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Do you know what time it is?
In early America, this question wasn’t as simple to answer as it is today. Urban dwellers in cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Charleston often wondered about the time—but few owned their own watches or clocks. So, how did they keep track of the hours?
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of early American timekeeping. Bob Frishman, a horologist—a specialist in clocks and watches—and a scholar of horology, joins us to explore how timepieces and their makers shaped community life and craftsmanship in the 18th century. Along the way, we’ll uncover the remarkable story of Edward Duffield, a Philadelphia clockmaker who wasn’t just a master craftsman but also a close friend and neighbor of Benjamin Franklin.
About the Show
Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.
It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.
Ben Franklin’s World is a production of Colonial Williamsburg Innovation Studios.
Episode Summary
Bob Frishman, a horologist—a specialist in clocks and watches—and a scholar of horology, joins us to explore the life and work of Edward Duffield, using details from his book, Edward Duffield: Philadelphia Clockmaker, Citizen, and Gentleman, 1730-1803.
During our exploration, Bob reveals information about early Americans’ interest in time and timekeeping. The work and place of early American clock and watchmakers in Early American society. And, what Edward Duffield’s life and work reveal about the American Revolution in Philadelphia.
What You’ll Discover
Clock and watchmakingEighteenth-century PhiladelphiaEighteenth-century Philadelphians’ interest in keeping timeEdward Duffield’s life and work by 1750What we know about Duffield’s early lifeHistorical sources about Edward DuffieldThe Duffield Family’s wealth and early settlementClockmaker training in the 18th centuryThe finances of clocks and clockmaking in the 18th centuryHow 18th-century clockmakers workedThe early American market for timepiecesEdward Duffield’s clockmakingHow clockmakers worked with cabinet-makersClockmaking as a family businessDuffield's work as Keeper of the Independence Hall clockDuffield’s relationship with Benjamin FranklinThe Declaration of Independence in Duffield’s Benfield EstateHow clockmakers can help us better understand early AmericaLinks to People, Places, and Publications
Bob FrishmanEdward Duffield Website Frishman, Edward Duffield: Philadelphia Clockmaker, Citizen, Gentleman, 1730-1803Ebenezer KinnersleyHistorical Society of PennsylvaniaElizabeth Drinker Diary American Philosophical SocietyAmerican Philosophical Society, Benjamin Franklin’s Post Office Ledgers John Harrison, Marine ChronometerTranscriptSponsor Links
Colonial Williamsburg FoundationColonial Williamsburg NewslettersComplementary Episodes
Episode 149: Benjamin Franklin in LondonEpisode 175: The Revolution in Ben Franklin’s HouseEpisode 207: Young Benjamin FranklinEpisode 244: Shoe Stories from Early AmericaEpisode 292: Craft in Early AmericaEpisode 301: From Inoculation to Vaccination, Pt 1Episode 302: From Inoculation to Vaccination, Pt 2Episode 332: Occupied Philadelphia1776 in Context
What do you think your research into Edward Duffield and clockmaking in early Philadelphia can teach us about the American Revolution?
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The post Episode 402: Bob Frishman, Clocks, Watches, and Life in Early America appeared first on Ben Franklin's World.
