Correspondence and Promotional Materials Relating to the Amelia Earhart Foundation

FILES OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK February 9, 1956 iss Nellie G. Donohoe, Amelia Earhert Foundation, 922 Latham Square Building, Gakland, California. Dear Miss Donohoe: i wish you to know that i have received and noted with appreciative interest your prospectus of plans to create an Amelia Larhart Foundetion. She was a remarkable woman and the development oF aviation has sustained a great) loss in her passing. She was @ woman of remarkable vision, definite cooperative spirit and courage. She was most constructive in her conferences end cooperation with us in our efforts to develop eir commerce. Referring sow to your invitation to me to become & member of the Honorary Board of Trustees under the incorporation whidh you are creating for the Foundstion, I would/advise that early in ay ineumbency of this office I received so sany requests to be identified with undertakings outside of the Government that I had to adopt the rule of not accepting sny in order to be just to ali. I eu sure thet you appreciate this situation and will aceept sy very best wishes for the success of your worthy objective in honoring the memory of Amelia Barhart. Very sincerely, DANIEL G. ROPER Secretary of Commerce The scientist. “Always laboratory-minded,” she studied science enthusiastically at Columbia and Harvard. The untiring champion of women’s progress, particularly in education. Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, speaking at the inau- gural luncheon of The Foundation at the White House, said, “Ever since Amelia Earhart was lost I have had a feeling that everybody would want that personality and spirit and courage carried on in some way, so that people, young people espe- cially, would not forget ...she had the power to fire their imaginations and make them dream dreams and see visions. I did not really feel that I knew where she had roots, so that a memorial could be started. The idea that she had an interest here in a college and that out of that could grow a living memorial was welcome. I hope that the whole plan will appeal to you as it has to me. “Tt will be something that will help young women to do things, something she was interested in, so that something of value to us which Amelia Ear- hart represented shall be carried on to the younger generation and not die.” Fittingly, The Amelia Earhart Foundation is de- signed to benefit women. As fittingly, it has been created by the Trustees of Thiel College, Pennsyl- vania, the college from which she received the de- gree of Doctor of Science, and with which the Ear- hart family had been connected for more than seventy years. Shortly before her last flight, Amelia Earhart, deeply interested as ever in promoting advantages for women, planned to aid in erecting a Hall of Residence for women there, and the Trustees feel a moral obligation to fulfill her wish. But as a complete memorial this alone is inadequate. To honor the whole Amelia Earhart, it is planned that The Foundation shall, as well, grant post graduate scholarships in Science and Sociology, her best-beloved subjects. Open to women graduates of accredited colleges the country over, the Science scholarships will be available at any accredited institution the recipi- ents may choose, and the scholarships in Sociology will be tenable at leading settlements, where re- cipients will learn as Amelia Earhart learned, serve as Amelia Earhart served. The immediate goal of The Foundation is $500,000 —$300,000 to endow scholarships, $200,000 for the Women’s Hall of Residence. A Board of Trustees, incorporated separately from the Trustees of Thiel College, is being selected and they will ap- point an advisory committee to aid them in select- ing candidates for scholarships. The fund raising Headquarters in Washington are Suite 105, 744 Jackson Place, N.W., and the Washington depository is the Riggs National Bank, 1503 Pennsylvania Avenue. Please make checks payable to The Amelia Earhart Foundation, Inc. Ww WASHINGTON COMMITTEE as of May ro, 1938 Mrs. FRANKLIN D. Roosevett, Honorary Chairman Mrs. James J. Davis, Chairman Mrs. EuGENE MEYER Tue Hon. Joun W. BoEHNE, JR. Mrs. CAROLINE O'Day MR. JUSTICE AND MRs. STANLEY F. REED Mrs. Howarp F. Roucu Tue Rev. Howarp E. SNYDER Mrs. RUTH WILSON ‘RYAN Mrs. WALTER R. ‘TUCKERMAN Mrs. JAMEs G. WENTZ Miss EARLENE WHITE Dr. anv Mrs. Goutp WICKEY Mrs. RopertA CAMPBELL LAWSON Dr. Mary E. MARKLEY Miss CHART. ORMOND WILLIAMS Miss KATHARINE BROOKS SENATOR James J. Davis Mrs. Epwarp E. GANN Mrs. NED BRUNSON HARRIS Mrs. KATHLEEN SEXTON HOLMES THE Hon. Put J. KVALE A LIVING MEMORIAL To AMELIA EARHART Amelia Earhart—her shining courage, her broad human sympathies, her enthusiasms, her deep faith in women—should live on, actively, and re- main forever inspiring, especially to the young. The Amelia Earhart Foundation, therefore, seeks to keep alive and fruitful the memory, not only of Amelia Earhart the valiant pioneer of the air, but of Amelia Earhart— The devoted social worker. “Life can be a beautiful thing,” she said, “but what shuts out happiness for some does so for me and mine.” The self forgetful teacher. She became an ex- tension lecturer to Massachusetts mill hands. (Not printed at Government expense) IN MEMORIAM—AMELIA EARHART SPEECH oF HON. HATTIE W. CARAWAY OF ARKANSAS IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 27, 1938 Mrs. CARAWAY. Mr. President, I do not desire to detain the Senate in the consideration of the measure now before us, but Monday will be Memorial Day. Within the past year Amelia Earhart, one of the 12 most notable women of the past hundred