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Right Rev. Monsignor Edward Joseph Flanagan (13 July 1886 – 15 May 1948) was an Irish-born priest of the Catholic Church in the United States, who served for decades in Nebraska. After serving as a parish priest in the Catholic Diocese of Omaha, he founded the orphanage and educational complex known as Boys Town, located west of the city in what is now Boys Town, Douglas County, Nebraska. In the 21st century, the complex also serves as a center for troubled youth.
Flanagan's work became widely known, especially after he was played by Spencer Tracy in the movie Boys Town (1938). In the post-World War II era, Flanagan was invited by General Douglas MacArthur to visit Japan and Korea, and later Austria and Germany, to give him advice about improving conditions for children in the occupied countries.
William Franklin Skiff (October 16, 1895 – December 25, 1976) was an American professional baseball player, manager, and scout. Although he appeared only briefly in Major League Baseball in 22 total games as a catcher and pinch hitter for the 1921 Pittsburgh Pirates and the 1926 New York Yankees, he had a long career in the minor leagues: 19 seasons as a player or player-manager, and another 14 as a manager.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, the 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), 170 lb (77 kg) Skiff batted and threw right-handed. During his two big-league stints, he hit .250 in 56 at bats. His 14 hits included two doubles. His minor league career extended from 1916 to 1931 and 1933–51. As a manager he piloted the top-level Seattle Rainiers, Newark Bears and Kansas City Blues. He served the Yankees' organization for many years as a minor league skipper and scout.
Offered is an 8.5” x 11” typed letter signed by Father Flangan sent to Bill Skiff for his contributions to helping Boys Town. The letter is dated July 17, 1945 and thanks him for his contribution that will be spent on the behalf of America’s thousands of homeless, deserted boys – boys of all races and religious creeds who have been denied the sympathy and understanding and the loving care of parents. He also invites him to read the two letters and photograph on the following pages (this letter folds out, so it’s a bonus to this letter) from two former Boys Town residents. We’ve included a 1970 Honorary Citizen of Boys Town Card to accompany the letter as bonus. The card has actually been signed by Skiff himself.
Gorgeous blue/black steel tipped pen signature of the very sought after Father Flanagan.
Additional full JSA LOA accompanies this letter.
Item: 13445
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