF this printer from Phila-
delphia in a manner which only Mr..
Dunnack can. He carried his listen
ers through the various stages Of the
career OF BENJAMIN Franklin, from
the time he hired out at the age of
eight to assist his father In soap
boiling. leaving that and going into
apprenticeship for his brother.
James, In the art Of printing, down
through the eventful years, to the
time OF his death. Franklin began
his ownership Of newspapers in 1923
when he issued No. 40 Of the Penu-
sylmnia Gazette. James Parton says
that Franklin Originated the modern
system OF business advertising"
Benjamin Frankiin's rules for con-
Quoting newspaper were read and
proved very interesting. Franklin in
his busy life studied the French,
Italian and Spanish languages. He
was appointed postmaster In Phfla-
delphia and established q fire COM
pany. Poor Richards Almanac was
recalled by Mr.. Dunnack. The say
ings OF Poor Richard in this little
publication combined more wisdom
and good sense In a brief compass
than any other book published In
America during the 18th century.
The origin OF the Philadelphia Lii
brary was delved into by the speak
or. stressing the part which was play
cd By Franklin. In 1876 Fran
was elected clerk OF the General AS
seInbly. n position which brought
him more business than honor. He
inspired confidence while he enlarged
his friendships. to which he never
was Indifferent.
Franklin. at the age OF ~. was able
to retire on an income OF about $4,000
year. which In those times meant a
comfortable independence anywhere.
The year 1852 marks the date G.:
his great achievement Of taking cleo
tricity from the air with his kite.
The lightning rod was another won
derful invention OF his. Franklin as
the political economist was touched
upon by Mr.. Dunnack. Franklin
was rich. wise. powerful and famous.
He has been called the father of the
American Navy and the father Of
American diplomacy. He was VEN
Grated for his benevoience, admired
for his talents, esteemed Tor his pat
riotism and beloved for his philan-
thropy. Franklin was writer.
physicist, inventor. statesman, PHI
losopher. diplomat and above all, a
great merchant"
Music written at the time Benjamin
Franklin was in France. composed by
beethoven, was most delightfully."-
played by Miss Caroline Fenno Chase
and Miss Evelyn Sears. Their offer
ing was Il fourhand arrangements o.
Bcethoven's "Favorite Polonaise." a
quantity sweet number. The number
was written before the piano was in
its present form and was written
Tor key board slightly over three
o0tavcS.
The roll call was answered by quo
tations 10y BENJAMIN Franklin. The
hostcsses of the afternoon were Mrs
Harriet r. Getchell, Mrs. Sadie r.
Metcalf, Mrs. Mabel W. Lyon and
Mrs. Alice NJ. BowditCh.
Koussinoc Chapter, ID. A. r.. now
has 105 members. according to Il re-
port made Tuesday afternoon. a let
ter OF greeting written by Mrs.
Lucie V. G.. CARL, Il member OF the
chapter. who Is winterinG In st.
Petersburg. Fla, was read by Mrs
Ethel NJ. Bilodeau, secretary.
Plans are in progress for the hold
ing Of II bridge party in the near
future at the Augusta City hall, un-
der the auspices OF the chapter. Fol-
lowing the meeting. refreshments
were served by the hostesses. The
meeting was very we'll attended.