Letter by Nancy C. Russell to Mr. C. A. Beil; informs them that the commission is still undecided on the model of Charles M. Russell. Typed on both front and back (TU2009.39.966.1-TU2009.39.966.2).

[1] September 25, 1931. Mr. C.A. Beil Banff, Alberta, Canada. Dear Charlie and Vera: I looked for a visit from you this summer but I guess the distance was too great. I should like to have a long letter from you two telling me all the happenings of the summer and what your plans are for the winter. Things are very quiet here in a business way. It is the first time I have noticed any slackening up in buying but I am sure it will come back in the spring. The weather prophet promises much rain- maybe that will help. I know you are interested in what has been done about the model of Charlie. I found that it was not definitely accepted but subject to certain changes requested by the Commission which puts a decidedly different light on the situation from what the newspapers gave. Mr. Lewis did not approve of the selection and Mr. Ritch was not there so it was made by one member of Commission. The Governor called in Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Willis to help and they backed up Mrs. Robbins. Senator Walsh made every effort without success to get permission for me to see the model and he was going with me to Great Falls. I wrote to Mrs. Lincoln personally asking her to set a time but received no answer. John Ritch who was the originator of the idea said he thought I should see the model but was told that no one could see it at present. There must be some reason why I am not allowed to see it and so I am thinking about it just as it looked to me in the cuts for that is all I have to go by. I did not see one person who had seen it who liked it. They all felt it was weak. The first pub- lic protest came from the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers who passed a unanimous resolution that the model must be made stronger and more like Charlie. The Governor -2- has received so many protests that he is just fed up on the whole matter. Our “mutual friend” seems to be the only one who is satisfied. Without your first letter of protest and the answer you received I would have had very little to work with. I want you to know that you have rendered Charlie the greatest possible service and pledge your loy- alty and friendship to him. The wheels have turned slowly but they are gathering strength so that I feel certain of the outcome. Cristadora, who did the life size bronze of Bill Hart which is placed at Billings, was in California last winter and Bill had him model a life-size head of Charlie which has been given to the Russell Memorial in Great Falls by Dr. Cole, Bill and me. It is really a fine thing and will show the public that a strong likeness as well as an artistic composition is possible. You may have heard that Joe de Yong modeled a standing figure of Charlie for Mr. Sack. I do not care for it. Joe was not ready to make a figure of that kind. It was done in plaster and is in the Studio at Great Falls for the present. Ted is in Montana for a vacation – the first in five years. When the spirit moves you let me hear for you. My very best wishes to you both. Sincerely,

[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-11-12]