"The Other Swedes"
<> The Legacy Art Community <>
Honoring Them and Remembering Them
~ The Lindsborg Swedes, Their Neighbors & Friends
<> The Legacy Art Community <>
Honoring Them and Remembering Them
~ The Lindsborg Swedes, Their Neighbors & Friends
COPYCharles Pelham Greenough, 3rd.
~ His embracing the Sandzén family, establishing and financing the Gallery and supporting the community
~ His embracing the Sandzén family, establishing and financing the Gallery and supporting the community
Dr. Lindquist's tribute to Pelham. . .
Transcribed
"Lindsborg News-Record"
Thursday, January 27, 1983
Transcribed
"Lindsborg News-Record"
Thursday, January 27, 1983
INTRODUCTION TO COME . . .
WORKING ON THIS
9 28 23
WORKING ON THIS
9 28 23
(The following is the manuscript of Dr. Emory Lindquist's Tribute to C. Pelham Greenough Saturday [Bethany Church] We [LNR] thank Dr. Lindquist for his permission to print it.)
"The life of Charles Pelham Greenough, 3rd, from the date of his birth November 16, 1908, until his death at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas, January 18, 1983, after a brief illness, is intimately related to many places, people and events. It also includes a chronicle of distinguished achievement.
"Among the places in his life were Boston, the city of his birth, and Commonwealth Avenue, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pelham Greenough 2nd, his parents. There was also Groton, the famous private school in the Massachusetts village by the same name, during school years in the era of the illustrious Endicott Peabody, and the old school tie which Pelham wore with pride.
"Later there was Santa Barbara, "the California city on a coastal shelf," as it has been described, "spreading out like a fan from curving beaches, to mesas, slopes and oak-covered canyons," first known to Pelham through visits with a dear granmother and later as the residence of the Greenough family, with boats and sailing and many interesting things.
"And then there was Lindsborg in the Smoky Valley of Central Kansas. Pelham came to visit us. He later came to live with us. Fortunately he stayed with us. He gave us the hearty fellowship of his person and talent. And we can truly say that he has not really left us because his spirit is alive with us and his deeds will continue to bless us.
"There are precious family names. Greenough, the name that he bore with dignity and distinction, and Bliss and Perkins and others that fashioned a fine personal heritage. In November 1942, when Margaret and Pelham exchanged their marriage vows for as long as life would last, in a simple but beautiful ceremony in the attractive studio on Second Street across from Presser Hall, the family name Sandzén became a vital part of his life and destiny.
"There had been other places before Lindsborg became home, without interruption, for slightly more than four decades. There had been study and learning at Groton School, already cited, and a Cate School in the Santa Barbara area, and in London where the study of the heritage of England with a tutor was the focus of interest. There was travel in other parts of Europe, and to Tahiti in order to see and learn about that South Pacific culture, and in the United States. In early years interests were explored which later became a vital part of his way of life -- the study and collection of prints, books and coins. Anyone who was associated with Pelham was impressed with the depth of his knowledge of the world's art, music and literature. A casual meeting with a visitor from England brought from the visitor laudatory comments about Pelham's knowledge of English life and letters. This is not surprising because some would say that he was an anglophile and that he was in the best sense of that word.
"But it was in Lindsborg that Pelham and Margaret invested their lives. Their mutual love and respect was a resource of superb strength. Their community of interest and their like-minded fellowship cause the names of "Margaret and Pelham" to be fused in an individual oneness.
"Central in Pelham's devotion was his esteem for Birger and Frida Sandzén as persons and for Birger Sandzén as a painter, print maker and champion of art and great values. The love and esteem between the Sandzéns and Pelham were reciprocal. Manifestations of that devotion are many and salient.
"In 1952 Pelham wrote and published the fine volume, The Graphic Work of BIrger Sandzén, an authentic account and catalogue of the many Sandzén prints. This volume was reprinted in 1957. Fortunately, in recent days, Pelham had completed a revised and enlarged manuscript that is ready for the printers. He had almost completed the comprehensive cataloguing of more than 2000 Sandzén oil paintings, another labor of love.
"In 1955 Pelham made a landmark decision that resulted in the incorporation of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Foundation. He has been president of the board of directors since that date. In October 1957 the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery was dedicated on the campus of Bethany College. It can be said without reservation that this splendid gallery is the result solely of his vision, leadership, determination and large personal benefaction with modest support from other sources responding to his enthusiasm.
