What is a BUSYBODY, you may ask. As any resident of Old Philadelphia can tell you, the BUSYBODY is a set of three mirrors set in a black metal frame - two mirrors on the bottom and one mirror on top. It is held together by a scrolled iron bar which mounts alongside or under a window, or next to a door, usually on the second or third story of a house (first floor for ranch type houses).

By adjusting the mirrors, the home dweller can see who's at the door below, or what's going on up and down the street or alley, without being seen himself or herself!

Consider the woman who has taken a long bath and is relaxing in bed. The doorbell rings. The woman groans. Rather than have to trudge downstairs to see who is there, Ms. Resident, unseen by the caller, peeks at the BUSYBODY to see who's there, and may choose to be "not at home" at that moment.

Consider a more troubling situation. Loud noises are coming from the alley, street, or yard. Rather than risk danger to investigate, the BUSYBODY user can see what's happening within the safety of the home (without revealing that he or she is at home).

The BUSYBODY has been in Philadelphia since Franklin's time (including Elfreth's Alley, the oldest street in the United States), but former owner Roger Garrett, is responsible for today's BUSYBODY. Garrett came up with the idea while working at his family's metal factory. Using an old rusted BUSYBODY as a model, he designed dies for the various parts so that each BUSYBODY could be easily assembled. Besides manufacturing the parts from metal sheets and steel bars, Garrett came up with an all-weather rust-proof painting procedure and hardware system, as well as break-proof packaging.

Garrett feels that the BUSYBODY has mass appeal. "Many people who see this curious device on a house want to have one for themselves, particularly when they discover its value as a security mirror and its low cost. While Franklin invented it for the traditional row home, it can be just as useful for a more contemporary house, as well as adding an unusual colonial-appearing decorative touch".

On this 30th anniversary of the modern BUSYBODY, we look forward to adding many new customers to join the thousands of people who have already purchased the BEN FRANKLIN BUSYBODY™ -- customers from all over the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa.