June 1865 Letter Laments the Tragedy of "Ford's Theatre"
June 19, 1865-Dated, Manuscript Letter Lamenting the Tragedy of Ford's Theatre (the Location of Lincoln's Assassination), Washington, DC., Choice Very Fine.
This historic, original four-page letter, measuring 9.75" x 7.75," was written by "Braward" (no last name) to his father, describing the minutiae of daily life, but including a stunning reference to Ford's Theatre: In July of 1865, theatre owner John T. Ford was ready to resume performances but emotions ran high against the reopening; the theatrical operations did not resume. At the same time, Washington’s YMCA announced in the newspapers its intention to purchase the building and to open Ford’s Theatre in its décor of April 14, 1865; it would be renamed, “The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Temple”. However, within a few weeks this plan faded away due to lack of financial support. This exceedingly rare letter makes exact reference to that very moment in American history.

"The 'Young Men's Christian Association' have taken a large job upon their shoulders. They have contracted for 'Ford's Theatre' here - The place in which Lincoln was assassinated - for One hundred thousand dollars... for a grand head quarters for their religious work in the country.... Truly every loyal man will give something for this, for that spot will ever have a memory which Americans will cherish with feelings too deep to allow it to be again desecrated by the performance of the actor. The last tragedy created within the walls of the old 'Theatre' has taken away the 'hope of gains' from the owners and we hope has thrown the building into better hands to be used in advancing the cause of Christ throughout our land."

This important Abraham Lincoln related letter is the first we have seen or heard of with such a reference to the well documented, brief attempt by the Washington, DC YMCA to raise $100,000 to purchase Ford’s Theatre in order to convert it into a church. well written and in nice, easily readable condition with some expected minor tone along its folds. The writing is crisp, clear, and legible. An outstanding, first-hand account of the sentiments surrounding Lincoln and the place of his demise--Ford's Theatre!
What happened to the Ford’s Theatre building after the assassination?

The building was saved from destruction when Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, ordered a 24-hour guard be placed around the brick building to protect it from an angry crowd wanting to burn it down because of the assassination.

In July of 1865, theatre owner John T. Ford was ready to resume performances but emotions ran high against the reopening; the theatrical operations did not resume. At the same time, Washington’s YMCA announced in the newspapers its intention to purchase the building and to open Ford’s Theatre in its décor of April 14, 1865; it would be renamed “The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Temple”. Within a few weeks this plan faded away due to lack of financial support.

The federal government managed to negotiate a deal with Ford to rent the building with an option to buy. In the fall of 1865, a Brooklyn firm removed the entire interior of the building and converted it into a federal office building for $28,000. No alterations were made to the façade but three floors of the office space were created inside. The option to buy was exercised in 1867 and the government purchased the structure for $100,000.

The building operated as an office until June 9, 1893 when the interior of the historic building collapsed. Twenty-two clerks died in the tragedy and sixty-eight others were seriously injured. Within a year the damage was repaired and the former theatre was remodeled into a government warehouse; again the original was altered.

The building remained in this form until 1931 when workers returned to modify the first floor. It was converted into a museum dedicated to displaying artifacts of the life of our sixteenth president. Many of the museums artifacts were from the Osborn Oldroyd collection which had been purchased for $50,000 in 1927 including dozens of unique items associated with the assassination.

During the 1950’s a bill was introduced in Congress to fund the restoration of Ford’s Theatre to its 1865 appearance. In 1968, the fully restored Ford’s Theatre reopened as a working theatre, 103 years after the assassination of President Lincoln. Also in 1968, the Ford’s Theatre Society became a partner with the national park service.

In October 2008, Ford’s Theatre became an independent unit of the National Park Service system managed by a park superintendent with a staff consisting of park interpreters, maintenance and curatorial support along with volunteers who help tell the story of the theatre and the National Park Service mission. Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site is co-managed by the National Park Service and the Ford’s Theatre Society.