Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley

Snowflakes from the Great Blizzard of 1888



That's right! These are actual snowflakes taken from the Great Blizzard of 1888, and this framed photograph will only cost you $175.

The other day in Social Studies, the warrior princesses (me too) learned about Wilson Bentley. As a young child, Bentley became fascinated with snowflakes, because he heard that 'no two snowflakes are the same'. At the age of 17 his parents purchased him a camera with a microscope. Now you know his parents must of saw how interested he was in this science, because they took all their savings to purchase this camera. This was back in the 1800's, so this camera had to cost a good "mint". Nothing like parents who care about their child's education. Wilson Bentley was the first person to ever photograph a single snow crystal.

"Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated. When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind."Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley 1925


Snowflake from February 2, 1926

According to abcteach.com, Bentley did not copyright his photographs. They are in the public domain and can be found in many places for free.

Follow these links:
-abcteach.com Social Studies lesson on Wilson Bentley
-Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley website
-Gift Shop with official Wilson A. Bentley reproductions and collectibles I am fascinated with science and pretty things.

Enjoy learning!
Marcus Garvey School of Thought