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John wanamaker writes home: "...What the titanic was at this hour a week ago..."
JOHN WANAMAKER (1838-1922). Merchant; Philanthropist. Wanamaker was a successful Philadelphia merchant who pioneered the development of department stores. For many years John Wanamaker & Company was one of the largest department stores in the U.S. His paternalistic attitude towards his employees made his company an early leader in employee benefits. Benjamin Harrison appointed Wanamaker postmaster general in recognition of Wanamaker's contributions to Harrison's election. As postmaster general, Wanamaker advocated numerous services that were later adopted. Always very religious, Wanamaker contributed heavily to churches throughout his lifetime.1912 Autograph Letter Signed by the famous Merchant and Postmaster General written just one week after the sinking of the Titanic. One of Wanamaker's, claim to fame was his Department store had a telegraph receiving station on the roof, which was the first to receive word that the Titanic had sunk: "France Villa Bellefontaine, April 21, 1912: You were twice good, each time, in remembering me with your kind note and then again with the clippings you kindly sent me – I only did my part fairly well, owing to the pressure inevitable to the last moments at home – From the newspapers I see a fierce battle seems imminent. In the light of the awfulness of last Sunday on the sea turning the world into a valley of desolation in a single night how small and tawdry the crowns of earth look. I am mailing you a little book that shows what the Titanic was at this hour a week ago... …I wish you were here to go with me on a six days journey…by easy stages in the automobile to see much of France and some of Germany in going to my "Cure" place at Ems. My present plan is to return in time for the Convention if I am wanted there – Our President needs all his forces now to plough with him. Your Friends Sure, John Wanamaker" Written to Dr. M.G. Brumbaugh, Philadelphia. Fold mark at center. Very Fine. $2,500 |
