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Singers & Songwriters – 1776 edition…
September 8, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Flashback – 1776
“And, the award for the songwriter of the year goes to… ‘wait for it… wait for it…’* … Benjamin Franklin, for his chart-busting mega-hit: “The KINGS own REGULARS, and their TRIUMPH over the IRREGULARS.”
Was there anything this man could not do? I could be wrong, but if those who have explored the life of this amazing forefather were asked to list his talents and accomplishments, I’m guessing that “lyricist” would not make anyone’s list. Yet, although unsigned, the satirical ditty printed in the Pennsylvania Evening Post on March 30, 1776 (shown below) has finally been universally acknowledged as being from his pen (and not just an autopen with his name on it). Furthermore, the fact that it would have likely topped the charts in such an historic year (1776) makes him a shoe-in for eventual entry into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. Sadly, whether through the distraction of competing interests, lack of funding, or perhaps the waning of ongoing inspiration, history has proven him to be classified as a “one-hit wonder”. What a shame; he was off to such a great start.
*Quote borrowed from Ketanji Brown Jackson, honorable Associate Justice of the SCOTUS.
Ben Franklin’s 1st contribution to The Gentleman’s Magazine, London…
July 25, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · 1 Comment
Many are aware Ben Franklin was a frequent contributor to The Gentleman’s Magazine (London); however, few can name his 1st appearance. What makes the task more difficult is his proclivity for signing his work using pseudonyms. Thankfully his work has been extensively researched – an effort which was aided by his prolific record keeping.
So, was it an article related to electricity, a game (“the morals of chess”), a puzzle (“magic square of squares”), he thoughts on marriage, or a treatise regarding the poor? No, it was the text of a speech (supposedly) given before a Colonial Court by a woman named of Polly Baker.
Thanks to enhanced research tools, a synopsis is as follows:
“The Speech of Polly Baker” is a satirical essay first published anonymously in The Gentleman’s Magazine in April 1747. It is now widely attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who is believed to have written it around 1746. Although the piece was initially published without attribution, Benjamin Franklin is almost certainly the author. This is supported by evidence from Franklin’s own correspondence, accounts from contemporaries, and stylistic analysis. Franklin was known for using pseudonyms and anonymous satire to criticize social and political norms, and this work fits that pattern.
Summary
- The essay takes the form of a fictional courtroom speech by a woman named Polly Baker, who is on trial for the fifth time for having an illegitimate child out of wedlock—a crime under colonial law.
- In her speech, Polly eloquently defends herself by questioning the justice of punishing women for fornication while men (the fathers) go unpunished and even rise to positions of honor.
- She argues that she has done nothing wrong morally, since she brought children into the world and cared for them, and should be praised, not punished.
- The satire points to:
- Hypocrisy in the legal system.
- The unequal treatment of women, particularly in matters of sexuality and reproduction.
- Broader critiques of colonial laws and moral attitudes.
Historical Significance
- “The Speech of Miss Polly Baker” is one of the earliest American critiques of gender inequality.
- It reflects Enlightenment ideals—particularly reason, natural rights, and critiques of tradition.
- The piece prefigures later feminist arguments about the double standards in sexual morality.
Reception in 1747
- When it was published, readers largely did not know it was a satire by Franklin.
- Many believed the account was true, and some thought Polly Baker was a real person.
- The piece generated significant interest and discussion in Britain and the American colonies, especially because of its radical tone.
- It was reprinted widely in newspapers and magazines, suggesting it was popular and provocative.
Some clergy and conservative voices were critical, viewing the essay as undermining traditional moral values, while Enlightenment thinkers and reform-minded readers praised its rhetorical skill and boldness.
Legacy
- Today, “The Speech of Polly Baker” is studied as a landmark example of early American satire and as a precursor to later feminist and legal critiques.
- It shows Franklin’s ability to use humor and irony to challenge unjust systems and conventions.
Note: The full text of this Franklin work can be read at Founders Online of the National Archives.
