RUTH
NICHOLS. Typed Letter Signed to Mrs. David Newland, Rye,
NY, 17 February 1936. 1 page, 11" x 8½".
A pioneering
aviator, Ruth Nichols was the co-founder, with Amelia Earhart, of the
"Ninety-Nines," a group of women pilots who promoted equality
for women in aviation. Nichols set numerous flying records for speed,
altitude, and distance, was the first woman pilot for a passenger airline,
and in her later years, was heavily involved in various humanitarian
programs.
At this
date, Nichols was recovering from severe injuries suffered in a plane
crash in October 1935. In a rather testy response to an autograph seeker,
she comments on the chance nature of fame. "Just because a
man or a women [sic] obtains recognition in the newspapers of the world,
does not mean that he or she is any better flyer, or deserves any greater
honor than those who are devoting their lives and time to the more prosaic
and routine jobs constituting our daily existence," Nichols
asserts.
"In
other words, I am always sorry to see that requests for autographs come
to those who have been recently in the newspapers, whether it is the
result of an accident such as I myself suffered last Fall, without thought
of the twelve and more years of flying which preceded it, – or
a more triumphant account in the form of some world record. There are
countless men flying the air mail daily and nightly who are far better
flyers than those who have obtained great public heights. The same is
also true of the women in aviation. However, if my autograph is of any
satisfaction to you, I am glad to sign this letter here below."
The letter
is in fine condition. $450.00
This
image omits some of the outer blank margin of the letter.
Return
