Description:

Roosevelt Franklin 1882 - 1945

A scarce ALS from Franklin D. Roosevelt to his son, Franklin Jr.

Single page ALS penned on "Franklin Roosevelt / Vice President / Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland / 55 Liberty Street / New York City" letterhead dated "Dec 14 '27" and signed by 32nd U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt (1882-1945) as "Father". Penned recto and verso, the page measuring 7" x 10.5". Accompanied by the stamped and postmarked mailing envelope, 7.5" x 4". Also signed within the mailing address: "Mister Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr". Letter is toned with expected folds, and small light scattered stains verso. Envelope is lightly grubby.

This scarce ALS was written by FDR to his son Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr. (1914-1988), the fifth of six children born to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962). Franklin Jr. was about 13 years old and attending Groton School, also his father's alma mater). This private school in Massachusetts instilled in its students both mental and physical toughness, and a desire to serve the public. Franklin Jr. graduated from Groton in 1933 and went onto his father's alma mater Harvard University. This lovely letter shows how much FDR looked forward to his son's return. The letter is shown in part below. Note that FDR called his son by the unusual nickname of "brother":

"Dec 14, '27

Dearest Brother,

It is fair to have your letters + I hope you know how much we all appreciate your writing regularly. In just a week you will be home + we shall have a grand holiday - and I shall try ... at H.P. with you as much as possible. I saw your horse on Sunday + she is a beauty - It seems to me that 'Grey Dawn' is a fine name - I had thought of 'Lady Jane Grey' but it is too long - I hope it won't be too cold at H.P. for riding during the holidays, but if it is it means skating or coasting - One can't have everything at once I hope the marks are improving + that you'll be definitely in the first of tri form ...

Father".

A warm ALS from Franklin D. Roosevelt written while he was Vice President of Fidelity and Deposit, and following his loss as Democratic vice-presidential candidate on the James Cox ticket. After an arduous campaign, during which time FDR's speeches were broadcast on the radio, the Democrats lost to Republicans Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge. Out of office for the first time in a decade, FDR took a desk job in lower Manhattan. FDR agreed to become a Vice President of Fidelity at its New York City office (in charge of New York, New Jersey and New England) and a member of the Fidelity board, as long as he could split up his day. The mornings would be devoted to his law practice, and the afternoon hours to Fidelity.

Scarce FDR letter written to one of his children!

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