Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 90
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3 image_4 image_5 image_6 image_7 image_8
Franklin D. Roosevelt Letters Archive Re: Building FDR High School in Hyde Park
Franklin D. Roosevelt Letters Archive Re: Building FDR High School in Hyde Park
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3 image_4 image_5 image_6 image_7 image_8
Description:

Franklin D. Roosevelt
various, various
Franklin D. Roosevelt Letters Archive Re: Building FDR High School in Hyde Park
Archive
The Robert Graham and Franklin Roosevelt Papers Regarding the Building of the Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park: a fascinating and thoroughly researched archive of letters and corresponding ephemera related to Franklin D. Roosevelt's involvement in the building of a high school to be named in his honor in Hyde Park. This archive is accompanied by a complete inventory of items, and a highly detailed description of the contents and the political and social backdrop which informed the school's construction. In very good condition.

Briefly, the archive includes:

1. Six letters of Roosevelt to Graham regarding the construction details of the school, with one discussing plans for his own Presidential Library.

2. One unsigned typed memo from Roosevelt to Graham.

3. A letter of Roosevelt regarding Graham's search for work after the war.

4. 13 letters from Presidential aides: LeHand, Hopkins, Early, Watson, McIntyre, Rosenman, Stettinius, Malvina Thompson (ER Secretary).

5. An extensive correspondence and documentation on a drafting table created for Roosevelt.

6. Telegrams from the White House.

7. Extensive copies of draft, internal memos and Graham's letters to Roosevelt and aides from the National Archives.

8. Ephemera related to the school and Roosevelt's dedication of the school.

Franklin D. Roosevelt is known as one of the more eclectic presidents, who enjoyed a wide variety of interests which included philately, maritime history and arts, books, and the study of his hometown, Hyde Park -- particularly the architecture exhibited within.

According to the National Archives: "In 1940 the Hyde Park school district's three new schools...owed their fieldstone exterior appearance to Roosevelt's favorite building material and reflected his abiding interest and involvement with his home area. In 1941 FDR dedicated the country's first presidential library, funded by financial donations and gifts of fieldstone. As he had previously done, FDR worked with the architect so that the library followed the colonial Dutch style that he so admired. The style and the fieldstone reflected both his family's Dutch ancestry and the heritage of the Dutch influence in the Hudson Valley."

FDR's interest went far beyond the early planning and curriculum of the school. At various stages of construction, the President and the architect, Robert R. Graham, a respected architect known for his school buildings, corresponded frequently. The two exchanged letters and met in person, as evidenced in our archive.

Robert Graham (1891-1943) had built a successful career focusing on public buildings, particularly schools. This focus served him well during the Depression when New Deal programs accelerated public construction projects. The professional peak of his career ended with a high school building in Hyde Park named for and dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940. That turned out to be one of Graham's last projects. As recovery programs gave way to a war economy public works projects disappeared. Graham was caught in that turn and struggled at the end of his life to find work.

In the course of his work on the high school Graham developed a professional relationship with President Roosevelt and many of his aides. Graham's numerous papers offer an interesting look into FDR's involvement in certain buildings around Hyde Park.

The Public Works Administration (PWA) agreed to fund a large portion of the project in late 1938 but plans had changed since the request had been submitted. Instead of two schools there would be three. Instead of brick or wood the exterior walls would be built with fieldstone in accordance with Roosevelt's desire. The only hitch was that the PWA would have to approve the changes.

There was reasonable concern about the budget for the schools, particularly since they planned three smaller schools rather than two larger ones. Apparently builders were asked to sharpen their bidding, probably with the knowledge that FDR would be personally involved in some of the work.

Graham's papers, along with related material from the National Archives, comprises three distinct parts:

a) The FDR High School

b) A drawing table he designed and built for FDR

c) Graham's search for work when World War II started and WPA programs ended

Highlights of this archive include:

A typed letter signed of Franklin D. Roosevelt, one page, 7" x 9", Washington, Jan. 9, 1939, in which he responds to Graham's information that the Public Works Administration grant for the new schools will have to be amended to include fieldstone construction that is the hallmark of Hyde Park architecture. Graham had informed Roosevelt on January 5, that a contract for the new Hyde Park school has been signed and that the issue of a fieldstone exterior has been resolved. Just a few weeks earlier FDR announced his plans to donate the land and all of his papers for the first official presidential library, and Graham also inquired into the possibility of working on the planned FDR Presidential Library.

