20 ALOHA

20  ALOHA

2(As our Hawaiian architectural delegate so pleasantly translated as meaning simultaneously: ‘‘Goodby, hello, cheerio, Iloveu, whatavu.’’)

20.1  4D CHROMOCHRONOFILE

20.1.1  FROM R.B.F. TO HIS MOTHER-MAY 11, 1928.

3This is not just a ‘‘mother’s day’’ letter, for the necessity of having an annual day for remembrance of one’s mother, is to say the least, obscure.****

4 **In the letter that didn’t go, I wrote you at some length about railroad stocks. I have taken special heed out here, that though this is the center of the country’s railroads, and therefore should carry much interest in them, that by dint of economic demand and supply there are no railroad shares listed on the Chicago Stock Exchange. When such men as J.J. Mitchell, Chicago’s late most prominent banker, died, there was listed among his many holdings not so much as one railroad stock or bond. I have checked this through amongst many of the big men here and it is a general condition of late. It is significant that the passenger traffic on Railroads since 1922 despite continual increase of population and travel, has steadily fallen off, and that busses now cover greater mileage than railroads. Millionaires don’t ride on busses, but millionaires are the minority and don’t make rail profits in themselves. Soon millionaires will be riding airplanes and poor people automobiles and busses.

5 What is more significant is that fact that fast freight and express is and will be more and more so carried by air, and that the products of industry will become lighter and lighter and therefore will more and more employ the straight line air route. We see much of commercial aviation here.

6 I suggest getting rid of all rail holdings and putting the money in Curtis, Wright and other good airplane manufacturers who are on an approved business basis. Wright has the best patents and backing, but Curtis has always been a hustler and is selling right along with Wright. Both these companies will as in all the industries absorb the smaller fellows as they come along just as did the Radio Corporation absorb thousands of small ones. These air stocks seem to be selling up very fast but I am confident of their going up a thousand points or more in the next year or so. They have not so many shares outstanding and that is why the prices seem high. It is heart breaking that since I wrote to you that they have gone up 33%, but even as I worked out my original prediction by myself so do I tell you that this is but a starter. Radio Corp, of America while it has had what might seem like a big boom, is but in its infancy, too. Buy some of that.

7 I will send you some time soon a very strong paper that I have been writing for many months on this subject which will astonish you. I know from the secret conferences to date that it is going to make considerable excitement when it is published so I urge you to follow my advice about this as soon as possible.

8 It is more than significant that the big banks of the country are now turning with safety to the purchase of stocks as securities on a basis of their being better than .bonds. They are absolutely right. Times are changing with exquisite speed and I think you had better go over your whole list on a basis of modern trends.

9 You were always quite a one for prognostications and will be much excited when you receive my paper. This is strictly confidential. It is too early to do any boasting but it is thought by others as well as myself, and they of great authority, that I have struck a ‘‘gold mine’’.

20.1.2  FROM R.B.F. TO HENRY W. TOMLINSON, MORRIS BLDG., JOLIET, ILL. - MAY 21, 1928.

10Enclosed is a hurried and confidential write up of my house, which has been well crystallized since I last saw you.

11 Last week it was presented to 18 members of the American Institute at St. Louis, who were picked out as being broad and unselfish thinkers, and with more than satisfactory results.

12 While this was not finished up as an English composition, being hurriedly reduced from two thousand pages for the convention, it was greeted with the most astonishing remarks as to scholarly ability. I know, that you will know, there is no ego in my reciting this to you, and that you will be as happy as I am about it. I was asked to attend the convention by several of the Chicago delegates, entirely unbeknownst to Mr. Hewlett. He was enthusiastic about the matter when I finally saw him.

13 All those with whom it was taken up were dealt with in strictest confidence, being, as well, influential in the oractire in their respective sections. The precedent established in disclosure amongst them is important. Yesterday I was called on by one of the directors of the New York City Housing Corporation, who is as well a member of the New York State Housing Commission. Mr. Arthur Holden, the architect. He said he considered that I had hit upon the great solution.

14 Russell Walcott and a banker are backing me financially, and I have arranged a number of the affairs indicated in the essay. It will take some little time to read it as the truths come thick and fast and have to be digested, due to the shortening up. Will you read it carefully from start to finish, just as soon as you can. and get in touch with me when you are through, as things are happening thick and fast. I would like to see you when you have finished it. The errors in mimeographing will be evident, lines left out. etc., but they do not spoil the meaning.

20.1.3  FROM R.B.F.TO L.J. STODDARD, CLEVELAND, OHIO. - MAY 21, 1928.

15Here is the write up I rushed out last week in time to attend the American Institute of Architects meeting (Nat. Conv.) at St. Louis, etc. ******seriousness of it all. As per my schedule I am routing these confidential copies to the people whom I believe should be consulted at the outset.

16 Will you read it at once, carefully and as written, no jumping about, for you can’t get the sense if you do. I have so composed it that it must be read in this manner or have its meaning missed.

17 You said you knew Bruce Barton, will you see thaw he gets his copy which I enclose to you. Pronto

20.1.4  FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT LETTERS MAILED 5/21/28 FROM R.B.F. TO FOLLOWING:

18(ARTHUR T HEWLETT, ESQ., C/O MESSRS. SPENCER TRASK & CO., NEW YORK CITY.)

19 At Lady Anne's request this confidential paper is being sent you. With the others to whom it is being sent, your thorough study and comments are bespoken. The expediency of the ‘‘Multi-belle-lettre’’ is obvious and your indulgence asked.

20 (GAMALIEL BRADFORD, ESQ., WELLESLEY HILLS, MASS.)

21 Your ‘‘Portrait’’ of my great aunt Margaret Fuller, your many biographies, with their significant progression, and lastly ‘‘Life and I’’, urge me to send the attached paper to you. Its apparent meaning presages immediate study and comment.

22 (BERTRAND RUSSELL, ESQ.)

23 So many of the ideas set forth in the attached paper coincide with your views, investigated for corroboration, and the matters presaged by the paper are of such possible seriousness, that your immediate study and comment are asked of it.

24 (JOHN GALSWORTHY, ESQ.)

