REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD E. BYRD - DOCUMENT SIGNED - HFSID 87410

RICHARD E. BYRD
The explorer of the North and South Pole signed this document that notes his expenses
Document Signed: "REB", 1p, 8½x11. No place, no date. Headed: "R.E. Byrd's Expenses in Connection with Lectures." Expenses are listed for a November 18 lecture in Brockton, Massachusetts (carfare from Boston and return, taxis and tips), a November 24 visit to Fall River, Massachusetts (carfare from Boston and return, taxis and tips) and a lecture in New York City on November 29 (carfare from Boston and return, Pullman fare, taxis and tips). The total was  $45.06. Polar explorer Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957) raised private funds for his expeditions to both polar regions from contributions by wealthy individuals, corporate sponsorships, proceeds from his lectures and, after 1930, the sale of his book, Little America. In his lectures, which were arranged by noted lecture agent James B. Pond, Byrd gave details of his previous exploits and outlined such future endeavors as his 1928-1930 expedition to Antarctica, during which he established the "Little America" base and became the first man to fly over both the North and South Poles. Byrd's lectures and book sales helped finance expeditions that continued through 1956, thirty years after his historic flight over the North Pole. On May 9, 1926, RICHARD E. BYRD (1888-1957) and Floyd Bennett became the first to fly over the North Pole. Both were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Scholars have raised questions about whether or not Byrd actually reached the North Pole, but it is generally accepted that he succeeded. In 1929, Byrd established the "Little America" Antarctica base and flew (indisputably) over the South Pole. He was promoted to Rear Admiral upon his return in 1930. On his Antarctic expeditions in the 1930s, Byrd discovered Marie Byrd Land and the Edsel Ford Mountains. Still exploring in his late 60s, he commanded Operation High Jump (1946-1947) and Operation Deep Freeze (1955-1956). JAMES B. POND ("Bim"), who became the nation's premier lecture agent, established his agency in New York in 1879. In addition to Byrd, his notable clients included Mark Twain, P.T. Barnum, Thomas Nast, James Whitcomb Riley, Henry Stanley, and Booker T. Washington. Lightly creased with folds, not at signature. Fine condition.