Like most of us Dr. Bell's interests were not limited to his main area of work or study, history and philosophy in his case. He had a keen mind and was attracted by a great many things. One of the chief loves of his life was music and he ultimately bequeathed much of his estate for its furtherance to Mount Allison University.

"Good music has been for me one of the worthiest and most alloyed enrichments of life. I know nothing I would sooner do for my native part of Canada than further the cultivation of excellent music there. It seems suitable to combine with this a memorial to my parents and a bequest to my alma mater; the more so, as the Music Department there is probably less likely than most others to attract endowment donations." (Mount Allison University Archives, A Historical Review of the Bell Funds / Good, Jeff (1998) p. 91, 9942).

Winthrop Bell had grown up in a household where his mother and father would often perform together. His mother would accompany her husband's violin playing on the piano. Though Dr. Bell was not known to play a musical instrument he was able to read and understand music. He may have studied music while interned at Ruhleben where concerts under the direction of Sir Ernest MacMillan were a regular element of prison camp life.

He also developed a curiosity for photography. He started taking photographs circa 1898 with a box camera "the use of which was at that time consuming all my pocket money". (Mount Allison University Archives, Winthrop Pickard Bell fonds, 8550/9/2, Item no. 10).This interest continued throughout his life and his collection of photographs (prints and negatives) is very impressive in its extent, quality, and subject matter. His principal focus was on scenes of Nova Scotia between 1920 and 1954. This unique collection pays homage to his keen eye and the beauty of his native province.

Bell's interest in architecture was also well defined. During his trips to Europe he visited many of the great cathedrals and communities where architecture was a main feature of their charm. He collected postcards which illustrate buildings and these presently form a significant part of his fonds. His early notebooks include sketches and drawings of houses and architectural designs as well. Ultimately, this interest was put to use good in the construction of his home 'Drumnaha' in Chester, Nova Scotia. He oversaw the finer details of the construction of the house and recorded the carpenters' progress in his diaries and photographs.

Another of his interests was the study of flora and fauna. His property was always well groomed and the plants, shrubs and trees were kept in check with regular maintenance. He corresponded with scientists and researchers to best determine how to fend off invading insects and helped with the collection of seeds for Dr. Reginald Ruggles Gates who was conducting research on Oenothera (primroses).

Animals were also a natural part of his life and he was particularly fond of the Airedale breed of dogs. He also loved birds and chipmunks and the fonds includes a number pictures of he and his wife feeding them from their hands. From various accounts he would wait silently and patiently for them to alight in his hand. In his later years this pastime was a great joy as his health waned. It also explains the quote from Mahatma Gandhi that appears on his gravestone.

"The good man is the friend of all living things."

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