As I considered all the clocks that need to be set to the correct time with the advent of Daylight Savings Time, I wondered if it was time for us to reconsider this magical invention. I think the owner of that watch store in New York City that has his employees employed 10 hours a day, over 2 days, to reset his 60,000 or so watches might agree.

Benjamin Franklin originally suggested this concoction. He was surprised at how late the British would start their days, and how late into the night they would remain active. The inhabitants of London chose to live much of their life by candlelight. Then they would complain of the high duty (tax) on tallow, the main ingredient used in making candles. 

Ben’s father was a candlemaker. Franklin calculated the expense of burning candles and came up with the suggestion of saving daylight by changing the clocks to require less use of candles. You know, Fall back, Spring forward. Daylight Savings Time became an economy measure in World War I.

So it’s interesting that Ben also dared the lightning and learned how to harness electricity. His volume on Electricty was the most widely read book in the world during his time. 

Now electricity powers much of our homes, lights, lamps, and clocks. Maybe it’s time to reconsider the use of Daylight Savings Time. It would certainly make it easier on clock shops. Why not just use the same time all year round. I mean, the sun doesn’t really change its course to accomodate our time. 

In Arizona we have learned to keep the same time all year round. But then, we believe we already have too much sunshine in the summers!