LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25619

R H Platt ALS Founder of Carlisle Indian School

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 600.00 USD
R H Platt ALS Founder of Carlisle Indian School
<B>Carlisle Indian School Founder Richard Henry Pratt Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>R. H. Pratt</B></I>". One page, 8" x 10", U.S. Indian Industrial School letterhead, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1901, to a Mr. O. P. Ginnley. Pratt, a Union general during the Civil War, was the founder of the influential Carlisle Indian Industrial School, a non-reservation school for Native Americans. He was convinced that for Indians to succeed as American citizens, they needed to renounce their tribal ways and enter into normal society. This school is legend in the world of football. Pratt's Carlisle Indians were regularly beating the finest teams in the nation during the early 20th century, producing many All-American players. Their coach, <B>"Pop" Warner,</B></I> and one of their star players, <B>Jim Thorpe,</B></I> are still revered today as representing the finest ideals of sportsmanship and competition. This letter has excellent content, reading in full: "<I>Dear Sir. I hope you favor the American Indian having the same chance, and no less opportunities to become useful and citizen among us, given to emigrants from all lands and races. Yours Truly...</B></I>" Originally purchased in 1957 from Charles Hamilton Autographs. Very fine condition with mailing folds and just a bit of light soiling that would easily clean, bold and clear writing. <I>From the Henry E. Luhrs Collection.</B></I>
Sign In to Bookmark Lot