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"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning."

-Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

Benjamin Franklin was a leading author and printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat, just to name a few. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, and the glass 'armonica'. He formed both the first public lending library in America and the first fire department in Pennsylvania. He was also a social innovator, credited with introducing the concept of 'paying it forward.' He wrote that his scientific works were to be used for increasing efficiency and human improvement. Consequently, he never patented any of his inventions; in his autobiography he wrote, "... as we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours; and this we should do freely and generously." Franklin created, exemplified and defined the quintessential American - a blend of the practical values of thrift, hard work, education and community spirit.

In 1877, George and Edward Butler set out to create a business in the name and likeness of the great American forefather. Most of all, the Butler's admired Franklin's sense of thriftiness, community, honesty and ingenuity; and so they modeled their business after the values that Benjamin Frankin held so dear.

Today, 130 years later, Ben Franklin retail stores still embody these same values in bringing a wide variety of products to local communities all over country with great pricing, convenience and service. You can find anything you need at your local Ben Franklin store - from art supplies and crafts to hardware, electronics, fashion accessories, sporting goods and more. And don't forget to check out the huge selection of 'under a buck' items that reflect the good ol' American value of thriftiness. Stop into one of the many locations around Northwest Ohio including 154 South Main Street in Bowling Green, or 1602 W. Bancroft Street in Toledo.

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