Presents
Volume 1186
John Coleman Burroughs at work in his studio
From Tarzana, California
A Danton Burroughs
and
John Coleman Burroughs
Family Archive Feature
Danton Burroughs


John Coleman ~ Hulbert ~ Stan Vinson


 


 


 


 

 

The Ideal Electric & Manufacturing Co., Mansfield, Ohio
Oct. 7, 1953
Dear Mr. Burroughs:
I had a visit last Sunday with a Mr. Gough (pronounced Goff) who is an artist and had studied under J. Allen St. John. He stoped in Mansfield just to see my St. John paintings. We talked about, and studied the portrait of your father and both feel that the trouble with the right eye is all in the black and white reproduction. The color in the oil painting seems quite good to us, but the photograph does seem poor. I wish you could see the original. The more I study this painting the more I like it. I think it is an excellent job considering the problems involved.

I don't mean to stick my nose into your business but hope you won't mind if I comment for a moment. I am a business man myself. My father started this business 50 years ago in 1903. He is still living and active. We build electric motors, etc. in competition with General Electric and Westinghouse. We do not deal with the general public as much as you do but do to some extent.

I have collected your father's works for about 20 or 25 years and suppose I have about $5000.00 in the hobby not counting my time. Although I have played with other hobbies such as stamp and coin collecting, this has been so much more fun that there is no comparison.

I regularly correspond with people all over the world trying to find Tarzan stories in different languages. It seems that any place you write they know about Tarzan

I keep in close touch with most of the collectors in this country. Such as Rev. Darrell C. Richardson, Vernell Coriell, Maurice Gardner, etc. I hear all of the complaints of your best supporters. The feeling is that they don't get answers to their questions, the books are out of print, the newspapers are droping the Tarzan comic strips and Tarzan is giving way to Buck Rogers & Captain Vidio. They hate to see this as they all love the Tarzan stories so much and feel that ERB Inc. has let them down in their effort to keep interest up.

I know myself, the local bookstore has wanted me to make up a window display of my paintings, first editions, magazines, foreign editions, etc. I hate to do it as they could not furnish any of the books and my limited supply of duplicate copies would not help much.

It seems to me you should put more effort in answering collectors questions, reprint (which I understand you plan to do) some of the books. Some of the stories not in book form could be gotten into hard covers. Such as "Tarzan and the Champion", "Tarzan and the Jungle Murders" and "The Quest of Tarzan". Also the Mars stories and Pellucidar stories.

The miscellaneous stories are more of a problem. Take "Beyond Thirty", it is so dated it is probably of no interest to anyone but the collectors. Someone should have permission to photostat the Boston Globe reprint of this story. As it is, the collectors are passing the few available copies around and typing copies for themselves. This is a big job and then they feel like some mistakes are bound to creap in.

"Jimber Jaw" "Scientist Revolt" and "Beyond the Farthest Star" could b in hard covers.  "Girl from Farris's" and "Efficiency Expert" are a question but can still be found in the original magazines.

I hope you take no offense at all this. I am not trying to tell you how to run your business. I have my own problems. It is just that I have such a deep feeling for your fathers work that I hate to hear all the complaining among collectors.

I hear the next Tarzan movie may be "Tarzan and the Woman from Outer Pace." Swell.

Yours,
Stan Vinson

 
 
November 8, 1962
Stan Vinson
The Ideal Electric  & Manufacturing Co.
Mansfield, Ohio

Dear John:
    I just heard from Henry Heins that you had been sick. I hope that you are back on your feet and feeling fine. I have been working with Henry on his bibleo. and think he did a swell job. He was here to see me and go over my collection for details he did not have. He is a very nice guy.
    I am sorry you did not get to Chicago for our meeting. Mrs. St. John was very anxious to meet you. She enjoyed meeting all the Burroughs fans and reminising a bit about your Dad.
    I understand from Vern Coriell that Rothmund has retired and that you and Hulbert are taking over the corporation. I thing this is wonderful and want to wish you all the luck in the world. If I can ever help in any way you know I would be very glad to do all I can. This is true of all the fans, I am sure. Over the years I tried to keep Mr. Rothmund posted on foreign editions of your father's books but don't know if it was any help.
    If, in getting organized you run across any of your original art work I would very much like to have something you did. As you know I have original art by St. John, Matania, Schoonover, and most of the comic artists. It just don't seem right not to have anything of yours with the many others.
    I am going on my vacation Nov. 17th to visit my son in Starkville, Miss. You may remember he was with me when I visited you serveral years ago. He is now married with a daughter, and going to school for his Doctors Degree.
    If you ever get out this way I do hope you will plan a stop in Mansfield.
                Yours
                Stan Vinson (sig)
                Stanleigh B. Vinson
REPLIED 11/15


