Lou Henry Hoover, ca. 1932 By Thomas F. Schwartz Lou Henry Hoover liked to capture kernels of ideas on papers for further elaboration at some later date. Often, the ideas never were revisited and remain unpolished thoughts containing interesting potential. One of these describes the problem of human nature. Lou writes: “It is a … Continue reading On Human Nature: Lou Henry Hoover’s Musings
Secretary Hoover had this small radio receiver installed in his home in order that he could better understand the complaints received by the Commerce Dept. from citizens with similar equipment. By Thomas F. Schwartz An old joke in the media industry is to indicate to something that they have “a face for radio.” I have … Continue reading A Face for Radio
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed June 27th Helen Keller Day in America. This proclamation coincided with the 100th anniversary of Helen Keller’s birth. It was an apt way to celebrate the life of this remarkable woman. Keller lost her hearing and vision at a young age, but was able to have a long career … Continue reading Helen Keller and the Hoovers
By Thomas F. Schwartz President Hoover and First Lady Lou Hoover at a dinner at the Waldorf Astoria, Feb. 12, 1933. A common approach to short biography today is to provide a series of questions asking the interview subject to list their favorite foods, movies, music, etc. The archivists are frequently asked these same questions … Continue reading An Eclectic Taste in Music: Herbert Hoover’s Favorite Tunes
Part 2 By Thomas F. Schwartz Though the original ten reel production never was released for general viewing, the existing scripts give a sense of its contents. Because it was a silent film, the subtitles clearly describe the film footage that preceded it. It begins by stating: “This is not a picture of actors … Continue reading The Lost Documentary Film of the Commission for Relief in Belgium
By Thomas F. Schwartz Herbert Hoover, American Relief Administration, Brussels, Belgian ca. 1919 Among the innovative methods to publicize the work of the Commission for Relief in Belgium [CRB] and the American Relief Administration [ARA] were two documentary film efforts, both which are lost to history. George Barr Baker served with Herbert Hoover in both … Continue reading Herbert Hoover, American Relief Administration, Brussels, Belgian ca. 1919
By Thomas F. Schwartz Collaborating Collectors, the new temporary exhibit at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, explores the collecting habits of Herbert and Lou Hoover. But it ultimately poses the question “What do you collect?” When someone posed that question to me, I gave an unhelpful answer: “dust.” But a more serious and … Continue reading What Do You Collect?
By Thomas F. Schwartz When historians mention Herbert Hoover’s influence abroad, most cite his humanitarian efforts with food and emergency relief. Less studied is the influence of his writings such as American Individualism which was translated into many languages and his work as Secretary of Commerce and President. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum … Continue reading Hoover’s Influence in Japan
Stanford University, 1941 By Matthew Schaefer While in a research dalliance regarding Allan Hoover’s graduation from Stanford, I learned that his father, Herbert Hoover, was tapped twice to deliver the commencement address at Stanford. This brought me up short. Even though I recognize that commencement addresses are largely forgettable exercises in oratory, I was abashed … Continue reading Rites of Spring: Public Addresses to Graduates
Part of series of photos on presidential candidates and their families. Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover and Lou Hoover with King Tut on the porch of their Washington, DC home. 5/21/1928 By Thomas F. Schwartz Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt in 1798 served both a military function in disrupting British access to India as well as … Continue reading The Neo-Egyptian Revivals
