Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2515

Carbon of letter of January 29, 1945, from Heath to George Lamb, Pitman Publishing Co., New York City, this followed by carbons of letters from Frances Alice Norton (later Frances Norton Manning), 10 Montague Terrace, Brooklyn Heights, New York to Mr. Henry Allen Moe, Guggenheim Foundation, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York City, January 29, 1945; to Frank Case, The Algonquin, New York City, January 30, 1945; and to Eddie Doherty, February 8, 1945. These letters exemplify the publicity work for Heath by Miss Norton, who was exceptional in making contacts for him and was his hostess in California the last several years of his life. An early (perhaps first and only) draft of her “Digest” referred to in Heath’s letter to Lamb is appended at the end.

 

 

 

 

Dear Mr. Lamb:                        January 29, 1945

 

I enclose a corrected page from my manuscript. You may want to insert it in place of the page you now have.

 

 Miss Norton contacted Mr. Moe of Guggenheim Foundation and we are to meet Monday (tomorrow). I was unable to see Dr. Lutz due to the fact I was out of town and also after reading his books I feel he would not have an open mind or the wide scope this volume needs. However, I am contacting Mr. Ruml through Miss Norton and I believe an appointment has been arranged. She also wrote the publisher in Chicago she mentioned to you and sent a list of the college profs to him to see if any of them were on his payroll or if he had suggestions.

 

 In the meantime she felt a Digest is needed. She has started writing a manuscript which will be about the size of the Readers Digest and that many pages. She merely calls it The Digest of Socionomy and her first page is entitled “Explaining Socionomy” and the next page is entitled “Explaining Spencer Heath.” She found socionomy easier to explain than Spencer Heath! It is her intention to take my book and digest Chapter by Chapter and yet to give so much that reading the book is not necessary, still giving enough that in the hands of Newspaper editors, students or College Staffs they do not have to wade through the entire book to get the high lights or to open up their minds to the extent they will WANT to know MORE about Socionomy. She feels this Digest in Digest size and Form (printed with paper covers) that she will have a concise and coordinated story for writers, followers, publishers, or who, when and how.

 

 While I am writing this, I want to ask a question. If I were to create “The Spencer Heath Foundation” to publish my book and to announce the field is open to all-comers who might write similar books on the same type of subject or kindred subjects, do you think there might be a way the Spencer Heath Foundation publications could bear the name..Pitman publishers… The Foundation would take moral and studious responsibilities for the books, but Pitman as the Publishers would lend the necessary relationship taking it out of the amateur class. Guggenheim print their own books but I have yet to learn if a publisher’s name is on the copies. I will probably phone you Monday, or in a few days as I am anxious to bring about some concrete action without too much delay.

With best wishes,

 

Sincerely,

 

                                 Spencer Heath

Enc.

 

____________________________________

 

 

Dear Mr. Moe:                          January 29, 1945

 

Pardon the fact I do not have your initials and being Sunday can’t call up and get them. However I do want to thank you for listening the other day when I phoned and I shall phone you Monday morning as you suggested for I do know you will enjoy meeting Spencer Heath and I am sure you will remember having met him briefly in the “Shanty” one day quite a long time ago when Mr. Lamb, editor of Pitman’s happened to be with us.

 

 Mr. Lamb is interested in publishing the book on “Socionomy” which Mr. Heath has written, however, I felt it would be helpful if both you and Mr. Heath could have a chat about it, for undoubtedly you will find it a subject of deep study and as both you and Mr. Heath have a wonderful sense of humor, you won’t get too involved. Sometimes a subject can be of such extreme fascination, we go all out and as they say on the radio “That ain’t good!”

 

 Spencer Heath has made his contribution to the mortal world in his position as a Research Engineer. He was born in Virginia. His home is in Baltimore. His apartment is in N.Y. He was first with the Navy Engineering Department, then became Master of His Own Fate and hung out his shingle as Patent Attorney in Washington D.C. at 918 F Street…oh years ago. His clients were many and moneyed. The Patent attorney business was good and Mr. Heath as an engineer was called in on some very important aeronautical engineering back when planes were…crack-pot ideas. However he built a Propeller factory and another and finally had half a dozen and his Government Contracts were comparable to Mr. Kaiser and this war..not such volume but the same ratio. In 1929 or about Vincent Bendix took over Spencer Heath, his patents, designs, factories and even the services of Mr. Heath. Mr. Heath became a Consulting and Research Engineer for Bendix and traveled far and wide, over there and over here. In 1931 he retired to do his research in the Field of Humankind and out of his study and his ideas, his courage and his stability we have his book “Socionomy”..however because the entire thought process is so new…it will take a few open minds to discuss a digest of it with him..and let him know how they react to it…so he may improve his “designs” and really put the thing into operation..as nearly as possible through the media of awakening a few sleeping minds…

 

 Thanks again and best wishes,

 

Sincerely,

 

F.A.N.