Where game history, moral philosophy, and educational theory collide…
June 9, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · 1 Comment
Ben Franklin’s contributions to The Gentleman’s Magazine of the 18th century are well documented, and in multiple instances, quite collectible. A handful of the his more noteworthy appearances include several regarding electricity, the “Magic Square of Squares”, “On the Increase in Mankind”, “Albany Union Plan”, and “The Speech of Miss Poly Baker”. One of the more interesting is his desirable (from a collecting standpoint) “The Morals of Chess”, which appeared in the July, 1787 issue. A bit of research regarding its significance is as follows:
Benjamin Franklin’s essay The Morals of Chess, written in the late 18th century, is a groundbreaking work that presents chess as more than a game, but as a tool for building moral character. Franklin highlights virtues like courtesy, patience, humility, and attentiveness, which he saw as essential to fair play. This focus on etiquette not only pioneered the concept of sportsmanship in chess but also influenced the formal codes of conduct later embraced by chess clubs and federations, establishing the game as a model for civil behavior.
Beyond etiquette, Franklin uses chess as a metaphor for life, reflecting virtues such as prudence and generosity against vices like rashness and envy. He positions the game as a didactic instrument, capable of teaching both strategic thinking and ethical decision-making. This perspective helped cement the idea that games can mirror real-world challenges, offering lessons in intellect and morality—a notion that resonated with later educators and writers who championed “learning through play.”
Finally, the essay embodies Franklin’s Enlightenment ideals of rationality, self-improvement, and social responsibility. By promoting chess as an accessible activity for all, not just the elite, he democratized it, framing it as a means of personal and civic growth. The Morals of Chess thus transformed the game from a courtly pastime into a lasting symbol of strategic thought and ethical conduct, shaping its role in education and society to this day.
Additional details can be viewed on our website at: Franklin’s Morals of Chess
Snapshot 1768 – Ben Franklin’s thoughts on the poor…
April 7, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
I am currently reading “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” (by Walter Isaacson), and often struggle to put it down. One of the many new things I’ve learned about Franklin: he was always a “work in progress”. Many of his views on significant topics of the day changed over his lifetime – often as a result of his ongoing quest for new information. He was certainly the poster-child for a “life-long learner”.
Two among these adjustments were his thoughts regarding the capabilities of blacks (specifically slaves), and his royalist (devotion to England) inclinations – both which morphed into positions more in line with current thought. However, one stance which stood the test of time and adjusted only microscopically (if at all) was his strong posture towards personal industry – regardless of one’s societal rank. If you were poor, you should work to the best of your abilities in all you do. If you were wealthy, your industry should overflow into looking for ways to contribute to the betterment of society – which included caring for those who were less fortunate. While he was always compassionate toward those at the bottom of the economic ladder, he was also a firm believer in the mantra: “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” He was convinced that handouts to those who were not industrious would only inspire others to join the ranks of the lazy. As harsh as this sounds, his attitude towards those who personally consumed the bulk of their own abundance was no less gracious.
While he spoke on this topic quite often, he put his thoughts to paper through a letter printed in The Gentleman’s Magazine for April, 1768: “Hardheartedness to the Poor Considered”. As was often the case, he signed it using one of his many pseudonyms (Medius). The entire letter is shown below. Whether you agree with his stance or not, one can not argue that he was being vague.
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Beer and electricity had a common admirer…
October 11, 2021 by LauraH · Leave a Comment
All of the Founders are worthy of a great deal of respect however, some grab your attention more than others. From George Washington’s noble bearing to Jefferson’s nation building writing. I would argue none capture the imagination more than Benjamin Franklin. Larger than life, with his bifocals and kite in a lightning storm, he makes a great historical figure for kids to study while inspiring adults with his witty wisdom such as, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Among the many issues we have at Rare Newspapers covering Franklin is one which is described as follows:
”The earliest account of the electrical experiments made by Benjamin Franklin, at Philadelphia (where he was then the post-master) appeared anonymously in ‘The Gentleman’s Magazine for January, 1750‘.”
This article mentions several of Franklin’s important discoveries, including: “…that it will live in water…that it is more strongly attracted by slender sharp points than by solid blunt bodies…that bodies replete with this fire strongly attract such as have less of it, and repel such as have an equal quantity…”.
