A collection of 66 letters to businessman Ellis A. Gimbel, dating from 1937–1941, thanking Gimbel for sending replicas of a medal he presented to Amelia Earhart in 1932. The medal was originally presented to Earhart by the Gimbel Brothers at a banquet in her honor on October 5, 1932, for her outstanding achievements and courage. Included are letters from Albert D. Lasker, golfer Jean Bauer, Philadelphia civic leader J. Stogdell Stokes, John Hartford, Wanamaker Department Stores president William Nevin, and baseball player Russell Blackburne. One letter reads, in part: “Thank you most kindly for the replica of the medal that you presented to Amelia Earhart. America has lost a gallant aviatrix and the world has lost the most outstanding woman in her particular endeavor.” Another recipient writes: “It is tragic that a person of her ability and willingness to further the progress of aviation should have come to such an untimely death, and I still trust that by some act of Providence we shall hear of her survival and safety.” Letters are affixed by their corner tabs to off-white 8.5 x 11 sheets and all held in a three-ring binder. In fine overall condition. RR Auction COA.
