Helen Keller and Alexander Gram Bell

Helen's parents looked for help for their daughter in every way. "Captain", Helen's father took her on a train ride when she was six. They took the train to meet Alexander Graham Bell, who was not only the world famous inventor of the telephone, but also a teacher of the deaf. Bell advised that they look for a private teacher and told them where to find one.

The first person Helen wrote to was Bell after she learned how to write and read raised letters and Braille. This was the beginning of a correspondence and friendship that would continue until Bell's death.

Over the years Bell advised Helen on her education and helped her financially. He encouraged her to speak out on issues and he supported through both good times and bad. Bell told Helen, "You can do anything you think you can." Later Helen wrote of her affection for Bell. "I remember him not so much as a great inventor, or as a great benefactor, but simply as a wise, affectionate, and understand friend."

St. George, Judith.1992 copyright, G.P. Putnum's Sons.