PRESIDENT HERBERT HOOVER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/03/1958 - HFSID 4884

HERBERT HOOVER
The former President sends thanks for a "gracious letter" and mentions books that he would like to have for his library if his correspondent can spare them.
Typed Letter Signed: "Herbert Hoover", 1p, 7¼x10½. The Waldorf Astoria Towers, New York, New York, 1958 January 3. On sheet imprinted with his name to Miss Grace Cornwall, Syracuse, Indiana. Begins: "My dear Grace". In full: "That was a gracious letter. I have Mrs. Wilson's book but do not possess the other two, although I have consulted them. If you can spare them, I would like to have them for our library. This gives me the occasion to wish you the very best of everything in the New Year. Yours faithfully". The Hoover Presidential Library would be dedicated in West Branch, Iowa on August 10, 1962. The books that Hoover mentions may be intended for that library. Herbert Clark Hoover (1874-1964) served as the 31st U.S. President from 1929-1933. 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. On visits to New York City, the Hoovers made their home at the Waldorf-Astoria at 301 Park Avenue. On a visit there in 1944, Mrs. Hoover suffered a heart attack and died suddenly at the age of 68. The ex-President spent the last years of his life in an apartment at the Waldorf-Astoria Towers. Encapsulated. Slightly creased with folds, not at signature. Fine condition.