For those that keep honey bees, or enjoy reading about those that do, this season of thaw and mud is a busy one spent studying, observing, and nourishing healthy bee activity. And as we learn, much remains unknown about the wonderful world of bees. The latest addition to the large collection of historic books, pamphlets and periodicals on beekeeping and apiculture at the Dodd Research Center is a set of unique, handwritten journals by Connecticut resident Charles Pease. “Charlie” as he was known, was born in 1866 and in 1923 moved his successful printing business to Canaan, where he lived most of life. A naturalist and advocate of self-sufficient homestead living, Charlie grew proficient in keeping bees and goats, educating others about his practices as well as the medical benefits of honey and goatsmilk. Charlie’s journals date from 1919 to 1949 and are a fascinatingly personal document of bee-keeping practices, hive behavior, seasonal observations, and inventiveness.

Charlie Pease's 1946 journal

Charlie Pease's 1927 Journal