“Snowflake” Bentley Photo and Letter Discovered
Recently discovered undated photo of Wilson Bentley on the farm in Jericho, Vermont
The Blue Hill Observatory (BHO) in Milton, Massachusetts is home to the oldest continuous weather recordings in North America and maintains a plethora of weather observations from the US. Recently, the Jericho Historical Society was contacted by Dr. William Minsinger, President of the Blue Hill Observatory Board of Directors, indicating that they had uncovered a letter written by Snowflake Bentley to the then director of the BHO, Dr. Charles Franklin Brooks.
Dr. Brooks was also the founder of the American Meteorological Society and was quite helpful in the publishing of Bentley’s iconic Snow Crystals book which contains more than 2400 photo plates of snowflakes, frost, and dew taken by Bentley. The book is still in publication today.
In the document, Bentley expresses his appreciation for Dr. Brooks’ praise of Snow Crystals which had been sent in a letter to Bentley which was also accompanied by a clipping concerning the book.
The letter is dated December 6, 1931 which is shortly after Snow Crystals was published in November, 1931. Sadly, Bentley passed away from pneumonia shortly after the date of this letter on December 23, 1931. He had very little time to relish his crowning achievement.
In the note, Bentley also mentions appreciating hearing Brooks daughter sing which suggests that Bentley had visited the Brooks family home in Massachusetts. Bentley was himself an accomplished musician playing piano, clarinet, cornet, and violin.
Also discovered was a photo of Bentley from the album of Eleanor Stabler Brooks in the family trips section suggesting that the Brooks family may have visited Bentley at his Jericho farm. Bentley was known for his pleasant nature which is evident in the smiling photo of him.
The BHO is currently undergoing a major renovation and will be adding an exhibit dedicated to Snowflake Bentley. The Jericho Historical Society will be providing a glass plate negative, a magic lantern slide, and snowflake photos for permanent loan for this exhibit.
Transcript of Bentley’s Letter
Wilson A. Bentley
Jericho, Vermont
Dec 6/31
Dr C F Brooks
Worcester Mass
Dear Doctor Brooks,
I am grateful for your kind words regarding the snow crystal book, and will prize the clipping you sent. I too, you may be sure, am delighted with it. An “all time dream” come true. Remember me to all, and especially the one who used to be “little Margaret”. Wish I could hear her sing, or play some of the pretty new songs. With all best wishes.
Sincerely,
W.A. Bentley
Jericho Historical Society Releases New Limited Edition Print
The JHS has released the seventh Limited Edition Print in the latest series made from original glass plate negatives. This release is one of a number of postcards that Bentley created and sold to raise money for his work. He also gave them as Greeting or Christmas messages to family and friends.
The JHS/WAB “chop mark” signifies that this is an official Wilson A. Bentley Limited Edition Print issued by the Jericho Historical Society (JHS). They are photographically reproduced from original glass plate negatives recently acquired by the JHS. Each image is limited to 200 prints. Profits from sales will go to the cost of the acquisition and the continuing mission of preserving the Bentley Collection and the Bentley Exhibit of the Jericho Historical Society. Bentley info and Certificate of Authenticity included.
What’s New at the Bentley Online Gift Shop
Vermont Snowflake’s 25th Anniversary Ornament
The 2021 “Snowflake” Bentley Collection by Vermont Snowflakes is now available along with new Mini-Ornaments, Suncatchers and a nice collection of books about Bentley as well as activity books about snowflakes available for parents and teachers.
This year’s ornament is considered one of the most intricate designs in the Collection.