"Moreover, as the first director of the gallery, and with the unfailing support of Margaret and with the assistance of Carl W. Peterson, co-director for 18 years and since his retirement, the assistance of Larry Griffis as co-director, a fine pattern of exhibitions was developed and sustained. Selected works of Birger Sandzén formed the permanent collection with special features in the splendid retrospective exhibition and the showing of all the lithographs created by the Lindsborg artist. Approximately 600 exhibitions of local and guest artists in a variety of art forms were viewed by many people including large groups of school children. The exhibitions in this "gem of a gallery" have been well received and widely publicized. The Lindsborg Community Arts Council recognized the importance of this achievement by sponsoring a fine Silver Anniversary event.
"The splendid achievement of Pelham Greenough has received special recognition. In 1956 the Honorary Degree of Humane Letters was conferred upon him by Bethany College for promotion of interest in the fine arts. How pleased he was that Margaret later received similar recognition. Always loyal to Bethany College, he served for many years as curator of prints and coins and as unofficial consultant to members of the faculty and administration. His introduction to the college came through a performance of The Messiah, with its music and message that he so deeply cherished. As a Lindsborg resident he was a faithful member of the chorus. But his interests were also varied. He was a loyal Bethany football fan.
"Pelham Greenough was created a Knight, first class of the Royal Order of Vasa by the King of Sweden. A member of the diplomatic corps of that nation presented the insignia of that order to him at a public occasion. The award was based upon his contribution in promoting cultural values in the context of the Swedish American tradition.
"Pelham identified himself with Lindsborg and Bethany College in a marvelous way, and the people of the community identified themselves in a special manner with him. He was a familiar and welcome figure everywhere, well received and highly esteemed. Unique, distinctive, responsive, energetic, a tireless worker, truly democratic in his relationships, and with a good sense of humor, he was liked and respected. A symbol is found in the response to him on the morning of his last birthday. When he entered the Konditori on Main Street, there was a quiet moment in the usual conversation, which soon yielded to the spontaneous strains of "Happy Birthday, Dear Pelham." Those closest to him know what those moments meant to him and those who greeted him thus know why they did it. The name "Pelham" was used then and is used by all of us with endearment and respect. A long-time citizen summed it up this morning when he said ' Lindsborg will never be the same without Pelham.'
"On this day, in this more than century year old church, in which Pelham was a member across the years and where he gladly and faithfully received the Word and the Sacraments and the Promises thereof, we are gathered to express our heartfelt gratitude for Pelham's life and for the fact that he lived among us. We express our deep feelings of bereavement to those nearest and dearest -- to Margaret, to Pelham's brother, Hamilton Perkins Greenough, and to his wife Helen, to their sons George and William, Pelham's nephews, to Williams family, to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Greenough, and to the son and grandchildren of Pelham's cousin, the late Malcom W. Greenough.
"We acknowledge the presence here today of Margaret, Lindsborg, of William Greenough, Arroyo Grande, California, of Malcom Greenough, and Margaret, Sarah, Catherine, and Malcom, Jr., the children of Mr. and Mrs. Malcom Greenough, New York.
"The closing words of a recent leading editorial in a daily Kansas metropolitan newspaper (The Wichita Eagle-Beacon) has special meaning for us.: "Mr. Greenough died this week after 74 years of productive living. But his widow, the former Margaret Sandzén, daughter of the gallery's namesake -- and his fellow residents of Central Kansas, have his joyous spirit to mitigate their loss. It once was said of Birger Sandzén that he "lit little candles of art appreciation throughout the Midwest." Pelham Greenough lit his own candles and the light from their flame grows brighter than ever.'"
"The life of Charles Pelham Greenough, 3rd, from the date of his birth November 16, 1908, until his death at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas, January 18, 1983, after a brief illness, is intimately related to many places, people and events. It also includes a chronicle of distinguished achievement.
"Among the places in his life were Boston, the city of his birth, and Commonwealth Avenue, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pelham Greenough 2nd, his parents. There was also Groton, the famous private school in the Massachusetts village by the same name, during school years in the era of the illustrious Endicott Peabody, and the old school tie which Pelham wore with pride.
"Later there was Santa Barbara, "the California city on a coastal shelf," as it has been described, "spreading out like a fan from curving beaches, to mesas, slopes and oak-covered canyons," first known to Pelham through visits with a dear granmother and later as the residence of the Greenough family, with boats and sailing and many interesting things.
"And then there was Lindsborg in the Smoky Valley of Central Kansas. Pelham came to visit us. He later came to live with us. Fortunately he stayed with us. He gave us the hearty fellowship of his person and talent. And we can truly say that he has not really left us because his spirit is alive with us and his deeds will continue to bless us.