25 ‘‘Castles in Spain’’, appearing several years ago in the Annual Yale Review, has been a great inspiration to me. The many essential questions of life, touched upon so considerately in the Forsyte books, particularly the ‘‘Silver Spoon’’, leads the writer to present this paper to you for, if possible, immediate study and comment. It presages most serious events, and bespeaks the abstract elimination of the ‘‘men of property’’.

26 (ST.JOHN G. ERVINE, ESQ.)

27 The extremely serious thoughts behind ‘‘Changing Winds’’, commends you to the circle to whom this paper is being submitted in the strictest confidence. The expediency of this multi-letter will be obvious, and we trust, excused.

28 (FLOYD W. PARSONS, ESQ.)

29 Your many articles, but particularly your ‘‘The Incandescent Age’’ in the Saturday Evening Post, as well as your position as a publicist, give us confidence in presenting this paper to you for your immediate study and comment. ‘‘Immediate’’ because it presages most serious events.

30 (DR. A. LAWRENCE LOWELL, PRESIDENT, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, CAMBRIDGE, MASS.)

31 As the fifth generation of Harvard men (my father and grandfathers having been in the classes of 1740, 1801, 1843, 1883, and, though of unenviable scholastic record, myself, none the less a proud member of the class of 1917) the writer in deep earnestness asks that you immediately read the attached paper, making a suitable comment. The expediency of the multi-letter is obvious and its informality inconsequential.

32 (JOHN McCUTCHEON, ESQ., TRIBUN E BLDG., CHICAGO, ILL.)

33 It was the writer's pleasure to meet you at the home of his cousin, Andy King, about a year ago, when we discussed pirate treasure, and our respective islands, yours in the Bahamas and ours in Maine, etc. Your ‘‘Master of the World’’ story almost fits the awe inspiring reality of the attached paper. Andy does not know of this as yet as it is very confidential. I would appreciate your comments.

34 (ROGER BABSON, ESQ.. BABSON PARK, WELLESLEY HILLS, MASS.)

35 Your remarks two years ago upon the fibre building blocks, introduced by the writer, as well as your splendid articles lately appearing in Colliers’, lead us to ask that you carefully study the attached confidential paper, to discover whether it is not the ‘‘magic’’ foretold by you in ‘‘There’s Magic in the Air’’.

36 (HARPER LEECH, ESQ.,THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE.)

37 Your very valuable market commentaries, which the writer has read with constant interest, place you in a position of exceedingly able criticism of the attached paper, which presages most careful study and immediate reply. Its contents are obviously secret. Mr. McCutcheon is the only other member of the Tribune to receive a copy.

38 (BRUCE BARTON, ESQ.)

39 Your many essays as well as your obviously advantageous point of view, lead me to present this paper to you, for your immediate careful study and comment. The necessity of the multi-letter, etc.

40 (S.G. HOFFMAN, ESQ., 615 W. 148TH ST., NEW YORK CITY)

41 As will be evident the attached is confidential, but I wanted you to be amongst the first to have it. Study it very carefully and write to me at once. The events that have already taken place pursuant of it are thrilling. Have even had overtures re publication etc. You are part of the faith that built this. P.S. Don’t let any of these ideas loose. Their power is truly frightening. Have had some very big men already in touch. I took off 24-1/2 pounds writing this.

42 (k.K. STOWELL, ESQ., ASSOC. EDITOR, ARCHITECTURAL FORUM.)

43 This is a copy of the letter that accompanied the paper 4D which you were given at the convent.on. I am also attaching a copy of the appendix, which is self explanatory. I have not sent these to the other publications. This is still confidential but might be referred to in some way in comment on the convention. Please write me. P.S. Get in touch with Mr. Holden for any local question.

44 (A.P. HERMAN, ESQ., DEPT. OF ARCHITECTURE, UNIV. OF WASHINGTON, SEATTLE, WASH.)

45 Attached is the paper which I spoke of to you in the bus at St. Louis. This is the multi-letter accompanying it which is self explanatory. I should appreciate your immediate study and comment. Would you also lend it to my cousin, Eugenia Fuller, for reading.

46 (DR. MAX MASON, PRESIDENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, CHICAGO, ILL.)

47 In view of your proposed unselfish activities, and the many intensely interesting public statements of yours, which I have followed since-hearing you speak at the architects dinner last June, I am presenting this paper to you, urging your immediate study and comment.

48 (HAROLD BUSHBROWN, ESQ., GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, ATLANTA. GA.)

49 It was nice to see you at St. Louis. Here is the paper I promised you. You will understand in reading it the permissibility of this ‘‘Multi-belle-lettre’’. There is to be much ado about this and I hope I may have your best comments quickly.

50 (TO MY MOTHER)

51 This is a copy of the letter that accompanied the 4D paper. It tells what happened at St. Louis. Also there is attached the appendix, which is self explanatory. I would sound too egotistical if I were to tell you of the comments to date. Pray for my guidance. I am crazy to hear from you. Remember it is strictly confidential still.

52 (MR. ARTHUR HOLDEN, 232 MADISON AVE., NEW YORK CITY)

53 Attached are three copies of the appendix, to the three copies of the paper which you already have, brought about by your comments and those of others. This is the ‘‘Multi-belle-lettre’’ that 1 sent out with the papers. Time is so very precious that I hope I may hear from you at once. Am also enclosing two copies of this letter, signed, which you might like to route with those already given you.

54 (EARL H. REED, JR. ESQ., 531 N. MICHIGAN BLVD., CHICAGO, ILL.)

55 This is a copy of my ‘‘multi-belle-lettre’’, accompanying the paper which you did not have time to finish at St. Louis. There is attached a new appendix, which is self explanatory. Will you study it all through and write me your comments.

56 (THOMAS R. KIMBALL, ESQ., 836 WORLD HERALD BLDG., OMAHA, NEBR.) Former Pres. A.LA.

57 Mr. Hewlett, my father-in-law, was kind enough to introduce me to you at the convention. Attached is the paper which you asked that I send to you. I would sincerely appreciate your immediate study of it and comments.

58 (THORNTON WILDER, ESQ.)

59 The understanding which made possible so intuitively fine a creation as ‘‘The Bridge of San Luis Rey’’ urges upon us the necessity of presenting this confidential paper to you for your immediate study and comment.

60 (CLAUDE BRAGDON, ESQ.)

