If you know anything about Republican politics, or just politics in general, you've likely heard of the Koch brothers, two very rich backers of conservative candidates and causes. But did you know there are two other Koch brothers? There are; brother Bill, a philanthropist and sailor, and older brother Fred, a philanthropist and art collector.
Fred anonymously underwrote the building of the current Royal Shakespeare Company's theatre located in Stratford-Upon-Avon in 1983. He had little interest in politics or the oil industry, where the family got its money, and rarely interacted with his family members. His main interaction was in the 1980s when he and Bill sued brothers Charles and David about taking the family's business public. They ultimately failed.
Over the course of his life, he donated rare books and art to museums and colleges, including to the
Carnegie Museum of Art in my hometown of Pittsburgh, The Frick Collection, the Harvard Theatre Collection, and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Collection at Yale.
He also bought manor homes around the world and refurbished them based on the house's architecture and history. One of his favorites was Elm Court, a mansion just outside of Pittsburgh in Butler, PA.
So, what about his estate? Everything, including investments, art, and real estate were put into a foundation. According to the Frederick R. Koch Foundation's website, it's mission is "to support and inspire the study and appreciation of...the arts and humanities in general." Videos of various performances held at Elm Court can also be found on their website. Contact
Harrison Estate Law to learn more.
