Autographs
Lovely Franklin D. Roosevelt 1918 Typed Letter Signed Returning Binoculars in the "Eyes for the Navy" Program
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT (1882-1945), Thirty-Second President of the United States, (1933-1945); Governor of New York (1929-1932); Assistant Secretary of the Navy (1913-1920). Instituted the historic "New Deal" Democratic social programs that would become his signature government reform, one promising that government policies would help Americans emerge from the economic depression, and who led the United States through most of World War II.
June 17, 1918-Dated World War One Era, Typed Letter Signed, "F. D. Roosevelt", as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1 page, measuring 7-7/8" x 10-1/2", Washington, D.C., Choice Very Fine. This Letter sent to a Miss Anna Smith in Plymouth, Mass., returning binoculars which she sent "in response to the NAVY'S call for glasses". During WWI, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt established the "Eyes for the Navy" program to meet the needs of the Navy for binoculars and spy glasses to spot enemy submarines, whereby American citizens could loan their binoculars or spyglasses to the Navy for the duration of the war. The Navy would send that person $1.00 as a rental fee & after the war, all such instruments not in use were returned to the original owners along with a certificate of thanks. Very clean and crisp but for light standard mailing folds, large signature measures about 4" long. This choice appearing Letter reads, in part:
"Your prompt and patriotic response to the NAVY'S call for glasses is greatly appreciated. It is with regret that at the present time your Binocular cannot be used and is therefore being returned to you by registered mail. On behalf of the NAVY, I wish to thank you most heartily. -- (Signed) F. D. Roosevelt" as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.