61 Your books ‘‘Architecture and Democracy’’, as well as ‘‘Tertium Organum’’ which you uncovered, as well as your many researches and associations with the matter concerned in this paper, urges upon us the necessity of having your study and comment on it.

62 (MISS FAY LEONE FAURIOT, C/O FORUM PUBLISHING CO., CONCORD, N.H.)

63 The importance of the attached paper warrants our earnest request that you give it immediate study and if impressed with the necessity of so doing, we would ask that you forward the second copy to Mr. Ford, whose fine spirit, as revealed in the articles transcribed by you, would warrant his study of it.

64 (HENRY FORD, ESQ.,- KINDNESS OF MISS FAY LEONE FAURIOT)

65 Your ideas as published in the Forum transcribed by Miss Fauriot so coincide with our own, that we feel justified in asking that you immediately study the attached paper which promises such serious events. If on completion the necessity would seem apparent, we hope that you will communicate with us.

66 (HON. RICHARD WASHBURN CHILD)

67 Your article ‘‘Our Foreign Imitators’’ mentioned in this paper as well as many other of your articles urge us to present this paper to you for your immediate study and comment.

68 (DR. S.W. STRATTON, PRES., MASS. INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CA MBRIDGE, MASS.)

69 Your article ‘‘Robots’’ appearing in Saturday Evening Post last January so definitely pointed to the events set forth in this paper that we earnestly request your immediate study and comment of it.

70 (ALBERT W. ATWOOD, ES.)

71 Your article ‘‘The Price of Incompetence’’ in the Saturday Evening Post, as well as a number of other comprehensive essays of yours, urge us to present this paper to you for your immediate study and comment.

72 (EDWARD AVERY PARK, ESQ.)

73 Your ‘‘New Backgrounds for a New Age’’ leads us to present this paper to you for your immediate study and comment. The seriousness of the events foretold seem to warrant the request ‘‘immediate’’.

74 (MESSRS. FRED’K ETCHELLS, ESQ.)

75

76

77Your splendid introduction to Monsieur Le Corbusier’s ‘‘Towards a New Architecture’’ leads us to forward the attached confidential paper which presages most serious events. We would appreciate your comments as well as those of Monsieur Le Corbusier.

78 ' (GARET GARRETT, ESQ.)

79

80

81Your ‘‘The American Book of Wonder’’ series leads us to feel that the attached paper which is confidential, should be studied and commented upon by you, at once. The seriousness of the events involved warrants the urgency.

82(RALPH T. WALKER, ESQ., C/P MESSRS. VOORHEES, GEMLIN & WALKER, NEW YORK CITY)

83Your article ‘‘A New Architecture’’ which appeared in the Architectural Forum in January as well as your broad experience in this field urges us to present the attached confidential paper to you for your immediate study and comment.

84 (DR. ISAAC ABT)

85

86

87Your many fine accomplishments in safeguarding children’s lives as well as the more personal interest which we feel in you due to your son’s care of our daughter Allegra, urges us to present the attached paper to you for your immediate study and comment.

88 (CHRISTOPHER MORLEY, ESQ., ROSLYN ESTATES, LONG ISLAND, N.Y.)

89

90

91‘‘The greatest poem ever known’’ which you wrote ‘‘To a Child’’ has always been with me since our little daughter 'Xandra died, six years ago, a few days before her fourth birthday. Allegra was born last August and is just what her name implies. A close feeling of kinship for you, derived from reading such harmonious and essential thoughts as are written into ‘‘I Know a Secret’’, allows my asking that you read this paper. I wanted to put ‘‘To a Child’’ in it, but thought you might not like it. (The poem which I wished to quote.)

92 TO A CHILD

93 1

94

95

96The greatest poem ever known

97Is one all poets have outgrown.

98The poetry, innate, untold,

99Of being only four years old.

100 2

101

102

103Still young enough to be a part

104Of Nature’s great impulsive heart. Born comrade of bird, beast and tree

105And unself-conscious as the bee—

1063

107

108And yet with lovely reason skilled

109Each day new paradise to build;

110Elate explorer of each sense,

111Without dismay, without pretense!

112 4

113

114

115In your unstained transparent eyes

116There is no conscience, no surprise;

117Life’s queer conundrums you accept, Your strange divinity still kept.

118 5

119

120

121Being, that now enthralls you, all

122Harmonious, unit, integral, Will shred into perlexing bits, - O contradictions of the wits!

123 6

124

125

126And life, that sets all things in rhyme

127May make you poet too in time—

128But there were days, O tender elf When you were poetry itself.

129—Christopher Morley.

130 (PAUL T. FRANKL. ESQ., C/O MESSRS. PAYSON & CLARKE)

131 ‘‘New Dimensions’’ is splendid. We are confident that this ‘‘Rough sketch’’, the necessity for which will be'evident, will merit your immediate study and comment. We cannot urge you too strongly to take the isolated few hours which it demands.

132 (EVERETT VICTOR MEEKS, ESQ., M.A.F.A.I.A., YALE UNIVERSITY, NEW HAVEN.) (DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS AND DIRECTOR OF■ THE DEPT. OF ARCHITECTURE, YALE.)

133 Your article ‘‘Collaboration in Art Education’’, which appeared in the February issue of the Journal of AIA., as well as the striking design now coming from your school, encourages us to hope that you may find time to read and comment on this paper, which seems to presage such serious events.

134 (J. HARVEY ROBINSON, ESQ., C/O MESSRS. HARPER & BROS., 383 MADISON AVE., N.Y.C.)

135 The phraseology, almost more than the sterling revelations of the matter itself, in ‘‘Mind in the Making’’, leads us to submit this paper to you at once for your comment. The expediency of the crude sketch will be obvious.

136 (RICHARD F. BACH, ESQ., ASSOCIATE IN INDUSTRIAL ART, METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, N.Y.C.)

137 The writer has just come upon your article ‘‘Our Industrial Arts’’ in the Journal of the AIA of February. The words ‘‘Building from the inside out’’ and ‘‘in the round’’ seem almost to relate us mentally. This paper will, while tryingly unfinished, at least interest you. The facts are so important that it was produced under ‘‘Full speed ahead’’. May we have your Thoughtful comments?