 
November 16, 1962
John Coleman Burroughs

Stanleigh B. Vinson
The Ideal Electric Co.,
Mansfield, Ohio
Dear Stan:
    We are deeply grateful to you for your loyalty and generous offer to help us. It is reassuring to know that we have such friends as you located all over the country.
    I have not forgotten your many flattering requests for some original art work of mine. Perhaps some day in the not too distant future we shall be able to send you something.
    It was nice to have news about your son. Please extend to him and his new wife my very best regards.
        Sincerely,
        John Coleman Burroughs
JCB/mj


 
December 19, 1962
Stan Vinson
The Ideal Electric  & Manufacturing Co.
Mansfield, Ohio

Dear John Coleman:
    I did not rush to answer your letters of Nov. 7 and 16 as they did not really require a reply. I was on a vacation to Florida from Nov. 18 thru Dec. 5th. We had a very nice time but just got back for our first big snow. We had about 15 inches with drifts up to 6 or 8 feet. Could not get to work for two days.
    I believe I heard you had a visit to the hospital. I hope nothing serious and that you are feeling fine again.
    I was very glad to hear you might be able to locate a piece of your art work for me. Hope something turns up one of these days. 
    I hope the magazine I sent Hulbert arrived and is what he wanted to study.
    I also hope you and all the family have a very nice Christmas holiday.
            Yours,
            Stan


 
April 2, 1963
Stan Vinson
The Ideal Electric  & Manufacturing Co.
Mansfield, Ohio

Dear John:
I am glad to know you enjoyed the photo of the St. John sketch. I can't remember, did I ever give you one of these original sketches? I had about a dozen of them but have given most of them away. I still have several nice ones and if you don't have an, would like to send you one. Please let me know if you would like one. 
    It seems that St. John almost always made a small pencil sketch first. If he liked it he had it photographed to 8"x10" then covered the photo with cellophane and brushed on some rough color. If he still liked it he made the large finished printing. That is why the fine grid lines. In some few cases I have all three . The pencil sketch, the color overlay and finished work. 
    I remember Vern and I sent you an original Matania but can't remember sending you a St. John sketch. I suppose you new Matania passed away. I was sorry to hear it as he had become quite a good friend. 
    I still hope someday you will find a sample of our art work for me. Just let me know how much it will be. 
            Yours
            Stan
ANSWERED 4/7/63


 
April 15, 1963
Stan Vinson
The Ideal Electric  & Manufacturing Co.
Mansfield, Ohio

Dear John:
    This is just a quick note to tell you I am sending you a St. John sketch today. It is to bad these were not signed, but I am sure you will recognize his work. Anyway I hope you like it and I am very glad to be able to send it. 
        Yours
         Stan
ANSWERED 5/6/63


 
January 26, 1965
Stan Vinson
The Ideal Electric  & Manufacturing Co.
Mansfield, Ohio

Dear Hully:
    I understand Banner Productions are not giving you the part of Tarzan but that you will play Kala in the new movie. I guess they have decided not to make this a horror movie, but will do a real Tarzan epic.
    By the by, I just picked up one issue of Triple X  magazine with Tarzan Returns in it. I have not really hunted this for sometime but always wanted at least one issue just to show what they were like and that they did run Tarz. It has been a tough one to find. 
    Would it be asking to much for you to take a snap shot of two or three paintings that John would be willing to sell me. I hate to bother you but sure would like to have one. You could take them all on one photo as I am sure I would remember what they were liek from even a smal pix. John might even price them on the photo. I was remembering a young woman's head in pastel colors but just to have a J.C.B. painting is all I could ask for.
    We are working hard to have the S.F. Con in Cleveland in the fall of 1966. The final decision will come at the Con. in London this fall. Hope to get it and make it a big E.R.B. meeting.
            Stan


 
HANDWRITTEN UNDATED NOTES ON A YELLOW LINED SHEET
Memo To Jack From Hully
Would it be O.K. to send Stan 4x5 color transparencies of your paintings. (Those you might want to sell to Stan.) He could best make his selection from the transparencies & I am completely confident that he will return them.

Jack's Handwritten Response
HB turned over to me your recent letter in which you very vividly expressed interest in purchasing one of my paintings. I am gathering together a few paintings to photograph among these which you  may find one & that will especially appeal to you. As soon as the photo is ready, I'll mail it on to you. Thanks Stan for your interest. 
(Name Jim Pierce is at the end of note)


 
February 16, 1965
John Coleman Burroughs

Stanleigh B. Vinson
c/o The Ideal Electric Co.,
Mansfield, Ohio.  44903
Dear Stan:
    Hulbert turned over to me your recent letter in which you very kindly express interest in purchasing one of my paintings.
    I am gathering together a few paintings to photo graph. Among these, you may find one that will appeal to you. As soon as the photographs are ready, I'll mail them on to you. 
    Thank you, Stan, for your interest.
        John Coleman Burroughs
        EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, INC.
JCB/mj


 
March 5, 1965
John Coleman Burroughs
24236 Malibu Road,
Malibu, California

Mr. Stanleigh B. Vinson
c/o The Ideal Electric Co.,
Mansfield, Ohio
Dear Stan:
    Here are photos of some of my paintings that you wished to see.
    Title and price are listed on back of each photo. These are Gallery prices. For sale, without frame, directly to you, cost would be 20% off listed price.
    I hope you find something here that pleases you. I would appreciate return of the photos when you are through with them.
    Thank you, Stan, for your interest.
            Warmest regards,
            John Coleman Burroughs
JCB/mj
Encl.


