Libraries > Digital Exhibits > Under the North Pole > Hero or Fool
Hero or Fool
“One of the friendly
greetings I appreciated most came from Walt Disney in Hollywood.”
(Thomas, p. 264). Wilkins 14-45
From left, Captain Bernt Balchen, Walt Disney and Sir Hubert
Wilkins at the Breakfast Club,
September 28, 1932. Wilkins 35-13-1.
Although many perceived the expedition as a foolhardy
publicity stunt, for Wilkins it was yet another opportunity to be first –
the first to submerge a submarine under the Arctic ice and to map what
remained unknown about northern geography. Many letters were written to
Wilkins, some encouraging and other discouraging him from undertaking the
expedition. Critics called the expedition, “the suicide club,” yet at the
same time, deals were made with the Hearst empire for exclusive news
rights to the expedition.
Letter from Charles E. Abrams.
Wilkins 15-3.
Poem.
Wilkins 15-4.
Letter opposing Wilkins' attempt.
Wilkins 15-4.
Telegram from Ellsworth to Wilkins.
Wilkins OV-16.
Letter with 4 leaf clover.
Wilkins 15-3.
Pat Sullivan (1887-1933) cartooned for a number of
publications after he immigrated to the US from Australia. He is best
known as the producer of the silent Felix the Cat animated cartoons.
Wilkins OV-16.