Residents and visitors gathered at the Bell Homestead National Historic Site in Brantford Saturday to mark 150 years since Alexander Graham Bell made what is recognized as the first long-distance telephone call between Brantford, Ont. and Paris, Ont. The milestone dates back to 1876, when Bell was conducting experiments that would help transform the way people communicated. The anniversary celebration featured live music, activities for children, historic displays and tours of the Bell Homestead, the property where Bell first developed his ideas for the telephone. From an idea to a revolution Curator Robert Stanczyk said the origins of Bell’s work can be traced back to the Brantford property. “So, this would have been the house out in the grand open. This is where he came up with the idea of the telephone,” Stanczyk explained. “He came up with the telephone in 1874... he found that the electricity and sound will travel in waves, which is kind of the principal idea around this telephone. Again, a couple of years later, he filed a patent for his telephone and then in 1876, he did live and test here in Brantford.” He said one of the tests took place at the main telegraph office, while another involved an instrument known as a melodeon. “And then the third one, of course, was the first long-distance call. The idea all started over here,” Stanczyk said. A call that changed communication The long-distance call was a major step in demonstrating that voice communication could travel beyond the immediate range of a conventional telephone connection. “I think this phone call, it really tested the limits of how far out you can take communications,” Stanczyk said. “At first start with next door phone calls and then it started going the longer distance... we came from 13 kilometres to 100 kilometres to wireless. And now we have satellites in space and everywhere, and then mobile cell phones. I think it just already stemmed from there.” For Stanczyk, working at the Bell Homestead offered an opportunity to see how quickly telephone technology evolved. He said his interest began with a broader passion for history and grew after learning more about the technology behind Bell’s work. “At first you think, ‘oh, here’s just a telephone.’ But then I started working here. You start to appreciate the technology that went into it and everything like that. So, I think just for me, it sparked my interest from there... I think it’s just lovely to see the evolution of phones today.” A community celebration The anniversary event gave visitors an opportunity to explore the historic property while taking part in activities and learning more about Bell’s work. Stanczyk said the turnout and atmosphere were strong throughout the day. “It’s been really great... a lot of people are appreciating the tours in the house. And we do have a switchboard also in our telephone office. I think a lot of people had a lot of fun with that as well.” The Bell Homestead has been recognized as a national historic site since 1934. The property has also welcomed notable visitors, including Queen Elizabeth ll, who visited in 1997. The 150th anniversary celebrations continue Monday with a themed afternoon tea at the Bell Homestead. With reporting by CTV News’ Rowen Fisler
