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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Hoover, Herbert (1874-1964) to Louis L. Emmerson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03146 Author/Creator: Hoover, Herbert (1874-1964) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Typed letter signed Date: 10 July 1931 Pagination: 1 p. ; 26.5 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy

Confidential letter written to the Governor of Illinois about America's economic situation during the Great Depression and the prospect of continued destitution. Praises Emmerson's "organization last winter" and discusses the need for earlier appropriations of federal money to the states. Typed on White House stationery.

July 10, 1931 Confidential
Hon. Louis L. Emmerson
Governor of Illinois
Springfield, Ill.

My dear Governor Emmerson:

No matter what improvement there may be in our economic situation during the fall, we shall unquestionably have considerable continuance of destitution over the winter. I am wondering if it would not be advisable for us to get the machinery of the country into earlier action than last year in order that there may be provision for funds substantially made before the winter arrives.

Your organization last winter was one of the most admirable in the whole country and I had some thought that if all organizations were to begin their appeals for funds some time in October and run them over Thanksgiving we could make it more or less a national question and thereby support each state committee more effectively.

This, however, is just thinking aloud on the general situation and I would like your views.

I wish again to express my appreciation for the fine courtesies we received at the hands of Mrs. Emmerson and yourself and with kind regards to you both, I am
Yours faithfully,
Herbert Hoover

Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964
Emmerson, Louis L. (Louis Lincoln), 1863-1941

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