1897 Joseph Lee ALS on Henry George’s Economic & Tax Theory, Playground Movement For Sale

Autograph Letter Signed by Joseph Lee (1862–1937), dated Nov. 19, 1897, Edge Blodgett, to “Mr. Garrison,” discussing his evolving views on the economic philosophy of Henry George. Accompanied by a biographical newspaper clipping.

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> My dear Mr. Garrison,

I’m afraid I’m cauterized on the single-tax nerves. I studied George’s book for about a year steady & took The Standard a long time and have carefully read much else on both sides, and I agree less and less.

George was a hero and I think much of the disagreement with him arises from inability to understand him (Mr. Atkinson’s, for instance), but I think I understand him as much as I am capable of doing.

Yours truly,

Joseph Lee

Edge Blodgett

Nov 19 /97

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Historical Context & Significance:

Joseph Lee was a pivotal figure in American social reform, known as the \"Father of the Playground Movement.\" A Harvard graduate and member of a prominent Boston family, Lee was a lawyer by training but became deeply involved in civic improvement and child welfare. He founded and presided over the Massachusetts Civic League and the Playground Association of America and played a major role in advancing social legislation and educational reform in the early 20th century.

In this letter, Lee responds to someone named “Mr. Garrison” (possibly a relative of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison or a Boston civic peer) regarding the ideas of Henry George (1839–1897), the famous political economist known for his proposal of a “single tax” on land. Lee mentions reading George’s newspaper The Standard, indicating serious engagement with George’s work, but ultimately admits he has become disillusioned with the theory, despite admiring George as a “hero.”

This letter offers a rare glimpse into the ideological wrestling of a leading Progressive Era reformer with one of the most influential political economists of the 19th century. It also serves as a personal reflection on economic theory and reform at a pivotal time in American social history—just weeks after George’s death (October 1897).

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Biographical Note (from included clipping):

Joseph Lee (1862–1937) was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, and educated at Harvard (A.B. 1883, A.M. 1887, LL.B. 1887). He was admitted to the bar but became best known for civic activism. Lee organized and presided over the Massachusetts Civic League, helped shape Massachusetts’ social legislation, and was a key promoter of playgrounds as a tool for social reform. He served on numerous commissions and was the author of Constructive and Preventive Philanthropy (1902) and Play in Education (1915). He lived at 96 Mt. Vernon St., Boston.

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Condition:

Very good. Two-page ALS on lined laid paper, minor toning, and a faint crease. Accompanied by a vintage clipping offering a biographical summary of Lee’s life and achievements.