The Story Of John Fitch

Originally Aired: March 26, 1940 In Cavalcade of America #180, "The Story Of John Fitch," a disheveled inventor named John Fitch arrives at Nancy Kraft's tavern clutching a model of what he believes will revolutionize American commerce: a steamboat. Despite ridicule from skeptics who call it a "toy boat," Fitch pursues his dream with unwavering determination. When the aging Benjamin Franklin declines to support the project, citing exhaustion and the burdens of public service, Fitch refuses to give up. Instead, he and his partner Harry Voigt, a clockmaker, embark on an arduous campaign to raise funds penny by penny from Philadelphia shopkeepers and neighbors. Fitch faces constant mockery and resistance as he goes door to door seeking investors. Tavern keeper Israel worries the steamboat will ruin his business, while one woman cannot fathom a boat without sails. Yet through persistence, Fitch gradually accumulates contributions from believers like Mr. Toland and Mr. Wells. When he finally raises enough money to build his vessel, word spreads through Philadelphia that the steamboat will make its maiden voyage, testing whether Fitch's vision will triumph or sink.