Old-time Presses In A Modern World

"Franklin imported most of his ink from Holland," he explains.

Natural Cleanup Chemicals

Cleanup in the past was a bit different as well.

"The ink would have been cleaned off the type with stale urine," Eckert, of Sturbridge, says, quickly adding: "We use a modern environmental cleaner."

Parker says the original Williamsburg's printers would have used hot lye kept in a large kettle in the fireplace.