From Nancy C. Russell to James W. Bollinger, June 10, 1931

Item — Folder: Unknown

Identifier: TU2009.39.1018.1-2

Staff Only

Description

Typed letter from Nancy C. Russell to Judge James W. Bollinger dated 10 June 1931; tells Bollinger that she appreciates his advice, and they may avoid a legal tangle but if not she will bring an injunction against the state, hopes that Bollinger will come to Montana.

Transcript

Pasadena, California. June 10, 1931. Judge James W. Bollinger, Louis Block, Davenport, Iowa. Dear Judge: Your letter of May 18th, received. I appreciate the things you told me but, being a woman, I am not con vinced. I have gotten Senator Walsh to tell me a lot of things and I believe we are going to succeed in avoiding a legal tangle but if it comes to the point where they will not listen and insist on fin- ishing and placing the chosen model, I certainly am going to bring an injunction against the State. I understand through Joe Dixon, a former governor of Montana, and who is now first assistant secretary of the Interior, that I have the right, as Charlie’s widow, to prevent, by injunction, a representation of him that is so poor. Senator Walsh sent me a copy of a letter to him from Charles Moore, Chairman of the Commission of Fine Arts in Washington. Mr. Moore has been instrumental in preventing other monstrosities from being placed in Statuary Hall and from the tone of his letter, he is going to do all he can to stop any further placing of inferior statues. I expect to see Senator Walsh the first part of July at Lake MacDonald. I hope you come to Montana this summer and will be within reach as I should like to have you see my letter file regarding this statue. The protests from Charlie’s friends would make you happy in spite of all the struggle we are having with the model. Your friendship and loyalty to Charlie I feel is carried on to me. That is why I want you to see and know what is going on. I am sending you here- with another clipping from the paper in Great Falls showing their determination to continue. This doesn’t bother me as it did a month ago. When they start apologizing, they are not so sure of their ground. Judge James W. Bollinger -2- My very kindest regards to you and your lady. Sincerely, Encl.

[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-11-29]

Transcript (HTML)

Dates

June 10, 1931

Creator

Russell, Nancy C. (Author, Person)

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

Materials in English

Access Restrictions

Available by appointment only at the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR) with the exception of materials with donor restrictions. Contact Library staff in advance to inquire if materials exist pertaining to your research interests.

Extent

From the Collection: 1 extent_missing

Additional Description

Credit Line

Gilcrease Museum/The University of Tulsa

Provenance

Britzman Collection

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

Overall: 8 1/2 × 11 in. (21.6 × 27.9 cm)

Notes

The Homer and Helen Britzman collection consists of over 10,000 objects belonging to Charles M. Russell including letters, drawings, personal belongings, photos, and other memorabilia. Homer Britzman worked extensively with Charles Russell’s wife, Nancy, to write Russell’s biography. Chain of custody: Nancy Russell, Homer and Helen Britzman, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Amon Carter (inventoried collection in 1997), Gilcrease Management Trust (will become property of TU Special Collections if management agreement between TU and the City of Tulsa is severed).