 

________________________________

 

 

Dear Frank Case:                       January 30, 1945

 

First allow me to tell you how happy everyone is you are feeling so much better. I had a letter from Gene Fowler on the coast and he sent best regards and a lot of elbow raising to your speedy recovery.

 

 Second, you may or may not remember me. (What is that about Hotel people, elephants and news-paper men?) however..I had the  honor of Louis Sebols entire Cavalcade…when he used a complete letter I wrote him..about Floyd Gibbons…the entire column was mine! Then when The Chicago Sun ran my N.Y. Letters via June Provines column and in the shadow of Odd McIntyre (Bless him always)..I mentioned each mention…The Algonquin..and particularly the beautiful appetizers you then served…with cocktails and such..and I sent you clippings and you sent back..”Frances…Shakespeare never wrote better than your words”….now that that is that…I shall continue…(be prepared…to do some reading..sorry but must tell you the story)..

 

 Yesterday a very distinguished guest dined in your Wayside Inn…He is tall and charming and his Vandyke and mustachio, the slender black silk cord that is tucked neatly behind his ear, the deep blue eyes that look into peoples hearts and minds, rather than at the clothes they wear or X-ray their pocketbooks…took in the thing which lurks in every square foot of the Algonquin..its the thing we cannot define..perhaps we will call it the same thing the poet had..when he wrote “House by the side of the Road”…its something people feel..the invisible beauty…we cannot create artificially or buy..its there or it isn’t….

 

 This distinguished guest has a name and his name is Spencer Heath. Only the day before he dictated a letter to his secretary to establish himself..that he may dine there when the spirit moves him..and be one of your “best customers”..I introduced your headman to him..(Raul…or how does he spell his name..he is the Saint Peter of your dining room..the one to the left of the Lobby…and he stands before a great book…and knows his people and the work they do..?). ..We had beautiful food and Algonquin service…and were happy and well fed…and leisurely…and we talked about you.

 

 Now to get back to our distinguished guest.

 

 I must first identify him to this extent…and after I tell you his mission now..and the work he is doing..will I tell you why he is doing this work..and what qualifies him for doing it. Perhaps this is reverse procedure..but I always did do things my “own” way…and create my own pattern…

 

 Spencer Heath has written a book. Not a novel, not a mystery play, and maybe not even a “Best seller”..maybe no one will ever read his book..or understand it…but it took us nine hundred years to discover the Journal of the Emperor of Rome and it took us eight hundred years to get the Bible into English…and out of Latin, Hebrew and Greek…and Spencer Heath is not particularly concerned whether or not the throng read his volume…just at this time..the throng may read it..after the thought has become a tangible thing…and they benefit by  Heath’s findings.

 

 This is what Spencer Heath has found..and he likens his idea to the management of a Hotel…(see..that’s why I write to you…) ….A Hotel gives service..and the more service they give…the more they do for their guests..and I mean too the little extra services…the kind thoughtful, gracious services…the heart services, the more people come to that Hotel and the more money comes in and the more profitable is the venture for both the guest and management.

 

 Simple..isn’t it..and true. You have proven that in what to my personal thought is the most outstanding, and qualified way..of all…for the average Hotel Business is a cold, cruel and rather heartless transaction…with employees grabbing and clerks snooting..etc.etc…and ye goode olde credit manager ..investigating and getting the wrong stories…most of the time. ..reports and records are of value only when their meaning and circumstance is understood..

 

 Now the guests of that Hotel..(as above) are not concerned with how the Hotel conducts its business or is able to give service..the guest does not have to take a course in Hotel management to be a guest of that Hotel..its up to the directing head…to set up these services and run the things as he thinks it should be run..and thereby either rise or fall.

 

 Now you have proven services pay…your Hotel is better known and more sincerely loved…your guests are loyal friends..you hold a unique position in the Hotel annals..as you know..or if you don’t know..its time you did!

