MOMENTS IN TIME - Dec. 9, 2010

The History Channel

* On Dec. 19, 1732, Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia first publishes “Poor Richard’s Almanack.” The book, filled with proverbs preaching industry and prudence, was published continuously for 25 years and became one of the most popular publications in colonial America, selling an average of 10,000 copies a year.

* On Dec. 17, 1843, Charles Dickens’ classic story “A Christmas Carol” is published. When Dickens’ father was thrown into debtors’ prison in 1824, 12-year-old Charles was sent to work in a factory. The miserable treatment of children and the institution of the debto...