Description:

Sousa John

John Philip Sousa ALS Re: Temple Israel Bazaar: "great work in the cause of Charity, Education and morality"

 

1p autograph letter inscribed overall by American band leader John Philip Sousa (1854-1932), and signed by him as "John Philip Sousa" near the right edge. Written in New York City on November 30, 1913. The letter on "Sousa and his Band / John Philip Sousa, Conductor" letterhead has been secured with green ribbon within a "Bazaar / Allied Charities of the Temple Israel of Harlem and the Temple Israel" program advertising a fundraising event at the Hotel Astor in early December 1913. The sheet of watermarked cream stationery has expected folds and wrinkles, including one affecting the "a" of "Sousa". Sousa's letter appears to have been the front page of a booklet of pages hitherto removed, as evidenced by partly torn binding remnants verso. The wrapper has folds and chipped edges, else very good. The program measure 10.125" x 12.75" overall.

 

Sousa wrote a certain Mr. Van Raalte, involved in the synagogue charity fundraiser, in full:

 

"Nov. 30th 1913

 

Z. Van Raalte Esq.

N.Y.

 

My dear sir:

 

The Temple Bazaar is doing a great work in the cause of Charity, Education and morality - may its success be never-ending.

 

Very Sincerely,

John Philip Sousa".

 

The Temple Israel of the City of New York, officially renamed the Temple Israel of Harlem after 1894, was established by German Jews in 1873. Between 1907-1920, the synagogue was located in Harlem just steps away from the modern day Marcus Garvey Park. The temple hosted a week-long charity event in December 1913 at the Hotel Astor, a Beaux Arts style multistory hotel constructed nearly a decade earlier and located near Times Square. Sousa's involvement with the synagogue and their charity remains unclear, but perhaps he felt an interest in their work because his mother was of German ancestry. Or, were Sousa and his band perhaps slated to perform at the event?

 

John Philip Sousa, hailed as the “American March King”, was an accomplished musician, composer, and conductor. Trained in voice, violin, piano, flute, and cornet among other instruments, Sousa had perfect pitch. He also contributed to the design of the Sousaphone, a brass tuba-like instrument. Of the 136 marches that Sousa composed, “Semper Fidelis” (1888) and “Stars and Stripes Forever” (1896) are the most widely recognizable.

 

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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