Benjamin Franklin Printing House

In 1728, when Franklin was 22 years old, he entered a partnership with Hugh Meredith, a co-worker at Keimer’s Printing Shop. With a loan from Meredith’s father, who had a high regard for Franklin, they were able to rent a house and import printing equipment from England. His printing skills were set against the loan and profit would be shared equally. Their first customer was a farmer referred by a friend. On October 2, 1729 Franklin seized the opportunity to purchase the Pennsylvania Gazette from his former boss, Samuel Keimer. Under Franklin The Gazette became the most successful newspaper in the colonies. Another successful publication that brought wealth to Franklin was Poor Richard’s Almanac. It was published continuously from 1732 to 1758. However, the most profitable business was becoming the official printer of Pennsylvania in 1730 and of New Jersey in 1740.