"There are precious family names. Greenough, the name that he bore with dignity and distinction, and Bliss and Perkins and others that fashioned a fine personal heritage. In November 1942, when Margaret and Pelham exchanged their marriage vows for as long as life would last, in a simple but beautiful ceremony in the attractive studio on Second Street across from Presser Hall, the family name Sandzén became a vital part of his life and destiny.
"There had been other places before Lindsborg became home, without interruption, for slightly more than four decades. There had been study and learning at Groton School, already cited, and a Cate School in the Santa Barbara area, and in London where the study of the heritage of England with a tutor was the focus of interest. There was travel in other parts of Europe, and to Tahiti in order to see and learn about that South Pacific culture, and in the United States. In early years interests were explored which later became a vital part of his way of life -- the study and collection of prints, books and coins. Anyone who was associated with Pelham was impressed with the depth of his knowledge of the world's art, music and literature. A casual meeting with a visitor from England brought from the visitor laudatory comments about Pelham's knowledge of English life and letters. This is not surprising because some would say that he was an anglophile and that he was in the best sense of that word.
"But it was in Lindsborg that Pelham and Margaret invested their lives. Their mutual love and respect was a resource of superb strength. Their community of interest and their like-minded fellowship cause the names of "Margaret and Pelham" to be fused in an individual oneness.
"Central in Pelham's devotion was his esteem for Birger and Frida Sandzén as persons and for Birger Sandzén as a painter, print maker and champion of art and great values. The love and esteem between the Sandzéns and Pelham were reciprocal. Manifestations of that devotion are many and salient.
"In 1952 Pelham wrote and published the fine volume, The Graphic Work of BIrger Sandzén, an authentic account and catalogue of the many Sandzén prints. This volume was reprinted in 1957. Fortunately, in recent days, Pelham had completed a revised and enlarged manuscript that is ready for the printers. He had almost completed the comprehensive cataloguing of more than 2000 Sandzén oil paintings, another labor of love.
"In 1955 Pelham made a landmark decision that resulted in the incorporation of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Foundation. He has been president of the board of directors since that date. In October 1957 the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery was dedicated on the campus of Bethany College. It can be said without reservation that this splendid gallery is the result solely of his vision, leadership, determination and large personal benefaction with modest support from other sources responding to his enthusiasm.
"Moreover, as the first director of the gallery, and with the unfailing support of Margaret and with the assistance of Carl W. Peterson, co-director for 18 years and since his retirement, the assistance of Larry Griffis as co-director, a fine pattern of exhibitions was developed and sustained. Selected works of Birger Sandzén formed the permanent collection with special features in the splendid retrospective exhibition and the showing of all the lithographs created by the Lindsborg artist. Approximately 600 exhibitions of local and guest artists in a variety of art forms were viewed by many people including large groups of school children. The exhibitions in this "gem of a gallery" have been well received and widely publicized. The Lindsborg Community Arts Council recognized the importance of this achievement by sponsoring a fine Silver Anniversary event.
"The splendid achievement of Pelham Greenough has received special recognition. In 1956 the Honorary Degree of Humane Letters was conferred upon him by Bethany College for promotion of interest in the fine arts. How pleased he was that Margaret later received similar recognition. Always loyal to Bethany College, he served for many years as curator of prints and coins and as unofficial consultant to members of the faculty and administration. His introduction to the college came through a performance of The Messiah, with its music and message that he so deeply cherished. As a Lindsborg resident he was a faithful member of the chorus. But his interests were also varied. He was a loyal Bethany football fan.
"Pelham Greenough was created a Knight, first class of the Royal Order of Vasa by the King of Sweden. A member of the diplomatic corps of that nation presented the insignia of that order to him at a public occasion. The award was based upon his contribution in promoting cultural values in the context of the Swedish American tradition.
"Pelham identified himself with Lindsborg and Bethany College in a marvelous way, and the people of the community identified themselves in a special manner with him. He was a familiar and welcome figure everywhere, well received and highly esteemed. Unique, distinctive, responsive, energetic, a tireless worker, truly democratic in his relationships, and with a good sense of humor, he was liked and respected. A symbol is found in the response to him on the morning of his last birthday. When he entered the Konditori on Main Street, there was a quiet moment in the usual conversation, which soon yielded to the spontaneous strains of "Happy Birthday, Dear Pelham." Those closest to him know what those moments meant to him and those who greeted him thus know why they did it. The name "Pelham" was used then and is used by all of us with endearment and respect. A long-time citizen summed it up this morning when he said ' Lindsborg will never be the same without Pelham.'
