PRESIDENT HAYES SIGNS A VERY LARGE PHOTOGRAPH OF HIS WIFE

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES (1822-1893).  Hayes was the Nineteenth President and a Union general during the Civil War.  During his Presidency, he ended Reconstruction, began civil service reform, and restored financial confidence after the Panic of 1873. 

PS. 7 ½” x 13”. No date [circa 1877]. No place [likely Washington, DC].  A very large photograph of First Lady Lucy Hayes inscribed on the lower margin by the President, “To Miss Alberta Manning Houghton, with kindest regards, Rutherford B. Hayes”.  The photograph has an 1877 imprinted date and a Sarony imprint; based on the 1877 date, it was probably signed as President.  Houghton was, like Lucy Hayes, likely involved in the women’s suffrage and temperance movements.  Hayes signed with his full name (not his usual “R.B. Hayes”) and the purple ink is light but legible.  The overall condition is fine.

A JOSEPH HELLER SIGNED CATCH-22

JOSEPH HELLER (1923-1999). An American novelist, Heller is best remembered for his 1961 novel, Catch-22. He also wrote We Bombed in New Haven, Something Happened, Good As Gold, God Knows and Picture This. SB. 568pp. No date. No place. A Catch-22 signed “Joseph Heller” in blue ballpoint ink on the endpage page. This classic novel is an Everyman’s Library edition printed in 1995. Light wear to the top and bottom of the dustjacket, but in fine condition.

PHOTOGRAPH SIGNED BY FIRST LADY LOU HOOVER TO MOUNT UNION COLLEGE

LOU HENRY HOOVER (1874-1944). Hoover was the First Lady from 1929 to 1933.

PS. 1 pg. 8” x 10”. November 3, 1932. N.p. A photograph signed “Lou Henry Hoover”: “With all good wishes to the Students of Mount Union College”. The black-and-white photograph shows Lou Henry Hoover smiling and looking away from the camera to the right. Mount Union College was a private liberal college in Alliance, Ohio affiliated with the Methodist Church. Today, it is now the University of Mt. Union and not religiously affiliated. A notable former student was President William McKinley, though ill health and the Civil War prevented his graduation. In another hand, the date of the photograph is given as November 3, 1932, which would have been less a week before her husband, President Herbert Hoover, was defeated for re-election. Lou Hoover was accomplished in her own right, including leading the Girl Scouts from 1922 to 1925 and from 1935 to 1937.The photograph is on thick cardstock and in excellent condition.

LOU HENRY HOOVER PRAISES AN ACTOR: “YOU WERE IN SUCH EXCELLENT FORM”

LOU HENRY HOOVER (1875-1944). First Lady and wife of President Herbert Hoover.

ALS. 4pg. 6” x 8”. Thursday [circa 1923]. Washington. A lengthy autograph letter signed “Lou Henry Hoover” to actor Lewis Richards: “My dear Mr. Richards, It was all a great success! I hope you are happy over it as you deserve to be. You were in such excellent form – the program was delightful, the acoustics perfect (I sat far back) and the picture so in keeping. Everyone on the audience was enthusiastic. I wandered thru the aisle and foyer during the intermission, and found such unqualified praise on all lips. May it be the beginning of a very busy and profitable – as well as enjoyable – season. Yours cordially Lou Henry Hoover”. The letter is on “2300 S Street Washington, D.C.” letterhead and the original envelope is included; she wrote “From Herbert Hoover” on the back flap.

LOU HENRY HOOVER SENDS WELL WISHES AS FIRST LADY

LOU HENRY HOOVER (1874-1944). Hoover was First Lady of the United States between 1929 and 1933.

ALS. 2pgs. N.p. [1929-1933]. Washington D.C. An autograph letter signed “Lou Henry Hoover” as First Lady. On White House letterhead, Hoover wrote a brief message to a woman who could not attend a recent event. “My dear Mrs. Glover: We were so sorry that you could not be with us Friday afternoon. Wasn’t your husband good to come alone! Hoping to see you some other time, and will all good wishes, I am, yours sincerely, Lou Henry Hoover”. It is in fine condition and includes the original envelope.

“BATTLE HYME OF THE REPUBLIC’ POET JULIA WARD HOWE THANKS A FRIEND FOR AN AZALEA PLANT

JULIA WARD HOWE (1819-1910). An American writer and activist for abolitionism and women’s rights, Howe is best-known for writing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”.

ALS. 1pg. March 17, 1910. 241 Beacon Street [Boston]. An autograph letter signed “Julia Ward Howe” and addressed to “Mr. Latimer”: “Many thanks, my dear Mr. Latimer, for this beautiful azalea plant. May your window garden blossom delightfully. Your’s sincerely Julia Ward Howe”. Latimer is likely a relative of Howe’s friend, the writer Elizabeth Wormeley Latimer (1822-1904), possibly her son Ralph Randolph Latimer (1862-1931). The letter is in fine condition.