Roosevelt writes, in part: "…I am delighted that the plans are coming along so well…In regard to the new library building, the matter is in the hands of a special committee of historians, headed by Dr. [Robert D. W.] Connor, the national archivist. It seems to be their thought that as the buildings and contents are to be owned by the Government, the Procurement Division of the Treasury should control the erection of the library…much will depend on the legislation Congress decides…".

FDR had given considerable thought to the preservation of his papers and personal collections. Until the 1970's presidential papers were considered the personal property of the president, but Roosevelt believed presidential papers were an important part of history and should be preserve. He thus pioneered a new method of preserving his Presidential material within a library at Hyde Park using private funds and on land he donated, and then turn it over to the government. The government would then manage the library and care for the records. This became the pattern for future libraries.

Also on January 9, 1939, Roosevelt initials a memo to Elbert K. Burlew at the P.W.A., asking to be notified when the contract change request is received, adding: "It seems to be a reasonable proposal."

Two days later, E.K. Burlew responds to FDR that the contract change was approved on December 23, with the applicant being notified by telegraph on December 28.

A March 7, 1939 telegram from Graham informs FDR of the bids.

In a typed letter signed, one page, 7" x 9", Washington, March 8, 1939, to Graham, Roosevelt expresses delight at receiving a low bid for the school project and looks forward to seeing Graham in April.

There was reasonable concern about the budget for the schools, particularly as three smaller schools were originally planned for rather than two larger ones. Apparently, builders were asked to sharpen their bidding, probably with the knowledge that FDR would be personally involved in some of the work. The president's pleasure at the lower bids is evident from his taking the time to acknowledge bids for a local project and then plan to meet with the school architect.

FDR's thoughts then moved onto design, sending, on May 24, 1939, a memo to Graham, initialed in type. FDR points out that rough troweled joining is historically correct for the classic Dutch style, and "...and actually are more correct historically than the wiped joints...".

In a typed letter signed to Graham, Washington, November 1, 1939, Roosevelt weighs in on the proper color selection for the school's woodwork. He reports on his recent visit back to Hyde Park and the positive response he was hearing about the schools: "...especially the high school...something we can all be proud of through the years...".

In January, 1940, Roosevelt writes to Graham regarding Graham's report that wells at the school site found adequate water supply: typed letter signed, one page, 7" x 9", Washington, January 23, 1940: "...I am perfectly delighted about the finding of that excellent flow of water. It certainly solves a very difficult problem...", adding that he hopes to see Graham soon.

While work on the exterior of the school continues into the summer, Graham's thoughts turn to the interior. Graham suggested a photograph he took of Dickinson's Mill to be the centerpiece of a mural to capture the key elements of early industry along the river. Roosevelt writes a typed letter signed to Graham in response to the idea, one page, 7" x 9", Washington, July 19, 1940, in part: "...I looked at the Mill last Sunday and I think the photograph is excellent for a painting of the back drop, I suggest, however, that the old water wheel be painted in on the left-hand size under the building. The name of the artist who did the murals for Wappingers Falls Post Office is Henry Billings...".

On the day of this letter, Roosevelt also accepted the Democratic nomination for a third term. He spoke to the convention by radio around 12:30 a.m. retiring a couple hours later. He only spent half the day in his office with a few meetings and an evening cruise on the Potomac. It was a day to quietly enjoy the satisfaction of being re-nominated and indulge in some less stressful activity like planning his high school.

Come September, 1940, discussion of the mural was still underway. The local school Board did not want to place as much emphasis on the mill's water wheel as FDR perhaps wanted. Graham must have been reporting that news because the president wanted it be a central focal point of the historic portrayal of the area. He also conveys some of the speculation about whether the wheel was housed in the mill or was an outside wheel attached to the stone walls and if it was an undershot or overshot wheel. An inscription was being painted into a corner and Graham offers some suggested language: "This mural is a painting of the Bard Mill just north of East Park, New York. The original dam shown dates to pre-Revolutionary days."

