In 1891, the Czech composer Antonin Dvorak was earning about $3000 a year teaching at the National Conservatory of Prague. Mrs. Jeannette Thurber, the wealthy founder of a National Conservatory of New York offered Dvorak FIVE TIMES his Prague salary to come to America, where his teaching load would be significantly less.

Even so, Dvorak was reluctant to leave his native land, but his wife suggested the family should vote on Mrs. Thurber’s offer. Dvorak’s son, Otakar recalled the vote “for” America wasn’t unanimous but did prevail, so papa signed the contract – then let it sit on his desk until Mom took matters in her own hand – literally – and posted it back to America. Dvorak followed in due course.

On today’s date in 1893, Dvorak wrapped up his first academic year in America by signing a receipt for his May salary before setting off with the family for a summer vacation in the Czech-speaking settlement of Spillville, Iowa. 

No doubt he would be astonished to learn that in our time a dealer in celebrity signatures put that receipt up for sale. The salary stub was for $937.50. The asking price for the yellowed slip of paper bearing Dvorak’s signature?  $2750!

Antonin Dvořák (1841 - 1904) String Quintet in E, Op. 97 Vlach Quartet Naxos 8.553376