Ben is Back!

Ben Franklin and Philadelphia go together like pretzels and mustard. But visitors to our fair city haven’t been able to see Ben’s house (or, er, the ghost house) for the past two years, because of a major project renovating the Underground Museum underneath it.  Good news: it’s open again!  The creepy phone room untouched since the bicentennial is gone!  (Don’t know it?  See this awesomely accurate review.)  And I don’t have to walk around it to get to work anymore!  YAY!

A lot of people know Ben from his key/kite/lightning experiment.

These flip flops have the right idea!  Bright kites in primary colors and with bow-tied tails soar through cloudy skies on these, and you can pick either black or white for the footbed and the strap.  Find them for $40 on Zazzle.

But did you know that he also organized the first volunteer fire company in 1736?

This hot little number is all faux leather and red glitter.  Ben, being (shall we say) an aficionado of the ladies would probably appreciate these.  But they’re only $8 from AMI Clubwear, so your guess is as good as mine as to the quality.  But for $8?  Who cares!  They’re fun!

Or that in 1751, Ben was instrumental in founding the first hospital in America?

This pair of wellies is legit from the American Red Cross!  And a portion of the sale goes to support their work.  Ben would approve.  They’re 16 inches high and have a cloth lining and a one-inch heel.  Whole sizes only; yours for $60.

Or that it was Ben’s fancy talking that persuaded France (though officially neutral) to loan America millions of dollars, send troops and supplies, let French volunteers enlist in the army, and permit American warships to use French harbors during the Revolutionary War?

Oh la la!  This pretty pair of hand-painted heels is covered with delicious reminders of France.  (Maybe that’s what gave Ben his famous paunch… or his gout.)  Croissants, coffee, and cupcakes are the big three on these genuine leather shoes, which can be yours for $135 from Etsy seller Kukla Fashion Design.

So go pay Ben a visit at home next time you’re in Old City, and congratulate him on the renovations!  (And on his many accomplishments, of course.)