Letters to President Kennedy
Over the course of his career, Joe Pilates was continuously interested in approaching the current presidents about Contrology. He truly believed it would “save America.” Perhaps he was right. Unfortunately, much to his frustration none of them responded favorably or would allow him to meet with them.
Here we have correspondence with the office of President Kennedy, which appears to have taken place over the course of 3 years.
Images first shared February 11, 2025.
Letter Correspondence with President Roosevelt
In this letter to the office of President Roosevelt, Joe Pilates mentions that he sent him a copy of his 2nd book, Your Health, which was published in 1934. Images first shared on February 11, 2025.
Letters to President Hoover
This incredible letter that Joseph Pilates sent to President Hoover, and the advice that Hoover was then given about meeting with Joseph Pilates, makes one wonder what may have happened if Hoover had actually met with Joe.
Images first shared February 11, 2025.
Pilates System Letter from Joseph Pilates
In this letter to clients of The Pilates Studio, Joe Pilates mentions how he has helped 1000s of people with his method. He also mentions a trip to Atlanta, seemingly to open a studio there. Hopefully one day we learn more about this! Images first shared on February 18, 2023.
Related Topics: Joseph Pilates Articles
Letter Mentioned in Life Magazine Article
I came across an article in Life Magazine published in 1938 about Ruth St. Denis and I immediately recalled this letter from Clara Pilates to Ruth St. Denis. Sure enough, it’s the article Clara refers to in this letter. Fascinating! Images first shared February 18, 2023.
Related Topics: Clara Pilates, Ted Shawn
A letter to Joseph Pilates from a performer at Jacob’s Pillow. Photo first shared on February 25, 2022.
A letter to Joseph Pilates in regard to the V-Bed, from Dorothy Paschal. Photo first shared on February 25, 2022.
This letter to Ruth St. Denis from Clara Pilates has a bit of humor to it. Image first shared February 18, 2023.
Related Topics: Clara Pilates, Ted Shawn
A letter that Joe Pilates sent out to his students a little over a year before he passed away. Image first shared February 11, 2025.
Letters from Clara Pilates to Carola Trier
Over the years, Clara Pilates and Carola Trier exchanged a series of letters by mail. To view the full collection of letters, see Carola Trier. Photos first shared on February 25, 2022.
Related Topic: Clara Pilates
Letter from Frederick Rand Rogers to Carola Trier
This letter from Frederick Rand Rogers was sent along with what is now known as “The Pilates Pamphlet,” on sale here: https://cathystrack.com/store. The Pilates Pamphlet includes the client list as well. Images first shared on February 25, 2022.
Letter from Ralph Hollander Promoting Idea of Pilates Foundation
Ralph Hollander was Joseph Pilates’ legal representative. Here is a letter he sent out, promoting the idea of setting up a Pilates Foundation for Physical Fitness. This foundation did come to fruition but was never completely realized, as relations between Joseph Pilates and the members of the Foundation soured over time. Through additional letters and correspondence between foundation members, we know that the Foundation ended due to Joe’s lack of trust and of cancelling activities. Images first shared on February 25, 2022.
The images shared here are research photos taken by Elaine Ewing at the Library for the Performing Arts.