138 (WOLCOTT FULLER, ESQ.)

139 The attached paper is obviously confidential. This particular copy was bound together improperly but may be read with a few contortions. Study it very carefully. Some distinguished men have commented more than favorably.

20.1.5  TO R.B.F. FROM HIS MOTHER,CAROLINE WOLCOTT FULLER, 1133 PARK AVE., N.Y.C.- 5/23/28.

140** Your letter and your essay arrived safely. I think the latter is very remarkable and I am much impressed. I find it a good deal over my head but I am rereading it slowly and trying to digest it very carefully. I am most anxious to hear the result of the presentation of it in St. Louis - and what Mr. Hewlett thought about it. Do let me know. When and how did all this come to you?**

20.1.6  TO R.B.F. FROM ARTHUR C. HOLDEN, 232 MADISON AVE., NEW YORK CITY.-5/23/28

141** I have just written to Parker Hooper of the Architectural Forum telling him that I was asking you to send on to me the criticism which you wrote of the Convention. Will you do this? I think Hooper’s magazine has the nerve to run it. I wish at any rate that you would let me see it.

142 I am going over your book again and am going to send a copy on to Harvey W. Corbett. I shall get off to you within a few days a written memorandum of the criticisms and suggestions, such as they are, which I was able to put together.**

20.1.7  TO R.B.F. FROM N.A. DWYER, SEC'Y. PRES. OFFICE, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, CAMBRIDGE-5/28/28

20.1.8  TO R.B.F. FROM GAMALIEL BRADFORD, WELLESLEY HILLS, MASS.-5/28/28.

20.1.9  TO R.B.F. FROM L.J. STODDARD, CLEVELAND OHIO (STEEL FORGING ENGINEER)- 5/28/28

143Sending your outside letter to me - on to Bruce - because of the natural enthusiasm there displayed—You did a wonderful job, Bucky. More luck to you - Hope to be west in June.

20.1.10  FROM L.J. STODDARD TO BRUCE BARTON, OF BARTON, DURSTINE, & OSBORN, ADV’T COUNCIL. 383 MADISON AVE., N.Y.C.

144Dear Bruce: The writer of the attached, the enclosed and all that therein is - is a friend of mine. In conversation with him this winter in Chicago -1 probably gained his IDEA in a shorter time than it will take to read his written message.**

145 His views are revolutionary - and he realizes they cannot at once be attained. His plans provide however for an immediate commercial outlet through the supplying of his curtain walls and ‘‘bays’’ (pp 33, last paragraph but one & pp 40, second paragraph).

146 Industrial concerns of the first magnitude have already displayed great interest - as affording new products for their existing equipment.

147 The patents - basic - have been developed by the patent attorneys in Chicago who did similar work for ** (and made them stick.

148 Advertising will play a big part - come the time a company is formed.

149 This alone should be of interest to your associates.

150 But may I ask that you personally give as much time as your, let us hope, aroused interest will permit in reading the development of his IDEA and aid him by the benefit of your comment. P.S. Mr. James Monroe Hewlett-Architect (and Digressionist) is Bucky’s father-in-law.

20.1.11  TO R.B.F. FROM RUSSELL WALCOTT, CHICAGO ARCHITECT (IN MY OPINION OUTSTANDING-THE BEST OF RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTS OF CHICAGO)-5/29/28

151The enclosed is an interesting thing. You see that Leonardo had a part of your scheme worked out as far back as 1515! He was a marvelous man - one of my gods.

152 Also enclosed is a paragraph from Art Holden’s letter which you ought to enjoy.

153 Enclosure Russell Walcott’s letter to R.B.F. 5/29/28.

154 ‘‘Leonardo da Vinci’’

155 ‘‘Changed arrangement (mutations) of houses’’ seems in some details almost to anticipate the conditions of Standardization consequent upon modern mass production.

156 ‘‘Let the houses be changed and arranged in order and this will easily be done when they are first made in parts on the open places and then the framework can be fitted together on the site where they are to be permanent. Let the country folk inhabit a part of the new houses when the court is not present.’’ (From Leonardo’s note book).

157 ‘‘Note is accompanied by 4 sketches of approximately similar shape and dimensions. In two of these eight rooms or compartments, alternately square and circular, are seen grouped around a central space; the others are divided around the edge in segments of circles; in the one alternately projecting, while in the other, which is in part shaded, they are inset. The two former are apparently sketches of a ground plan, the latter of the ceiling and roof to correspond, and the method of construction which has been employed seems quite in accord with the reference in the text to the houses being made in parts and then assembled on the site where they are to be.’’

158 (Page 153 - The Mind of Leonardo da Vinci - Edward McCurdy)

20.1.12  FROM ARTHUR HOLDEN, N.Y.C., TO RUSSELL WALCOTT, CHICAGO (ENCL. R.W.'S LETTER, 9/29/28)

159‘‘★* Sunday morning I called up your friend Fuller and he came down to the hotel and we talked up to the minute that our train left. I think his book is artistically quite wonderful. I had made notes on it and made some suggestions to him and am writing him more fully. I am sending one copy which he gave me to Corbett.

160 Fuller told me that he had written a criticism of the Convention in St. Louis. Td like to feel that some architectural magazine of note would print it, and I am writing Parker Hooper of the Architectural Forum about it.’’

20.1.13  TO R.B.F. FROM RICHARD WASHBURN CHILD, NEW YORK CITY-5/29/28.

161Thank you heartily for sending me a copy of your 4D. I have read a part of it with interest, but I can see that it requires much study. I am leaving New York for a time, but hope to give it a thorough reading when I return. Best wishes.

20.1.14  TO R.B.F. FROM A NEW YORK ARCHITECT AND ARCHITECTURAL AUTHOR.-5/31/28

162I have gone quite thoroughly over the pamphlet on your new method of house construction and am profoundly impressed with it. Mr. X and I are to discuss it at length in a few days and meanwhile I am sending you a summary of my opinions on it.

163 A convention of the American Institute of Architects is a good place to launch such an idea, but everyone is generally too busy to give it the thorough consideration which it deserves. That is why I did not attempt to go with you into the matter at St. Louis and left it for a full day’s consideration on the train, returning, where I had no interruption. I have also gone over the pamphlet again yesterday and see no reason to change my first opinion.

