Description
Collection from the Executive Director of the Boys’ Clubs of America, David W. Armstrong, including letters and signed books from President Harry Truman and President Herbert Hoover.
Includes two books inscribed by President Hoover, four letters signed by Hoover, a letter signed by President Truman on White House stationery and a statement signed by George C. Marshall.
Books: First edition of The Problems of Lasting Peace by Herbert Hoover (1942), inscribed: “To David W. Armstrong, With the Kindest Regards of Herbert Hoover.”
First edition of On Growing Up by Herbert Hoover (1962), inscribed: “To my good friend Dave Armstrong, With the good wishes of Herbert Hoover.”
Letters:
– Letter from President Harry Truman on White House stationery, signed and dated March 16, 1948, thanking David H. Armstrong [sic] for his leadership of the Boys’ Clubs of America.
– Statement from Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall thanking the Boys’ Club of America for preparing the youth of America. Dated February 8, 1951 and signed by Marshall.
– Poem titled “Boys’ Clubs of America” by Edgar A. Guest, American poet and radio personality. Signed and dated Dec. 9/53.
– White House Visitor Pass for October 20, 1953 for David W. Armstrong.
– TLS from Herbert Hoover to David W. Armstrong on personal stationery, dated August 16, 1954.
– TLS from Herbert Hoover to David W. Armstrong on personal stationery, dated August 15, 1951, thanking him for the birthday greetings.
– TLS from David W. Armstrong to Herbert Hoover, dated October 14, 1954, asking “the Chief” for his approval to print his comments. Signed by Hoover with “OK / H.”
– TLS from David W. Armstrong to Herbert Hoover, dated September 14, 1954, asking “the Chief” to send a thank you card to the wife of H. Charles Ehrenfels of Standard Oil. The letter contains a humorous response from Hoover saying: “I don’t think I can write an obituary hope to a lady that has not yet passed away. Ask Mr. Hall to pass along our joint gratification.”
Former President Herbert Hoover, often called “the Chief,” was Chairman of the Board of the Boys’ Clubs of America. The organization, originally founded in 1860, came together to form a national organization in 1906, called the Federated Boys’ Clubs. In 1931, they changed their name to the Boys’ Clubs of America, and by 1990, they were known as Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The organization continues to help at risk young people with after school programs and mentorship.
