Library of Congress Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 BEINN BHREAGH RECORDER VOL. I 1909 JULY 24 – OCT. 19 Alexander Graham Bell LIBRARY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL LIBRARY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL THE BEINN BHREAGH RECORDER VOL. I 1 INTRODUCTORY Vol. 1 Beinn Bhreagh, July 23, 1909: — Now that Mr. F.W. Baldwin and Mr. Douglas McCurdy (the consulting Engineers of Beinn Bhreagh Laboratory) are at Petewawa, and likely to be absent from Beinn Bhreagh for an indefinite period, I cannot obtain their assistance in Laboratory matters unless we have some form of Bulletin to keep them in touch with Laboratory work. At the same time, I am unwilling to fetter myself by undertaking regular issues of a Bulletin; and have therefore decided to start a record book which will be issued, a few Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 http://www.loc.gov/resource/ magbell.30700101 Library of Congress pages at a time, as convenient to me: The book to be known as THE BEINN BHREAGH RECORDER. Vol. I will be commenced at once. As in the case of the Bulletins of the Aerial Experiment Association I propose to have seven typewritten copies made at once; and distributed as decided upon. There will be no regular issue of parts: Simply a few pages will be typewritten from time to time, the pages being numbered consecutively. These will be distributed to the heads of Departments upon Beinn Bhreagh Estate, including the Laboratory, and the Aerodrome Company. The pages as received, will be filed in a portfolio; and, when a sufficient number of pages have been collected, they will be bound up in a volume for permanent preservation. These volumes will remain my property. Prior to being 2 bound they will be considered as simply leaned to the persons who receive them, for their information. After binding, a different distribution of the volumes will be made with the object of securing their permanent preservation in places accessible to persons interested. Only seven copies in all will be issued; and these will be specifically designated as copies A,B,C,D,E,F,G and H. Each page will bear, at the top, the date at which it had been typewritten; and this may be taken as the date of issue of that particular page, although, as a matter of fact, it may not have been sent to Heads of Departments until subsequently. I do not propose to limit myself to a record of Laboratory work; but intend to include events and occurrences on Beinn Bhreagh Estate, and items of interest to the people of the Estate: Also, to include thoughts and discussions on various subjects, as well as the results of experiments. Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 http://www.loc.gov/resource/ magbell.30700101 Library of Congress In fact this private publication will aim to be, as its name implies, “The Beinn Bhreagh Recorder”. Alexander Graham Bell. Editor. 3 EVENTS ON BEINN BHREAGH July 1–22, 1909 The Return of Dr. and Mrs. Bell July 1:— Dr. and Mrs. A.G. Bell, accompanied by Miss Christine McLennan, returned from Europe reaching Beinn Bhreagh Thursday, July 1. Aerodrome Park fo R Baddeck July 6:— A.G. Bell, Douglas McCurdy, and Wm. F. Bedwin inspected, from the motor boat Gauldrie, the flat meadow land bordering the Lake beyond Baddeck on the other side of Kidston's Island, with the object of determining whether it could be used as a practice ground for trying out aerodromes. They came to the conclusion that there was ample room for trial flights there; and that it would be advisable to make arrangements with the owners of the land for its use as an aerodrome Park for Baddeck. A Birth at Beinn Bhreagh Hall July 9: —A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert H. Grosvenor at Beinn Bhreagh Hall, Friday, July 9, 1909 at about 3 p.m. Dr. McDonald of Baddeck was in attendance; with Miss Thompson, a trained nurse from Washington, D.C. Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 http://www.loc.gov/resource/ magbell.30700101 Library of Congress The child has since been named Alexander Graham Bell Grosvenor. He will be called “Alec” for short, in order 4 to distinguish him from his cousin, Alexander Graham Bell Fairchild, who is known as “Sandie”. Alec Grosvenor is the first child born at Beinn Bhreagh Hall. Baddeck Citizens visit Aerodrome Factory . July 9: — At the invitation of the Canadian Aerodrome Company a large number of persons came over from Baddeck and visited the Aerodrome Factory. Mr. Douglas McCurdy presided upon the occasion, and exhibited the new aerodrome that has just been completed by the Company— the first built by them. He stated that this was the first aerodrome of exclusively Canadian manufacture; and that it had been made entirely by Baddeck men. For this reason the Company had given the people of Baddeck the opportunity of seeing it before its departure for Petewawa, where it will be fitted with an engine. To mark the place of its