ROBERT S. KERR
The U.S. Senator from Oklahoma signs a letter to Ralph E. Ward for his collection.
Typed Letter signed: "Robert S. Kerr", 1 page, 8x10½, affixed to an 8½x11 page (2 surfaces). Washington, D.C. 1952 February 12. On United States Senate Committee on Finance letterhead addressed to Mr. Ralph E. Ward, Jr., Melrose Highlands, Massachusetts. In full: "Dear Mr. Ward: I have your letter of February 9th, in which you tell me that you are collecting autographs and in which you request that I send you mine. I know that this must be an interesting hobby, and I hope that my signature to this letter of acknowledgment will serve your purpose. With every good wish, I am Sincerely yours," Accompanied by the transmittal envelope, postmarked Washington, D.C., February 14, 1952, with Kerr's ink stamped frank (2 surfaces). Robert S. Kerr (1896-1963) passed the bar exam, but had such success in the oil business that he seldom practiced law. Beginning in the mid-1920s, he built what became Kerr-McGee Oil Industries, a diversified energy company. Kerr, a Democrat, was the first native-born Oklahoma Governor (1943-1947). He gave the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention of 1944, and was instrumental in selection of Harry Truman as Vice Presidential nominee. Elected as a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma in 1948, he served there until his death in 1963, proving so adept at debate and legislative logrolling that he was dubbed "the uncrowned King of the Senate." Instead of focusing on foreign policy and other national issues, Kerr focused on promoting the economic interests of his state and region. His greatest legacy was the Arkansas River Navigation System, which made Tulsa, Oklahoma the nation's most inland seaport! From the collection Ralph Errington Ward (1926-2009) a fighter pilot and squadron commander in the China-Burma-India Theater of World War II. Ward became President and CEO of Cheseborough-Ponds, Inc., transforming the cosmetics firm into a major home product conglomerate. Multiple mailing folds. Adhesive on verso (affixing letter to page) with light show through at corners (not affecting signature). Lightly creased. Otherwise, fine condition.