A Letter from Mr. Hearst

Happily sharing a vintage parcel mailed from William Randolph Hearst Jr. to Alex Madonna in Fall, 1965. I love the tone and tenor of this letter; tapped out matter-of-factly on a typewriter and accompanied by a few color photos.

Alex and, "Bill," as he referred to himself here, were great friends throughout the years - even if they didn't always agree on matters of business. Their friendship is evident in the photos that were sent along with the letter. Even Phyllis, who's never been hugely fond of riding horses, was saddled up in a few of these photos - making them all the more special.

The Madonna’s eldest daughter, Cathie, on her saddled pony.

Alex and his second eldest daughter, Karen, with son John in toe.

Though not a big fan of horseback riding, Phyllis was saddled up for the ride.

Mr. Hearst and Mr. Madonna loping across the pasture