origin the machine will be officially known as the aerodrome “ Baddeck No.I ”. After the exhibition the visitors adjourned to Mrs. Baldwin's Bungalow, where afternoon tea was presided over by Mrs. Frost, sister of Mr. Douglas McCurdy, and by Miss Georgina McCurdy. Water Supply for Baddeck . July 12: — Hon. A.C. Ross visited Beinn Bhreagh to consult with Mrs. Bell about the use of her property at Crowdis Mountain as a source of Water Supply for Baddeck. The following is a copy of the correspondence between Mrs. Bell and Mr. Ross concerning the matter which culminated 5 (July 12) in an arrangement satisfactory to both:— Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 http://www.loc.gov/resource/ magbell.30700101 Library of Congress Mrs. Bell to Ross. July 3, 1909:— Mr. Bell has told me of your conversation with him on board the Steamer Blue Hill about your new project for bringing water into the town of Baddeck from my Crowdis Mountain property. It is no longer proposed, I understand, that the town itself should undertake the work; but that a Water Company should be organized for the purpose. When the proposition was first brought publicly to the attention of the people of Baddeck that the town itself should bring in this water, I offered, in the event of the plan being adopted, to present my Crowdis Mountain property to the town as a free gift for the benefit of the people; but the offer was not accepted. I may say that I am no longer willing to repeat this offer either to the town, or to a Water Company. I had supposed that the whole plan for utilizing this source of water supply had been abandoned; and I have therefore been forming other plans for the utilization of the water power in a commercial way. I shall be glad, however, to hold these plans in obeyance until I know more definitely what your plans may be. I would, of course, be glad to co-operate in any movement to bring water to the people of Baddeck; and I shall be willing to consider, in a liberal spirit, any proposition from your proposed Company looking to the utilization of my Crowdis Mountain property for this purpose. (Signed) Mabel G. Bell. Ross to Mrs. Bell . July 7, 1909: — In reply to your favor of July 3 rd. I beg to say: Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 http://www.loc.gov/resource/ magbell.30700101 Library of Congress Dr. Bell, in writing me last year in connection with the above, intimated that he thought, in the event of the t own of Baddeck not availing themselves of your very generous offer to make them a gift of your Crowdis Mountain property providing that the people of the town established a water system for the town, you would consider favorably conveying this property to me at a nominal sum if I undertook the formation of a Company to supply the town of Baddeck with a water system for domestic and fire purposes. The town (as you are aware) declined to undertake 6 the installation of a gravitation water system of their own, but expended some money in trying to get a supply by borings in rear of the town, which proved a failure. The water committee then requested me to organize a Company to supply the town with a good water system. With this end in view I have been getting data as to cost and possible revenue. My son, George (who is an Engineer) is now making a preliminary survey, and I hope to be able on Monday next to submit some plans and figures re this proposal for the consideration of yourself and Dr. Bell, with a view of securing your co-operation in supplying the people of Baddeck with a much needed good water system. (Signed) A.C. Rose. Ross to Mrs. Bell . July 12, 1909:— THE CROWDIS MOUNTAIN PROPERTY. I beg to make you the following proposition on behalf of the Water Company which I am organizing to supply the town of Baddeck with water for domestic and other purposes. If you will convey the above property, including the water source and falls, to a Company to be known and incorporated as “The Baddeck Water Company” , I will undertake, for the Company, to deliver to you 20% of the stock of proposed Company fully paid and Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 http://www.loc.gov/resource/ magbell.30700101 Library of Congress unaccessible, and any amount of first mortgage bonds of the Company at $95.00 on the hundred. These bonds to bear interest at 5%, and be for a term of twenty years. The Company will further undertake to preserve the forests on the said property. They will also erect a suitable public drinking fountain at their own expense, at any place in the town that you may indicate, and connect the said fountain with the proposed water system. (Signed) A.C. Ross. Mrs. Bell to Ross . July 12, 1909: — I beg to accept the proposition contained in your letter of even date, with these modifications:— 1. That the consideration of 20% of the stock of the Company in fully paid up and unaccessible shares, together with the right to subscribe for any amount of first mortgage bonds of the Company at $9?.00 the hundred, proposed to be given me, shall instead be assigned to the town of Baddeck, as I do not wish to even appear to make money out of its necessities. 