Name/Title
A Thank You Letter to the SocietyScope and Content
October 7, 1972
Dear Mr. Kirkpatrick,
It has been some time since I've written you; however, for what it is worth, I certainly haven't forgotten you or our statue. I've had big plans to work a surprise of sorts on you all summer, but, alas, the plans seem to have gone awry.
After you sent me the news clipping in February of the dedication of the new statue in Visalia, I began to plan to make a trip there this past summer to photograph the statue and then send you samples of the California product, I did indeed go; did indeed photograph the statue; did indeed spend some time studying light angles and background; and then left the area with the good feeling that I had some beautiful shots committed to film that I would have processed for you. Then came the processing and the disappointment with what I had. I have discovered since that this particular statue is very difficult to photograph on a sunshiny day due to its complex design and resulting shadow patterns. (Now how's that for applying rationale?)
The color shot, which I feel is far and away the best of the lot, was taken on the following day and just as a farewell gesture to the statue. I felt the black and white would more effectively capture the mood of the statue. Again I was wrong.
Funny thing about this statue - I had the eerie feeling of chills up and down the spine, of eyes about to overflow, of my being in the presence of some mystic force that commanded respect. I must say no other piece of art I have ever observed has effected me this way. I suppose I experienced the reverential feeling(s) some people indicate they get when they are viewing the Lincoln Memorial. It was a beautiful experience, and I have you to thank for it.
I have assumed sponsorship of the Indian Culture Group at the prison where I am employed since I last wrote you. It consists of inmates who are various shades of American Indians (Blood percentage, fortunately, doesn't appear to be too important). They have rather simply objectives by some standards, but I am proud of their efforts nonetheless. They have established a halfway house for new parolees of all races, have simple lessons weekly on some cultural aspect (with inmate instructors), and have several other ideas in various stages of formulation. I shall keep you posted on their progress in later letters, if you are interested.
My apologies for the poor quality of the photographs, but perhaps you can use them for comparison purposes against your own "rider". They are yours with my compliments.
Most sincerely,
Robert L. Tipton
461 34th Street
Richmond, California 94805Acquisition
Accession
2015.0500Source or Donor
Waupun Heritage MuseumAcquisition Method
Donation