164 Although I am naturally skeptical on the possibility of improving house construction as a result of many failures of experience such as Edison and Ford made, nevertheless for the life of me I do not see why your idea of a central stem is not sound. Although the proof of the pudding is in the eating, it does look as if you had hit upon the simple fundamental principle which all the others should have thought of but never did.

165 Following the suggestion of Mr. X, I have marked on my copy, marginal pencil notes. I suggest returning the copy to you if you like and having you send it back after you have noted my observations. Some of these observations are not of great moment, but I wish to give you my opinion of the larger aspects as they appear to me.

166 If your invention works out it should have more far reaching effects than noted. You have doubtless thought of the effect on the building industry in respect to the changes which it will make in the use of building materials, the methods of contractors and the employment of labor. I wonder whether even profounder changes are not in prospect? Take for instance the simplest case; a small house for the majority of the population with ground floor area of about 600 square feet. Though ignorant of the details of your system it might be possible to support the entire structure on one stem. Following the character of the invention there should be an absolute minimum of underground work consisting of the foundation for the stem and the municipal services of sewers, water, gas, electricity. Every other detail including tanks should be supported on the stem. If this is possible, the placing of the house on the plot will follow somewhat this process. A central fabricating plant making parts and accessories such as the great Ford plant at the River Rouge. These parts will be assembled as a complete little house at assembling plants which would be located in the more populous centers. The house completely put together could be lifted on a large truck with a crane and motored a few miles to its site where it could be placed on the foundations and connected with the municipal services in one day. This means that the house could also be removed and transported to another site in a day.

167 If this is possible you have introduced the idea of MOBILITY into house ownership. In some ways they return to the old nomadic days of the first American and his wigwam. The changes brought about by this fact would be far reaching and particularly they might revise existing customs of land tenure and financing of housing.

168 As you are aware in this office we have made extensive studies of housing costs and find that at least one half the cost of the home is to be charged to land and financing. Mr. X’s book and his article in the Atlantic Monthly explain this in detail.

169 With mobility introduced into the house, the house may be owned by the tenant just as he owns an automobile, and he may rent the space to locate it on. Under such conditions a mortgage would be impractical and the financing might be done through an acceptance company as in the case of automobiles. Since the house costs less, the terrific overhead of financing charges, discounts, etc., would be largely eliminated. Most of the value of the site would be in the location and desirability of that site, rather than the value of any improvements on it in the shape of buildings. Since the householder possesses mobility, every home site could be in competition with all the other home sites within a radius of many miles. In order to maintain value in his lot the land owner would be obliged to furnish it and maintain the best neighborhood and community conditions by insisting on a well planned and administered town, good schools, low taxes, etc., in order to hold his tenants. Such a change might puncture the devastating real estate speculators and colossal waste in land utilization.

170 Evidently there are some interesting possibilities in these broader aspects. There is no question that a factory built house would mean one of the greatest advances in civilization which modern art and applied science have so far developed. The reason for all attempts to depart from the existing methods of building construction is that no way has been found to produce a house in a factory or assembling plant complete and then transport it to its site and set it up without extensive foundation work and field construction.

171 In conclusion I would suggest that you begin to think very much of the relation of the house to the land. From a short conversation with Mr. X, he agrees with me that this is desirable. If this part of the proposition can be thoroughly worked out in advance, you will have accomplished a great improvement over the practice in the automobile industry which launched the motor car industry before its condition of traffic, etc., was thoroughly understood. Only now is the relation of the motor car, so to speak to the land which it uses, carefully worked out. The relation of a house to its site is even more fundamental and should be most thoroughly gone into with extensive research.

172 Again let me tell you how much I appreciated reading this matter and how glad I was to see you. I trust that your extraordinary beginning will continue and that your ideal will be realized in its full promise which is more than extraordinary.

20.1.15  TO R.B.F. FROM J. MONROE HEWLETT, OF LORD & HEWLETT ARCHITECTS, 2 W. 45TH.ST., NEW YORK CITY.-6/4/28.

173I have been trying to get time to write to you ever since I got back from St. Louis but found things rather piled up. 1 have read your pamphlet very carefully and it seems to me that you are starting on a perfectly logical idea but one which involves a greatly improved solution of a great number of detailed problems before you would possibly be in a position to say ‘‘go’’ on a quantity production basis.

174 If you have the backing necessary to engage in the experimental construction in the many different fields that must be covered, it would seem to me that it would be wise to go slow on the exploitation of the idea until you are ready to follow it up with something far more definite than the general statements contained in your pamphlet.

175 I should be very much interested to see any plans or more detailed description of the way you expect to solve these problems and of the materials you expect to use as it is on such points as these that any architect’s suggestion would be likely to be helpful. Love to all.

20.1.16  TO R.B.F. FROM L.J. STODDARD, CLEVELAND, OH1O.-6/11/28.

176The enclosed came today as well as prospectus No. 55 returned. Sorry—but all in life is not a bed of roses.

20.1.17  TO L.J. STODDARD, FROM BRUCE BARTON, NEW YORK CITY-6/8/28.

177Thank you for your letter.

178 Possibly there is something in Mr. Fuller’s idea, but if so it is so well concealed in his language that I have not discovered it.

20.1.18  TO R.B.F. FROM ALLEN E. ERICKSON, 7 W. MADISON ST., CHICAGO-6/12/28.

179(Midwestern ‘‘head’’ of the Architects Small House Service Bureau, Chgo. Sponsored by A.I.A. and to date most definite altruistic move in small housing. So inadequate however account general conditions that it is trying situation.)

180 I have read your discourse on the industrialized home which you gave me at St. Louis, but 1 have not studied it.

181 The entire subject and the manner in which you have presented it calls for great admiration. The facts are correct and the reasoning which you have employed is positive. It should be successful.

182 I shall welcome the opportunity some time in the future of talking with you again on the subject.

20.1.19  TO R.B.F. FROM WOLCOTT FULLER, OF GENERAL ELECTRIC CO.-6/12/28.

183(Wolcott Fuller, named after his 4 times ‘‘great’’ grandfather, Gen. Roger Wolcott, Colonial Governor of Connecticut and Massachusetts, Wolcott Fuller, world war veteran. Harvard and Harvard Engineering School, worked successively for Dwight P. Robinson, Thompson-Starrett Constr. Co. Stockade Co. and Gen. Electric, his training typical of American Engineer confines him when ‘‘officially’’ speaking to historic formula. No abstractions or logic.)