7 A long flight by 2. That the Forests A Long Flight by Curtiss. shall not merely be kept uninjured, but that a good road be maintained, and the public allowed free access to the mountain as a public park, under suitable restrictions for the safety of the Company's property. 3. That these conditions, of a free public fountain, and the maintainance of the forests be made binding upon the Company and its successors for over. Failure to comply with which shall entail forfeiture of the property to me or my heirs-at-law. Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 http://www.loc.gov/resource/ magbell.30700101 Library of Congress (Signed) Mabel G. Bell. Mr. Ross stated that this would be satisfactory to him, and that he would have legal papers drawn up to have the property transferred to the Company in accordance with Mrs. Bell's plans. Arrival of Mrs. Fairchild and Family July 16: — Mrs. David G. Fairchild arrived at Beinn Bhreagh (July 16) accompanied by her son Alexander Graham Bell Fairchild (Sandie) and her daughter Barbara Lathrop Fairchild (a baby in arms). Also accompanied by Miss (a trained nurse from Washington, D.C.) and by her maid Anna Urquhart of Nova Scotia. Along flight by A Long Flight by Curtiss . July 16:— A telegram was received from Mr. Glenn H. Curtiss announcing a long flight in his new aerodrome:— Curtiss to Bell . Mineola, July 16: — First long flight this morning. Fifteen miles. Everything fine. (Signed) G.H. Curtiss. Bell to Curtiss . Baddeck, July 16: — Heartiest congratulations from all. Hope this means the 8 Scientific American Trophy for you r Baldwin and Mc Curdy will soon try to rival your achievement in their new aerodrome “Bad deck No.I” which has been sent to Petewawa. Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 http://www.loc.gov/resource/ magbell.30700101 Library of Congress (Signed) Graham Bell. McCurdy leaves for Petewawa . July 21: — Mr. J.A. Douglas McCurdy left Beinn Bhreagh for Petewawa, Wednesday morning, July 21. Arrival of Students from Princeton University July 21: — A party of students from Princeton University arrived at Beinn Bhreagh on Wednesday afternoon (July 21) in the Yawl “A.J. McCosh” (the name of a former president of Princeton University). This fine yacht has been presented by the students of Princeton University to Dr. Grenfell of Labrador to be used by him in his work there; and it is being taken to Labrador by a party of students. There are seven persons on board (probably not all students). Five of them, all Princeton students, took dinner at Beinn Bhreagh. Their names, as recorded in Mrs. Bell's Visitors' List are as follow:— Paul G. Tomlinson, of Elisabeth, N.J. Ethan Flagg Butler, of Washington, D.C. H.P. Townsend, of Washington, D.C. Andre L. Causse, Jr., of Raleigh, N.C. Hugh K. Gilmore, of Washington, D.C. July 22: — The Princeton students visited the Tetrahedral Tower on the top of the mountain early in the morning accompanied by their dog, a Gordon setter, named “Lady”. Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 http://www.loc.gov/resource/ magbell.30700101 Library of Congress The dog followed them up the steps to the very top of 9 the Tower, but required a little assistance in coming down again. In the afternoon the students visisted Beinn Bhreagh Laboratory where they were received by Mr. Bedwin, Supterintendent, who explained the work going on there. They also visited the Aerodrome Factory of the Canadian Aerodrome Company where Mr. Ingraham took charge of them and explained the work of the Company. In the evening the students visited Beinn Bhreagh Hall for a game of billiards. EXPERIMENTS AT BEINN BHREAGH . July 1–22, 1909. July 22: — The following is a partial list of experiments made at Beinn Bhreagh between July 1 and July 22, 1909. The details concerning these and other experiments are contained in Dr. Bell's private note book, and no necessity exists for burdening the pages of the Recorder with un-necessary details. The results obtained in those and other experiments will be reported upon from time to time in the Beinn Bhreagh Recorder. 1. Condensing water from the breath:— Experiments made at the Houseboat July 3. 2. Practice flight with model of Cygnet II, on Baddeck Bay, July 6. 3. White Oionos kite flown upside down, on the kite field, July 10. 4. Condensing water from the breath: Experiments continued at the Houseboat, July 11. 5. White Oionos kite flown upside down: Experiments continued on the kite field, July 12. 6. Practice flight with model of Cygnet II, on Baddeck Bay, July 12. 7. White Oionos kite flown upside down, and towed by the Gauldrie on Baddeck Bay, July 13. Beinn Bhreagh Recorder by Alexander Graham Bell, from July 24, 1909 to October 19, 1909 http://www.loc.gov/resource/ magbell.30700101