Konta, Alexander (1862-1933) Correspondence, 1915-1922.

Held by The Filson Historical Society

Creator: Konta, Alexander, 1862-1933

Title: Correspondence, 1915-1922

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department.

Size of Collection: 2 volumes

Location Number:  Mss. A K82 1-2

Biographical Note

Alexander Konta was a banker and publicist.  Born In Budapest, Mr. Konta was a graduate of the College of Pious Brothers there and came to America in 1887, living in St Louis. He moved to New York in 1901 and he entered the banking business. In 1926 he was appointed to the New York Parole Board by Gov. Smith and resigned in 1927. Konta was for many years Consul General of the republic of San Marino. He was the founder of the Hungarian Loyalty League, a patriotic American organization. He was the founder of the Modern Historic Records Association, honorary president of the Hungarian St. Stephen’s Society, and a member of the New York Zoological Society, American Federation of Arts, American Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the German Society of America.  His clubs Included the Manhattan, National Arts, Long Island Country, Natlonal Democratic, New York Press, City, Midday and Metropolitan Opera. He was decorated by the French Government in 1918 with the Cross of Merite Agricole; made a commander of the Order of the Crown by Italy In 1930, and the same year became a Chevalier of the Order of Saint Lazare of Jerusalem. He married  Anna Laura Lemp Konta (1865-1939) and had a stepson, Geoffrey Konta (1887-1942).

Scope and Content Note

Correspondence between Alexander Konta and Henry Watterson including retained carbon copies of Konta’s letters and extensive newspaper clippings. Subjects discussed include the Manhattan Club, Woman suffrage and feminism, politics, prohibition, World War I, Marlowe as the author of Shakespeare’ works, travels and social activities. Individuals referred to frequently include Frank Irving Cobb, Robert Worth Bingham, Arthur Krock, James Whitcomb Riley, Manton Marble, and Woodrow Wilson. Several letters discuss the 1918 portrait of Watterson by Louis Mark for the Manhattan Club.

Folder List

Volume 1 [click here to access PDF transcription of Henry Watterson’s handwritten letters] – please note that the transcriptions do not include Alexander Konta’s correspondence or typed Watterson correspondence.

Volume 2 [click here to access PDF transcription of Henry Watterson’s handwritten letters]– please note that the transcriptions do not include Alexander Konta’s correspondence or typed Watterson correspondence.