When my father wrote me these letters, I was living in Princeton, New Jersey, commuting to my job in Manhattan, and working part-time at the local airport in exchange for flying lessons.

February 10th, 1972

Dear Shelly,

American has been built throu’ the use of highways and public roads. Where vast distance is so much a consideration in our domestic politics and trade…The iron which combines with the railroad is a magician’s road, and has the power to create the sleeping energies of land and water. And even on the coast, prudent men everywhere have begun to see that every American should be educated with a view to the values of land.

My darling daughter. It must be difficult for you to follow in your livelihood by traveling from Princeton to N.Y.C. every day. But still it must be a refreshing experience to be doing so creative a work. It is a long time since I wrote to you, altho, I look forward to getting news from you every day.

Write a letter to your brother in Tucson, Arizona, and to your sister in the city of Angeles.