Letters to the Editor
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Letters category and the Summer 1991 issue Topics in this article:On Target
Pennsylvania Heritage is right on target as far as I am concerned. A friend lent me several copies of back issues during my vacation this summer, and I was amazed to see that your magazine published illustrations of two paintings by my favorite Philadelphia artists, Julius Bloch and Thomas Eakins, long before the national publicity they attracted. As an amateur “art watcher,” all I can say is that your magazine is quite sophisticated and that your staff must be clairvoyant. Keep up the outstanding work! Pennsylvania Heritage is beautiful and great reading.
Claire S. Marchand
Rumson, N. J.
The portrait of banker John Gest by Thomas Eakins (1844-1916), loaned by Fidelity Bank, Philadelphia, appeared as an illustration for an article by David Pacchioli entitled “And who is Eakins?” in the fall 1989 edition. Painted in 1905, the likeness of the president of the Fidelity Trust Company of Philadelphia is considered one of the artist’s last great paintings. Its recent acquisition by The Museum of Fine Art, Houston, Texas, received national coverage. An oil on canvas by Julius Bloch (1888-1966), The Jester, which illustrated “Julius Bloch: The Time Has Come” by Margaret Bloch Eisen in the summer 1989 issue, was a highlight of a fine art auction held in Philadelphia in June 1991. The Jester was loaned to Pennsylvania Heritage by the artist’s estate.
Movie Mania!
I so enjoyed the article about our once palatial movie houses (see “Chin Up! Smile! Keep ’em Happy!” by John L. Marsh in the winter 1991 edition) because I was, many, many years ago, one of those who wouldn’t miss my weekly visit. After reading this lovely article, l shed a small tear because things have changed so much and our younger generations will never know how we enjoyed ourselves in the “good old days.” I am nearly ninety years old and still sentimental. I read Pennsylvania Heritage because it helps me remember the past and appreciate those days that I thought would never end. By the way, I almost married one of those handsome young ushers!
Margaret L. Murray
Radnor, Pa.
Eakins Extra
The fact that Pennsylvania Heritage is able to run such an excellent article about Thomas Eakins (see “The Many Faces of Thomas Eakins” by Cheryl Leibold in the spring 1991 issue) is great, but that your staff is able to cover the exhibit at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in the same issue is a real “extra” for a reader like me who uses your exhibition notices when traveling. For me, Pennsylvania (and my own Philadelphia) is a treasure – one that should be savored every day! Your relating stories to current exhibits is very helpful, and I wouldn’t miss an issue of Pennsylvania Heritage.
Ellen Ann Smythe
Philadelphia, Pa.
The article on Thomas Eakins was most enjoyable. I’m glad to see that this great artist is finally receiving all the recognition and praise he deserves. Thank you.
Mary B. Bannan
Saylorsville, Pa.
A Joy Forever
Kershaw Burbank couldn’t have used a more fitting quotation to conclude his article, “Those Beautiful Bodies of Yesteryear,” in the winter 1991 edition: John Keats’ immortal “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Not only was this story beautifully told, but it was beautifully illustrated! This article, as well as the entire issue, was really enjoyable.
Robert P. Hunter
Greensburg, Pa.
In addition to Kershaw Burbank, the editorial staff is indebted to ALGAR Enterprises, Inc., and the Gilmore Classic Car Club Museums for their generosity in lending vintage photographs to illustrate this article about Joseph J. Derham and the Derham Body Company of Rosemont and Philadelphia.
Sorry …
Sorry. Lovely little Titusville is – and always has been – in Crawford County (see “Executive Director’s Message,” winter 1991). True, the Drake Well is in Venango County. Let’s see more of Pennsylvania’s oil boom in your great magazine.
Warren S. Sellers
Norristown, Pa.
The editor regrets this mistake in geography. The erroneous location of Titusville in Venango County was inserted by the editorial staff in this column. Sorry. Founded in 1796 by pioneer surveyor Jonathan Titus, Titusville is, indeed, in Crawford County.
