Letter from Helen Keller to F. E. Davis

Finis E. Davis was, at the time of this letter’s writing, the Superintendent of the American Printing House for the Blind. He later became the Vice President and General Manager at APH.

HELEN KELLER
15 West 18th Street
New York 11, New York

September 14, 1951

Dear Mr. Davis:

It has been said truly that good deeds are angels. There is nothing, I am sure, more precious than the satisfaction of knowing, as you move through life’s uncertainties, that you have sent such angels into the future to cheer sad lives or strengthen the brave who refuse to let fate overcome them. That is what gives me the courage to write to you.

As you may know, destiny has placed among the co-workers with blind persons determined to hew a path out of the miseries of isolation and make good their place in society. Constantly I devise means by which help to the blind of America may be enlarged and perpetuated.

That is why during twenty-eight years I have striven to provide the American Foundation for the Blind with an adequate endowment income for its manifold constructive services to more than 250,000 blind people. Unfortunately, owing to unsettled conditions during the past decade, I am still far from my goal but I must not waiver or turn aside from an effort upon whose success depend the hopes, yes, the very lives of uncounted human beings.

With deep emotion I have often learned that people looking towards the Valley of the Shadow remembered the blind in their bequests. Such beneficent acts are angels who keep on working for them, take shape and beauty and ever growing aid to those who tread narrow dark ways.

Perhaps, dear Mr. Davis, in the days to come you may be moved by a wish to sustain some humane endeavor with a legacy-our spirit still living to inspire and bless. It would be wonderful if you should in this way help further the American Foundation for the Blind, whose beacon you have seen penetrating every corner of Darkland and growing brighter each year.

If you should wish to go into this matter, may I suggest that you communicate with or interview one of the Foundation Trustees whose names appear in the enclosed?

Earnestly hoping that your ear may catch my prayer for a group of severely handicapped strugglers towards a fuller life, I am, with all good wishes for your own happiness,

Appreciatively and gratefully yours

Mr. F. E. Davis
American Association of Instructors of the Blind
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville 6, Kentucky