years, has passed on. She was a woman who symbolized to a remarkable degree the courage, the pioneer- ing spirit and the broad achievements of American woman- hood. She had only 39 years of life, but into those years she poured a spirit so untrammeled that the world of men and women has a truer conception of what heights a woman may reach when she girds herself to competition on an equal footing with men. She was an ardent feminist and a humanitarian. She once decided to become a doctor, and to that end took a course in science, combining with that course a study in sociology. I think it quite fitting to call attention to the fact that this is Amelia Earhart Week, signifying the na- tional appeal sponsored by a national committee, of which Mrs. Roosevelt is the honorary chairman, and in Washing- ton by a committee headed by Mrs. James J. Davis, to estab- lish a worthy and living memorial in honor of Amelia Earhart. I cannot state better the underlying motives of this national appeal than in the words of Mrs. Roosevelt: I hope we will be able to interest a great many people in order that something of the personality, spirit, and courage which Amelia Earhart represented to us shall be carried on to the younger generation. Our President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, writes as follows: I am glad to learn that the indomitable spirit which surmounted so many obstacles and pointed the way to new feminine achieve- ments is to be commemorated in the Amelia Earhart Foundation. This foundation should, like her own radiant spirit and personality, be free in scope and idealistic in expression. Planned on such lines it can become an active force in moulding the destinies of those who come under its influence. Also, if I may do so without violating the rules of this body, I express the hope of general participation by the American people in establishing so worthy and lasting a 70514—16614 2 memorial to one of our great characters, through national scholarships in science and sociology, in order that other young women, through succeeding generations, may be trained along such lines as will equip them to render dis- tinguished service such as Amelia Earhart rendered to our Nation. 70514—15514 4.8, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1988 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 13, 1938 My dear Mr. Chamberlain: I am gled to learn that the in- domitable spirit which surmounted so many Ob- stacles and pointed the way to new feminine achievenents is to be commemorated in the Amelia Earhert Foundaticn. This foundetion should, like her own radient spirit and personality, be free in scope and idealistic in expression. Planned on such lines it can become an ective force in moulding the destinies of those who come under its influence. Very sincerely yours, Mr. Ernest B. Chamberlain, The Amelia Earhart Foundation, Suite 105 - 744 Jackson Place, N. W. Washington, D. C. Immediate Release. May 19, 1938. | ie - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Be —— fo. ? WASHINGTON ™ Secretary Roper issued the following statement today concerning "Amelia Earhart Week," May 22-28, 1928: "Z am glad to encourage the sponsors of “Amelio Barhart Week," the con- structive objective of which is to femiliarize the American people with the purpose of the proposed Amelia Earhart Foundation. "The movement not only commenorates the wonderful research endeavors and achievements of this intrepid woman in the field of aviation but, through the scholarship provision, should make possible the encouragement of the educational attainments of others. "As one of the aeronautical advisers of the Bureau of Air Commerce of the of Comerce and on her own private initiative, Miss Earhart displayed a remarkably broad conception of the problems of aviation, as well as skill end cooperation in solving them through practical and research endeavors. "I commend to the generosity of the American people, the efforts of all those who are promoting this Foundat ion," THR WHITE HOUSE Washington May 13, 1938. My-dear Mre Chamberlain: I am glad to learn that the indomitable spirit which surmounted 80 many obstacles and pointed the way to new feninine achievements is to be comnemorated in the Amelia Earhart Foundation. This founda- tion should, like her ow radiant spirit and personality, be free in scope and idealistic in expressione Planned on such lines it can become an active force in moulding the destinies of those who come under its influence. Very sincerely yours, (Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt Mrs Ernest B. Chamberlain The Amelia Earhart Foundation Suite 105 - 744 Jackson Place, Ne We Washington, De Ce AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION LATHAM SQUARE BUILDING OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA eAn Unsolved Mystery On the twenty-first day of May, 1937, Amelia Earhart started her “Around the World Flight” from Oakland, California. She piloted her Lockheed Electra across the United States, leaving her native country at Miami, passing along the coast of South America and over the Atlantic Ocean to the Western Coast of Africa. She then continued to wing her way across the jungles of Africa and on to Cal- cutta, India; thence to Singapore; Port Darwin, Australia; and Lae, New Guinea. Up to this point she had covered twenty-two thousand miles of her flight in forty days, approximately seven thousand miles remaining between her and her home port, Oakland, California. At ten A. M. on Friday, July 2nd, Miss Earhart began her twenty-five hundred mile flight from Lae to a tiny spot of land in the great Pacific Ocean, Howland Island, and over a route never traveled by