PRESIDENT HERBERT HOOVER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 08/24/1949 - HFSID 5982

HERBERT HOOVER
From the Waldorf-Astoria, the former President replies to a birthday wish.
Typed Letter Signed: "Herbert Hoover", 1p, 7x9½. The Waldorf-Astoria Towers, New York, New York, 1949 August 24. On sheet imprinted with his name to Mr. James R. Stevens III, New York, New York. In full: "I want you to know how deeply I appreciate your most gracious greetings on my birthday. I am grateful for your generous friendship. Yours faithfully". Herbert Clark Hoover (1874-1964) served as the 31st U.S. President from 1929-1933. Blamed by many voters for the Great Depression, he had been defeated in his bid for re-election by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was serving an unprecedented fourth term as President when he died on April 12, 1945, just four months before this letter. Hoover, a capable administrator, had headed the Food Administration to provide relief to Europe and Russia during and after WWI, and he served as Secretary of Commerce under Presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge (1921-1928). From 1940 until his death, Hoover had a 4-room suite in New York's Waldorf-Astoria, where he received many important guests. The complex is now re-created at the Hoover Presidential Library. The second of four Presidents to attain the age of 90 (along with Reagan, Ford and John Adams), Hoover lived a record 31 years after leaving the presidency. During his "retirement", Hoover 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 creased with folds, not at signature. Toned. Pencil notes (unknown hand) on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.