An original George Washington letter, in the hands of a Philadelphia-area family since it was received in 1789 and previously unknown to the rest of the world, will go on the block June 12 at Christie's in New York.

Christie's Chris Coover says that days before his inauguration, Washington wrote the letter to Justus Henry Christian Helmuth (1745-1825), then pastor of St. Michael's & Zion in Philadelphia, the largest Lutheran congregation in America. Washington was replying to a letter of congratulations from Helmuth and his congregation.

The owner, whose identity was not disclosed, is a Helmuth descendant.

Washington wrote that he looked forward to "the blessings of a wise and efficient government" with himself as president, acknowledging the aid of "Providence" in the establishment of the new nation. The letter could fetch as much as $150,000, says Coover, senior specialist of books and manuscripts. He said copies of the letter were known, but there'd been no sign of the original.

Adding to the letter's rarity is that Washington was usually private and reticent about religion and his beliefs. It's also the only letter Washington ever wrote to a Lutheran group.

'Marley' in West Chester

It'll be the Jennaphr and Jennifer show this morning on Fox29's Good Day Philadelphia, as Jennaphr Frederick camps out at Kildare's in downtown West Chester from 7 to 9 a.m. to chat with Jennifer Aniston fans who are hanging around town as Aniston and Owen Wilson shoot scenes from Marley & Me. The stars won't be there, as they're due to work overnight on a scene that has them running through "snow" in wedding clothes. Fox29 supposedly reached out to Glaceau, maker of the Aniston-endorsed smartwater, to hand out samples on West Gay Street. Most of the remaining filming will be done at a farmhouse near Chadds Ford.

The 94-cast

The next occupant of the morning show slot on WYSP (94.1)? Speculation is running rampant. Trade paper Friday Morning Quarterback reported yesterday that it had heard that talks have begun with Opie & Anthony, who were let go in September to make way for "Kidd Chris" Foley, who was fired Friday. Frank Lario was heard yesterday playing music, which is the short-term plan. Station general manager Jim Loftus said he was only now beginning to explore ideas. He added that the station would remain rock.

Out and around

Demi Moore has been wearing a sterling Lagos "key" necklace since she and Ashton Kutcher were spotted last week walking out of the Lagos store at 18th and Walnut streets. The necklace, which sells for $195, was designed by Steven Lagos to "enable the wearer to open whatever door is in front of her right now."

Those watching tonight and tomorrow's finale of Fox's American Idol will see the work of Cherry Hill's Blair Levin, who dresses the female singers. Levin, a 1988 Cherry Hill East grad, worked for nearly five years for Mariah Carey. The odd part of working on Idol, she says, is that she accompanies the singers on their shopping trips. For other clients, she shops alone.

Chef Bobby Flay worked last weekend, getting behind the stove Saturday night at his Bobby Flay Steak at the Borgata in Atlantic City to make dinner for comedian Chris Rock, who played two sold-out shows in the Event Center. On Sunday, Flay cooked for Bruce Willis and model girlfriend Emma Heming, who tried their hands at blackjack afterward. Flay also got a private tour of the Water Club, the Borgata's new $400 million luxe hotel opening next door next month, from friend Geoffrey Zakarian, who is overseeing its food-and-beverage operation.

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Contact columnist Michael Klein

at 215-854-5514 or mklein@phillynews.com.

See his recent work at http:/go.philly.com/michaelklein.