 

 On this theory of service..of giving rather than grabbing..of cooperating rather than obstructing or fighting or being sure no one is getting gypped..Spencer Heath conducts a thorough and scholarly research into the lives and plans, work and dreams of men…He proves in his book..where Mary Baker Eddy calls her volume..”Key to the scriptures” I think his book is Key to Humanity and its heart and mind and work…The funny part about Mr. Heath’s book..is..it works! He says why talk so much about putting on the brakes..why not talk about building an engine that will carry the load up hill? He is not a Polly Anna..he is a sound, right thinking man whose constructive thought never bogs down..but is ever reaching up..not too high and not to the stars..but to things within reach..while he grows tall to reach them..why measure a man from the Heavens down to show how small he is..why not measure him from the ground up to show how tall? Get it? But he does not deal in silly, loosely threaded things..he deals in tangibles..things we have at hand..but never use.

 

 He is NOT an idealist…he dreams no Utopia…he is a realist and his theory or theme of things is virtually meeting problems familiar to all of us..and ones we meet in our daily lives..and knowing how to handle these problems..so we beat them..and master them..and not just meet them… He does not point this out in any fervor of greatness..he points it out on definite foundations of fact and with proven figures…its plain. Its simple. Its business..and its good business. He makes his comparative sequences in a manner even a newspaper man can understand…his theme is offer..don’t take by force. Give..don’t grab. This is applied to such things as Real Estate and Taxes..if you please and they work…s’help me! You in your Hotel business..give…people are grateful and patronize you..and when they pay they WANT to pay..it’s a joy to pay for things when someone is not beating our head in to make us pay…see what he means?

 

Now to get to Spencer Heath..himself.

 

 This is something..and part of our American Story…He ain’t no potato vender…or soap box fixer…and he ain’t no crack-pot orator..or distressed, irresponsible financial incompetent…he is no dreamer and he is no reformer….

 

 Spencer Heath was born in Virginia, Sah (but his parents were New Yorkers)..in 1876…in 1900 he was a Navy Engineer in Washington. He got tired of the confinement as a Navy engineer..in charge of etc…so he opened his own law office..and they laughed when he sat down at his swivel chair and did a good job as a Patent Lawyer. His offices were at 918 F Street..in Washington. He took unto himself among other snazzy clients the firm of Christopher and Simon Lake..then submarine manufactures..soon Spencer Heath was interested in the then “crazy” aeroplanes..He designed propellers (trade mark Paragon) and started a factory in Baltimore. He had six factories eventually and was the Henry Kaiser of the last war in the propeller business..his huge Govt. contracts for both Navy and Army ran into box car figures..as Govt. contracts usually do..he had practically all of the Propeller business…good ole monopoly..I like monopolies..even conversational.

 

 However…in about 1929..Vincent Bendix bought him out..patents, designs, propellers, factories and even Spencer Heath..it was a deal..and not for peanuts….He was Bendix consulting and research engineer until 1931..when he said enough of this..I’m going to write a book. In 1931 he began talking to friends and relatives…about his ideas of life..taxation..etc.etc..business..etc.etc..and as an Engineer he saw all these parts..these wheels and discs and what not..and without reaching out to make any new parts he said.. “Let’s first put these things together”.. .. as in machinery..there must be definite parts…Religion must be confined to Religion. Business to Business. Etc.etc..he pointed out our parts were overlapping in such a way there were no fine..definite..concise parts…as are needed for wheels to go around…The Church was in Business…The Government was overlapping and was in business…Business was in the Church..etc..the parts were worn to a level..and nothing worked….He didn’t criticize…raise Ned and say we were all going to Hell..and let’s tar and feather the Politicians..etc.etc..He said..“Look, let’s build this thing..let’s strengthen these parts…let’s give them a definite order..and let’s watch the thing work..and not moan and fight..tear each other apart or throw away the thing we have built..for we have been building…and we have gone forward…”…See? Beginning to get it?

 

In the value of money..he has it. His credit is good and his Trust Company testifies to his financial responsibility…this means he is welcome in the “best places” even though some of the worst people are also welcome..it means he can be your guest..dine and be happy and well fed and enjoy his friends..and the Algonquin won’t have to chase him into the kitchen to do dishes… It means he can create The Spencer Heath Foundation and introduce his book to the directors and men who set up the machinery of living..the key men..so when this thing is understood and discovered they can have their “Hotel” and give their services…or build their structure…and the people will thereby benefit although the people at this time..are not interested..nor would they probably have the minds or executive experience or capital interest to understand..or understanding would they be able to do anything about it..It means he can take his time..travel and collect more data..read up on what’s going on..discuss his ideas with other minds..to rest his..and perhaps five hundred years from now..man will benefit..he sincerely refuses either fame or name..he is only giving his services..in the permanent form of a published book..and explaining as he goes along..to the ones who are building…his theory..that they may see the gleam..but you Frank Case..you have been doing his  theory…carrying out his ideas…all these years..in your capacity as the Algonquin Host..so you see it WORKS…He loves you..he loves your Hotel and if ever a guest was welcome..I am sure you welcome him..

