Lot 1447

(CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT)

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(CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT)

Estimate: $100 - $150

Starting Bid: $50

(0 Bids)

by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
July 31, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
106 East Main Street, Suite 103
Elkton, MD, US 21921

(CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT)
ALBERT BENJAMIN CHANDLER (1898-1991) ‘Happy', Senator for and Governor of Kentucky, a controversial figure who, as Commissioner of Baseball, helped Jackie Robinson break the ‘color barrier' but later used the Kentucky National Guard to enforce school integration during his second gubernatorial term. Interesting T.L.S. 2pp. 4to., Frankfort, Sept. 11, 1956. On the back of the recent 18-day protest in Sturgis by Black students attempting to enter the all-White high school, Chandler defends his use of the National Guard in the event. In part: ‘…I am glad to have your recent letter giving me your opinion about the way we have handled the difficulties in Sturgis, Kentucky…I can well understand your concern…but I do not believe that the pubic reports on it have given you a very clear picture…The decision I had to make was not whether or not white and negro children should attend school together, for that reason had already been made by the highest judicial body in the United States. The issue which confronted me…was simply whether or not mob rule should be allowed to prevail in one of our communities….I did not swear to protect the rights of only those who were of a certain creed, but I vowed faithfully to insure the rights and privileges under the law of every citizen…'. Fine condition, offered with a carbon copy of the original letter by Chandler's correspondent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000