MALVINA "TOMMY" THOMPSON - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 06/24/1933 - HFSID 325313

MALVINA THOMPSON
Letter from Eleanor Roosevelt's companion and secretary, saying that she will forward a letter from Fulton Oursler of Liberty that she believes Mrs. Roosevelt will find very "discouraging". Rare signature with her married name of "Schneider" at the closing of the letter!
Typed letter signed: "Malvina Thompson Schneider", in black ink, 6¼x9¼. June 24, 1933. White House. Washington, D.C. In full: "Dear Mrs. Keyes: I am enclosing a copy of the letter which Mrs. Roosevelt got from Fulton Oursler of "Liberty" [item not included], and I know that Mrs. Roosevelt will be distressed that it is so discouraging. Very sincerely yours". Although calling herself a Secretary, Malvina Thompson (1903-1957) was much more than that to Eleanor Roosevelt before, during, and after ER's years in the White House. While campaigning for Democratic Presidential candidate Al Smith in 1928, Thompson first met Eleanor Roosevelt, later becoming her secretary, gatekeeper, travel manager and companion, and close friend. Thompson, called "Tommy" by the First Lady, became so dedicated to these tasks that her marriage foundered, and she declined to marry her later male companion on the grounds that she couldn't spare enough time to make a marriage work. Rumors have surfaced over the years of a possible romantic relationship between Thompson and Roosevelt due to their close friendship, though this has never been confirmed with any evidence. Normal mailing folds. Slight surface creases. Paper clip crease on top margin. Lightly toned. Corners slightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.