184 I certainly am a terrible correspondent, as I should have written you ages ago. I received that copy of your new scheme last week. I have not finished reading it yet and therefore can not give you an opinion of it, but I wanted to write now to let you know I had it and am much interested. From glancing through it I was not able to gather what it was all about as it was all so new and written in such a deep manner. (See his letter of 8/6/28).

20.2  739 BELMONT AVE. CHICAGO, ILL.

185June 8th, 1928 Dear Mr. Hewlett:

186 I was glad to get your letter, which I have been anxiously awaiting, and to learn that you feel the 4D house and methods to be along ‘‘perfectly logical’’ lines. I have studied your letter carefully, and there are several points of misunderstanding that I wish to clear up at the outset so that our correspondence may be effective.

187 In your second paragraph you say that you think it would be wise to go slow on ‘‘Exploitation’’ until ready with something more definite than the general statements of the ‘‘pamphlet’’.

188 The pamphlet was not written as a catalogue for public exploitation purposes in any of the senses of common usage of the words ‘‘Exploitation’’ and ‘‘Pamphlet’’. It was written to cover the multitude of arguments that generally come up in conversation on the subject of industrially-to-be-produced housing, thoughtlessly and from force of habit, and to the detriment of the eventual good to be derived therefrom. Even amongst highly intelligent persons, the self-equation in direct conversation is bound to be detrimental to the subject matter, particularly in the limited time afforded an unknown by anyone of sufficient note to have a ‘‘valuable’’ opinion. It was written to be submitted, as marked, in strictly confidential manner to you and a few other selected people of widely divergent interests. It was assumed that some manner of tie would permit the assured indulgence of its recipients to the extent of its being carefully read. Having done that it would obviate many points of additional discussion which it had been found were sure to arise prior to arriving at effective action. It was based on the experience of much wasted time. To date it has well substantiated itself by winning 100% of those who have studied it. Each person has his peculiar method of mental test, and from long experience as a ‘‘salesman’’ I have learned how best to talk to a given group. What is superfluously obvious to one, is ‘‘Meat’’ for the next. It was in no way, however, designed as a pamphlet of publicity. It was designed for the following purposes.

189

1.

To centralize discussion of the new methods of construction and industrial organization about myself and the group who have backed me in the expensive work of assembling the data and drafting the patents.

2.

To establish precedent of the novelty of the patented ideas at the headquarters of the various pooling places of specialized knowledge, for reference testimony when this greatest of industries develops its inevitable patent contests.

3.

To establish the basic decency of the philosophy behind the control of this industry, before revealing the simply derived mechanical truths, and the details of their application. This is the only good and lasting order of events.

4.

To ‘‘scoop’’ the novelty for the group controlling the idea, who are pledged to altruistic and unselfish development of it; it being evident that selfish feudalistic groups were unwittingly headed for the same point. It would seem that such a point might be the crisis of decent social existence, all depending on which way the coin were to fall, ‘‘Heads or tails’’. In any event the coin was falling, and we seem to have ‘‘called’’ it correctly.

5.

For initial presentation of the idea to the American Institute of Architects, as being the body- most trustworthy to whom it might be submitted for discussion, without danger of improper publicity; with the additional hope that through it some manner of economic benefit might be made to accrue to the AIA, for, by its very meaning, it would seem that the importance of the A1A might be otherwise fast dwindling.

6.

For private individual presentation to a group of approximately 200 men and women of high public esteem, who have been writing upon, or in any way from an high abstract viewpoint, have been considering-the forerunner events of this industrial housing. The overriding purpose of all being to absolutely withhold any form, whatsoever, of ‘‘ Exploitation’’, no matter how tempting, until these invited comments and recommendations have been returned, that, if this is to be the most powerful of industries.

190 its power may most decently be developed.

191

7.

As a test of the subject matter itself to see if the word arguments could arouse a uniform and practicable picture, both of the product and the industry, in the most varied types of minds to whom it was being submitted.

8.

To rub into the wound, inflicted in ‘‘Habit’’ by a novel thought, a vivid picture of the many desperately ridiculous, wasteful contortions of self-imposed suppression-of-enlightenment that today pervades our ‘‘Practical’’ activities, this being the time to materially cure the incongruities and hypocrisies attendant.

192 Those backing me have not great money resource, but vast moral resources. We personally (Anne, the baby, and self) have but enough money to pay for our food and rent, in the most modest of quarters. About our last pennies were spent in getting the booklet together, in mailing it out, and in making the trip to St. Louis. The books cost about S2 each, material and outside labor. BUT the high expense of drawings and patent specification drafting, legal entrenchment etc., by the best patent attorneys and civil attorneys in this district, have been covered, and the safety of the patents thus endowed against selfish attack.

193 You mention the lack of actual construction detail indicated by the paper. This was quite purposeful. You must realize that to draw a really good patent today, that will ‘‘Hold water’’, the actual complete working details must be indicated in the drawings, or verbally specified. They must be so shown as to make possible their easy interpretation by any ordinary mechanic (I mention all this as you will find a divergence from the former patent practice with which we are mutually familiar). They must not, as has been the past practice in patent law, just vaguely attempt to cover any and all contingencies. They must, if let us say they pertain to the invention of the original man, show even the color of the eyes and a pair of eye glasses to further substantiate the fact that they eyes are lenses etc., for the visual senses. The patent courts will uphold you if a black man is shown, without your claiming on yellow, green, and all other possible colors of man. Further if the principle of the arm and hand are covered, various duplications of these functions need not be shown. Numbers are inconsequential. The specific principle is the thing. It is significant that the patents took 4 months continuous work to draft, and that they are 22 pages long, without drawings and claims, that there are 6 pages of the former, and 43 completely separate claims of novel revelation in the latter. This was in no way due to verbosity which is the antithesis of the work of Messrs. Emery, Booth, Janney, and Varney, patent attorneys.

