Wernher von Braun
various, February 19, 1968; November 10, 1970
(2) Wernher von Braun TLSs Re: Celebrating German Heritage But Prioritizing NASA: "five more launches of Saturn vehicles" in 1968
TLSs

A brace of typed letters signed by German-American rocket scientist Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), each time in full as "Wernher von Braun." Ca. February 19, 1968; November 10, 1970. Various places. On two types of NASA letterhead. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds, else near fine. 8" x 10.5".

Wernher von Braun addressed both of these letters to fellow German-American Gershon Canaan (1917-2002), a professional architect and longtime diplomat who served as Chairman of the Texas German Day Council from 1963-1972. The Texas German Day Council (TGDC) was a non-profit organization which flourished between 1963-2014. The TGDC celebrated the contributions of early German settlers and Texans/Americans of German ancestry, of course, but it also aimed to increase German-American cultural understanding in the present day. The organization hosted an annual charity ball, called the Pioneer Ball, and also held German Day events; both of these activities are mentioned in von Braun's letters.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 1p typed letter signed by von Braun as "Wernher von Braun" above his additional printed signature as "Wernher von Braun." Hand-stamped February 19, 1968. [Huntsville, Alabama.] On watermarked stationery with "National Aeronautics and Space Administration / George C. Marshall Space Flight Center" letterhead. An isolated daub of correction fluid is located in the upper right corner. 8" x 10.5."

Von Braun regretfully declines an honorary co-chairmanship of the Texas German Day Council in 1968, citing his NASA commitments. He writes in part: "This is an exceptionally crowded year for me. With five more launches of Saturn vehicles to be accomplished, I don't feel that I can promise to be in Dallas in October…" Von Braun nevertheless celebrates the TGDC's recognition of Jacob Brodbeck (1821-1910), a German émigré who settled in Texas and designed an early aircraft prototype in the 1860s. Von Braun concludes: "…Jacob Brodbeck…was, indeed, far ahead of his time." … Much like von Braun himself!

2. A 1p typed letter signed by von Braun as "Wernher von Braun" above his additional printed signature as "Wernher von Braun." November 10, 1970. [Washington, D.C.] On watermarked stationery with "National Aeronautics and Space Administration" letterhead. Minor edge darkening at top. 8" x 10.5."

Von Braun mentions the recent German Day, and refers to "Mr. Neubert." This was most likely Erich Neubert, a former Operation Paperclip evacuee, and a core member of von Braun's NASA management team.

Gershon Canaan and his family, who were Jewish, fled Nazi Germany for Palestine in the 1930s, where he was educated. Canaan trained under Frank Lloyd Wright in the United States in the late 1940s before starting his own architectural business in Texas. He served as honorary consul of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) in Dallas between the early 1960s and the late 1980s. Canaan was one of the most nationally recognized boosters of the TGDC. His friendship with von Braun exemplifies the TGDC mission: to celebrate German heritage without consideration of past or present political affiliations.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 10.5"
  • Medium: TLSs

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