Auction Date:2012 Aug 15 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
TLS as president, one page, 8 x 10.25, White House letterhead, May 9, 1938. Letter to Mount Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum. In full: “I referred your letter…to the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of the Interior for the purpose of reaching a satisfactory solution to your problem. I have been advised by Secretary Ickes that you have since conferred on several occasions with officials of his Department and, as a result, the necessary documentary evidence is being submitted for consideration by the Acting Comptroller General in support of your claim for compensation during the interim between the two contracts. The National Park Service also will endeavor to give the fullest measure of cooperation in connection with your work on the ground. I doubt whether it would be advisable to form a new Commission through legislative enactment at this time inasmuch as, when the funds available at present have been expended, a new authorization for an additional appropriation must be passed by Congress, at which time the question of reorganization or the abolishment of the Commission would have consideration." A rusty paperclip mark and pencil notation above text, and some scattered light toning and soiling, otherwise fine condition.
Since 1929, Rapid City’s Mayor John Boland served as chair of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Commission, overseeing the project and managing its finances. Though he stood behind artist Gutzon Borglum with unwavering loyalty, the notoriously difficult Borglum resented having to answer to anyone. In 1938, when Borglum’s initial contract for Mount Rushmore expired and a new one was being negotiated, he insisted on forming a new commission that he would control himself. In this letter, President Roosevelt attempts to quiet the stubborn artist, assuring him that everyone is working in full cooperation with him, maintaining that he “doubt[s] whether it would be advisable to form a new Commission.” Unfortunately, even the words of the president could not appease Borglum’s hubris: Boland stepped down, the new commission was accepted, and Borglum agreed to complete his work. This fascinating letter provides a look at the power struggle between the president and the brash artist behind one of America’s most epic monuments, showing that while Borglum had enormous respect and great drive to honor presidents past, the same was not necessarily true for the president in office.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
Previewing Details:
Visit www.RRAuction.com
Buyer's Premiums:
From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Up to $100 $10.00
$101-$500 $15.00
$501-$1,000 $20.00
$1,001-$3,000 $35.00
$3,000-$10,000 $45.00
Over $10,000 $100.00
Payment Details:
Paypal address: mandy@rrauction.com
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- PayPal
A buyer's premium of 20% will be added to all winning bids. RR Auction prefers cash, check, or wire payments. For winning bids of $5,000 our less, clients may choose to pay via credit card or PayPal for an additional 2.5% convenience fee. You are obligated to honor any bid(s) you make, and you authorize us to charge your credit card for any unpaid winnings. Your bid is a contract. Placing a bid online means you agree to abide by the terms and conditions listed by RRAuction.
Payment methods accepted
Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, or Wire Transfer.
Payment for items won in auction 390 is due by Monday, August 27, unless prior arrangements have been made. Late payment may result in suspension of your bidding privileges. Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Discover are only accepted up to $5,000 without prior arrangement: please contact Mandy Eaton-Casey.
Further descriptions
Please feel free to call (603) 732-4280 or email (stacey.jordan@rrauction.com) us with any questions regarding items in our auction.