Herbert Hoover Signed June 1917 letter to newspaper editor - Food Saving Day For Sale

June16, 1917 Letter by Herbert Hoover, Signed

Up for offer is an interestingtyped letter (original) written by and hand signed by Herbert Hoover (1874-1964),Washington, D.C., and dated June 16, 1917.It was sent to George N. LeFevre, newspaper editor, in Strasburg,Pennsylvania, situated a short distance southeast of Lancaster. While the name of the newspaper is not mentionedin the letter, it may have been the Strasburg Weekly News. I don\'t see any staining or tears to thisletter other than darkening of the letter along its lower edge (see photo); itis in very nice shape. The paper doeshave a partial STARILITY BOND watermark.It was folded for mailing, but has been unfolded for years.

This letter is one that was likelysent to a number of newspaper editors, encouraging them to publish articles andeditorials introducing the public and promoting the establishment of “FoodSavings Day” on July 1, 1917, to meet the increased food needs during the warand to correspondingly decrease waste.In the letter he states that on June 18, 1917 Hoover was going to sendletters to ministers throughout the country, encouraging them to preach on thesubject of “Food Conservation” on Sunday, July 1. Hoover was striving to establish the motto “Savethe Waste and Win the War”, and encouraged Mr. LeFevre (and others receiving similarletters) to promote that motto and the concept.This letter reflects the strong emphasis he had during the 1914-1920period on meeting food needs both in the United States and allied countries. He was appointed by Pres. Wilson to be thedirector of the Food Administration (reflecting Hoover’s prior focus on helpingto meet food needs during the earlier years of World War I, such as in thisletter), serving in that position August 1917 – November 1918 (before leadingthe American Relief Administration after the war, helping to feed the starvingones in Europe).

After his unsuccessful run forthe presidency in 1920, Hoover served as a lead Cabinet member under bothPresidents Harding and Coolidge. He waselected in 1928 to serve as the 31st President of the United States(1929-1933). While he has been at timesmaligned because of the Great Depression, it has been recognized that he didmany very useful things through his years of service, commonly focused onagriculture and meeting food needs.Following World War II, he also served in positions under Presidents Trumanand Eisenhower. This letter, whichpredates his first official governmental position, reflects a lead service areaof his 50 years of service.

This letter is an importantletter that reflects the compassion of Herbert Hoover, who became an importantpolitical and social leader during the later 1910s – 1950s, including as Chairof the Hoover Commission under Truman.

Buyer pays First Class largeenvelope postage, which is noted. If youwould prefer another method of shipment, please select it at the time ofpurchase. This letter will be shipped(unfolded, in cardstock) promptly with payment.Please email me with any questions you may have.