(12-08-2012 11:46 AM)BettyO Wrote: (12-08-2012 12:23 AM)ReignetteC Wrote: I feel the same way, Dave. Researching is a lot of fun (just wish I had a few extra hours in the day for it).
Nevertheless, I got my hands on something new tonight . . . and I'm still on cloud nine.
After a long commute home from NYC, I was ready to collapse on the sofa and watch the latest episode of "American Greed." But there, in the mail, was a small envelope from the University of Iowa Library. In the envelope was a flash drive of documents pertaining to the late Congressman Fred Schwengel.
Tonight I learned that Congressman Schwengel, who was instrumental in securing funds for the restoration of Ford's Theatre, hoped that the restored theatre would officially reopen on April 14, 1965.
A letter from Schwengel to Congressman Ben Jensen (July 7, 1961) states in part:
"It is our hope that this project may go forward promptly in order that the completed restored Ford's Theatre may be opened to the public on April 14, 1965. This would be a most fitting tribute to Abraham Lincoln on the anniversary of that fateful day, April 14, 1865."
Now I need to research the cause behind the delay, as Ford's Theatre officially reopened in January of 1968.
Lastly, plaudits for the friendly and helpful research teams at our government and academic institutions. They are the best!
How absolutely facinating!
I'm so very glad for you - and yes, it's the little things like that which make my day! Research teams at institutions whether government or private are grand, I totally agree.
ReignetteC, you may want to contact Laurie Verge who could give you a good contact for Ford's Theatre. I am very good friends with Frank Hebblewaith who used to be the curator of Ford's but he is long gone to another NPS facility....
Thank you, Betty, for the recommendation.
BTW, I read your fascinating book about Lewis Powell a few years ago --
(12-08-2012 04:57 PM)L Verge Wrote: I have never heard of that book, Roger; and I thought that almost every book about the assassination was monitored by our gift shop. Let me know what you think.
Reignette - I met Fred Schwengel several times back in the 1970s and 80s, when he was a driving force with the Lincoln Group of D.C. Very forceful Lincoln devotee, and I'm surprised that he couldn't move heaven and earth to get the Ford's Theatre project done on time.
Frank Hebblethwaite is the only one of the NPS Rangers that I know would have been around in the early days. I think Frank came in about ten years after the opening of the theater. E-mail me at laurie.verge@pgparks.com and I will supply a current e-mail for Frank. There's a whole new regime down there now.
I suspect that the cause for the delays was largely due to funding. Like nearly everywhere in the government world, anything pertaining to history takes a back seat at budget time.
It was said in Schwengel's obituary that " a friend once joked of Schwengel's love of Lincoln lore: "'Fred won't be happy until he's shot at Ford's Theatre.'"
In late 1967, Congressman Schwengel lead the drive to secure funds to purchase the Lincoln assassination clothing from Alphonse Donn's granddaughter. Donn's family asked $50K but settled for $25K.
Laurie, Thanks for the connection to Ford's. Although I've dealt with a gentleman in its public relations department for a few years, an employee from the early days would be an invaluable resource. As requested, I'll send you an e-mail.
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