Beer, electricity, bifocals and chess – take a look at this brilliant, yet quirky Founder with new eyes by reading about him in the papers of his day.
The Traveler… early Sodoku?…
July 2, 2018 by The Traveler · Leave a Comment
Today’s journey took me to London, England, by the means of The Gentleman’s Magazine of July, 1768. I found an interesting plate entitled “A Magic Square of Squares” with an accompanying article “Surprising Properties of Numbers placed in Dr. Franklin’s Magic Square of Squares”. This is an interesting puzzle by Benjamin Franklin. “The great square is divided into 256 small squares, in which all the numbers from 1 to 256 are placed in 16 columns, which may be taken either horizontally or vertically. The properties are as follows: 1. The sum of the 16 numbers in each column vertical or horizontal, is 2056. 2. Every half column, vertical and horizontal, makes 1028, or half 2056. 3 Half a diagonal ascending, added to half a diagonal descending, makes 2056; taking these half diagonals from the ends of any side of the square to the middle thereof, and so reckoning them either upward or downward; or sidewise from left to right hand, or from right to left…”
The information continues with this sounding like a very early Sodoku puzzle!
~The Traveler
Where did it end up? Boston
October 20, 2016 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
As both collectors and sellers of historic newspapers, we (Rare Newspapers) often wonder what happens with many of the issues which pass through our hands. We know some have been given to Presidents, well-known authors, and various public figures throughout the world. Equally rewarding are those which end up in the hands of those whom either love history or have a personal connection with the issue’s content. Many are found in museums for all to see, yet others a likely stored away in boxes for protection and many never again see the light of day. Regardless of their final resting place, we derive a certain degree of satisfaction in knowing we play a part in preserving history in written form. With these thoughts as a backdrop…
We recently became aware of how one issue has been put to use (see image). Feel free to explore:
BOSTON SEMI-WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Sept. 20, 1856
Pennsylvania’s first newspapers…
December 12, 2011 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
It was only in Boston where a newspaper came off a printing press prior to any in Pennsylvania. It was 15 years after the “Boston News-Letter” of 1704 (not counting the one-issue run of Boston’s “Publick Occurrences Both Foreign & Domestick” in 1690) when, on December 22, 1719, Andrew Bradford began his “American Weekly Mercury” (see image) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s first newspaper. This weekly would last until 1746.
But certainly the most successful newspaper in the colony, if not in all of colonial America, was the “Pennsylvania Gazette” begun in December, 1728 by Samuel Keimer. Within a year it was purchased by Benjamin Franklin. As Oswald notes: “…Under Franklin’s guidance, there appeared for the first time a colonial newspaper produced by a man of education who was in addition a capable printer, a versatile writer, and energetic news gatherer and an enterprising & resourceful businessman. This combination had the inevitable result of placing the “Pennsylvania Gazette” in the lead, and it thereby established a model for others to follow.” The “Gazette” would make Franklin a wealthy man and his name appeared on the imprint through 1765.
Pennsylvania has the distinction of having America’s first daily newspaper, the “Pennsylvania Evening Post & Daily Advertiser“, which started publication in 1775 as a tri-weekly and became a daily on May 30, 1783.
Few things change in politics…
September 24, 2011 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
It’s interesting how, in some aspects of life, few things change over hundreds of years. Complaints about politicians not focusing on substantive issues was a problem back in 1790, in just the second year of the American federal government, as this article from the July 3, 1790 “Pennsylvania Packet“ of Philadelphia, clearly shows…
A real gem…
September 16, 2010 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
In the past we’ve taken several looks at one of the inherent pleasures of the rare newspaper collecting hobby – that of finding hidden (unexpected) gems within issues. While unearthing such gems is nearly a daily occurrence for our staff, it is especially rewarding when we discover content of the significance as what we’ve shown below. The December, 1787 issue of The American Museum contains, in addition to the printing of four Federalist Papers and the ratification of the Constitution by Pennsylvania and Delaware, the full text of Benjamin Franklin’s final speech before the assembly on the last day of the Constitutional Convention. Thanks to one of our members, this treasure is no longer “lost”. As for the content… it speaks for itself. Please enjoy the wisdom of Dr. Franklin: 