Letter from Harriet D. Bentley to Harry George

Letter

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St. Joseph Museums

This image is a photograph of a typed letter on a piece of aged paper. The letter is dated March 7, 1916, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and begins with the greeting, "My dear Mr. Roebuck." The sender expresses delight about receiving a unique basket, describing it as different from others and expressing appreciation. They mention interest from people at home and a desire to visit Alaska after learning about the basket’s materials. The letter also describes baskets sent previously and notes their construction. It closes with an invitation to visit the city and gratitude for the gift. The letter is signed "

This image is a photograph of a typed letter on a piece of aged paper. The letter is dated March 7, 1916, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and begins with the greeting, "My dear Mr. Roebuck." The sender expresses delight about receiving a unique basket, describing it as different from others and expressing appreciation. They mention interest from people at home and a desire to visit Alaska after learning about the basket’s materials. The letter also describes baskets sent previously and notes their construction. It closes with an invitation to visit the city and gratitude for the gift. The letter is signed "

Name/Title

Letter from Harriet D. Bentley to Harry George

Entry/Object ID

Q1430.634.22B

Description

Vol. I, pg. 22B A typewritten letter dated March 7, 1916, from Harriet D. Bentley, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Harry George, St. Joseph, Mo.

Subject

Harriet D. Bentley Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Baskets Rattle

Subject Person/Organization

Harry L. George Collection

Transcription

My Dear Mr. George: I had a most delightful surprise when I went home yesterday and found that lovely basket you sent me. It is as different as anything else I have, or have ever seen, and I can hardly express to you my appreciation of it. It was indeed most kind of you to send it to me, for I can imagine it was usually seen in your collection. Your description of the material and manufacture of it also adds to the interest of it, and the rattle is indeed a queer proposition. The folks at the house are all most interested in it. It has aroused anew in me a desire to visit Alaska, a trip I hope to make some day. The little basket I sent did not amount to much, but I thought they might be a trifle different from the ones you have. The plaque was made at the penitentiary in McAlester, and as you probably know the material is the fibre of the maguey plant wound around a sort of palm branch. In order to get this fibre the long leaves of the maguey plant and cut and laid cut in the sun to dry and rot, until these long pieces of fibre are all that is left. The little half basket is from Agues Callenties where they make only that kind of baskets, as their specialty is drawn work, the best in Mexico. With many good wishes I remain Most Cordially yours