Memorabilia

Item Description

Four pieces of documents that arrived through time and remind us poignately of a very special woman, Helen Keller, who with her teacher, transformed her world from silent and closed to one where she became a teacher for us all, a humanitarian and an honored voice of wisdom in the world. 

Generously donated by Joyce Early who protected these amazing documents for years and now has donated them to Constituting America.  Thank you so much Joyce! 

The first document is an 8 1/2 x 11 light blue letterhead filled with Helen Keller's thoughts as she campaigned for a Foundation for her "deaf-blind fellows."  The letterhead has Helen Kellers address in New York and the date June 1, 15953 and it is addressed to "Dear Mrs. (Edith) Dean, whose was very active in civic and humanitarian affairs and whose husband was mayor of the city.  The letter is signed by Helen Keller.

The second part of this collection of memoralbia is a long and beautiful article by Ladies Home Journal from March 1951 in which Helen Keller is interviewed and photographed.  It is a beautiful article for Helen Keller's spirit and heart are so simply wonderful!  The entire magazine is not included , just the pages that include the interview.  Along with some entertaining ads from the 50s!

The third part of the Keller collection is a letter to the Director of "The Christophers" in New York City and is not signed by Ms. Deen.  The attached smaller note from him on The Christophers letterhead, dated March 20, 1951, is signed by Father James Keller, "James Keller."

The fourth part of the collection is a 3 page article by Edith Deen, "The Touch of a Hand" and is an excellent and deep exploration of Helen's learning with Ann Sullivan and evolvement into the sensitive, aware and amazing woman she became.  Ms. Deed also shows pictures of the hand language Helen used.

Helen Keller wrote,

"Were you ever at sea in dense fog when it seemed as if a tangible white darkness shut you in? Light! Give me light! - that was the wordless cry of my soul in my early childhood. 

Then one day when I was six, I stretched out my hand; some one took it, and I was caught up and held close in the arms of her who came to reveal all things to me, and more than all things else, to love me.

That was the most important day I remember in my life - March 3, 1887 - the day on which my teacher Ann Sullivan came to me. Before she came, I cannot hope to describe adequately that unconscious yet conscious time of nothingness.  I did not know that I lived or acted or desired.

Through my teacher's infinite patience, love and understanding, my left hand slowly became to me what your hearing and sight together are to you"

Please email me at mollie.mccreary22@gmail.com for any additional information!  Or call me at 817-565-4023