Description:

Coolidge TLS Re: Electric Motors: "Everything that tends to lighten the work in the home gives more time for intellectual and social pursuits"

A 1p typed letter signed by 30th U.S. President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), as "Calvin Coolidge" near lower right. Issued from Washington, D.C. on March 4, 1927, on watermarked bifold paper with "The White House / Washington" embossed in blue at the letterhead. The inner and outermost pages are blank. Expected flattened transmittal folds. Pencil inscribed by a former collector at lower right. Slight paperclip impressions at upper left, mentioned only for accuracy, else near fine. 6.875" x 8.875."

President Coolidge wrote Chicago businessman Edward Nash Hurley (1864-1933), in part:

"I was glad to get your letter of February 18 about the progress made in the development of small electric motors, increasing their efficiency and reducing the cost by one-half in the last six years.

Everything that tends to lighten the work in the home gives more time for intellectual and social pursuits, and, of course, is of great importance…"

Edward Hurley had co-founded the Thor Power Tool Company in 1893, which developed pneumatic tools and tinkered with automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle parts. In 1906, Hurley co-founded the Hurley Machine Company, which specialized in electrically powered washing and ironing machines and vacuums. The Thor Washing Machine, the world's first electric washing machine, was designed by Alva J. Fisher and manufactured by the Hurley Machine Company in 1908. The "Mighty Thor" gyrated clothes in a galvanized tub using an electric motor. Definitely the company's earliest and most high-profile product, it revolutionized modern housekeeping. Other Hurley Machine Company-manufactured household products included the washing machine ironing attachment, the Gladiron, and a vibrating exercise belt called the Juvenator, introduced in 1929.

President Coolidge's comments do not explicitly refer to American women, but they would have been the primary beneficiaries of any time- and labor-saving electric household appliances. Less domestic labor permitted more leisure time, and leisure was the benchmark of 1920s "modern living."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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November 2, 2022 11:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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