RARE  PHOTOGRAPH AUTHENTICATED

 The firm of Huckleberry, Marvelflops, Boohrah and Casner of Kansas City, Appraisers of Historical Documents and Artifacts, has been able to authenticate the photograph recently discovered in the attic of the Emma Chase Cafe.  Their letter: 

Dear Ms Smith: Oh!  My!  We here at Huckleberry, Marvelflops Boohrah and Casner are just simply stunned at the magnitude of your historical find.  We have heard of the existence of this photograph, but never did we dare hope we would ever lay eyes on the real thing this side of heaven.  There is no doubt that the picture that you have forwarded to us for identification, is indeed, that of Sue Emma Chase.  Yes, I said ‘Sue’ Emma Chase.  She did not usually use her true first name of  Sue, preferring the more formal ‘Emma’. 

Now, I know that you realize that Ms. Chase was a prominent and very powerful figure in politics land social circles in the early days of Chase County, Kansas, but I wonder if you are aware of exactly how powerful Ms. Chase’s contemporaries considered to be.  Let’s be candid: she was nothing less than a Goddess.  You can tell by her formal photograph that she is accustomed to being obeyed.  However, she was more than the stern ruler of Cottonwood Falls Society - She was a “Kingmaker”  in  Kansas  Politics.   More than one Kansas governor owed his position    to    her   and Senators and Congressmen literally fawned over her for her nod of approval.  At one time, no state politician could hope for success without Ms. Chase’s endorsement. And presidents?   Well,  we  do  not wish to repeat old gossip - undoubtedly originated by jealous Washington, D.C. women - but it appears that Ms. Chase was  a  much  sought-after  presidential“companion” and that she continued in this role well into her 90's.  She was, as you may guess from her photograph, a VERY stimulating woman
.           

  Well, Ms. Smith, you asked us to estimate the value of this photograph once we had confirmed your speculation of the identity of the regal person pictured.  Had this photograph been a portrait of someone of less stature than Ms. Chase (Moses, for example, or John the Baptist), I am confident that we could have provided a valid appraisal that would be acceptable to any insurance company in the world.  But, given that the photograph is without doubt that of Sue Emma Chase - well we are at a loss.  Suffice it to say that the portrait is literally priceless.  
  We thank you for this opportunity to serve and for giving us this once in a lifetime opportunity to gaze on the face of greatness.  There will be no charge for our services.  We are too honored by your trust in our ability and fidelity to even consider dealing in the rude world of money.  I am Madam, Yr. Hmbl. & Obt. Svnt.  J. L. Casner