 

 Too tired to read more about what I am doing?

 

 This stationery would indicate I have a handknit business.. which I have..I originate Early American Fashions..traditionally New England and we make mittens..my ladies make Mittens…for ladies sometimes have to work..and ladies over fifty…

 

 However..mittens go on and on..its a business…being what they have called me among other things “An Editorial Journalist”…I write..this I cannot and…so I scratched the dandruff all over my new black wool and said “Television..television..what can I do about Television..how can I get in on it..but now?” So I recalled that when movies were young…I had been offered a job of going to Hollywood and writing a movie column about the stars and studios..etc.etc..But I had getting married in the beano and quaint notions (I still have) about women should marry and have children and want them and love them and have a home and want their home and love it and have a husband and be happy when he comes home and they can see to it he is happy…so I didn’t take the job. Bushmans secretary did..Luella Parsons..by name…

 

 So I wrote a Television Column…all star stuff, studio stuff..and whats going on..and because I love the Algonquin and Odd McIntyre..I followed in his footsteps and followed in the footsteps of Lolly Parsons..(her and her old brown derby)…and am centering all my star interviews..etc.etc..via the Algonquin..in other words I am saying..“Met Jean Parker at the Algonquin yesterday and we talked about Television…” …etc.etc…see? Now, the column caught..I mailed out three hundred to various Editors (my father being an editor and publisher for 60 years..I know a few Fourth Estaters…Thank God…I love ‘em all)….and what happened? So I got deluged…so I got a syndicate salesman..and so he got deluged and so the nine Television studios in the U.S. (only nine to date) deluged me..and want contracts for publicity via my column..and I’m up to my neck…Telling on Television…and every interview will originate either in your Dining room, bar, Lobby or who knows..maybe your powder room for the low down on how they keep their stockings up (they use adhesive ..honestly)..etc.etc…I couldn’t let Odd McIntyre down..or your Hotel.

 

 My son..Lt. Wright D. Jackson Jr..now in Italy had dinner with me there….when he was here on furlough..over a year ago..Eddie Doherty (Liberty feature writer..etc..now Chi. Sun) was with us..I asked Jack (my son) where he wanted most to visit..and his answer at once of course..was Algonquin,..he read your book when he was in his cradle..I think..his ambition at nine..via a newspaper column on school doings…was Someday he wanted to go to N.Y. meet Odd McIntyre..his brother Frank Case and stay at the Algonquin”…and Jackson at nine..is Jackson at 25..Italy or  no..(He would love a postal…Here is his address…..Lt. Wright D. Jackson..APO—15584….0-1061983…Postmaster N.Y. ….air mail reaches him..same as V-mail…about ten days… He is in a Hospital now..but soon okay..he says.      

 

 So in the meantime ..I apply Spencer Heaths Science and Spencer Heaths philosophy..(Socionomy means the science of Society) and I give a column..and lots of service to newspapers and I get business and contracts…and such..

 

 Now..bet your all tired out..its a long letter..but its been swell..and hope you read it…through., even if it has to be  taken in parts…Be glad to see you when you return..in the meantime..our thoughts are with you..so hurry and get back and let us hate you for your Florida tan…we who slave in the deep dish snows….

 

 Sincerely and with regard from Spencer Heath..I am

 

 

Frances Alice Norton

 

 

__________________________________

 

Dear Eddie:                           February 8, 1945

It was good to say Hello..it was snowing like anything here in Noo Yawk…blizzardy…and to contact Chicago for a moment was a handclasp..across the miles..any Bell Telephone stock lately?

 However…this is to give you my slant on Spencer Heath. Since I’ve been handling his publicity, I have learned a great deal about a great man…I would personally appreciate your giving his story the brilliant genius of your Rosary of Words…as only you can tell them Eddie…I say this sincerely…I’ll give you facts and I’ll give you my picture of him…and I send you something from Nick Kenny’s column in the N.Y. Mirror..I listened to this talk of Mons-Sheen..(pardon..spelling I think he is wonderful…) on the Catholic hour Sunday. I thought at the time…Its Spencer Heaths doctrine. Okay ready?..Then get ready…on acct. of because here I is…

 

 Off the record Ed. notes to Eddie:-

 Spencer Heath has the advantage of having had parents born in N.Y. but he was born in Virginia..1876 to be exact January 3. However, as a boy he was intrigued with things…if a stream flowed one way and that way wasn’t the right way, he saw to it..it went the other way but he did it without preaching or battle…he did it by pointing out the way, clearing the wooded path and making the stream turn itself around. He has been “changing” things ever since..and since he is the father of three daughters and six-grand-daughters and a few -grand-sons, he may have done a little changing on his own..

