Most of us recognize Benjamin Franklin as one of our nation’s most famous founding fathers. One of the greatest thinkers/innovators of his time as well as for his groundbreaking scientific experiments. Franklin was only one of six founders which signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution being the oldest signer of the Constitution at the age of 81.
Remarkable as that is, this only tells part of the story of Benjamin Franklin’s extraordinary legacy.
Lesser known but no less noteworthy were Benjamin’s contributions to fishing and to the sea primarily the Atlantic Ocean.
Everyone knows the stories of Franklin flying a kite to prove that lightning was not something made up supernaturally but had electrical charges that could be harnessed. These experiments led directly to the invention of the lightning rod which is used on ships to protect ships from lightning strikes.
And that’s not all Franklin conducted experiments with Torpedo rays a type of ray that produces its own electricity to prove that electricity could be produced biologically.
Perhaps his greatest contribution to maritime was being the first to identify and then map the Gulf Stream. Franklin was curious why mail boats bound for Europe took alot less time (sometimes weeks) to cross the Atlantic than they did to return, so he consulted with his cousin, a Captain of a Whaling ship by the name of Thomas Folger (yes a Folger from the famous coffee family) and the coffee ☕️ is still good to the last drop. No word on whether Boston is considering renaming it the “Boston Coffee Party” Folger told him American captains were aware of a strong current pushing from west to east and knew to avoid it while British Captain’s stubbornly sailed against it. So Folger & Franklin set out to experiment on the strong current and how it worked. They discovered it was warmer than the water surrounding it and the velocity it moved at was/is 5mph.
Growing up in Boston Franklin had been an avid fisherman often catching flounder, perch & eels. (Morey Eels) carry high voltage as well. Becoming a vegetarian at age 16 he had a life altering moment at age 25 when on a fishing voyage he saw captains filleting cod which had fish in their stomachs perhaps it was the smell of freshly caught fish that became to difficult to resist he famously stated ” if you eat one another I don’t see why we mayn’t eat you”.
I don’t know whether Franklin would have liked football but he was an avid swimmer was a proponent of physical fitness. He was also a master chess player & is a member of the United States chess hall of fame.
I would like to think he would have enjoyed being a signer to Pro Football’s Constitution. Available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble by clicking the link. 👇
Explore American History Through the Lens of Pro Football in Bob Gonzalez’s New BookCelebrate the American Constitution’s 250th Anniversary with Professional Football’s Version: “Pro Football’s Constitution”Bob Gonzalez, acclaimed author of “A Flicker in the Water,” returns with his highly entertaining and informative new release, “Pro Football’s Constitution: It’s not just good it’s ‘Perfect.’” Written in Bob’s own unique style, this compelling 20-page tribute intertwines sports history and American culture with a comedic twist, offering a glimpse into an unforgettable celebration of perfection through one of the greatest accomplishments in professional football history.”Pro Football’s Constitution” takes readers back to one of the most remarkable achievements in sports, the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ undefeated season, where the ideals embedded in America’s Constitution of hard work, excellence, and determination are brought to life. Gonzalez brilliantly uses the historical context of professional football’s only perfect season – a singular event he witnessed in real time at age nine – to highlight broader themes of perseverance, teamwork, and America’s enduring pursuit of greatness. By celebrating this extraordinary milestone, he captures the spirit of the U.S. Constitution itself, tying together two icons of American history in a uniquely compelling way.”I wanted to preserve this story for future generations, but I wanted to tell it in a way that has not been done before,” Gonzalez remarks. “I don’t know if a football team’s name has ever been used in such literal and figurative ways as is done in ‘Pro Football’s Constitution.’””Just like the promise of 1776, the Constitution should be celebrated and remembered for striving towards a more perfect union,” the author continues, “and in the case of the 1972 Miami Dolphins – actually achieving it.”This book is not just for sports enthusiasts. Anyone who enjoys historical storytelling rich with humor and cultural significance can enjoy this book, whether you are a Dolphins fan or a fan of another team, proving that education and entertainment can not only go hand in hand, but can also be “perfect” for each other.
About the Author: Bob Gonzalez is the author of two books, “A Flicker in the Water” and “Pro Football’s Constitution.” His writing blends sports history, personal storytelling, and a deep appreciation for American culture. He can be reached through his website: https://flickerinthewater.com