No, I am not talking about a counterfeit scheme, but rather the very first printing press in history!

In 1639, Stephen Daye and Reverend Jose Glover designed and planned to build the first printing press in the British Colonies. Sadly, Glover passed away before reaching their goal, but Daye was determined to keep the dream alive.

After the machine was built, the first thing printed was “The Freeman’s Oath”, the pledge sworn by Massachusetts Bay Colony men over the age of 20 who owned homes. After that, the first true American book was printed, the “Bay Psalm Book.” 

Out of 1700 copies printed, only 12 are known to still exist today, with one on display at Harvard University, home of the first printing press, and subsequently, the Harvard University Press.

The press was just one of the many advancements made in our country’s formative years and one that had changed life itself, giving way to the printing of books, newspapers, and of course, money.

Of course, the original press is now lost to the ages, but without it, we may be writing our bank notes by hand or dealing entirely in coins. 

I don’t even want to think about paying for a car or a house in coins.

A world where we have to count our coins would be a much different place! Financial planning would probably be a bit harder if your only indication of wealth was a pile of riches stashed away in the cellar, like a dragon’s hoard.

Fortunately, we don’t need to live like that, and (usually) all we have is laid out to us in paper or online form. It makes our jobs a little easier too! If you want to talk with us about financial planning (which you can do by calling us at 513-563-PLAN (7526) or booking online to get a 15-minute chat).

Regards,
Nikki Earley, CFP®