188. Wright, Frank Lloyd. Autograph Letter Signed "Father" to his Taffy (his daughter Iovanna Lloyd Wright) discussing sending money, exercise and cleanliness. " 2 pages. 4to, single sheet written on the recto and verso; light wear, creased at folds, margins tear at fold.

Np, 1910s [800/1200]

Dear Taffy -Arrived home safely and have been awaiting a check since so I might send you some money. Let's see - Suit - 55.00Fur Collar -15.00 probably if you get a nice one?Piano Lessons?German Lessons?Gymnasium?Singing Lessons?BoardPin Money?I don't know how much but you must get busy right away and make use of your time and money. I think you have shown yourself sensible and trustworthy so I am going to send you $200.00 which you can deposit and account for to me later. Uncle Pat will help you to do it.Let us try the experiment.Also a check for $50.00 to your singing teacher which will pay her in advance a bit I guess. Her bill was $35.00.Your mother has her allowance in full to Nov Ist. So she should send you your allowances. I shall insist upon them in your accounting to me when you make it later so you would better collect it and deposit it with the money I send you direct - else I will deduct it which after all might be the better way perhaps - from her remittance.No matter how much I send Oak Park it would all disappear for mere living nothing else, anyway. If you show me that you have control and are serious in your work I can do more than I could otherwise for you and others.You need to develop physical stamina - You are soft.No career, or any real enjoyment of life can come to you except as you live right physically and to harden up with exercise and cold baths is one sure way to get a bright outlook and a clean mind.I don't suppose anybody really enjoys a cold bath in cold weather but they enjoy the physical well-being that results and set their teeth and take it regularly.Cleanly habits -scrupulously so - clean clothes, clean skin, clean hair - usually go with a clean mind - and are a joy in themselves when you get to the consciousness of them. It may be well even to exaggerate on that side a little.A slip shod woman or one just passably clean is a horror - always - It costs money but it is the best money one spends, and it is above reproach on that score.I was immensely pleased with your singing but could not tell how much was the spirit your teacher put into you, and how much was your own - you must learn to get hold of the thing for itself yourself, so you can sing and interpret in your own feelings other songs - any songs - and make them for yourself, perhaps.Understanding is essential to any real artistic expression - Intuition first and painstaking culture - hard work on top of it.Get into fine physical trim at the start of everything - Fat is unfit.With loveFatherKeep an expense book from now on - carefully. It is the best way if your freedom is to be established.F"