My congratulations to Neal Freeman for finding and sending me the above letter from Meredith Willson to my uncle, Guy Manyard Wood.
The file above is a bit difficult to read so I’ll transcribe it here:
National Broadcasting Company, Inc.
A Member of Radio Corporation of America
RCA Building, Radio City, New York 20, N.Y.
January 23, 1952
Mr. Guy M. Wood
820 A Street NW
Ardmore, Oklahoma
Dear Mr. Wood:
I certainly remember the “Colt Hamilton” now that your letter has prodded my memory. To my five-year-old brain he was a very sensitive wonderful animal.
My sister Dixie is in the middle of writing a book just at present which will be published sometime late this year. My father and mother both passed away in 1931.
Certainly nice of you to think of me and to write me such an interesting letter, and of course, the box of pecans is a very generous suggestion – I’m sure Mrs. Willson would enjoy them. Incidentally our home address is Hotel Duane, 237 Madison Avenue, New York City, New York. Thanks again for your letter.
Sincerely,
Meredith Willson
mw/jp
This photo is of Guy Manyard Wood working in his pecan orchard. Though I don’t know when the photo was taken it would appear to have been sometime during the 1950’s when the letter exchange occurred between him and Mr. Willson. The photo would have been taken near Ardmore, Oklahoma.
Guy was my uncle. He customarily sent us a bag of pecans each Christmas.
Meredith Willson is a noteworthy fellow, which makes the letter of even more interest. He is shown at the piano in this photo.
Robert Meredith Willson (May 18, 1902 – June 15, 1984) was an American composer, songwriter, conductor and playwright, known for writing the book, music and lyrics for the hit Broadway musical The Music Man, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1958. The cast recording of The Music Man won the first Grammy Award given for best cast album, and its 1962 film adaptation was a success.
The Music Man is one of my favorite movies. Willson had a distinguished career as you can read on Wikipedia. The fact he took the time to write to Uncle Guy about the “Colt Hamilton” horse which he saw when he was five years old impresses me.
I would love to have a copy of the letter Uncle Guy wrote to Mr. Willson and to learn more about the horse. Neal, Uncle Guy’s grandson, informs me:
“The horse Colt Hamilton of Guy Wood. Evidently toured with the Ringling Brother Circus in 1907-8
“Meredith Willson is well known.
“First documented proof of the horse act other than Guy Wood obit, the one he wrote and which was changed by the Funeral Home due to length. Naomi authorized the change.”
“Neal”
Naomi is Uncle Guy’s daughter, Neal is her son.
If anyone out there knows anything about Guy Manyard Wood and “Colt Hamilton” I would dearly love to hear from you.
Related posts:
Hi. I found the letter that was posted and would be happy to send a copy of it to you. Please resend me your
email address or a fax number. Jennie Eddy. Ps. I don’t want credit for finding the letter it was just a blessing to find it
Thank you for the comment. Was really great to learn about Guy’s letter to Meredith Willson and Willson’s reply. How in the world did you find the letter? Sure would like to read Guy’s letter to Willson. Just fascinating.
Small n. In me email address