PRESIDENT HERBERT HOOVER - DOCUMENT SIGNED 01/02/1919 CO-SIGNED BY: FRANCIS ALMARD - HFSID 174841

HERBERT HOOVER
Herbert Hoover and Francis Almard signed this document in 1919 during one of Hoover's less well-known government jobs, as head of the United States Food Administration during World War I. This document was signed less than two months after the end of the First World War.
Document signed"Herbert Hoover" and "Francis Almard" as Bearer. 1 page, 8¼x11¾, with 1x1¾ b/w photo of Almard in lower left corner and 2½-inch red seal in lower right corner. Jan. 2, 1919. This document declared that Almard was "traveling in [sic] behalf of the United States Food Administration for the sole purpose of food relief. I therefore request that he be permitted to pass freely, with all property under his control, and that there be extended to him all friendly aid, protection and information which may forward the purposes of his Mission." One of Hoover's less-known jobs with the United States government was as head of the United States Food Administration (USFA) during World War I. President Woodrow Wilson created the USFA on Aug. 10, 1917 to control food shortages and prices in the United States while ensuring food shipments to the Allies. Hoover was virtually unknown at the time; Wilson appointed him head of the USFA because he just happened to be in London, England and was involved in relief efforts. Hoover focused on cutting consumption of food in America. The USFA ended wartime controls on food when the armistice was declared on Nov. 11, 1918 and was abolished in 1920. Hoover (1874-1964, born in West Branch, Iowa), a mining engineer and self-made millionaire, served as the 31st U.S. President from 1929 to1933. Blamed by many voters for the Great Depression, he was defeated in his bid for re-election by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Hoover, a capable administrator, had headed the Food Administration to provide relief to Europe and Russia during and after WWI and served as Secretary of Commerce under Presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge (1921-1928). The second President to attain the age of 90 years (John Adams was the first), Hoover lived a record 31 years after leaving the presidency. During his "retirement", he was appointed to commissions to oversee government agencies by Presidents Harry S. Truman (1947) and Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953). Hoover also wrote a number of books and articles. Lightly toned, stained and creased. With unknown signature across red seal which touches Hoover's signature. Torn at edges of horizontal folds. Pinholed along vertical fold. Otherwise in fine condition.