GOVERNOR OLIN D. JOHNSTON - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/05/1935 - HFSID 83688

OLIN D. JOHNSTON
Olin D. Johnston signed this letter to an autograph hunter on his personalized letterhead as Governor of South Carolina in 1935, his first year as governor.
Typed letter signed "Olin D. Johnston" as Governor.1 page, 8½x10¾, on Johnston's personalized letter head from the State of South Carolina Office of the Governor. April 5, 1935. Addressed to Mr. D. A. Darwin, Cookeville, Tennessee. In full: "Dear Mr. Darwin: This is to acknowledge receipt of you letter of April 3rd, in which you request that I forward you my autograph. I take pleasure in signing the two little cards which I am enclosing [not enclosed] as you requested. With kind regards, I am, Sincerely yours, ODJ/GE". Johnston (1896-1965, born in Honea Path, South Carolina) was an enthusiastic supporter of the Great Depression's New Deal, but was able to do little to support it. As Democratic Governor of South Carolina (1935-9, 1943-5), his programs were blocked by the anti-union Low Country-dominated state senate. He also tried to dismiss members of the State Highway Commission and even mobilized the National Guard to occupy the offices of the state Highway Department. He was later United States Senator from South Carolina (1945-1965). As a senator, he opposed civil rights legislation, but was still more liberal than other Southern legislators, voting to support the War on Poverty and Medicare and to oppose the anti-union Taft-Harley labor law of 1947. Lightly toned, soiled and creased. Paper clip impression near top left corner. Folded twice and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition.