Description:

Adolphus Busch
Pasadena, CA, March 24, 1911
Brewing Magnate Adolphus Busch Lengthy TLS to his Son, Mentions T. Roosevelt
TLS

Adolphus Busch (1839-1913). A lengthy typed letter signed, "Papa," 4pp, on four separate sheets of Busch's personal letterhead displaying an eagle flying through a monogram "A," 8.5" x 11", Pasadena, California, March 24, 1911. With a fifteen word handwritten postscript at conclusion. Expected transmittal folds and creases. Minor toning and scattered soiling. Staple punctures to upper left corner. Overall, in near fine condition.

The brewing magnate writes to his son August "Gussie" Anheuser Busch Sr. regarding the Anheuser-Busch brewery - including their succession plans, personal news, and his thoughts on Theodore Roosevelt.

In part:

"I long to see all the improvements at our brewery, and to see what headway you have made on your residence on Grant's farm and to see Sunset Inn, about which you seem to be very enthusiastic, and I earnestly hope that all your wishes will realize, and that they will be an everlasting source of pleasure and revenue, and greatly add to your popularity, name and fame."

"I also enjoyed the good news that Adolph's [Adolphus Busch III, August A. Busch Sr.'s first-born son] circuit in Texas was a success, and that he enjoyed it. There is no doubt about it at all that Adolph is making a hit wherever he goes by his modest way of acting and speaking and general doing, and his generosity in donating all the prize money to the poor in the respective cities where the horse shows took place. I hope he takes the very best care of his health, and preserves it because that is especially necessary for his career as our successor…" Adolph did indeed succeed his father in running the brewery, serving as its CEO from 1934 until his death in 1946.

Busch then writes about meeting Theodore Roosevelt: "President Roosevelt enjoyed his visit here immensely. I had a long chat with him and a very pleasant one. He is, undoubtedly, a great leader, a fine courageous man of an enormous knowledge, and one cannot help but admire and love him. He may have made a few mistakes, but, who does not make them? We all do. He invited mama and me and the whole family to visit him at Oyster Bay and spend a day with him before we sail for Europe…Roosevelt was delighted to see the Busch gardens, and made the remark that they were the finest he ever saw in his life and he regretted that he could not enjoy days and weeks to walk about the place…"

Busch then finishes his affectionate letter by writing, "I am happy to see business booming and keeping up fine…Mathi will resume his trip in the course of the next few days. He will especially go to San Francisco and help Kahler to improve his agency and urge him to be a better collector, to increase his sales, and to reduce his expenses, and I am quite sure this will be accomplished…Yours / Papa." Busch then handwrites a postscript in bold fountain pen, sending love to his son and daughter-in-law Alice.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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