Thomas E. Dewey collection

The collection contains approximately 200 items, dating from Dewey's childhood days to 1964, specifically, 16 letters written by Dewey, 8 letters written by other people, 91 photos, 45 buttons, pins and jugates, 34 negatives, 2 cards/envelopes, a dinner program, and a pictorial campaign fan. 

16 Letters:

• 9 TLS to George T. Silver, a young man and sailor associated with the Bruce Engineering Company and the Young Israel party at Parkchester in the Bronx, New York. 1942-4. The correspondence includes: a letter from Dewey, 25 November 1942 and signed photo of Dewey; 2 letters from his secretaries (L.G. Rose, 4 September 1942; Paul E. Lockwood, 14 September 1943); a letter from the Republican National Committee (Archie O. Dawson), 29 October 1944; 2 letters from the Democratic National Committee (Paul A. Porter), 24 September 1944 and 4 November 1944; a letter from Herbert H. Lehman, Department of State, 23 October 1943, re the National Council of Young Israel; 2 letters from White House secretaries (Stephen Early, 12 October 1943; and Grace G. Tully, 14 May 1942) re request for a signed photo of the President and asking the President to send a message.

• TLS addressed "My dear First Voter", 29 October 1938, facsimile signature, urging young people to vote and to stop political corruption.

• TLS to Jeremiah Milbank (American philanthropist and close friend of President Herbert Hoover), 5 July 1944, appreciating "the very generous things you say in your letter... I hope to continue to merit the high confidence you express."

• TLS to Samuel A. Addis, 7 November 1946, re the result of the election, thanking Addis for his comments.

• TLS to Jeremiah Milbank, 4 March 1947, re his speech ("if Truman tried to beat the gun, that was his privilege... not subject to the criticism Mr. Bevin attempts to make").

• TLS to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Martin, 4 April 1947, re thanking them for their Easter greetings.

• TLS to Philip F. Wagner, 20 April 1948, re the importance of the Boy Scouts of America, Wagner's role as an executive in the organization, Strengthen the Arm of Liberty, looks forward to receiving and reading the reports of units.

• TLS to Marvin D. Hicks, 1 July 1948, thanking Hicks for his generous remarks and offer of assistance.

• TLS to Mrs. J.H. Rathbone, 1 July 1948, with envelope, thanking her for her letter and good wishes.

• TLS to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Buckingham Swan, 1 July 1948, re his appreciation of "the good things you say and your good wishes."

• TLS to Knox Munson, 29 November 1948, with envelope, thanking Munson for his generous sentiments and for sending a copy of his book.

• TLS to Jeremiah Milbank, 11 November 1950, thanking Milbank for his generous letter, hopes to see Milbank soon.

• TLS to John Knight, 11 January 1951, re request of the justices of the Supreme State of the State to arrange for license plates using the three letter combinations JSC and a number following it.

• ALS to Miles W. Jones, 18 April 1952, "That certainly was a beauty but actually it happens to us a lot and I hope you will not take it seriously or let it bother you."

• TLS to Lloyd S. Riford, 21 July 1952, re Riford's "staunch and unwavering support for General Eisenhower at Chicago".

• TLS to Henry Lewis Shank, 14 September 1954, re thanks Shank for his letter, "great privilege for me to serve as Governor all these years, hopes that Shank will support Senator Ives.

• TLS from Dewey's secretary, Lilian G. Rosse, to Irwin Rubinstein, 29 March 1963, in which she encloses Dewey's signature on a card with a commemorative 5¢ stamp.

48 Ephemera:

• Program, dinner in honor of Governor Thomas E. Dewey, Bear Mountain Inn, 13 October 1949, signed by Dewey and Thomas C. Desmond, member of the New York Senate.

• Signed envelope, first day of issue, Register and Vote, post-marked 1 August 1964.

• 45 buttons, pins and jugates of Dewey's political campaigns, 1940s.

• 1948 campaign pictorial hand fan featuring Dewey / Earl Warren on one side and the Republican candidates for Illinois (U.S. Senator C. Wayland Brooks / Governor Dwight H. Green) on the other side. Some wear and tear to the edges and a water stain but still in nice condition.

138 B&W photos and Negatives:

• 14 b&w photos of Dewey campaigning at political rallies, speaking, and with his wife and family, International News Photos, 1939-1952.

• 90 b&w photos and 34 b&w negatives of Dewey as a child and young man, campaigning at political rallies, speaking, with other politicians, and with his wife and family, International News Photos, Brown Brothers, circa 1900-1952.

Collection on consignment with LDRB.