Distinguished American sculptor (1867–1941) best known for his monumental work at Mount Rushmore. TLS, one page, 8.25 x 11, Gutzon Borglum Studios letterhead, June 24, 1922. Letter to Curtis Freshel of Marmite Incorporated of America. In full: “Thanks for your letter. I have got a small committee here today working on the last rounds of the Northwest fight, from which we have pretty good returns, although money is poured into the places and the propaganda in wagon loads,” with Borglum adding in his own hand, “by the reactionaries!!” The letter continues “Borah has failed me going West and I am short about $1500 for checkers and watchers at the polls to prevent corruption. I am going to wire every nickel that I have, at the latest Tuesday morning. If you have got another ten cent piece in your pocket, do not fail to send it to me. I have just written Mrs. Freshel thanking her for the book she so kindly sent.” Borglum has also underlined portions of one sentence of the letter. Central horizontal and vertical folds, a few creases, mild toning, and a light paperclip mark to top edge, otherwise fine condition.
Putting his Stone Mountain Confederate Monument on the back burner, Borglum threw himself into the Nonpartisan League’s politics, joining recently recalled governor Lynn Frazier’s 1922 campaign for senator. Pushing a reformed Republican Party with a strong Progressive wing, he focused on fundraising and public relations, working to gain the support of wealthy Republican benefactors (in much the same way that he garnered support for his large-scale artworks). He also enlisted the help of William Borah, the impassioned orator and senator of Idaho, to campaign for Frazier and the League. Despite his ever-present frustration and paranoia of foul play—“I am short about $1500 for checkers and watchers at the polls to prevent corruption”—their hard work seemingly paid off, as Frazier was elected to the United States Senate as the NPL candidate on the Republican ticket. An interesting letter revealing the passion that took the artist’s focus away from his artwork: politics. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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