Letter by Nancy C. Russell to Mr. Frank Perrin; requests Perrin to lend his strength and influence for the cause of having a worthy statue of Charles M. Russell. Typed on both front and back (TU2009.39.997.1-TU2009.39.997.2).

[1] TRAIL’S END 725 Michigan Blvd Pasadena, California. M a y Second 1931. Mr. Frank Perrin, Chairman, Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, Boston, Massachusetts. My dear Sir: Mr. Robert J. Atkinson, founder and manager of the Universal Braille Press of Los Angeles, suggested that I write you regarding an article appearing in the Christian Science Monitor April 25th, 1931, tell- ing of the honor Montana is paying Charles M. Rus- sell by placing a statue of him in one of the two niches belonging to her. No State can pay higher tribute and honor to a loved citizen than that. But the model chosen by the Commission is not worthy. It does not show the true Charlie Russell who was my husband for more than thirty years. I am asking you to please look at the two photographs enclosed together with a protest and an editorial form a Los Angeles paper. You will see that truth and right must prevail. Wont you please urge the Governor of Montana and the Commission to reconsider and choose something that will depict Charlie in health and strength. He was the embodiment of joy and life. The Commission does not seem to realize it should choose a status which shows Charlie’s true physique to be remembered for all time in our National Temple of Fame and not an undersized, wizened, hollow- chested figure like the cuts of the chosen stature show. Charlie was five feet nine and one-half inches in height and never weighed less than 175 pounds since we were married. I feel I am not alone in this protest when I re- ceive letters from such men as Ralph Budd, Presi- dent of the Great Northern Railroad, Irvin Cobb, Judge Bollinger of Iowa, William S. Hart and many others, asking if something can’t be done to pro- duce a fine, artistic piece of work that will be a credit to the State and do honor to Charlie. Mr. Frank Perrin -2- I believe right always wins and I am asking you to lend your strength to this as it is now a National affair. With gratitude for any assistance you may see fit to give, I am Yours sincerely Encl. Air Mail

[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-11-14]

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