1953: McFadden's death (1 of 2)

May 20, 1953Dear Mr. Hill:

Word may have filtered through to you via Homer that Rodney's recommendations about Curium are favorably considered here. Acceptance of his proposals is not yet official, but they are likely to be approved.

Actually what has happened is that a meeting was held of Fro. Rainey, Ted Kidder (Ass't Director) and I last Thursday to go over the matter. The President of the Board of Trustees was supposed to be present, but was unable to attend at the last moment. He indicated, however, that he would be willing to go along with our conclusions.

We decided to accept Rodney's recommendations. You know the details, I think. At any rate, we decided on the one year's program from Sept. 1, 1953 to Aug. 31, 1954, and it was agreed that I should go out to supervise it and to act for the Museum. As to financial arrangements, it was believed that if there was delay in receiving George's bequest, funds could be advanced from other sources in anticipation of the bequest, so that a Curium fund would be available in September for carrying out the program. George's will was filed for probate on May 14, here.

These conclusions, of course, will have to receive the approval of the Board of Trustees, but Pro believes that this will be automatic. Accordingly, I am attempting to make such arrangements as I can now, since time is short for me.

I have written to Joe Last and to Mr. Megaw informing them of the prospects. I have also asked Joe to try to give me an idea of the state of supplies available in Curium, so that I can order any which need to be sent from American before I leave.

I anticipate certain legal complications in connection with the acceptance and transfer to the Museum of George's various bequests. I shall try to explore the legal requirements here before I leave. I presume I should have to act for the Museum in this. No doubt the American consul will take action as to George's personal belongings. Any words of advice as to what I should be prepared for along these lines will be appreciated.

I plan to go over the Curium material which we have here and bring along such notes and drawings as we have. I hope I am correct in assuming that all original architectural drawings are in Curium. I hope also to get the Bamboula and Kalorizliki objects in order here for whoever is to study that material.

So far Mr. Jack Benson is the only one definitely lined up as a member of the staff. He phoned me yesterday and told me he had decided to go.

I shall need the benefit of your advice. I wrote you about my tentative ideas about a change of plans. They are now definite. I shall be there until the evening of June 18 when I leave for Istanbul. I look forward to seeing you then and to talking over all these matters with you.

With much appreciation for all your efforts in our behalf, Sincerely,