Snowflake Bentley

2022 Bentley Snowflake

Yesterday when Amelia came, my Christmas decorations were put up. She has been sick and could not come for over a week. That was no problem for me. I'm still having major problems with Christmas, especially with the day itself. And Amy works too hard and needed the rest.

The snowflake ornament is the 2022 Vermont Snowflake. It is made of Vermont pewter. Every year there is a different one. It is a replica of an actual photograph that Wilson Bentley took in Jericho, Vermont over one hundred years ago. My gift to my children this year was a 2022 snowflake for each. I will continue in the future.

Bentley's original photograph

Quoted from the informational gift card in the box of the snowflake:

2022

Snowflake Bentley Ornament

This official 2022 Snowflake Bentley pewter ornament was designed from an original Wilson A. Bentley photomicrograph from the archives of the Jericho Historical Society, who exclusively authorized its production. It is handcrafted and cast in fine pewter by Vermont's own Danforth Pewter, exclusively for Vermont Snowflakes.

The original Bentley snowflake is a stellar plate crystal with intricate extensions and central plate. The beautiful starburst at the center gives way to the overall lacy appearance of this snow crystal. 

From the Snowflake Bentley (Jericho museum) site:

Wilson A. Bentley

1865-1931

Wilson Bentley was born on February 9, 1865 in the town of Jericho, Vermont,  A farmer by trade, he attracted world attention with his pioneering work in the area of photomicrography.  Most notable in his life long work with rain, dew and frost, was his extensive work with snowflakes.  

On January 15, 1885 he became the first person to photograph a single snow crystal.  He would go on to photograph well over 5000 snow crystals (never finding two the same), and his documentation of this work advanced the study of meteorology in his time.  His photomicrographs were acquired by institutes of higher learning all over the world and his writings on these subjects were published in many journals and magazines including Scientific American, National Geographic and The National Weather Service Research Journal.  

In November of 1931, his book Snow Crystals was published by McGraw/Hill and is still in print today.  Shortly after, on December 23, 1931, Wilson Bentley died at the family farmhouse in Jericho where he lived his entire life.  Because of his wonderful work with snow crystals, he became affectionately know as “Snowflake” Bentley. 

We read Snowflake Bentley every year in school. I have a digital copy of Snow Crystals so that I can cast his original photos to classes. He's a fascinating character with a fabulous life dedicated to his obsession with snow.  

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These books are both worth buying forever for the information, history, mathematics and science.

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