Letter by Nancy C. Russell to Mr. Christoph Keller; thanks him for the letter of protest and hopes for a proper solution. Typed on both front and back (TU2009.39.976.1-TU2009.39.976.2).

[1] Pasadena, California. April 28, 1931. Mr. Chistoph Keller, 340 Prospect Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois. Dear Mr. Keller: I appreciate so much your letter of April 22nd. Your ideas on the statue have been handled in an entirely different way from any one else’s I have seen and I hope you will feel the urge to go further into the matter. You know how things get all twisted around but this model of Charlie will come out all right even if it does twist the heart and hurt the pride of a lot of people. One sure thing, we can’t quit. A steady pressure will grow in force until the Commission may see its way clear to look further for a model. The Montana papers have made it too much of a local and personal affair. No one person should be held re- sponsible for the success or failure of the undertak- ing. It really is the State and the Nation which should be represented by an unprejudiced, open-minded commission without personal grudge or gain if such a commission could be found. The thing I hear most is that my protests have been started without seeing the original model. That is true but I had no chance and was not invited to see it, which is perfectly all right because a photograph will show some line or form true to the model. It may not get the detail as one would see it with one’s eyes but it does give one the composition and that is no mistake. The outline of that model is heart-breaking. It represents anything but the man we all want to have in our memory as strong and fine in body as well as in vision. Another thing, I don’t know whether you have a copy of the telegram from Mr. Lorado Taft which seems to be the thing they cling to so tightly so I am sending a copy of my telegram and his answer. -2- Mr. Christoph Keller Any one with prestige in this country in art, writing, or what not whom you feel can be enlisted in helping the State do the big thing it has an opportunity to do, use your influence. I appreciate so much that you understood and left my name out. Please do not mention me. I know you under- stand. My love to you all. Sincerely, Encl.

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

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