Alexander Graham Bell: Brantford's
Link to Greatness
Alexander Graham Bell, 1906
On June 24 2006, the Brant Historical Society launched the book Brantford's Link to Greatness: A portrait of the amazing Alexander Graham Bell by Albert VanderMey. This book is available for purchase at the Brant County Museum & Archives, the Museum in the Square, the Bell Homestead gift shop, the Expositor, and Green Heron Books in Paris. You can also borrow the book from the library. The Brantford Public Library is pleased to present some of the images and text from that publication.
The Bell Homestead
Many people in the Brantford area were touched by a sense of sadness when they bade goodbye in 1881 to Melville and Eliza Bell who were preparing to head for Washington, D.C., their new hometown. During their 11-year residence on Tutela Heights, the Bells had won wide admiration and respect, and hundreds upon hundreds of hearts, and their absence from life in the community would be felt profoundly. Before their departure, a farewell banquet was held in their honour at the Kerby House, a large, venerable hotel in the heart of Brantford.
Melville was at his eloquent best as he explained the reason for moving. "I was happily led to Brantford by the accidental proximity of an old friend," he said, "and I have seen no place within the bounds of Ontario that I would prefer for a pleasant and healthful residence. How is it then that notwithstanding this declaration I am about to bid adieu to the land that I love so well? You all know my son; the world knows his name, but only his friends know his heart is as good as his name is great. I can safely say that no other consideration that could be named, than to enjoy the society of our only son, would have induced us to forsake our lovely Tutela Heights and our kind, good friends of Brantford. He could not come to us so we resolved to go to him. I now confidently feel that my sojourn in Brantford will outlive my existence because under yon roof of mine the telephone was born."
Silver Telephone Presentation to Royalty at Grand Trunk Station
Melville Bell returned to Brantford on Oct 14, 1901, to present a silver telephone to visiting royalty: the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George V and Queen Mary.
Thousands of people crowded the Grand Trunk railway depot and surrounding streets to catch a glimpse of the eminent visitors and gave them an enthusiastic welcome during their brief stop.
Unveiling the Bell Monument
The monument's construction ran years behind schedule. Finally, at noon on Oct. 24, 1917, the unveiling took place. On hand were many eminent guests, including Bell, members of his family and the Duke of Devonshire, Canada's governor general, as well as thousands of appreciative and proud residents.
Reception at Kerby House, 1906
The Kerby House was again the setting for a function the next day: a reception to bid farewell to Bell and his daughter.
"It seemed that all of Brantford's best-known citizens were in the gathering," the Brantford Expositor reported. "Gentlemen in frock coats mingled with handsomely-gowned ladies, while a large number of young people were also scattered through the crowd."
Posing for the Camera with Old Colleagues, 1906
Bell meets with E. McIntyre and Thomas Brooks, who helped him string stovepipe wire along fences in 1876.
