Letter
Photo credit: Jin S. Lee
Accession Number: C.2019.178.2
Dimensions: 10.5 in X 8 in
Dimensions (Metric): 26.67 cm X 20.32 cm
Dimensions (Metric): 26.67 cm X 20.32 cm
Source: Carl Selinger
Credit Line: Gift of Carl Selinger
Description
Handwritten letter on white loose-leaf paper. One side of the paper includes a chart with questions and answers related to a medical concern. On the reverse side of the paper is a goodbye note written by Carl Selinger to his family on February 26, 1993:
To my family—from Dad. 12:40 pm, smoky elevator 66, 2/26/93
A few thoughts if I am fated to leave you now—I love you very much. Be good people. Do wonderful things in your life.
Barbara—I’ve always loved you, and showed you as much as I could.
Debbie [14]—My beautiful girl, with wonderful bear hugs & kisses. Do good.
Jeff [17]—What a terrific person, stay well, make good decisions, help people.
Doug [19]—My boy. Discover secrets to cure lots of the world’s problems.
I’m so proud of my children—they’re each so wonderful.
Things I love & cherish—ideas, people, Cooper Union (Alumnus of the Year!!!), my work, my family, doing the best I could. Nothing more to say. Love, Dad | Carl Selinger
Handwritten letter on white loose-leaf paper. One side of the paper includes a chart with questions and answers related to a medical concern. On the reverse side of the paper is a goodbye note written by Carl Selinger to his family on February 26, 1993:
To my family—from Dad. 12:40 pm, smoky elevator 66, 2/26/93
A few thoughts if I am fated to leave you now—I love you very much. Be good people. Do wonderful things in your life.
Barbara—I’ve always loved you, and showed you as much as I could.
Debbie [14]—My beautiful girl, with wonderful bear hugs & kisses. Do good.
Jeff [17]—What a terrific person, stay well, make good decisions, help people.
Doug [19]—My boy. Discover secrets to cure lots of the world’s problems.
I’m so proud of my children—they’re each so wonderful.
Things I love & cherish—ideas, people, Cooper Union (Alumnus of the Year!!!), my work, my family, doing the best I could. Nothing more to say. Love, Dad | Carl Selinger
Historical Notes
During the February 26, 1993, bombing of the World Trade Center, as smoke grew increasingly dense inside the towers, people shielded their faces with whatever items they had. Alone and in darkness, Carl Selinger, a manager in the Port Authority’s aviation department, was trapped inside a North Tower elevator stalled around the 50th floor and slowly filling with smoke. Fearing that he might die, Selinger wrote a letter to his family. He used the back of a piece of loose-leaf paper he happened to have with him. Rescuers freed Selinger around 5:30 p.m., five hours after the blast.
During the February 26, 1993, bombing of the World Trade Center, as smoke grew increasingly dense inside the towers, people shielded their faces with whatever items they had. Alone and in darkness, Carl Selinger, a manager in the Port Authority’s aviation department, was trapped inside a North Tower elevator stalled around the 50th floor and slowly filling with smoke. Fearing that he might die, Selinger wrote a letter to his family. He used the back of a piece of loose-leaf paper he happened to have with him. Rescuers freed Selinger around 5:30 p.m., five hours after the blast.
