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About 6\" x 7\"
VTG 1932 SIGNED Letter~ORNITHOLOGIST Florence Merriam Bailey~YELLOWSTONE Park~
Up for sale is a rare, authentic Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by pioneering American ornithologist, nature writer, and activist Florence Merriam Bailey (1863–1948).
Dated February 14, 1932, the letter is written entirely in her own hand on her personal embossed letterhead from her home at 1834 Kalorama Road, Washington, D.C.
The letter is addressed to Mr. M. P. Skinner (Milton Philo Skinner, 1879–1962), the first park naturalist of Yellowstone National Park and a fellow noted ornithologist/nature writer. In the correspondence, Bailey responds to an inquiry regarding her field research and notes, mentioning her sole trip past Steens Mountain and clarifying her publication history regarding Yellowstone.
Complete Transcription:
1834 Kalorama Road
Washington, D.C.
Feb. 14, 1932.
Mr. M. P. Skinner,
5840 John Ave.,
Long Beach, California.
Dear Mr. Skinner:
I have never been in Yellowstone but once, and so on our way out from Steens [Mountain]; and so far as I have looked, have no notes for Yellowstone. If I should find anything, I could let you know.
One thing I do know — I have never published anything from the Yellowstone. I\'m sorry!
Sincerely,
Florence Merriam Bailey
Historical Significance:
Florence Merriam Bailey was a monumental figure in American natural history, credited with writing the first modern bird field guide (Birds Through an Opera-Glass, 1889) and instrumental in the early bird protection movement alongside her husband, U.S. Biological Survey chief field naturalist Vernon Bailey. This piece connects two premier 20th-century Western field naturalists regarding archival field notes.
Condition:
• Excellent vintage condition on authentic period letterhead.
• Handwritten text and signature are crisp, dark, and perfectly legible.
• Clean edges with minimal, expected age toning.
• Please see the high-resolution images for close-up condition details
