Archive of correspondence regarding Edison being honored as ‘The Thomas Jefferson Guest at Monticello,’ highlighted by two Edison TLSs. First TLS is signed “Thomas A. Edison,” one page, 8.5 x 11, personal laboratory letterhead, July 12, 1929, to New York Times associate editor John H. Finley. In part: “I…received from you an original letter…by Theodore Fred Kuper, National Director of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation, in which I am invited to accept the distinguished honor of being named as 'The Thomas Jefferson Guest at Monticello.'…I am willing to accept this distinguished honor if it can be conferred upon me without my going to Monticello, much as I would like to visit that historic spot. I am the victim of an unruly stomach which limits my ability to come and go as I please…I am returning Mr. Kuper's letter to you, herewith. In the seventh paragraph it seems to indicate that he would like to have a special acceptance from me personally…If so, I will send him a special letter accepting the honor above referred to.”
Second TLS is signed “Thomas A. Edison,” one page, 8.5 x 11, personal laboratory letterhead, July 25, 1929, to Kuper, reiterating his acceptance of the honor and inability to attend to ceremony. In part: “Much as I would like to visit Monticello on this occasion, my desire cannot be gratified, and you have assured me that the presentation of the Scroll of Honor will be made in absentum and I shall arrange to be at my home in Llewellyn Park, West Orange, N.J., the afternoon of August 10.”
Included is the TLS from Kuper that Edison references in his first letter, two pages, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation letterhead, June 27, 1929, with an ink note at the top in Edison’s hand to his assistant: “Meadowcroft, Explain why I cannot be present etc.”
Accompanied by an assortment of related ephemera, including four other letters, a telegram, typed report, and photo. All are in reference to the Jefferson award, with the exception of two letters from after Edison’s death, one related to planning a centennial event honoring Edison and one related to a photograph from the Jefferson award event.
In overall fine condition, with intersecting folds, light creases, and paperclip marks and impressions to both letters. All contents are held in a leatherbound archival folder originally presented to John H. Finley by T. F. Cooper.
Established in 1923 with the twofold mission of preserving Monticello and supporting education centered on Jefferson’s life and scholarship, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation has been a national landmark since its inception. In 1929, the Foundation created the ‘Nation’s Guest of Honor’ award as ‘a tribute to outstanding service in science, art, education, literature, or government,’ and elected Thomas Edison as the first recipient. Graciously accepting the honor, though unable to attend due to poor health, Edison maintained the correspondence presented in this wonderful archive, highlighting one of many worthy honors bestowed upon the scientist before his death two years later. RR Auction COA.
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