The other day I received a package from Ms. Rebecca E. Gibby that contained a copy of her new book, Forged in Philadelphia, the cover of which is illustrated here. It is published by Abbott Press, a division of Writer’s Digest, and can be accessed on the Internet. The author, born and raised in Philadelphia, draws upon tradition of her Eckfeldt heritage, particularly Adam Eckfeldt, a blacksmith who loaned his talents in machining and other things to the United States Mint after it was formed, following the Mint Act of April 2, 1792. The story, loosely based on history and tradition, takes the form of a novel, with various members of the Eckfeldt family and others associated with the Mint taking speaking parts, engaging in discussions, wondering how to approach President Washington with the idea of his donating silver implements and tableware to melt down for 1792 half dismes (folklore, we know), and so on.
The story, comprising 102 pages, is a light and interesting read. For a numismatist it invites further exploration of the Mint in Philadelphia and perhaps the incentive to purchase from Whitman Publishing, LLC, a copy of The Secret History of the First U.S. Mint by Joel Orosz and Leonard Augsburger.
Have fun!
