Ben Franklin spent many years in Europe way before his role as Minister to Sweden, and Minister to France. His wife Deborah Read Franklin was afraid of ocean travel, so she chose to remain in America. She claimed her illness was due to his absence. She died of a stroke in 1774 while Franklin wasContinue reading “(Not So) Fun Fact: Benjamin Franklin Was a Terrible Husband”
Tag Archives: Benjamin Franklin
Fun Fact: Benjamin Franklin Swimming Invention
As a child, Ben Franklin invented a pair of swim fins made out of wood. The idea of fins to aid humans in swimming was also something Leonardo Da Vinci worked on.
Fun Fact: The Man on the Half Dollar Coin Before JFK
Before JFK was put on the half-dollar, Ben Franklin was the star of the 50-cent piece.
Fun Fact: Benjamin Franklin and Daylight Savings Time
While Ben Franklin never saw the use of Day Lights Saving Time in its modern form, he did suggest an early version of it during his time in France. He suggested that the citizens of Paris could save candles by waking up earlier and using more daylight.
Fun Fact: Inventor of The Lightning Rod
American Founding Father Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod in 1749.