All photos found here, scans of photos and documents, translations and transcriptions, research and writing, unless it is otherwise noted, is the work of Tara Burgett and comes from the Fabry family archive. Please give credit to “Tara Burgett/ fabryhistory.com”. Contact at fabryhistory@yahoo.com.
Thank you for visiting!
Tara- My mother Barbara Atwell
dated Vladimir for 5 years between the years of 1951-1956. She worked for the UN after graduating from Barnard College. She lived in the Bronx and spoke fondly of her time with Vlad. He sent her beautiful gifts from his missions around the world. She met my father who was in graduate school at Yale in 1956 and married him 6 moths later. Vlad sent her gorgeous Czechoslovakian crystal for a wedding gift which are now in my possessions since her passing. My dad met Vlad at some point after they married and Vlad apparently told he was surprised she had jilted him (a first?) but was happy she had met and married such a wonderful man. They both were devastated when he died in the plane crash. My father recalls comforting her after she heard the sad news. I know she loved him deeply and she adored hosting parties at his apartment for writers, authors and other intellectuals. “Salon” is what she called it. She happily hosted and served perfect martinis! Please feel free to contact me
Hello, I know this is odd, but I thought I’d try anyway. I’m a PhD student at Northwestern University, and I’m writing a history of the United Nations that focuses on a lot of the Americans who worked at there, in any capacity. I’d love to hear more about your mother’s experiences working there in the 50s! Feel free to get in touch with me at dexter.fergie@u.northwestern.edu . And here’s my university page: https://history.northwestern.edu/people/graduate-students/dexter-fergie.html
Dear Tara,
Thanks for writing! It’s so nice to meet other people fascinated by the UN’s history! And I will absolutely continue to use your website. I appreciate how much work you’ve put into it.
I think there was a slight misunderstanding though. I was replying to the anonymous comment above by the person’s who’s mother dated Fabry in the 1950s. It’s a long shot that the commenter will respond, but I thought I’d try anyway.
Thanks again!
I just realized that you were replying to Barbara Atwell’s daughter! I will see if I can pass on your info to her – no guarantees, but I will try!
No worries about the mix-up. I would be delighted if you could pass on my info onto Atwell’s daughter. Thank you so much.
Dear Dexter,
Olinka Fabry is my mother-in-law, Vlado’s only sibling. You can find a lot of information on this blog, I have been writing here for 8 years this March.
I wish you success in writing a history of the UN! I have been wanting a better history book for years. Now if only Ken Burns would make a documentary of the UN, I would love to see that!
I write when I have time and inspiration, but I hope you continue to visit here!
Best wishes,
Tara Burgett
Wow Tara. I had not thought of Vlado and Mom for awhile and thought I would take a look again. Nice to see my Mom’s picture! As I wrote to you I think, i am thrilled that my mother had this early time of romance and adventure, besides life with my Dad, whom she found love with and created me! It is so odd how little we may know of our parents as individuals, if they don’t share the stories. Sad that both Vlado and MaryLiz were taken from this world too early, but they did contribute to the world and experienced joys. Thanks again for publishing the letters.- Karen