 

 He studied Law, Engineering and yeahs and yeahs ago worked for the Crane Co. in Chicago. He went to Washington, D.C., married there..and became attached to the Navy dept. The salary was small but what was more, he didn’t have enough to do. He scared everyone to death when he quietly announced he intended opening his own Law Office..at the snozzy address of 918 F. St…and setting himself up as a Patent Attorney..no Heath-Heath-Heath-and Heath..but Spencer Heath (period)…They laughed when he sat down in his swivel chair, but he laughed when he got himself big clients..such as the firm of Christopher and Simon Lake, submarine manufacturers (year about 1907) and as patent attorney he was intrigued with aviation. He got his B.A. and then his Masters in Law in Washington..but his greatest love was engineering. He still has a right to practice Law in D.C…with the flame of aviation in his mind, he worked on propellers. The trade name of his propeller was “Paragon” and he noticed planes only went forward on the field..they did not go in reverse. He figured if a motor boat and a car and a horse can back up..why can’t a plane? So Spencer Heath changed that.. His propeller made a plane go in reverse and the speed of the propeller was so worked out as to have what is now something of a universal gear..its all very technical..but the main thing is Spencer Heath make a great contribution to aviation..not only in his faith and interest in it..but the work he contributed to it. He says a man is called crazy until he is proven right and then when he is proven right he is a genius..and no longer crazy..but the world has been..for calling him nerts… so he was crazy and he built propellers and believed in aviation.

 In one year he made more money than he did in his entire employment with the Navy department before he hung out his shingle..announcing himself.

 He got huge Army and Navy contracts during the last war for Paragon propellers…he built one, then two and finally six factories in Baltimore..Md…and was actually the Henry Kaiser of the last war…he had a “monopoly” but who else could make propellers? His story in aviation..the scandal..the trials and problems..He stoutly defended Billy Mitchell..he stoutly defended aviation.. and led the way.

 He developed many other things in aviation and did a good job. Then Vincent Bendix negotiated with him and finally bought his factories, his research labs..his designs, patents and even his name and even Spencer Heath himself..He sold everything out to Bendix..and became their consulting and research engineer until 193l..he travelled in Europe and America for them and in this work developed many valuable gadgets..kith and kin to planes.

 In 1931, having earned the “necessary ” as he terms it..he was joyous at being able to give his time and bankbook to the “unnecessary” or in other words the leisure to think things out in…It all began when he started talked to people…and he loves to talk to people…little groups listened…then bigger groups..then there were demands that he please write down these truths…he is a “born teacher” Eddie…he never gets impatient…and one friend  said… “That man Heath.. sometimes he has the look in his eyes..I have seen in a Priest”… I have heard him in some pretty tough discussion with some very important men..and he bangs facts back at then in the most tender and gentle manner..his voice never listening..and his tone never quarreling…its clever cross-examination and very finished…. bet he can play poker…too.

 He wrote his book..he called it The Science of Society..and the thing he named it..was “Socionomy”..its a Dictionary word….incidentally…He is not a dreamer, reformer or a crack-pot..he doesn’t want to run the White House or throw anybody to the wolves…but he sees this thing clearly…and he has changed the entire tide so utterly… that it becomes a new, untried idea…as “crazy” as aviation..and as dramatic in his freedom. He calls his work a discovery…he sees people around him…all their worries..their work..their homes..their taxes..etc.etc. He sees them wanting to be free..needing a bigger pie..not fighting over a smaller piece of the smaller pie…He sees all the work man is doing and all the dreams man is dreaming..and he says..”Look..you are free..why take..when you can give…why fight when you can love..and why grab when already your supply is in your hand?”…I would not call his book idealistic..and it certainly is not any other istic…only the world will not believe…strange (or is it?) as it may seem that a brilliant man who has achieved recognition and adoration as an engineer pioneering aviation…a man who is gentle, charming, quiet and yet tenacious…a man with “money” but definitely..because Vincent Bendix doesn’t buy factories with peanuts…is really and truly heart soul and entirely interested in “the people”..that he wants nothing for hisself..in fact his books last chapter is not copyrighted…he points out..he is giving the last chapter..to anyone who wants to copy it..he opens the door and says Here..its yours…take it..there are no obstacles….

