On February 5, 1929, Dr. W.S. Benedict wrote to Stephen Mather to express his feelings upon
learning that Stephen had resigned from his position with the National Park Service.
In a one-page typed letter, Dr. Benedict wrote:
“I am extremely sorry to hear of your recent illness, and also your resignation from the National Park Service. Your very valuable services and cooperation will be missed by that body, I know, as your efforts during the last twelve years have done more to build it up than that of any other man, heretofore in its history…I shall always deem it a great privilege to have been your friend and dentist, and shall very much miss your frequent visits to my office…”
He then added this postscript:
Did Dr. Benedict get his photograph? Unanswered. But the letter certainly had to make Stephen Mather smile.