November 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, November 8th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
Franklin D. Roosevelt typed letter signed from 1928, the pivotal year that FDR was re-introduced to a national audience after his onset of polio. In addition to running for Governor of New York that year, FDR was asked to make the nominating speech for Al Smith at the 1928 Democratic National Convention, and he was determined to do so without crutches, with the help of his physical therapist Helena Mahoney, to whom this letter is addressed. The relationship between Roosevelt and Mahoney during this crucial year of 1928 was even documented in the 2005 film ''Warm Springs''.
Roosevelt writes on his personalized stationery, dated 23 May 1928. Most of the content concerns the Warm Springs Institute, showing FDR's personal involvement in the running of the Institute. Letter reads in full,
''Dear Hony: It is mighty good to find your letter on my return to New York and you surely have had a strenuous week. It never rains, but it pours. There is no question that a little concentration not only of work, but of thought on the part of some of our friends would have got both of those cottages ready by May 15th. However, I take it that by now both are occupied and we can merely shrug our shoulders and thank the Lord for all blessings received.
You have been perfectly fine about all of it and I know you realize how much I appreciate it.
If Mr. Eblen wants to rent my cottage from July 15th to September 15th, he may have it. He has been flirting with so many householders, that it would serve him right to get no cottage.
Too bad about the sick people. You must have had an anxious time. I am writing Curt that if he absolutely has to have a few additional new beds, he must buy them. Also, I am writing him to proceed at once with fixing up the bathroom in the Lovelace cottage, clean it and get it ready immediately for occupancy. It will hold eight people.
Delighted that Mrs. Steiger of St. Louis is returning. She is a nice jolly soul and you will like her.
I saw Dr. Hubbard [polio expert] in Chicago and we went over the plans. I think he had a good time out there.
My trip was very strenuous - too tiring to do anything but fall into bed at night, and now on getting back, I am up to my neck in work. Politics will be very strenuous from now on.
I talked to Missy over the telephone and she had had a bad cold and cough, which I do not like, but her Cambridge doctor found the heart in much better shape than when she left in January. She is all right now and will, I hope, come on to New York in about ten days for a visit. / Always sincerely, [signed] FDR''.
Single page letter measures 7.25'' x 10.5''. Folds and light toning, else near fine.
Franklin D. Roosevelt 1928 Letter Signed to His Physical Therapist, Who Helped Him Make the Nominating Speech at the 1928 Democratic Convention Without Crutches -- ''Politics will be very strenuous''
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