Mabel Harlakenden Grosvenor, the last living person to have known and worked with Alexander Graham Bell, lived a life full of history, discoveries and leadership. Born in Beinn Bhreagh, Nova Scotia on July 28, 1905, she was the third of seven children born to Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, the father of photojournalism, and Elsie May Bell, the first child of Alexander Graham Bell and Mabel Gardiner Hubbard. She was named after her maternal grandmother, Mabel, who was the inspiration behind the invention of the telephone.
Grosvenor spent much of her childhood in Beinn Bhreagh, the estate where she was born, and also in her parents’ home near Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. Her father, Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, was the first full-time editor of National Geographic Magazine, and her mother, Elsie May Bell, was the daughter of Alexander Graham Bell, the scientist and inventor of the telephone. As a child, Grosvenor would read to her grandfather and act as his secretary, taking dictation on his observations about genetics.
She was intelligent and optimistic, becoming one of the first female graduates of the Johns Hopkins University medical program in Baltimore, Maryland. She had earlier studied at Mount Holyoke College, one of the oldest of the elite “Seven Sisters” universities in the United States. Grosvenor graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1927 and completed her medical degree in 1931. She then became a pediatrician and worked with disadvantaged children in Washington, D.C.’s Children’s Hospital, retiring after 35 years of service.
Although Grosvenor never married nor had any children, she became the unofficial matriarch to about 60 nieces and nephews of several generations of Bell descendants at Beinn Bhreagh, Baddeck, Nova Scotia. She was affectionately known as ‘Aunty Mabel’ to her extended kin at the estate, and seen as an important part of the “leadership in the family” at both the Canadian estate and in the U.S. capitol. To the Baddeck community, she was known simply as ‘Dr. Mabel.’
In her later years, Grosvenor suffered from congestive heart failure but decided to stay on at the Bell estate due to her close relationship with the people of the community. She died at age 101, of respiratory failure on October 30, 2006, at the Bell estate near Baddeck. A funeral service was held for her on November 4, 2006, at Greenwood United Church in Baddeck, and a memorial service was held for her shortly afterwards in Washington, D.C.
Grosvenor was not just closely connected to her grandfather by kinship, but also professionally as his secretary. She had spent considerable time with him at both the Beinn Bhreagh estate and in Washington, D.C., as well as during his international trips, and was regarded as an authority on Bell to journalists and writers who sought greater detail on the scientist-inventor.
Among her early memories of her grandfather were the occasions when the Bells doted on their 10 grandchildren. She witnessed a signature event in the Bells’ development of flight at Baddeck Bay in 1907 when the Bells’ associates launched the Cygnet, an early towed kite experiment of their Aerial Experiment Association. Dr. Bell later wrote: “I almost forgot to mention the witness who will probably live the longest after this event (and remember least about it) — my little granddaughter Miss Mabel Grosvenor — 2 years of age.”
As a secretary and note-taker to the scientist, she took dictation as he explored genetics, genealogy, telecommunications, and marine architecture. Bell, far ahead of his time in support of social equality and a strong supporter of women’s rights, encouraged Grosvenor’s mother and grandmother to march in 1913 on the U.S. capital in support of women’s right to vote. The suffragist march was 5,000 strong and drew a half-million onlookers, both supporters of the movement as well as threatening detractors. Grosvenor’s grandfather’s commitment to innovation and social progress rubbed off on her, and she grew up to be a leader in her own right, breaking barriers in the medical profession and forging her own path as a pioneer in the field of pediatrics. Her contributions to her profession and her family legacy are a testament to the power of hard work, commitment, and dedication to service. When she died in 2006, she left behind a rich and inspiring legacy, one that will be remembered for generations to come.
Legacy
Mabel Grosvenor’s legacy continues to be felt today. She was a significant figure in the Bell family, and her contributions to the family’s legacy cannot be overstated. In addition to her work as a pediatrician and her role in the Alexander Graham Bell Club, she was also an avid historian and genealogist, a passion she inherited from her grandfather.
Throughout her life, Grosvenor was committed to preserving her family’s legacy. She took great care of the Bell estate at Beinn Bhreagh, ensuring that it was well-maintained and that the legacy of Alexander Graham Bell was preserved for future generations. She was also a sought-after speaker, and she gave talks about her grandfather and his work throughout her life.
In recognition of her many contributions to medicine, the Alexander Graham Bell Club, and the Bell family legacy, Grosvenor received many honors and awards. She was awarded the Order of Canada in 2005, just one year before her death. She was also inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 1988.
Conclusion
Mabel Harlakenden Grosvenor was a remarkable woman who made many contributions to the world of medicine, the Bell family legacy, and the women’s movement. As the granddaughter of Alexander Graham Bell, she witnessed firsthand many of the inventions and discoveries that have changed the world, and she was committed to preserving her family’s legacy for future generations.
Throughout her life, she was a role model for women, showing that it was possible to have a successful career as a physician while also making significant contributions to her family and community. Her dedication to the Alexander Graham Bell Club, the Beinn Bhreagh estate, and the field of medicine will be remembered for years to come, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
As a historian and best-selling author, I am honored to have the opportunity to share the life and accomplishments of Mabel Harlakenden Grosvenor. She was a remarkable woman, and her story is an inspiration to us all. She showed us that it is possible to have a successful career while also making a significant impact on the world around us. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all for many years to come.
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