Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #176
Franklin D. Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed as President on His Pre-Inauguration Tradition at St. John's Church

FDR on his pre-inauguration tradition at St. John’s Church—“I think this is a custom that should be kept up”

This lot has closed

Sold For $1,165

*Includes Buyers Premium

Estimate: $500+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

FDR on his pre-inauguration tradition at St. John’s Church—“I think this is a custom that should be kept up”

TLS as president, one page, 6.25 x 8.75, White House letterhead, February 28, 1938. Letter to Sanford Bates, the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, in part: "I believe we all began our work with greater confidence on March 4, 1933, as a result of the private service which a group of us attended at St. John's Church…We have, as you know, continued to keep the anniversary with a short service in each recurring year since the Administration assumed responsibility. I think this is a custom that should be kept up and I hope you and Mrs. Bates can be with us at St. John's next Friday." Upper right corner bears a "Contents Noted" stamp. In fine condition.

Only hours before Roosevelt's first inauguration ceremony, the president-elect and his wife attended church service at St. John's Episcopal Church on the morning of March 4, 1933. Over the course of his next three elections, Roosevelt made it a tradition to attend service at the church, and subsequently inspired each successive US president to do the same.

Auction Info






This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $100.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.