Poor Richard: Milk Street - Boston

Poor Richard by James Daugherty

Milk Street - Boston:
Milk Street, Boston, right across from the Old South Church, is where we first meet the very large Franklin family. Father Josiah Franklin is carrying his newest son this Sunday in January 1706 across to the church to be christened Benjamin. What a great big family Benjamin was born into! He is the thirteenth child of Josiah. Josiah and his three oldest children came over from Banbury and Josiah's wife died in the colonies after bearing two more children. Josiah married again and continued to grow his family until there were fifteen total.The children played on Milk Street in the dust and grime, playing Indians and settlers, having fun with stray dogs, and entertaining themselves while Josiah worked as a candle maker. Originally trained as a dyer, Josiah learned that a tallow maker was more in demand here in Boston, and adapted to the needs of his town.

Boston was not yet one hundred years old, however it already had a storied history of differing views, demands for freedoms, persecution, and sadness. The old oak tree by the common where the town's cattle grazed had been a gallows for those who did not abide by the strict rules of the colony. Puritan town though it was, on weekdays there were plenty of opportunities for good liquor, good reading, and good conversation. Boston was the liveliest of all Britain's colonies.

Mother Abiah Franklin raised her many children until they were old enough to come under the tutelage of Father Josiah, who would teach his children to be useful in the world. The family moved to Hanover Street, gathering together for dinner as a family, where the food was always blessed through Josiah's long prayers and the conversation always lively, often including friends and neighbors as guests.