Herbert Hoover
Homestead, FL, March 2, 1961
Herbert Hoover TLS Re: Important Distinction Between "public service" and "politics"
TLS

A 1p typed letter signed by former 31st U.S. President Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) as "Herbert Hoover" in blue ink near lower right. March 2, 1961. Homestead, Florida. On a leaf of watermarked stationery with "Herbert Hoover" embossed letterhead. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and a few extra wrinkles, else near fine. 7.25" x 10.5."

Hoover, a keen fisherman, was wintering in Homestead, Florida, about 40 miles southwest of Miami, in the Spring of 1961. The former president had been open-water fishing with the Key Largo Anglers Club since 1948. While on vacation, Hoover wrote this response to a 16-year-old aspiring politician and autograph collector, Harvey Judson Cohen (1944-2009), from Natick, MA.

In part: "You say that you would like to be a politician. I suggest you substitute the term 'public service' for 'politics.' Politics per se is a transient business while one of the greatest needs of our country is for men who are dedicated to public service and it is a profession of great honor. There is opportunity in either political party and I wish you well?"

In the letter, Hoover emphasized the important distinction between "politics" and "public service," a difference that he well understood after gaining nearly four decades of experience both as a life-long humanitarian and as a politician. Hoover's correspondent, Cohen, did not become a politician. Instead, the teenaged stamp, coin, and autograph collector became a psych-pop music songwriter!

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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7.25" x 10.5"