By Thomas F. Schwartz Although Abraham Lincoln predates Sigmund Freud, the Illinois lawyer did write to famed Cincinnati physician Dr. Daniel Drake for help during his emotional crisis of “the hypo” in 1841. If Drake replied to Lincoln’s letter, it has never surfaced. Since then, both professionals and amateurs have tried to explain Lincoln’s personality. … Continue reading An Appeal to President Hoover to Prevent Putting Lincoln on the Couch
by Spencer Howard After the demise of the first SS President Hoover, the precarious financial situation of the Dollar Line led the U.S. Maritime Commission to take control of the line in late 1938, and the name of the company was changed to American President Lines Ltd. Instead of the $ sign that had graced … Continue reading SS President Hoover (2)
by Thomas Schwartz George N. Nash, the foremost biographer of Herbert Hoover and historian of American conservative thought, wrote: "Often is seems that Herbert Hoover is the Rodney Dangerfield of American politics: He gets no respect." This is especially true of Hoover contribution to the development of modern conservative thought. A recent study contrasting the … Continue reading Sources of Hoover’s Conservative Thought
by Hunter Staskevich, Intern Father’s Day is coming up and thoughts turn to grilling out and a round of golf. Here at the Hoover, work continues as normal but these reflections came to mind while answering a reference question on Hugh R. Wilson. Wilson was a U.S. diplomat during the 1920’s and 1930’s who served in … Continue reading Traditional Links: Father’s Day & Golf
By Matthew Schaefer Just as spring follows winter and Mother’s day follows Easter, every June brings graduation ceremonies. This particular rite of passage is familiar to all. Those about to graduate don the requisite cap and gown. Friends and family convene to mark the occasion. Speakers gather up their most sonorous pearls of wisdom to … Continue reading Rites of Spring: June Edition
by Thomas Schwartz Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover shared an interest in mystery novels. Popular mystery writers appear with frequency among the titles in their personal library, especially at Camp Rapidan. One of the first women to excel in the genre was Mary Roberts Rinehart, who was also a personal friend of the Hoovers. Among … Continue reading Mary Roberts Rinehart, Queen of the Mystery Novels
by Spencer Howard One of the most interesting documents at the Hoover Library is a handwritten, five-page personal letter from King Albert of Belgium to Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover. A transcript of the entire letter can be found at https://hoover.archives.gov/KingAlbertltr.pdf. King Albert wrote to ask Hoover to intervene with the U.S. Shipping Board on behalf … Continue reading A Letter from a King
by Spencer Howard The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum presented a program by art conservator Barry Bauman entitled "The Demise of Mary Lincoln: An Artistic Conspiracy." In short, Mr. Bauman discovered that a painting that had hung for years in the Illinois governor's mansion, which was believed to be an original portrait of Mrs. … Continue reading Lincoln Portrait Fraud
by Matthew Schaefer Every spring, certain recursive features appear on the American landscape—crocuses, April showers, Easter bonnets, and elders addressing students on college campuses. On May 16th 1920, Lou Henry Hoover made her contribution to this annual tradition, giving a short address to the women of Bryn Mawr College. As was her wont, Lou Hoover … Continue reading Spring Diversions
by Matthew Schaefer Lou Henry Hoover read her eulogy for Lindon Bates, Jr. at a memorial service held in early June 1915 at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Bates went down with the sinking of the Lusitania on May 7, 1915. Hundreds attended his memorial service. Many prominent figures spoke: the President of the borough of … Continue reading Lou Henry Hoover’s Eulogy for Lindon Bates, Jr.