any human being in a plane, This was by far one of the most hazardous trips ever attempted. It covered a vast body of water, literally studded with innumerable charted and uncharted islands, atolls, and coral reefs. Somewhere among them lies the solution of a mystery which has engaged the attention of the entire world, REASON FOR SEARCH At the time Miss Earhart’s plane disappeared, the Navy Department came for- ward and offered its services and ships to conduct a search. It is well known that the Navy and Coast Guard made as thorough a search as was humanly possible under the hurried and unfavorable conditions prevailing at the time. In view of the well known aeronautical skill of Amelia E ing ability of Captain Frederick J. Noonan, it would seem mo after they had passed over numerous islands, fighting a head wind, with their gasoline supply low, they attempted to retrace their path. In this Case, they may well have landed on one of the many islands they had previously sighted. From time to time, various amateur radio operators picked Up messages, some of which were thought to have been authentic. Although messages indicated that the fliers were down on land, they were so garbled that no definite information could be gleaned as to their whereabouts. A careful and lengthy analysis of these messages and data obtained during and since the search, together with a checking of American and British charts of the Pacific waters, has led those investigating to believe that some of the messages were authentic and that it is more than possible the fliers came down on land. This belief has been further strengthened through checking information collected with a num- ber of the oldest and best known Pacific Ship Masters. A number of these, who have 1 arhart and the navigat- re than reasonable that, spent many years of their lives in sail and power in these Pacific island waters, believe a strong probability exists that Miss Earhart and her navigator landed safely on some small island and may be still alive awaiting rescue. One of them states: “I am firmly convinced that there is far more than an even chance of Miss Earhart and her naviga- tor having landed on one of the hundreds of islands in that area, where any kind of a ship might not touch for a year or many years.” In addition, there are instances where persons have been marooned on islands in this vicinity and have been able to sustain life for various lengthy periods. FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED The FOUNDATION is preparing to conduct a search in and about these charted and uncharted islands, atolls, and coral reefs, for the purpose of covering territory which it has so far been impossible to survey thoroughly. In connection therewith, there will be used small boats from the “mother-ship,” which is of shallow draught, making it possible to navigate waters inaccessible to vessels of deep draught. Much scientific equipment is being taken on the expedition for a careful and minute search of six to eight months duration. The crew will be composed of men thoroughly experienced in the use of all such scientific equipment. The personnel will Include divers, men trained in survey work, and men who are familiar with and have navigated these waters for many years. With the knowledge that Amelia Eathart looked forward to the time when she could give her support and encouragement to other ambitious girls and women de- Sirous of following aviation as a life work,* a group of her friends have been instru- mental in establishing the AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION, a non-profit corporation. PURPOSES OF FOUNDATION To conduct an expedition to clear up the mystery surroundin of Amelia Earhart, the lost aviatrix, and Captain Frederick J. N and to attempt to determine beyond doubt whether or not they _ To induce, encourage, Sciences akin thereto, These, filed with ¢ g the disappearance oonan, her navigator, are still alive. and inspire the study of aeronautical navigation and the and other purposes, are fully set forth in the Articles of Incorporation he Secretary of the State of California, as included herein. FINANCES > The AMELIA EAaRHART FOUNDATION will be su ry Public-spirited citizens, friends, th Ous rights :— books, m Overnors may direct ¢ e © See “Last Flight” by Amelia v Pported by donations contributed € public at large, and from the returns of sale of oving pictures, radio, magazine articles, etc., as the Board rom time to time. Earhart in collaboration with her husband, George Palmer Putnam. The number, rights, privileges and powers of members shall be as follows: 1. Founder Members: a. There shall be five Founder Members consisting of the five incorporators of this corporation. b. In case of the resignation or death of any one or more of the said Founder Members, the vacancy or vacancies so created shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Founder Members. c. A Founder Membership is not transferable. d. That the powers of this corporation shall be exercised, its property controlled, and its affairs con- ducted by the Founder Members to the end that the purposes for which this corporation was formed may be carried out. e. Founder Members shall have no interest whatsoever, either vested or otherwise, in the assets of the corporation. 