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.
By Thomas F. Schwartz One of Hoover’s fondest memories of being a student at Stanford University were the two summers he spent working with the United States Geological Survey in the Nevada High Sierra. Most of the work required riding on horseback to navigate the rugged trails. Hoover recalled: “In these long mountain rides over … Continue reading Hoover and His Camel
by Matthew Schaefer The relationship between successive Presidents can sometimes be contentious regardless of political affiliation. These relationships have been given due attention by historians. The relationship between successive First Ladies has garnered far less attention, as historians have focused attention on First Ladies individually. The relationship between Grace Coolidge and Lou Henry Hoover merits … Continue reading Bleeding Heart and Lily
By Thomas F. Schwartz After leaving the presidency in March 1933, Herbert and Lou Hoover returned to their home in Palo Alto, California. By nature, they were not homebodies and were always traveling. Visiting friends in Chicago allowed them to attend the Chicago World’s Fair that used as its theme “A Century of Progress.” Unlike … Continue reading Lou Hoover’s Critique of the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair
