An Series Of Letters From FDR To Joshua L. Brooks, Founder Of New England Agricultural Fair The Eastern States Exposition: “The Eastern States Exposition, Through May Years, Has Demonstrated Its Usefulness, Not Only To The States Which Actively Participate But To The Country As A Whole, Because It Gives A Practical Exemplification Of The Resources Which Each State Possesses. At This Time When The Problem Of National Defense Has Caused Us To Take A Very Careful Account Of Stock The Exposition At Springfield Can Be Of Great Helpfulness”

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (1882-1945). Roosevelt was the Thirty-Second President. Archive. 5 pieces. 1931-1940. An archive of five typed letters signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, four as President and one as Governor of New York. All of the letters concern the Eastern States Exposition, an annual technological and agricultural fair held in Springfield, Massachusetts. The fair was established by Joshua L. Brooks to promote agriculture and industry in New England. It was first held in 1917 and is still in existence today. Four of the letters in this archive are written to Brooks, while the fifth was written to a local judge associated with the exposition. In each letter, Roosevelt declines an invitation to attend Governors’ Day at the exposition. He also says positive words about the exposition. a) TLS. 1pg. June 26, 1931. Albany, New York. A typed letter signed “Franklin D Roosevelt” as Governor of New York, on official “State of New York Executive Chamber” letterhead. “Dear Mr. Brooks:- Thank you very much for your letter of the 19th. ‘Governors’ Day’ sounds like a most interesting party and I do so wish that I could accept your invitation to be with you. However, I plan to leave for Warm Springs on September 15th. As you know, I did not get down there this spring at all. Incidentally, I have decided that I will not leave the State except for my visit to the Round Table Conference in Virginia next week. Each time I step over the line the ory arises that I am campaigning. I am sure you will understand. Very sincerely yours, Franklin D Roosevelt”. It is in very good condition. b) TLS. 1pg. September 8, 1936. The White House, Washington. A typed letter signed “Franklin D Roosevelt” as President, on White House letterhead. Roosevelt wrote to Judge William J. Granfield of Springfield, Massachusetts. “My dear Judge Granfield: I received your letter of September fourth, with its invitation for me to be the guest of honor on Governor’s Day at the Eastern States Exposition on September twentieth and twenty-first. Will you convey to President Joshua L. Brooks and to Mr. Charles A. Frazier, General Manager of the Governor’s Day Committee, and to the Trustees my very sincere regret that it will not be possible for me to accept this invitation, of which I am deeply appreciative. May I express the hope that this meeting of the Governors of the ten North Atlantic States will not only be a very pleasant occasion but productive of fine results. Cordially yours, Franklin D Roosevelt”. It is in fine condition with a central mailing fold and the original White House envelope. c) TLS. 1pg. August 23, 1937. The White House, Washington. A typed letter signed “Franklin D Roosevelt” as President, on White House letterhead. “My dear Mr. Brooks: May I thank you and through you the Trustees of the Eastern States Exposition for the kind invitation to be with you in Springfield on Governors’ Day, September nineteenth and on Monday, September twentieth next. I regret that I am unable to accept and to be with you and with the Governors who are to be your guests on this interesting occasion. I trust that the Exposition this year will be most successful in affording another practical demonstration to all who attend of the rich resources of the participating states. With all good wishes, I am Very sincerely yours, Franklin D Roosevelt”. It is in fine condition with a central mailing fold and the original White House envelope. d) TLS. 1pg. September 2, 1938. The White House, Washington. A typed letter signed “Franklin D Roosevelt” on White House letterhead. “My dear Mr. Brooks: I deeply regret that I am unable to accept the cordial invitation extended by yourself and by the Trustees of the Eastern States Exposition to attend the exercises of Governors’ Day at the Exposition on September eighteenth and nineteenth next. Please accept my sincere thanks. I hope the Exposition this year will demonstrate anew its usefulness in acquainting all who attend with the resources with which the New England States abound. It gives me great pleasure to send hearty felicitations and warmest personal greetings to the visiting Governors and to all who attend the observance of Governors’ Day. Very sincerely yours, Franklin D Roosevelt”. It is in fine condition with a central mailing fold and the original White House envelope. e) TLS. 1pg. July 30, 1940. The White House, Washington. A typed letter signed “Franklin D Roosevelt” as President, on White House letterhead. “My dear Mr. Brooks: I am grateful for the kind invitation to be with you on Governors’ Day and I regret that circumstances prevent my acceptance. Will you please extend my hearty congratulations to all the Governors from the North Atlantic States, and to all friends of New England who gather with you on that day. The Eastern States Exposition, through may years, has demonstrated its usefulness, not only to the states which actively participate but to the country as a whole, because it gives a practical exemplification of the resources which each state possesses. At this time when the problem of national defense has caused us to take a very careful account of stock the Exposition at Springfield can be of great helpfulness. I hope that the observance of Governors’ Day will afford an excellent opportunity to emphasize to the entire country the practical value of the Exposition. Very sincerely yours, Franklin D Roosevelt”. It is in fine condition with a central mailing fold and the original White House envelope. (Inventory #: 4426)