Old Ben Franklin's Philadelphia brimmed with excitement on May 13, 1787, for General George Washington was coming to town! All Philadelphia turned out to greet the Revolutionary War hero, who would attend the important meetings of the Constitutional Convention. Philadelphia greeted Washington with the new flag of the Unites States—red, white, and blue, with thirteen stars, one for each new state.

While he waited for the other delegates to arrive, Washington made himself at home in the fashionable city. He saw Philadelphia's beautiful houses and dined in formal splendor in gracious dining rooms. He visited Ben Franklin's home, enjoyed his warm hospitality, and saw the many "contrivances" Franklin had invented.

These early days during the founding of our country were busy ones in Franklin's thriving and fascinating hometown. Old Philadelphia comes alive in this book, which is illustrated with paintings, old engravings, and prints.

This is one of the How They Lived series, developed by Garrard to give meaning to the study of American history. Young people will find a deeper understanding and more lasting appreciation of history and geography as they see life of the past through the eyes of those who lived it.

From the book