Snowflake Bentley photo and letter discovered

Snowflake Bentley Photo and Letter Discovered
by Louise Miglionico
Jericho Historical Society

     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 across the country. 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. Bentley passed away from pneumonia shortly thereafter. He had very little time to relish his crowning achievement. 

     In the letter pictured (below), Bentley also mentions appreciating hearing Brooks' daughter sing which suggests that Bentley had visited the Brooks home in Massachusetts. Bentley himself was an accomplished musician playing piano, clarinet, cornet, and violin. 

     Also discovered was a photo (right) of Bentley from the album of Eleanor Stabler Brooks in the family 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 on permanent loan for this exhibit. 

     To learn more about Snowflake Bentley go to www. snowflakebentley.com or visit the Snowflake Bentley Exhibit at the Old Red Mill on Rte 15 in Jericho, Vermont. 

The Jericho Historical Society owns the Old Red Mill on Route 15 in Jericho Corners Historic District. The mill is on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to being a mill museum, it is also the home to the “Snowflake” Bentley Museum.
The Old Mill Craft shop sells crafts and art of local artisans as well as official Snowflake Bentley prints, pewter ornaments, and pewter jewelry. The proceeds from sales at the shop help with the expenses of preserving this iconic building.
The Jericho Historical Society welcomes volunteers to help with the involved work required of maintaining the facility. The Jericho Historical Society also maintains Jericho History archives. 

Photos above contributed by Louise Miglionico.