Description:

Rockefeller TLS 1911 Land Deal for Expansion Areas Around Forest Hill

Typed Letter Signed ,"John D. Rockefeller", 1 p., August 2, 1911, Cleveland, 8.25" x 10.25". Rockefeller's distinguished signature measures a large 5.5". Expected mailing folds, slight creasing, toning, else Very Good.

A revealing TLS with great content regarding the consummation of a land acquisition by John D. Rockefeller. The letter specifies that Rockefeller is "ready to close the transaction", once "the title is found fee and clear of encumbrances".  The land in question is situated on the Southerly side of Superior Street, and Rockefeller was given an "option" to buy the land at the rate of "$4,000 per acre".  Rockefeller originally acquired the coveted location of Forest Hill Park in 1873, which is located just south of Superior Road.  This letter appears to increase Rockefeller's land holding and enlarge his original parcel.  His earlier land acquisition was originally a commercial venture which opened (along with other investors) a "water cure resort" centered around a Victorian mansion built on a hilltop overlooking Cleveland and Lake Erie.  After the resort quickly went out of business, the mansion became the Rockefeller family's summer home, dubbed the "Homestead". The Rockefellers split time between here and their home on Euclid Avenue's Millionaires' Row until the family moved to New York City in 1884, after which point they returned to Forest Hill each summer.  After his wife died in 1915, however, John D. Rockefeller seldom returned to Cleveland and Forest Hill.  The "Homestead" burned down under mysterious circumstances in 1917.  In the years that followed, the large acreage which well exceeded 235 acres had a portion donated to the cities of Cleveland Heights and East Cleveland by his son, John D. Rockefeller Jr., with the express stipulation that they be used for public recreation. The park opened in 1942, allowing members of the public to at last savor the cool lake breezes previously enjoyed by the richest man in the world.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

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

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000