Autograph Letter Signed by SLOANE, Emily Vanderbilt (1874-1970)

This author and socialite made up for the accident of her ultra-privileged birth through religion, philanthropy and advocacy of many social causes. ALS, 2pp (lettersheet), 4" X 6", Lenox, MA, 31 October n.y. Addressed to Mr. Riis (likely Jacob A. Riis, 1849-1914, pioneering Danish-American muckraking journalist and social reformer).Very good. Intriguing content concerning Sloane's do-goodism: "I have decided to act upon your suggestion and entrust the monthly delivery of the aged couple's Rent to a member of the A.B.C. I doubt if I will be able to go myself, but I am sure one of the men will be very happy to visit the old people in their home.... I agree with you in thinking that it is more blessed to give than to receive...." Boldly penned on "Elm Court / Lenox" letterhead, the famous shingle-style home her parents had built around 1885. One of Riis' well-known tenement photographs depicts two elderly sisters seated in their New York apartment, the caption usually noting that in 1895 Riis persuaded Emily Vanderbilt Sloane to pension these two elderly sisters named Gribbon. This outstanding letter is without doubt written to Jacob Riis -- and chances are strong it pertains to this same or some similar charitable act that he convinced Sloane to underwrite.