"On this day, in this more than century year old church, in which Pelham was a member across the years and where he gladly and faithfully received the Word and the Sacraments and the Promises thereof, we are gathered to express our heartfelt gratitude for Pelham's life and for the fact that he lived among us. We express our deep feelings of bereavement to those nearest and dearest -- to Margaret, to Pelham's brother, Hamilton Perkins Greenough, and to his wife Helen, to their sons George and William, Pelham's nephews, to Williams family, to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Greenough, and to the son and grandchildren of Pelham's cousin, the late Malcom W. Greenough.
"We acknowledge the presence here today of Margaret, Lindsborg, of William Greenough, Arroyo Grande, California, of Malcom Greenough, and Margaret, Sarah, Catherine, and Malcom, Jr., the children of Mr. and Mrs. Malcom Greenough, New York.
"The closing words of a recent leading editorial in a daily Kansas metropolitan newspaper (The Wichita Eagle-Beacon) has special meaning for us.: "Mr. Greenough died this week after 74 years of productive living. But his widow, the former Margaret Sandzén, daughter of the gallery's namesake -- and his fellow residents of Central Kansas, have his joyous spirit to mitigate their loss. It once was said of Birger Sandzén that he "lit little candles of art appreciation throughout the Midwest." Pelham Greenough lit his own candles and the light from their flame grows brighter than ever.'"
Source: Find a Grave
"Greenough Remembered as Lindsborg Art Patron"
Transcribed
'On The Record'
"Lindsborg News-Record"
Transcribed
'On The Record'
"Lindsborg News-Record"
"Charles Pelham Greenough 3rd will be remembered as a Bostonian, who brought an appreciation of art to Lindsborg.
"Greenough, 74, died, Tuesday in a Wichita hospital after suffering a stroke. A long-standing patron of the arts, Greenough was a prime benefactor of Lindsborg Sandzén Memorial Gallery, and was serving as its codirector.
"A native of Boston, Grennough chose to make his home in Lindsborg 40 years ago – joining his renowned father-in-law, Swedish – born artist, Birger Sandzén.
"Sandzén was one of the first American artists to focus interest upon the beauty of Kansas landscapes, interpreting the region through strong color and bold lines.
"Greenough's relationship with Lindsborg began when he married Margaret, Sandsen in 1942. They met through the art community their relatives were deeply entrenched in.
“ 'Pelham had an aunt in Kansas City, Missouri, named Ethel Holmes, who was a painter and patron of the arts. Dr. Sandzén was a well-known artist and would go to Kansas City for exhibits and to conduct classes… Margaret often came with him, and I believe that’s how they first met,' said Dr. Emory Lindquist, former president of Bethany College and Wichita State University.
"The ties between Greenough and his father-in-law were strong and based upon mutual admiration," said Lindquist.
“In 1955 a year after Birger Sandzén's death, Pelham became the first president of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Foundation – the vehicle out of which develop the Sandzén Memorial Gallery in 1957," Lindquist said.
" 'Greenough was a major mover in creating the Lindsborg gallery, which continues to house a collection of Sandzén's prints and colorful textured oil paintings, as well as works of other artists,' Lindquist said.
" 'Of course, if Dr. Sandzén wasn’t there, there wouldn’t have been a gallery, but Pelham was the one who shared to make it possible. He was the guiding spirit in the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery,' he said.
" 'At the time of his death, Greenough served as co-director of the Gallery along with Larry Griffis. In 1952, he published a book entitled “The Graphic Work of Birger Sandzén,' which catalogued all of the artist's prints.
"Born in Boston, Greenough attended Groton school, and also studied in England, and in California. He received an honorary doctorate degree from Bethany College, and in 1963 was created a knight of the royal order of the Vassa by the King of Sweden, in recognition of his service for the promotion of arts.
"He was born November 16, 1908, in Boston. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church and the Bethany Oratorio Society. He is survived by his wife, of the home, and a brother, Hamilton, Santa Barbara, California.
"The funeral will be at 2 PM Saturday at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Dr. Lindquist, Pastor Herbert Johnson and Pastor Stanley Swanson officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg.
"The family suggest memorials to the Sandzén Memorial Gallery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 PM Friday at the Andersen Funeral Home, Lindsborg."
Source: Membership Renewal Brochure
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