Description:

Henry J. Kaiser TLS to Entertainment Duo Regarding Worthy Charitable Causes Such as Kaiser Permanente

A small lot relating to American industrialist Henry J. Kaiser (1882-1967), including a typed letter signed by him and two vintage World War II-era press photos. Three pieces total. Accompanied by the original auction catalog description and transparent sleeve from when this item was offered as Lot 67 in the May 10, 2001 sale at R.M. Smythe & Co.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 1p typed letter signed by Kaiser as "Henry J. Kaiser" at lower right. Written in Oakland, California on January 26, 1950 on a single leaf of executive stationery with "Henry J. Kaiser Company" letterhead. Expected paper folds, a few extra wrinkles, and marginal closed tears mentioned just for accuracy, else near fine. 7.25" x 10.5."

Kaiser wrote this letter to Anna Sosenko (1909-2000), the manager, songwriter, friend, and lover of famous cabaret singer Hildegarde (1906-2005), aka Hildegarde Loretta Sell, mentioned numerous times in this letter. In it, Kaiser explains that he will not be financing a ballet tour because he must pointedly direct his resources elsewhere.

Kaiser writes in part: "You and Hildegard [sic], I believe, have learned of our own intense interest in the field of promoting better medical and hospital care among people and also toward alleviating the suffering of victims of the various crippling diseases…I have the feeling that if one disperses his activities into too many of the challenging fields of public service that he is apt to dissipate his energies, interests and contributions and be rather ineffective. We have cut out tremendous work ahead for the Permanente system of medical, surgical and hospital care and the Kabat-Kaiser Institutes, where so much work remains to be undertaken…"

Kaiser had accumulated part of his tremendous wealth through undertaking massive-scale industrial projects, like constructing the Hoover Dam and constructing a fleet of Liberty and Victory ships during World War II. A dedicated philanthropist, Kaiser helped found Kaiser Permanente, a non-profit consortium program of healthcare originally offered to his shipyard workers in 1945 and consequently expanded. Kaiser also co-established Kabat-Kaiser Institute in 1946 to provide physical therapy and other rehabilitative care to those suffering from polio and multiple sclerosis.

2. Two vintage black and white glossy press photo head shots of Henry J. Kaiser, ca. 1942-1945. Both portraits were snapped by Wide World Photos, one in Washington, D.C. on November 17, 1942 and one in New York City on March 12, 1945. Stamped and with biographical information affixed verso. Expected surface wear including crazing and scuffs, else near fine. Both 6.6" x 8."

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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June 30, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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