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Original 1927 Letter Signed by Basil King – League of Neighbors / Fellowship of Faiths
This historic typed letter, dated October 22, 1927, was written by renowned author Basil King on behalf of the Festival-Bazaar Committee of One Hundred for the League of Neighbors. It promotes a multicultural and interfaith event to be held at Mechanics’ Hall in Boston, featuring youth performances, international exhibits, and the “Festival of Nations.”
Typed on ornate letterhead from the Three-Fold Movement—which includes the Union of East and West and Fellowship of Faiths—the letter highlights the international vision of building bridges across religions, ethnicities, and borders. Signed boldly by King, the piece represents both a unique historical artifact and a rare autograph from a major early 20th-century spiritual author.
Endorsers listed on the letterhead include U.S. Presidents, governors, rabbis, maharajas, and prominent literary figures such as H.G. Wells, Rabbi Stephen Wise, and John Haynes Holmes.
Ideal for collectors of:
Peace movement and interfaith history
Boston historical ephemera
Basil King autographs
Early 20th-century cultural documents
Ships securely. First time offered from a private collection.
Document Type:
Typed letter on organizational letterhead
📆 Date:
October 22, 1927
🖊️ Signed By:
Basil King – notable author and spiritual thinker
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📍 Organization:
The Three-Fold Movement
Including:
League of Neighbors (Eighth Year)
Union of East and West (Eighteenth Year)
Fellowship of Faiths (Fourth Year)
Headquartered at:
398 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Other branches in NYC, Elizabeth NJ, and London
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📜 Letter Summary:
Basil King writes to a “Mr. Scott” on behalf of the Festival-Bazaar Committee of One Hundred, promoting an upcoming cultural event hosted by the League of Neighbors on Saturday, October 29, at Mechanics’ Hall. The event includes:
\"Children and Youth of Many Lands\" program (2–4 PM)
✍️ About Basil King (1859–1928):
Basil King was a Canadian-born clergyman-turned-author whose best-known works include The Inner Shrine and The Conquest of Fear. By the 1920s, he was partially blind and had turned to spiritual themes in his writings, making his support for a movement like this fitting. His endorsement adds historical and cultural value to the letter.
\"Festival of Nations\" cultural dramatizations (8–10 PM)
All-day exhibitions of international and American social service work
The letter encourages financial contributions and full-day attendance, describing the event as a celebration of diversity and neighborliness.
King emphasizes his volunteer support, stating he has watched and supported the movement “heartily, for six years or more.”
