Box 16, Folder 3, Document 57

Box 16, Folder 3, Document 57

1174 Zimmer Drive, N. E.
Atlanta, Georgia
September 8, 1966.

Dear Ivan:

There are many reasons why I value your friendship so
highly. Foremost among these, of course, is the fact that your
father was one of my staunchest supporters during the many years
I was with the Atlanta Retail Merchants Association. He was a
great encouragement to me and stood behind me in everything I did.

I shall remember always that you cancelled an out-of-town
engagement to be the speaker at the testimonial given Reba and me
by the Association shortly before my retirement. That alone would
endear you to me forever.

Then you had the vision and courage to give Atlanta Big
League Baseball and Football. Baseball is my favorite sport, and
it is wonderful to have the opportunity to see right here in Atlanta
all of the best baseball players in the world. And when Atlanta
gets into a World Series, as I believe she will within the next few
years, I just hope I shall be fortunate enough to see some of those
games.

Just recently you have conducted yourself magnificently
in connection with the Firemen's Strike; and what now appears to
have been a Castro-inspired riot, through some hot-headed revolution-
aries in our midst.

Well, there are many other reasons, and I just felt, in
a time of great stress, that you should be told your friends are
standing solidly behind you in your efforts to make our beloved
Atlanta a beacon-light city for all to see.

Cordially & Sincerely

f)

smack

Le Le AUStain,