Letter to Dard Hunter Regarding Rice Plant Samples

This month’s feature is a 1934 letter from Dr. Adolph E. Waller to Dard Hunter and includes two sample piths of the rice paper plant Tetrapanax papyrifer. Within the first image these two piths can be seen in closer detail, and to learn more on the history of this plant please visit https://harvardmagazine.com/2009/03/pith-paper. Waller(1892-1975) was a botany professor at Ohio State from 1919-1954 and developed the University Botanical Gardens in addition to teaching and researching.  

Letters like this were a common sight in the mail for Dard Hunter to receive. Waller, while not a direct part of the paper industry, is an important figure to remember because of his research in the practical uses of plant materials. It is due to the research of Dr. Waller the agricultural crop production principals were created. Guidance from these principals were used in World War I to increase food production and are even used today. Letters like this can be a window into historical events and show use how widespread Dard Hunter’s connections were, making them an important inclusion into his legacy. 

When turning attention to the second and third image the letter can be shown in closer detail. The body of the message is as follows: 

Mr. Dard Hunter 

The Mountain House 

Chilicothe, Ohio 

Dear Mr. Hunter: 

Under separate cover I am sending you some pith of Tetrapanax papyrifer (formerly Fatsia papyrifera). This is the so called rice paper plant of China and Japan from which sheets are split and used for painting, paper flowers, etc. I recall having seen some very beautiful paintings on this material, but did not remember if you had any of the raw pith.  

With best regards to Mrs. Hunter and the boys. 

Sincerely yours, 

A.E. Waller 

We hope that you enjoyed this peek at our collection! We'll be back next month with another artifact. Have a great July!