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Truman Harry



Harry S. Truman 3x Signed Docs Regarding Dedication of Simon Bolivar Statue in Bolivar, MO!

 

A stupendous collection of documents relating to the statue dedication of Simon Bolivar in Bolivar, Missouri, 3x signed by sitting President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) as "Harry S Truman." (Signed once at the bottom of a copy of Truman's address, and signed twice on the ceremony program.) Comes with two additional documents, one on White House letterhead, and the other a transmittal copy. With expected light paper folds and overall light toning, else near fine; individual condition issues noted below.

 

1. 2pp copy of the presidential address delivered at the July 5, 1948 dedication ceremony, signed by Truman at the bottom of the second page as "Harry S Truman." Stapled at upper left corner. 8" x 14".

 

The speech reads in part:

 

"We have come together today to dedicate a statue of the great South American Liberator, Simon Bolivar. This man led the movement for the liberation of half a continent. His memory is part of the spirit of freedom and independence in North and South America alike…

 

There are many other great leaders [who] were animated by high purposes and inspired by high ideals; but among them all Bolivar stands out far, for his service to the cause of liberty in many different countries and for his clear vision of the eventual solidarity of the American family of nations. In honoring his memory, we are in a very real sense honoring those principles of liberty, unity, and friendship which guide the American nations today…

 

A spirit of international friendliness has prompted the private citizens and officials of Venezuela and of this country…This action symbolizes the many bonds of friendship between the citizens of the Republic of Venezuela and the citizens of the United States of America. In the American family of nations, our two countries have been drawn closer together over the years. The spirit of good neighborliness that has marked our national relations has grown more and more into personal friendship between our citizens…"

 

2. 76pp program entitled "Commemorating the Dedication of the Statue of Simon Bolivar, the Great South American Liberator, Bolivar, Missouri, July 5, 1948" signed by Truman as "Harry S Truman" on the front color cover. Also signed by Truman as "Harry S Truman" on page 16 underneath his portrait and brief biographical sketch, and facing an excerpt from his speech with facsimile signature. The program is also chock full of wonderful period political tributes and advertising campaigns. Near fine. 9" x 12".

 

3. 1p original transmittal TLS on "The White House / Washington" letterhead signed by Truman's secretary Matthew J. Connelly, dated September 1, 1948, and addressed to the recipient of this archive, Truman friend and Springfield, Missouri attorney John K. Hulston (1915-2004). A few rusted paper clip impressions at top.

 

4. 1p retained carbon of John K. Hulston's initial request for the signed materials, dated August 21, 1948. A few folded or chipped edges.

 

One of President Truman's more pleasant official duties during the summer of 1948 was to dedicate a statue of early-nineteenth-century revolutionary leader Simon Bolivar in a town named after him located in southwestern Missouri. The small midwestern town hosted a 3-day-long Pan American Festival between July 3-5, 1948, in which Truman and Venezuelan President Romulo Gallegos dedicated the statue, and Truman read a special address and received keys to the city. The July 5, 1948 dedication ceremony also marked the 172nd anniversary of American independence and the 137th anniversary of Venezuelan independence.

 

The 10' high bronze sculpture of Simon Bolivar in military dress topped a 14' high base of white and black Carrara marble. A gift from Venezuela to the citizens of Bolivar, Missouri in acknowledgement of their naming their city after Bolivar, the statue still stands in a fenced-in green space at the intersection of two city streets.

 

Truman's participation at the statue's dedication ceremony came during a difficult time of Truman's first term. Earlier that spring, Truman's approval rating dropped below 40%, and he was not expected to win the presidential election that November. Just a week after attending the festivities in Bolivar, Truman attended the 1948 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, in which he alienated many Southern Democrats with his civil rights platform.

 

Photographs of the ceremony dedication, as well as the John Kenton Hulston Papers, can be viewed in the collection of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.

 



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