194 I am enclosing a copy of the patent specifications and drawings, minus the claims, as they are being kept by the patent attorneys only, and are not for the present to be revealed. The drawings don’t look at all like the harmonious 4D House, and the cubical termination of the design is only so shown to indicate its possibility from the central rounding plan. They look like pictures of a man with but one foot and one toe on that foot, etc. The fact that a top cantilever truss is shown is not confining, but indicates that the floors and walls might be suspended from such, as well as directly from the mast or caisson. I am loathe to show these as it was my intention to keep them from the view of any designers lest they be grotesquely prejudicial. (1 know you are exempt in this, and it is necessary that 1 show them to you).

195 Here are my immediate activities and plans.

196 I am receiving letters from such men as Gamaliel Bradford, whose life-time historical and biographical studies make his comments, born of intimate observation of progressions, extremely valuable. He says ‘‘It is hardly necessary to say that your most interesting communication deserves far fuller treatment than I can give it in a casual letter. I should want many long hours to think it over carefully before I could give it adequate discussion, but I can see that it merits the thoughtful attention of far more competent critics than I could ever be. At any rate, the subject is evidently of first importance’’. Richard Washburn Child, publicist, writer, and U.S. Ambassador to Italy, etc. writes that he has already finished part of ‘‘your 4D’’ and can see that it merits and requires much study, which he will give to it and in the mean time sends his best wishes. Roger Babson’s office acknowledges with thanks, and President Max Masson of Chicago University and the Rockefeller Institute ‘‘has taken the paper home to study it’’. A certain measure of acclaim of an entirely unexpected nature and from quite foreign though able sources has been reported to me, that fairly takes my breath away. (I had not tried to make an English composition, or philosophical treatise of it, but you will be interested to know that my method of testing what I write is to abstractly listen to it being read by you. JMH, in your clear fashion to some other people). This method, despite some persistent survivors, eliminates a profusion of Victorian oratory, which it is hard otherwise to avoid when intensely anxious to win the point). Now, with these comments (and many more are promised) gathered together, will I proceed to enlist the interest of some of the largest life insurance companies, who, regardless of any other qualifications, are interested in the two effects of such housing on: A longevity and safeguarding of life, and : B material value of the house for recreative capital investment of their funds. Armed with a preponderance of mental affirmation they can and will be made to divert some of the millions which they expend on research along these very lines to the perfection of mechanical experiments, which, as you point out, must be made before production is entered upon. There are a large number of ‘‘Material’’ concerns, such as the Crane Co. who have already shown an eager interest in isolated portions of the idea which were discussed with them in the ‘‘preliminaries’’. For the sake of the non-prejudice of capital backing, all overtures by them have been disregarded. We are going to do this right from the beginning. I wish you would study chapter 16 over again on these points. There are steps there that have been already covered or obviated, but the fact of the small amount of capital necessary to the assembling group is clearly shown.

197 I should like to see you in New York, but while it is harder, there is no question of the superior value of letter writing at the present time. Writing demands far more definite crystalization of thought than does talking. When a signature is to be affixed people think more sparingly and accurately. Therefore we are going to stay right here until this is completely worked out.

198 Here is the important thing which I have in mind, as far as you are directly concerned. Bespeaking the controlling voice of 4D, this is an official offer to you in your capacity of first-vice-president of the American Institute of Architects. Inasmuch as the American Society for Testing Materials, the Underwriters Laboratories, etc., have all been put on a paying basis, performing fixed public services; and whereas the treasurer’s statement of the AIA reveals a trying financial condition; and lastly because of the high order of its membership and its directorate, (I think it a distinct credit to the Institute that it has elected you 1st V.P.); I hereby offer to the Institute, prior to its becoming in any way commercialized, an eleven months option to acquire the controlling interest of the 40 patents, which they may even divert nominally to a separate body to be known by another suitable name, if that should seem desirable, provided that such body be completely controlled by the AIA; also provided they may qualify upon a certain schedule of action deemed necessary and desirable to the proper safeguarding of the patents. Patent license might then be meted out by the Institute on a competitive basis of the highest order and royalty producing, thus providing an opportunity to its membership to participate both creatively and possessively in the activities of the new industry which might otherwise go to quite foreign hands. Upon qualification, the controlling interest will be deeded to them for the proper development of the patents, on the most highly creative basis for the general welfare of mankind. In this way the AIA may, instead of receding to an ever less consequential position, along with all manner of decentralized ‘‘Tailoring’’ activities by force of economics, may be boosted to the most important of concordant organizations of individuals in the world. Thus will you and the other creative men of your type, who have given their lives quite unselfishly to their work, at last ‘‘Come into their own’’, as it has forever been the popular wish that they should. It is also stipulated that a portion of the patent interest be deeded to the Harvard School of Business Administration, in turn for its services in the evolution of a plan of administration and stock ownership distribution that will make 4D most widely participated in and beneficial to, the permanent competence of mankind.

