JOHN WANAMAKER - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 05/22/1900 - HFSID 84468

JOHN WANAMAKER
Wanamaker signed this letter to Benjamin Doblin on his personalized stationery in 1900. In it, he thanks Doblin for commending him on "resisting an attack upon the public press and private character of individuals by our city officials, who do not seem to know that Tweedism is not popular."
Manuscript letter signed: "Jno Wanamaker", 2p, 3¾x6¼, on Wanamaker's personalized stationery, 1 sheet folded, front and verso. 1900 May 22, . Addressed to Mr. Benjamin Doblin, New York. In full: "Dear Sir - It is particularly pleasing to me to have from another city a kindly letter such as yours, commending the course that I took in resisting an attack upon the public press and private character of individuals by our city officials, who do not seem to know that Tweedism is not popular." John Wanamaker (1838-1922, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)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 and creased. Random ink stains. Folded once and unfolded. Otherwise, fine condition.