Description:

Gerald Ford
Washington, D.C., 1950-1973
Gerald Ford (5) TLS as House Representative, 1950-1973
Archive

A collection of five letters from future-President Gerald Ford all written on congressional letterhead, including two as House Minority Leader. Each have been boldly signed "Jerry Ford". Measuring 8" x 10.5", Washington, D.C., ranging in date from 1950 to 1973. Highlighted contents feature a three-part correspondence to a mother of an American soldier, as well as a detailed explanation of recent legislation to protect retirement income. Exhibits expected letter folds, handling marks, and creasing throughout. Scattered age toning and ink markings to some. Overall, very good condition. Please refer to images for further information.

The lot includes, in chronological order:

1.) Letter from Gerald Ford to Mrs. A. J. Vidervol, dated November 9, 1950. Reading in part: "Upon receipt of your letter… I have written the Army Liaison officials assigned to the House of Representatives…."

2.) Letter from Gerald Ford to Mrs. James Vidervol, dated December 5, 1950. Regarding their previous correspondence, he writes: "Enclosed please find a copy of a letter I received from the Army Liaison Office in reference to your son. I assure you that it does take a long time to process a case such as this for as you know the red tape in the Army is more complicated than in any other agency. Regardless of what I might say or do it will be quite some time before we receive the final answer."

3.) Letter from Gerald Ford to Mrs. James Vidervol, dated December 27, 1950. In a follow up to the above: "This is in further reference to your son, Robert A. Vidervol. Enclosed please find a copy of the letter from Major General Edward F. Witsell stating that the medical authorities at the hospital where your son is located have recommended that he be separated from the service based on his physical condition."

4.) Letter from Gerald Ford to Dr. Robert R. Citron, dated July 27, 1965. Reading in part: "I am pleased to accept the material that you sent with your letter and write to thank you for making this material available to me."

5.) Letter from Gerald Ford to Mrs. Bob Mattison, dated September 25, 1973. Regarding recent pension legislation, he writes: "Thank you for… urging my support of S.4 providing retirement income security for employees. Last week in its consideration of the H.R. 4200, a bill relating to the tax treatment of the survivors benefit plan for the military services, the Senate added the provisions of S.4 as an amendment to this legislation. Since H.R. 4200 had already passed the House without the provisions of S.4, it will be necessary to reconcile the differences in the House-passed and Senate-passed bills."

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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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  • Dimensions: 8" x 10.5"
  • Medium: Archive

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August 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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