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June 22, 1954

Miss Norma Berger 320 Tappan Street Brookline, Massachusetts

Dear Miss Berger:

It was a letter of appreciation we had hoped to be able to write to you one day, not one of sympathy. We share with you the deep regret that it seems impossible now that any of the Hartley paintings will be hung in his native state. You must, however, have a feeling of satisfaction in having done all you could to carry out his wishes.

A similar instance occurred some years ago when a valuable collection of Maine maps, old and new, went out of the state. Eventually, some of them were returned through purchase, but the collection as a unit was broken.

This week, as you perhaps now, the Portland Museum of Art is showing paintings by your Uncle.

Thank you for your interest, and for trying to include the library. We wish we might have had at least one of Mr. Hartley's paintings, and we know that you wish so, also. Let us hope that whatever their disposition, it will be to an appreciative collector, and perhaps some public building or museum, where they may be shared by many art lovers.

Sincerely yours

In Charge of Maine Author Collection

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