 Instead of building libraries..or monuments…He has written a book..this book contains an array of ideas…all new..all just born..but summing up..Spencer Heath is a clever, witty, brilliant “bizness” man..he is a “capitalist” and he speaks the language of Wall Street..of investments in Billions..and he knows every inch of the way..on the money side…he makes and sets forth many suggestions…but this is his structure..

 We give services in a Hotel..let us say..we give extra services…and so what? So we get higher prices…would we entrust the management of this Hotel to the hands of the bellboys ..or elevator men..or waiters? When we go to a Hotel is a man standing at the door with a weapon to demand payment..and take it from us..or else…or else…does the Hotel exact a percentage of our money..by force…no, they make it all very pleasant…they treat us beautifully..bow and bow..and serve us..then we pay our bill gratefully..even the high priced bills..and feel wonderful about the whole business…no one has to browbeat us into payment…

 He likens this to a community..

 If a community need a waterworks..why should a paid “public servant” say..”Pay for this or else”..and grab it..but grab? What if the landowners build their own water works…and run it themselves..or employees they hire as employees..not as politicians…or public servants (likened to the bellboys and elevator boys in the Hotel idea)..to beat it out of us?…The water works are built..the town is better for it..so landowners prosper because land is more valuable..see?…This is just one phase of it…

 The distribution of wealth he states..is alright..for the way things are being run now..but we have always produced more than we can market…or transport…and we need a bigger pie…taxes can be an asset rather than a liability and we can run things on a business basis..on a profit basis if you will..with money in the Bank..rather than put it in the hands of public servants and they run us…

 The Wall Street Journal ran a series of his letters..and he wrote an article for The Appraisers Journal..the organ of the National Association of Real Estate Boards..published in Chicago..these articles appeared about 1942…and were entitled..“Why ‘Valuable’ Land Lies Idle?” and “Why Land Values Should Not be Taxed” was written..but they only published the first….

 

 In 1942..he attended a dinner at the Astor…of The Economic Club.. About fifteen hundred were there..and the speakers table..boasted a select 21…Gov.Lehman…headed the center spot..to his right..Wm.Jeffers, David Sarnoff, Spencer Heath..and a few others… To Lehmans left..Winthrop Aldrich, Hon. Harold Ickes, Wm.Boyd Jr..John A. Brown, Henry Morgenthau, Louis Anspacher, Newcomb Carlton, Richard Patterson, Jr..and others…I mean Eddie..he rates.

 

 This isn’t nonsense the man is thinking ….

 Last week he talked with Holgar Johnson..President of the Institute of Life Insurance..representing public relations of 160 Companies..and Johnson is no fool..Johnson is thrilled by Heaths discussion..offered questions and saw the light..he wrote him..and they are to put on the gloves soon..and go to the mat again..Heath loves a walloping discussion..but he never gets edgy..

 Then Henry Allen Moe..secretary general of the Simon Guggenheim foundation talked to him..and asked to read his book…therefore he is getting it in mss. form..since its in the hands of publishers… Eleanor Early is doing a story from the woman’s angle..and things are popping along..he is giving round table talks..and I am getting groups of biggies..for him to enlighten..because what he says..makes sense…and works..the pieces are there..and he has put them together…

 What is it really? Its first the IDEA that Man IS FREE..and man to get his daily bread and a good portion of it..does not have to fight..grab..rob, beg or steal..its his..If I grab from you..and you grab from me…we fight..if you give and I give..we both have a greater share and we are friends..its so easy..once you see it his way…instead of hammering the boss for more pay..Heaths idea is to give more service..and the pay will gladly be offered…for he says no employer resents pay..to a valuable employee… he didn’t in his business experience…and he doesn’t believe good employers do…its not good business not to..

 Government is one thing..and its correct..when we say “Our Government” we mean one thing..often we confuse it with “Our country”..then we confuse the entire business..with…Our Public Servants…we pay them salaries to beat us down and demand we keep in line and pay them off…etc.etc…Government yes..for the people by the people and of the people..our country yes…to the last man…our political graft, greed, grab and go..no…a million times…for the landowners have the real money at stake..and the landowner is the “boss”…

 However…Heath has discussed every subject..every science..every phase of his book and his ideas with University Boards..and he has merged Philosophy with Psychology..and done other weird and to the University Board..unheard of things…

 I know if I were to select a mind..to measure other minds by..I would select the mind of Spencer Heath..its so fair..and its so right…

 

 But the the world doesn’t understand love..instead of hate..giving instead of taking…and he is his own self..