In response, Roosevelt writes to Graham a typed letter signed, one page, 9" x 7", Washington, September 19, 1940, agreeing that the wheel should not be the center of attention: "...I think you are right about the water wheel. In the day of John and Samuel Bard it must have been an outside wheel, and I think also that it must have been an overshot wheel with a short wooden raceway sticking out from the stonework...Go ahead with the work...".

Less than one month later, the high school was completed, and on October 5, 1940 Roosevelt would give a speech during the dedication ceremonies.

On October 8, 1940, Stephen Early responds to Graham's letter to Roosevelt that the "Architectural Forum" magazine would be publishing a booklet on the school; and on October 15, 1940, Edwin Watson responds to another letter from Graham regarding an article or essay, presumably by Graham, on "Architecture and Design."

The second section of the archive centers around a special drawing table designed by Graham and to be custom built as a gift to FDR. It was based on the design of the tables used for the new school. It is not clear if the idea was Graham's or if FDR saw the desk designs and hinted that he would like one. Either way, FDR was aware that it was coming and even signed off on the design and wood color.

Within this section there are approximately 30 pages of correspondence between Graham and the manufacturer, as well as some communications with the White House. Graham personally delivered it to FDR at the White House. The summary below is just of the communications that have some direct connection to FDR's interest in the table or Graham's visit.

Graham may very well have used the table presentation as a chance to personally plead his case for employment. FDR sent a memo to his military aide the same day Graham visited asking if any help could be found.

December 4, 1940: Missy LeHand responds to a letter from Graham hoping to present the drawing table to the president. LeHand informs him that the president does not expect to be in Hyde Park until Washington's Birthday.

December 27, 1940: Graham informs E. R. Stevens in the manufacturer's Philadelphia shop that he delivered the table to the President. "He was delighted with everything and had it immediately removed to his second floor study. He does a great deal of sketching and is working on some small house plans at the present time. I presume his only chance to do this is just before retiring." On December 28, 1940: Graham shares a more detailed account of FDR's reaction with Charles Kleinman, a New York office representative of the manufacturer.

December 21, 1940: a telegram from Edwin Watson informing Graham that the president will be glad to receive the table on Dec. 23. (Graham and FDR Library)

November 11, 1940: a telegram from FDR aide Henry Kanne to Graham "The President thinks both finish and color are excellent." (Graham and FDR Library)

November 9, 1940: a memo from FDR instructing Kanne to convey the message in the November 11 telegram.

The archive concludes with Graham's search for commissions during the last two years of his life, from the date of delivering the draft table in December 1940 to December 1942.

At a loss for both current and future work, Graham turns to his relationship with the President. During this time, Roosevelt's White House aides handled the bulk of the correspondence to the architect, trying to find him work.

Graham then tried to promote a construction management method for military contracts in Central and South America. Oddly, he tried to engage First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who then turned it over to the President to deal with.

In a typed letter signed, one page 9" x 7", Washington, December 9, 1942, Roosevelt writes a letter which must have been a disappointment to Graham reading, in small part: "...Your letter of November 27 addressed to Mrs. Roosevelt has been forwarded to me. I have read the letter and reviewed the brochure accompanying it with great interest. The matter has been taken up with General Reybold and Admiral Morreel, Chief of Engineers, War Department, and Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks, Navy Department...I am informed by them that the ‘Construction Management Service' method of performing construction work has been utilized by them from time to time and with profitable results...but not universally applicable...".

Supplemental materials in this fine archive include: FDR's school dedication speech, October 5, 1940, a "Time" magazine article on the speech, October 14, 1940, FDR's schedule related to pieces in the collection; photos of the FDR Library (Poughkeepsie Journal) from the school dedication ceremony. Photo files: 85-38(2), 85-38(4), and 97-18(1) and a copy of "Manuscript Society," Summer 2020, with an article titled "FDR: The Architect of Dutchess County".

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Medium: Archive

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

June 26, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000