JOHN WANAMAKER - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/16/1898 - HFSID 1833

JOHN WANAMAKER
Wanamaker handwrote, signed and dated this letter to a "Mr. Mescur" in 1898. In it, he informs Mr. Mescur that he can't use a certain kind of chair due to their construction.
Autograph letter signed: "John Wanamaker", 2p, 3¾x5¼, on Wanamaker's personalized stationery. 1898 August 24. Addressed to "Mr. Mescur". In full: "Dear Mr. Mescur: Answering your letter of the 15th I have personally seen my head of the Furniture stock & if the chairs are the same as the Toranda Co showed us in the past [illegible] I regret to find we cannot use them owing to the method of their construction Kindly remember me to Mrs Mescur Sallie & Rodney. Your Friend always,". John Wanamaker (1838-1922) was an American businessman who, in 1875, established the first department store, bringing a collection of specialty stores together under one roof in the former freight depot of the Pennsylvania Railroad in Philadelphia. Wanamaker, who was one of the first major retailers to employ advertising agencies to sell his goods, was also a leader in offering "fringe benefits" to his employees, who enjoyed paid vacations, health care, life insurance, pensions and financial aid for further education. As Postmaster General under President Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893), he issued the first commemorative stamps (over protests from Congress) and proved that they could be moneymakers. Lightly toned, soiled, stained and creased. Letter was initially one sheet folded, front and verso, but has been torn along spine into two sheets. Two binder holes in right edge of first sheet; bottom hole touches sheet. Folded once and unfolded. Otherwise, fine condition.