Ben Franklin:Another Good Idea Comes Alive in Philadelphia

It had been a place I had always wondered about, and here was my chance last week to gain entry to the historic Library Company of Philadelphia at 13th and Locust. Imagine yourself in 1731 Philadelphia, with few books available to the public. Then along comes Ben Franklin and his friends who were members of the Junto, his “society of mutual improvement,” whom he convinced to pool their resources and purchase a collection of books. Each of the 40 members contributed 50 shillings.

Today, a majority of Library Company members are shareholders who have purchased a share that has been passed through previous owners since the 18th century and a share can be purchased for $200. Along with the share, you get a complete list of all the previous members who have owned your share since 1731. (photo:we listen to Library Co. staff)

What is in the collection? There are over half a million rare books, manuscripts, pamphlets, broadsides, prints, and photographs relating to early American history. As part of the program I attended we saw a cross-section of the collections including: a mummy's hand given by artist Benjamin West in 1767, a framed snip of George Washington's hair, and a reading stand once owned by patriot John Dickinson.

Most remarkable to me was an unforgettable book compiled by G. Albert Lewis of Philadelphia. The book documents the furnishings of his home in the mid 19th Century with delicate watercolors painted in vivid colors by Mr. Lewis. What an elegant home he lived in, with some bold decorating choices!