 He is a beloved parent…his three daughters, six  granddaughters and grandsons..adore him…he has given his money to them..to enjoy their joy..while he is here to enjoy it with them..he didn’t want any of his family waiting around for an inheritance..he discards yesterdays headlines..he lives in the immediate and exciting now…

 He wants to live another thirty years..because that will mean..the people may just begin to know the contents of his book..he doesn’t expect them to get it..at first..not any of it…for nothing was built like that..they will get it gradually..and more and more..just as certain earth structures..rebuild themselves..as a part becomes worn out..or antique…it is replaced by a modern design..and the new part clings to the old..then another old part gives way..a new part is added…and so..until the entire pattern is new…

…

 This man Spencer Heath has earned a salute… Eddie … and if you have any questions to ask..he will love you for it.. challenge him..fling your journalistic inquiry at him..he will give you answers that will be answers..and no fooling..and answers hard to combat…

 Yes..all this may be confusing..intricate..and you may be trying to find the story in it..isn’t it story enough that this man..is suggesting the doctrine of Love..applied to life today..and tomorrow..as part of our post-war peace…and as a permanent thing..that he suggests it can be applied to create bigger profits..and give everyone better jobs and more money..with which to free themselves..from some of the necessary things..so they can earn more..to indulge in some of the unnecessary things..like maybe..writing a book..in answer to Spencer Heath? If so Eddie..he anticipated that..come one come all..after his book is printed..if any one wants to write a book…along his line of thinking…the Spencer Heath Foundation will see to it..and add it to its reference library…

But we humans must see and we must know the profit of love..and the loss of hate…

Much love Eddie..

Frank

 

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/Pages typed by Frances Alice Norton and approved by Heath, of her proposed Digest on Socionomy referred to in Heath’s letter to George Lamb of January 25, 1945. (Incidentally, Heath was not Irish as herein stated.)/

 

 

 

DIGEST on SOCIONOMY

 

 

By Spencer Heath

 

 

Spencer Heath Foundation

Spencer Heath Publishing Society

370 Lexington Avenue

N. Y       N. Y.

 

__________________________________

 

 

 

EXPLAINING SOCIONOMY

 

 

What is Socionomy?

Webster defines it as “The Science of Society” but when Spencer Heath first wrote his text book on it, he thought he had discovered a new word.

 Using Webster’s definition, we have the Science that defines our Social order. The manner in which we live together and commune. The manner in which we conduct our business. The manner in which we do our work and the manner in which we spend our money.

 Socionomy therefore is the technical explanation of Scientific research and as in Scientific research, the parts must work in unison. Here is a gigantic, complicated machine. The machine of human effort and human progress. This machine is capable of providing man with plenty. Properly propelled it can free men from the slavery of financial burdens, having to do with man’s existence under the present circumstances.

 As long as a machine is running smoothly, we accept it as proper and right, geared to provide our needs and assuring us comfort and security. Let that machine stop suddenly or let one of the parts wear out and we have panic and desperate fear. However, it confronts us with the need of growth, replace outworn parts with new and better ones, and produce the perfected form.

 Tho it be small, let there be a start. For with this very small start, another step will follow and another and another until soon the entire machine will be rebuilt and the old one forgotten. It’s easy to look back on antiquated methods of agriculture let us say and compare them to our present methods. Tomorrow we will be laughing at these present methods and wonder how we ever put up with the crude way we handle things now. But this new perfection was not born overnight. The progress was gradual. As a plant, or a field fertilizes new seed and as nature gradually (but gradually) replaces old and outworn cells, so do we as men, achieve perfection by the need and desire to add small parts and to coordinate our thought and power in such a way, we will be free to act as men and not as slaves or unhappy and heavily burdened little people, fearing the undiscovered day, when the night time of our hesitancy and timid desires has been so very long.

 Socionomy does explain these parts and the manner in which they function. The way is so clear and the light so direct, it requires very little study to grasp the fundamentals and reach out for higher powers.

 

 

EXPLAINING SPENCER HEATH

 

Spencer Heath was born January 3, 1876 in Vienna, Virginia. He was the son of Selinda Amelia Payne and Spencer Anson Heath.

 

 Spencer Heath married Marie Holm on June 2, 1899 in Grand Rapids Michigan. They had three daughters and six grandchildren. Mrs. Heath passed away several years ago.

 

 Spencer Heath was a patent attorney in Washington, D. C. and had as one of his clients the firm of Christopher and Simon Lake, submarine manufacturers. Mr. Heath handled all their patent work in aeronautics and joined the Aero Club of America, which was then just formed. During World War I, the Aero Club merged with the Society of Automotive Engineers.