 
March 16, 1965
Stan Vinson
c/o The Ideal Electric Co.,
Mansfield, Ohio  44903

Dear John: 
    Thanks so much for sending me the photos of the paintings you have for sale. This is a terrible decision to make as I like all of your work so well. 
    It is kind of a tossup between "Roping Steer," "Bucking Horse," Attempted Stagecoach Robbery" and "Indian Chief."  Unless you think another is better, I think I will say "Roping Steer" but would take your choice form the lot. So here is my check for $650.00.
    I understand Hully may be out this way the end of March or early April. I do hope he can stop in Mansfield. If you see him, please give him my best wishes. 
    I hope you are feeling better and that your family are all well.
        Yours,
        Stan
P.S. Returning photos under separate cover.


 
March 23, 1965
John Coleman Burroughs
24236 Malibu Road,
Malibu, California

Mr. Stanleigh B. Vinson
c/o The Ideal Electric Co.,
Mansfield, Ohio.  44903
Dear Stan:
    Yesterday, we sent to you via Railway Express the painting, ROPING STEER.
    I suspected from your letter that you favored this picture; and although it is one of a pair (companion painting is BULLDOGGING STEER) I wanted you to have it.
    Hulbert is in New York, and I believe he is going to try to see you on his way home.
           Warmest regards,
            John Coleman Burroughs
JCB/mj


 
March 30, 1965
Stan Vinson
c/o The Ideal Electric Co.,
Mansfield, Ohio  44903
LAfayette 2-3611

Dear John:
    Just a note to tell you the painting came last Saturday and is just beautiful. It was well packed and was in now ay damaged. 
    As you know Hully was here over the weekend and had a chance to see it. 
    When I have it framed I will get a color slide to send you so you can see how it looks.
    We had a wonderful time with Hully here. I hope he will tell you of his visit. I am just sorry you could not be with us. 
    Thanks so much for the painting, I can't tell you how glad I am to have it.
            Yours,
            Stan Vinson


 
April 21, 1967
Stan Vinson
c/o The Ideal Electric Co.,
Mansfield, Ohio  44903
LAfayette 2-3611

Dear John:
    I am sorry to be so slow writing to thank you for the autographed copy of Black Falcon. I wanted to keep this autographed copy nice and clean for my collection. Therefore had to wait until I got extra copies to read the story.
    I enjoyed the story very much and just hope it sells as well as it should. It certainly is different, with a well developed plot as well as science. I might question why a metal helmet did not block off thought waves, but this is not important. I can see some of your Dad in the story but was glad to see that you did not try to copy his style. I sure hope it does well and am sure it should. 
    Now I hope you can do a story around the three paintings that Hully had in Oakland a few years back. With the large insects and the beautiful paintings make me wild to read the story. 
        Thanks so much,
        Stan


 
April 24, 1967
Stan Vinson
c/o The Ideal Electric Co.,
Mansfield, Ohio  44903
LAfayette 2-3611

Dear Hully:
    I got your list of my art work made up over the weekend. Pardon my typing, I am not as good at it as I was when in school.
    I know I went into more than you wanted but while I was at it I wanted to cover the whole story. I tried to show the real meat, the related things and the non-Burroughs. You will note that use in a fan magazine makes items only related.
    I ask Vern and Richardson to make lists but doubt if they do, for me. You better write them. I will send them both copies of my list to try and push them. 
    Caz has all the Canaveral illos, there must have been about 127 or so, except Lupoff has two Blaines. Frazetta has DJ for Tales of Three Planets and Hines has the train Frontis for Tarzan Twins. 
    Also I gave Sam Peeples a Matania. I think the fight on board the ship.
    This is all the real art work I know of in the hands of collectors. 
    No charge for the Japanese Tarzans. I will get it back in living flesh. From you know where. Glad to know you got them. 
    I will try and get you a copy of the record in Japanese if I can. I gave the extra I had to Hyde. Sorry.
    Glad to hear you are publishing. I Am A Barbarian. Looks like I would have to pick it up at a bookstore for just some skin off my behind instead of my right arm You know I don't really want a copy, much!
    I really enjoyed John's Black Falcon. He sent me an autographed copy (He is one of the nice guys). I did not want to read but to keep clean for my collection. I finally got some copies so I could read one. It is a good story. I wrote him about it and ask him to write a story around the three paintings you have that he did. Trouble is I suppose it would cost to much to reproduce them in a book. Anyway they look like a swell story also.
    Let me know if you don't understand my list of art.
            Stan

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