Jeanne Kiefer, age 12, of Ambler, Pennsylvania, for her question:

Is it true that Philadelphia was once the nation's capital?

Goodness, some of America's young students must have been dozing during their history classes. This is a pity because the story of Philadelphia happens to be more fabulous than any show you will ever see on TV, more stupendous than any make believe story you could ever dream up. And the events are history    which means that they really happened. Just go there and see the proof for yourself. Like every other American, you will dis¬cover that the biggest and grandest words you have are not big enough or grand enough to describe the early history of Philadelphia.

Yes, this city was for ten years the official capital of the United States of America. Philadelphia enjoyed this honor from 1790 to 1800. But even more glorious years in its history occurred before this time. From 1774, it was the seat of the Continental Congress and the capital city of the American Colonies. Our Founding Fathers met there and our nation was born there. Surely you want to discover and enjoy all these details for yourself. When you do, please write and tell Andy what you think, and how you feel about this chapter of world history.