 

 In 1909 with the Christopher Lake firm, Spencer Heath went to Bridgeport in the early summer and spent several months there. He had occasion to design aero plane propellers for this firm. Their marine designer didn’t want to handle air designs at all. Mr. Heath became intensely interested in the propeller design and developed some new ideas for design which were accepted. He returned to his office at 918 F Street in Washington, D. C. hired a man and made one or two plane propellers and sold them to some experimenters who were being financed by Emile Berliner. Mr. Heath was put in charge of Mr. Berliner’s patent work and later designed the wings for the Helicopter with which Mr. Berliner was experimenting.

 Under the trade name of “Paragon” Spencer Heath designed propellers and built a group of factories in Baltimore to take care of Government contracts during world war one. He was the Henry Kaiser of that War in the propeller business. He was the largest manufacturer of propellers and had 80% of the business in the country. Spencer Heath developed the first automatic propeller controlled by engine power to change its pitch. This was the first and up to World War one, the only successful propeller. That principle is in use today in propellers on all but the smallest ships.

 Early in 1917, the War Dept. subsidized Mr. Heath to improve and develop automatic wind fans for driving electric generators for current in radio. These radios on aero planes required constant speed wind fans to drive generators supplying electric current for the radio apparatus at all speeds. Mr. Heath was a great admirer of the late Billy Mitchell and attended his trial. He has always tackled the hard task and gone after the perfection of a smooth-running design.

 Spencer Heath’s permanent home is in Baltimore, Maryland. His New York home is at 11 Waverly Place in New York City. Horticulture on his Estate in Maryland is his hobby. Blue is his favorite color. Red roses are his favorite flower. Corn bread with butter and honey is his favorite meal with a little “hog and hominy” on the side (he adds). Spencer Heath is a fine musician and has composed a number of lovely themes. Chopin’s “Prelude” is his favorite classic. He is tall and distinguished. Never wears a hat even in the coldest weather. Wears beautiful, hand tailored suits in shades of slate blue or gray mixtures. His hair is white. His eyes are twinkly and blue. He wears glasses, unrimmed, but with a narrow black silk cord. He gives not liking to shave, the excuse for a mustache and smartly trimmed Van Dyke. His sense of humor is akin to the Divine and his deep spiritual root, coupled with his everlasting genius in his profession of Research Engineering coordinates a friendly, human soul whose accomplishments have been recorded in the annals of our most honored scrolls.

 In about 1929, Vincent Bendix opened negotiations that finally resulted in taking over all patents pending, applications and several Companies owned by Spencer Heath together with Mr. Heath’s services as a Research Engineer. Mr. Heath then travelled abroad and extensively in the field of engineering research.

 About ten years ago (about 1931) Mr. Heath retired from the activities of engineering and began his search for the parts that would put together the business of human relationship. After application of research in many fields of Sociology, Psychology, Biology and Philosophy, with many additional “ologies” Mr. Heath began to outline a new science, “Socionomy,” the Science of Society.

 Spencer Heath saw so many unnecessary parts. So many unnecessary burdens. He saw so many weak places and so many strong places. Rather than use the hammer and tong method, he has followed the patient, intellectual approach and with discussions and learned association, the development of his Socionomy is taking root and seems to be destined for the place of honor.

 Some men of Mr. Heath’s success and accomplish build tall monuments or Libraries, or do public kindnesses, they become known as philanthropists and charitable souls. Mr. Heath gives people the tools to work with, gives them the pattern and then tells them to do the thing themselves.. in this way to quote Spencer Heath and Omar..the Persian poet.. “Shape them nearer to the heart’s desire”. The Spencer Heath Foundation is being formed to open the field for many books and many minds in the study and research of Socionomy.

 This book entitled “Socionomy” is Spencer Heath. It is his tribute and sincere contribution to humanity for a Peace planned world and for a Post War world. However, to those of us who study it and feel its urge, we have started now.

 “This book is not of today but of tomorrow” declared Mr. Heath in a recent interview. “A happy tomorrow that can come quickly though long delayed. It is written for those whose darkness foregleams Dawn.”

 Mr. Heath has not just written a technical, Scientific adventure but he has woven poetry in the cloth and his words spike the dark cushions of imagination and bring the light of understanding to the closed eyes of those who have not seen. Spencer Heath is Irish. Sure the luck of the Irish and the love of their wit sparkles through every word of this new book.

 If the subject is good enough to hold Spencer Heath’s interest for these years while he has given his entire time to it and has never pulled his purse strings in, then Socionomy is good enough for me.. and my library will have that book in it..

F.A.N.