199 It has now become too big for any one person to bear longer the responsibility of sole direction, which was essential up to this point. Having been so abstractly substantiated as it already has been, these preliminary overtures are made, without reservation. If taken up by the Institute the two main requirements will be: that an international contest of design be worked out within the new manner of construction, with a contractural obligation of the contestants that all title to ownership of any novelties in design automatically accrue to the AIA.; the second is that the Institute place and carry adequate patent insurance on the 4D letters patent. These are obviously the next most powerful steps in the centralization of control process. I have instructed my attorneys Messrs. Tenney, Harding, Sherman, & Rogers, of Chicago, to develop such a contract. I did not wish to make this move until assured, beyond the shadow of doubt, that I was offering the ‘‘Real thing’’, which it now appears to be. You will find decent precedent of such cooperative ownership. The segregation of architectural functions, bespoken by yourself at the closing minutes of the convention, tending to centralize the allied arts activities around the Architectural League of N.Y., and the practice and procedure activities around the AIA, further facilitates the idea. I will of course, after this informal exchange with you, make a clearly defined and formal offer, but, for the time being, this will be sufficient for the purpose. Let us not waste time with many formalities. It is deemed that the years grace will reveal the expediency of acceptance by the Institute. It will take some time to obtain the reflections of the controlling members. It takes some time to obtain the reflections of the controlling members. It takes some time to acquire, and adjust the mind to, the new scheme of affairs that is inexorably advancing upon the ‘‘Building’’ industry. Only through vestment of control in as public and indubitably unselfish and potentially able a body as the A.LA. can great chaos be averted, upon the introduction of the new methods and materials. The A.LA. will thus gradually become the creative balancing unit to the conservation balancing unit represented by the governing board of the Federal Reserve System or whatever the latter’s successor may be, if they are to continue in their ‘‘arbitration’’ of ‘‘Call money’’ rates, and the improper use of this adjustment power in attempting to discourage public ‘‘backing’’ of business through good faith, credit, or marginal stock purchase. They must either acquire the knowledge of the lime standard revealed in the 4D paper up to which capital is adjusting itself, thus balancing the upward trend of prices, which is the same as the decreasing value of the ‘‘gold’’ purchasing dollar, or economically die. This is the significant economic benefit of 4D Houses. They force the world expansion to the sphere of ‘‘faith-time’’ dealing. If the Federal Reserve System is further exploited to discourage stock usurpation of investment capital, that public money may be diverted to consumption of low, fixed-yield, 200 million dollar Bond issue days, it, the Federal Reserve System, will lose its prestige and power, for as stated in the 4D paper you can't legislate temporal progress which the increasing predominance of faith over material exchange value. With the establishment of the new mobile housing industry, will the other industries of automobile, airplane, radio, furnishings, etc., no matter how complementary to the main housing, assume the proportions of the motor launches, airplanes, and myriad other gear, to the main battleship, being but accessories of convenience. I mention all this lest the colossal size of this coming industry and its complete importance be overlooked between us in the proper attempt to remove any undue stress possible through close personal relationship.

200 For reasons quite obvious I have made no mention of specific materials, lest, inadvertently, some disturbance be started, though I have investigated and determined upon the majority of them. Properly controlled, the progressions of industrial adjustment will only benefit mankind. For instance: we observe the ever greater capital purchasing ability of the increasingly available (both as to time and space) and more attractive fresh fruits and vegetables, as against the diminishing capital equivalent of meat purchases, and realize that with the atmospheric control of the 4D House the necessity and desire for meat will vanish. On the other hand, we observe the development of feather weight, resilient, non-combustible, non-breakable (relatively) and attractive translucence and color treatability of casein products, and realize their adaptability to exterior vacuum panes and other portions of the 4D House; and observing that the ever more desirable cream industry is the essential food product; then do we foresee an end to the malodorous stock yards and cessation of ‘‘killing the goose that lays the golden egg.’’ Such adjustments will need clear far sighted planning.

201 I am enclosing a note of Russell Walcott to me, which is self explanatory and interesting. All that Leonardo needed was the development of the metal industry and we should be centuries ahead of where we are today. He was indeed a reasonable and far seeing individual in addition to his harmonious genius. I also enclose a letter from a mutual friend to Bruce Barton, commending 4D to his attention. Will you return these to me as soon as you have read them. Keep the new copy of the 4D paper, number 173. The changes in it since the copy which you have read, are: the addition of the first two pages; small changes on pages 8 and 11; several changes on pages 27, 33, and 44; and pages 45 to 52, inclusive, completely new. Please read them as they are necessary to a proper understanding of this letter.

202 After I had worked out my own time laws of relativity (but lightly touched on in the paper) 1 decided to study the books of and by Albert Einstein in the library here. I find that 1 check with him quite closely materially and abstractly, both as to cause and effect, and even to the relative importance of formula. The unfortunate thing about Einstein has been that he seems to have obscured his meanings behind most cryptic language, quite unconsciously, being of so scholarly a nature; and only those who talk the same language have been his audience. They, as is typical of all aesthetic people, have retained to themselves the appreciation of his truths, if indeed they have appreciated them, thinking thereby to set themselves apart as ones to be admired for their obscure learning. When we look up in the dictionary and apply the five word phrases of similarity to such good and comprehensive words as ‘‘Nexus’’ used one on top of the other by Einstein, we perceive a perfectly clear translation of his ideas, which as such are not hard to comprehend at all. I am confident any intelligent school boy today can compass them, properly expounded to him. ANY TRUTH, IF SUCH, IS EASILY UNDERSTANDABLE TO DECENTLY ENLIGHTENED PEOPLE, AND MUST EVENTUALLY BE POPULARLY SO. More important still TRUTHS MUST BE MECHANICALLY INTERPRETED WHEREVER APPLICABLE. TIME and RELATIVITY are essential components of construction design and harmonious composition. This paragraph, otherwise completely superfluous at this time, is added to generally explain and emphasize my attitude in the composition of the whole paper. The abstract starting point must be consistently adhered to in the complete subjection of materialism to the will of the unselfish or spiritual man. The soul effacing horror of the alternative is portrayed in such titles as those of the philosophical essays attributed to Henry Ford ‘‘Machinery the New Messiah’’, etc., in which good statistics are used but the progressions misinterpreted. As Christ said to Nicodemus when the latter was inquiring of him about His Miracles ‘‘if you (as most important man of affairs about this town) cannot comprehend these earthly things, it is certainly impossible for you to understand heavenly things.’’

203 The new copy of 4D is prefaced by a letter referring to the AIA convention at St. Louis. While I appreciate the fact, as we discussed it together there, that the standardization referred to was that, attempted in an arbitrary manner by manufacturers of units of the already confined exterior limitations, of a method of design that starts on the outside; none the less ‘‘Old John Public’’, who is glad to ‘‘pass the buck to the experts’’, but eventually must pay all the bills, and is inclined at such times to be critical, was accorded as his only report of the meeting, through the news, the fact that the AIA, of which he would like to be proud, was, bespoken by its president and directors, against standardization. Further qualifications of that statement were unnoticed and incomprehensible to him. Just when you are being honored by the American Institute of Architects, I hate to see the latter deny itself to the really essential public the indulgent and infinitely great new patron. Of such are the remarks in the letter, from an entirely unfettered public viewpoint, which may only be made by one who is as truly fond of, and proud of, you all as I am. Certainly there is nothing to be ashamed of in ‘‘wearing our hearts on our sleeves’’. With the advent of the new industry, in proper hands, along with the unspoiled billions of new youth which it shall house, will the self-conscious awkwardness of apology for our genuine feelings be forevermore obviated.

204 R. B. FULLER.