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In our world of digital and digital communications, one wonders what proof of our day-to-day lives will exist for our descendants within the subsequent century. Trendy know-how has given us the flexibility to be in virtually fixed contact with each other. However, will our emails and texts nonetheless exist 100 years from now? For many years, letter writing was typically an on a regular basis prevalence for most individuals. Conserving in contact meant sitting down with pen and paper. Receiving a letter was typically an thrilling occasion, particularly from somebody miles away. And, for a lot of, together with Alexander Graham Bell and his household, these letters have been one thing to be saved, not merely discarded as soon as learn. The Bells have been profuse writers and in consequence, their story may be instructed in the present day by way of hundreds of letters.
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Born in Scotland in 1847, Alexander Graham Bell lived a singular life. Influenced by his father, Melville, a professor of elocution, and his deaf mom, Eliza; the lack 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 might think about dwelling with out. How this got here to cross is greatest revealed by way of the letters between these people. Right here, we current these letters to you.
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This touching letter from Alec to his mom got here with information that Mabel’s grandmother, Mrs. McCurdy, had handed away in New York. The incident had most actually introduced again Alec’s grief on the lack of his brothers as he wished at that very second to be along with his dad and mom.
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Union Sq. Lodge,
New York
December 1876
My darling Mama
To-day has been a really unhappy one to me and to all my pricey associates right here. Mrs. McCurdy you haven’t seen and naturally you can not know what a niche she makes within the household circle right here. She has been an invalid for over sixteen years – however her sick-room has been the happiest and pleasantest room in the entire home. The love current between herself and Mr. McCurdy was most touching to see. He’s now 76 years of age whereas she was greater than ten years his junior. I’m afraid he won’t lengthy survive her loss.
Poor Gertrude broke down fully on the grave – and I’m afraid goes to be unwell. I’m so pleased to have Might again once more though it’s only for a day. I return to Boston tomorrow night leaving her in New York together with her mom.
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Mr. Hubbard has simply left for Washington.
I’ve acquired a splendid letter from Mr. Ponton in relation to Telephony – which I shall ahead to you in just a few days. I need to ship it to Mr. Sanders first.
Pricey Mama – I want I had you right here or I want I might go residence simply now. I typically really feel so homesick and I lengthy – as I by no means longed earlier than – for you and Papa. I’m sad about some issues I can not placed on paper – and I want I might be with you for less than a short while. If it weren’t for pricey Might I have no idea what I ought to do.
With a lot love
Your affectionate son
Alec.
The Bell Letters are annotated by Brian Wooden, curator, Bell Homestead Nationwide Historic Website.
