IGOR SIKORSKY - TELEGRAM SIGNED - HFSID 217968

IGOR SIKORSKY. Telegram signed: "I. Sikorsky" in pencil, 8¼x6. No place, no date. On Western Union Telegram form to The Honorable Paul F. Mundt, Chairman Town Board of Clarkstown, New York City. In full: "Sincerely hope you will support the continuance of Religious freedom in this great country by permitting the unhampered operation of the Orthodox Monastary (sic) in Spring Valley." Pencil notes (unknown hand) at lower margin: "Prepared by S. Gagarin/but changed by IIS". Lightly creased. Two pinhead-size holes at two words of type from typewriter striking paper. Staple holes at upper left corner. Pencil note (unknown hand) to right of address. Fine condition. Accompanied by TNS: "I. Sikorsky" in pencil, 1p, 8½x11. No place, no date. Typed text of the message on telegram (above). Lightly creased. Shaded at upper portion, touching signature, and lower edge. Staple holes at upper left corner. Today, there is a Russian Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist and a Russian Orthodox Convent in Spring Valley, New York. In 1943, when he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Rhode Island State College, Sikorsky's "sound foundations of philosophy and religion" and "profound faith in God and in man" were mentioned in his citation. That year, Sikorsky also wrote "The Message of the Lord's Prayer". Russian-born Igor Ivan Sikorsky (1889-1972), a pioneer in the advancement of the helicopter and naval aircraft, constructed and flew the first multi-motored airplane in 1913.He built the first amphibian American Clipper, which pioneered transoceanic commercial flights. With the success of its amphibious craft, Sikorsky's company was renamed Sikorsky Aviation Company in 1928 and land was purchased in Stratford, Connecticut for its production facilities in 1929. That year, the company was purchased by and became a subsidiary of United Aircraft, today a part of United Technologies Corporation. In 1939, Sikorsky developed the first practical American helicopter. He is enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Two items.