by Spencer Howard In late June, 1932, a few hundred unemployed World War I veterans boarded freight trains in Portland, Oregon. Out of work and overwhelmed by the Depression, they had decided to go to Washington, D.C. to lobby Congress for early payment of a soldier's bonus that was scheduled to be paid in 1945. … Continue reading Bonus Army
By Thomas F. Schwartz William Shakespeare remains one of the most studied individuals in world history. Among the many writers about the Bard of Avon, James Shapiro, the Larry Miller Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, explores the life of William Shakespeare and his writings for a general audience in a number … Continue reading Shakespeare, Hoover, and Calvin Hoffman
by: Matthew Schaefer It should come as no surprise that Herbert Hoover gave thought to the nature and operation of the National Archives. When World War I was winding down, Hoover [in addition to work with Wilson at the Paris Treaty talks and overseeing the feeding of Europe] created the Hoover Institution of War, Revolution … Continue reading National Archives and Herbert Hoover
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