2. Honorary Trustee Members: a. Honorary Trustee Members shall be individuals of recognized character and integrity who shall be elected by the Founder Members. " b. The Founder Members shall determine from time to time the number of Honorary Trustee Mem- ers. c. Honorary Trustee Members shall have no vote or voice in the conduct of the affairs or the business of this corporation, nor shall they have any interest in and to the assets of this corporation. d. Honorary Trustee Memberships are not transferable. ARTICLE IX There shall be no capital stock ; membership in the AMELIA EaRHART FouNDATION shall be evidenced by a certificate executed under the Seal of the corporation and signed by the President and Secretary thereof. ARTICLE X This corporation from time to time may do any one or more of the acts and things to carry out any one or more of the purposes here set forth and may transact business in the State of California, in other states of the Union, in the District of Columbia, in the districts, dependencies and colonies of the United States and in for- eign countries. ARTICLE XI The Articles of Incorporation may be amended by resolution of the Board of Directors and the vote or written consent of all the Founder Members. IN WITNESS HEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 23rd day of December, 1937, as the incorporators of the “AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION,” a non-profit corporation. NELLIE G. DONOHOE (Seal) G. EARLE WHITTEN (Seal) KENNETH C. GILLIS (Seal) JAMES A. MAHARRY (Seal) E. H. DIMITY (Seal) STATE OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ALAMEDA. On this 23rd day of December, in the year One Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty-seven before me, Darrell B. Edwards, a Notary Public in and for the County of Alameda, State of California, residing therein, duly commissioned and sworn, personally appeared Nellie G. Donohoe, G. Earle Whitten, Kenneth C. Gillis, James A. Maharry and E. H. Dimity, known to me to be the persons described in and whose names are sub- scribed to the within instrument, and they acknowledged to me that they executed the same. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Official Seal, the day and year in this certificate first above written. DARRELL B. EDWARDS, Notary Public in and for the County of Alameda, State of California. AMELIA EARHART. FOUNDATION AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION 922 LATHAM SQUARE BUILDING 40 { B29 HIGATE 4600-4601 FE Husk OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA February 4, 1938. Honorable Daniel C. Roper, 3001 Woodland Drive, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Roper: Inclosed herewith is information concerning the formetion and purposes of the AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION, together with the Articles of Incorporation. The worthiness of the cause, and the manner in which it is to be carried out, prompts the Board of Directors to extend to a few an invitation to become a member of the Honorary Board of Trustees. Every precaution has been taken in the handling of accumulated funds which are to be raised as set forth in the accompanying folder. Mindful of your interest in avietion, or in the merits of the purposes for which this is founded, I have been given authority by the Board of Directors to extend to you an invitation to become a member of this Honorary Board of Trustees. Please read the inclosed carefully, and advise me of your acceptance. Very cordially, Rat Nellie G. Donohoe. Immediate Release. ees ; a May 19, 1938. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Ses CHIEE Secretary Roper issued the following statement today concerning "Amelia Earhart Week, '"' May 22-28, 19383 "Z am glad to encourage the sponsors of "Amelia Earhart Week," the¥con— structive objective of which is to familiarize the American people with the purpose of the proposed Amelia Earhart Foundation. "The movement not only commemorates the wonderful research endeavors and achievements of this intrepid woman in the field of aviation but, through the scholarship provision, should make possible the encouragement of the educational attainments of others. "As one of the aeronautical advisers of the Bureau of Air Commerce of the Department of Commerce and on her owt private initiative, Miss Earhart displayed a remarkably broad conception of the problems of aviation, as well as skill end cooperation in solving them through practical and research endeavors. "I commend to the generosity of the American people, the efforts of all those who are promoting this Foundati FILES ICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK FILES Mey 21, 1938. Mr, Ernest B, Chamberlin, Care, Amelia Barhart Foundation, Suite 105, 744 Jackson Plece NW,, Washington, D, 0, Dear Mr, Chamberlin: I em trenesmitting herewith a letter from the American Library Service, New York City, indieating « desire to get in touch with the Amelia Karhert Foundation for the purpose of furnishing interesting information concerning Miss Earhart and her work. With kindest regards, 1 am RECEIVED FOR FILINY Very sincerely, 6 19 Administrative Assistant to the Secretary Enclosure DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Office of the Chief Clerk WASHINGTON 1 Secretary 4@ Miss Renn Z Assistant Secretary Draper eh Air Commerce 25 Administrative Assistant ze Assistant Secretary Johnson 3 Chief Clerk 3k _Telephone GC Emergency Room 3d _/Mail Room Eh Information 3f Mr. Morris 3f Duplicating 3h Typewriter Shop a Accounts % Personnel 6, Publications Purchases & Sales ia Census He aa Office Foreign & Domestic Commerce Standards a2 Fisheries « Lighthouses va Coast & Geodetic Survey ry Marine Inspection & Navigation WY Solicitor Library 21 N. R. A. Records bed Business Advisory Council Mr. Andersen Mr. Daniel Mr. Evans Mr. Foster Mr. Mills Mr. Seward Cafeteria Captain of Guard Golden Gate Exposition Com. Group Superintendent Int'l Boundary Commission Maritime Commission Postal Telegraph Unemployment Census Western Union Telegraph