Kenneth Spencer to his parents, January 25, 1923

Kenneth Spencer to his parents, January 25, 1923

Kenneth’s adoration of and devotion to his parents is evident in many of the letters he wrote to them over the course of his adult life. For example, in another January 1923 letter, Kenneth told his parents:

"When I do think of the past I am reminded how unusually fortunate I have been, to be of such parentage is the first advantage you gave me…and to have spent that vigorous young life in a family so harmonious, so honorably upright and good, is a thing that goes to inlay qualities that are not taught anywhere else."

When Kenneth wrote the letter shown here, he had completed two years at the University of Kansas and was enrolled at Cornell University – attending classes for one semester before returning to KU. In explaining the Cornell entrance exams to his parents, Kenneth expressed his opinion that the higher requirements for non-New Yorkers were “another attempt to keep the savage westerner down.” This comment hints at Kenneth’s pride in the Midwest, a sentiment that guided much of his business career as well as his and Helen’s philanthropic efforts.

RH VLT MS 157:1.6