FDR Sells Property to Polio Treatment Center, Georgia Warm Springs Foundation

Franklin Roosevelt
Washington, DC, February 7, 1941
FDR Sells Property to Polio Treatment Center, Georgia Warm Springs Foundation
TLS

A lengthy and historically significant typed letter from President Franklin Roosevelt to his former law partner Basil O'Connor. 2pp on White House stationery, 8" x 10.5", Washington, DC, February 7, 1941. Within, the President offers a fascinating overview of his land in Georgia being made available for purchase to the Warm Springs Foundation, which he founded in 1927 to treat victims of polio. Signed at the conclusion of page 2 as "Franklin D. Roosevelt", with a holograph addition on page 1 referring to a specific property, "already sold to foundation." Hand stamped by the office of O'Connor & Farber in the upper margin. Together with 2pp addendum which lists fifteen properties, including dates of purchase, property descriptions, and amounts of purchase, forming a very detailed analysis of FDR's activities in the 1920s and 30s acquiring land in Warm Springs. Expected wear including letter folds and even toning, with areas of O'Connor's own pencil notations found throughout. Otherwise, very good.

He begins, in part:

"I enclose a list of my purchases of land at Warm Springs, taken from my checkbook, together with the dates of purchase. I am willing to sell this land to the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation or the Meriwether Reserve, Inc., for the original purchase cost to me.
I am willing to sell such portion of it as the Foundation may be able to afford at this time, and to hold the balance for a reasonable time until the Foundation is able to pay for it."

Roosevelt first came to Warm Springs in 1926, upon learning of the therapeutic nature of its thermal spring waters. Intrigued by the potential benefits of hydrotherapy, he used most of his inheritance to establish a rehabilitation center there, assembling a staff of physical therapists who led an orthotics laboratory and later a postgraduate school. While he was never able to use his legs fully after treatment, Roosevelt regained enough physical and emotional strength to return to politics in 1928. Indeed, he would continue to visit Warm Springs throughout his tenure as president, making frequent trips to his retreat that became known as the "Little White House."

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!
8" x 10.5"