An archive of letters from Lindbergh to Dr. Ellis concerning the Lindberghs’ donation of their New Jersey estate, High Fields, to the State of New Jersey. This was the infamous house where their son Charles Jr. was kidnapped; the Lindberghs wanted nothing to do with the estate afterwards. They surrendered it to the state where it remains a home for troubled youth. The letters, all addressed to Ellis, include:
TLS, signed “Charles A. Lindbergh,” one page, dated September 20, 1940. In full: “I have recently returned from a trip west, and received your Sept. 3d letter. I fully understand the desirability of waiting for final legislative action in regard to the transfer of the High Fields property. Thank you very much for keeping me informed of the status of this matter.”
TLS, signed “Charles A. Lindbergh,” one page, dated May 30, 1941. In full: “Thank you very much for your May 28th letter informing me that the legislation authorizing the State of New Jersey to accept High Fields has been passed, and that the Bill has been signed by Governor {Charles} Edison. I have written Color Breckinridge, as you suggested, asking to arrange for conveying the title to High Fields to the State, and I shall keep in close touch with him in regards to this matter. I shall, of course, be glad to meet with you and Mr. Earle at your convenience, either in Trenton or in New York. I expect to be in this vicinity for several days, then must make a trip west of from two or three weeks. We could meet either before or after this trip depending on which time you think would be best.”
TLS, signed “Charles A. Lindbergh,” one page, dated November 9, 1944. In full: “Your June thirteenth letter arrived while I was away on a six month’s trip into the Pacific area. I apologize for this later reply. Thank you for writing to let us know of your plans for High Fields. In regard to the articles mentioned in your letter, you are welcome to make whatever use of them seems most advisable. I recall the globe you mention only vaguely, and doubt that it has any historical value. If my memory is correct, it is quite an old globe on which I traced one or two of our flights. I do not know where it came from originally. I have been spending most of my spare time recently getting our affairs in order after my trip and still have considerable work to do along those lines. As soon as the opportunity arises, I am looking forward to seeing the developments you have carried out at High Fields.”
Also included are three unsigned photographs, one of the aviator, one of the house, and one of the estate’s gatehouse. In very good condition, with scattered toning and foxing to the letters, two punch holes to tops of each letter, as well as wear, creasing, and trimmed edges to photos. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
