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In our world of electronic and digital communications, one wonders what evidence of our day-to-day lives will exist for our descendants in the next century. Modern technology has given us the ability to be in almost constant touch with one another. But, will our emails and texts still exist a hundred years from now? For decades, letter writing was often an everyday occurrence for most people. Keeping in touch meant sitting down with pen and paper. Receiving a letter was often an exciting event, especially from someone miles away. And, for many, including Alexander Graham Bell and his family, these letters were something to be kept, not simply discarded once read. The Bells were profuse writers and as a result, their story can be told today through thousands of letters.
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Born in Scotland in 1847, Alexander Graham Bell lived a unique life. Influenced by his father, Melville, a professor of elocution, and his deaf mother, Eliza; the loss of his brothers, Melville and Edward, to consumption; and marriage to his deaf pupil, Mabel Hubbard, Bell left a legacy to the world that few could imagine living without. How this came to pass is best revealed through the letters between these individuals. Here, we present those letters to you.
Understanding that his son’s mind for business was somewhat lacking, Melville questioned the most recent news received in regards to telephone patents abroad and assured Alec that he would put the device into use to demonstrate its application in this country. In the last part of his letter, Melville provided fatherly advice on Alec’s intention to marry Mabel.
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Your letter of the 4th received yesterday gives us all great pleasure. I returned, instant, your copy of letter to Mr. Bradley. If he really means business he will no doubt accept your offer. At the same time I must say I do not understand how you can be in a position to sell an interest in English patents when the patents themselves, according to a recent letter of yours had been forfeited through non-payment of fees! I should be glad to find that this statement was an error. But you wrote some time ago that a “patent thief” in England had stolen your rights there. Altogether I am puzzled.
When the Telephones arrive I shall set them up somewhere & invite visitors, so that you will be able, if necessary, to prove Canadian use.
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Your account of your success is much gratifying, and angles well for what Mabel will do for you – if you can keep the larder supplied!
We are all ready for you whenever you can come, and I hope this time your visit will be more restful than formerly. If you can arrange to bring Mabel with you we shall feel sure of keeping you. This is a matter in which I cannot give advice. I am satisfied that your happiness with her is assured whether you begin your married life at once or have to wait. But if you will require $5000 a year to live on, you must exercise prudence & forethought.
Give Mabel my very dear love and your mother’s. We shall be delighted to welcome her – and the sooner the better.
Give our kindest regards also to Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard. & the young ladies.
The Bell Letters are annotated by Brian Wood, Curator, Bell Homestead National Historic Site.
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