Coolidge Grace

Grace Coolidge ALS 2 Weeks after Coolidge's Sudden Death

2pp ALS inscribed overall and signed by former First Lady Grace Coolidge (1879-1957) as "Grace" at center verso. Written in Northampton, Massachusetts on January 14, 1933. On a cream stock card with black mourning border. Light overall toning, else near fine. 5.375" x 3.5". Accompanied by a matching black-trimmed envelope, bearing a cancelled 3 cent violet George Washington stamp, and postmarked from Northampton on January 14, 1933. Minor weathering and letter-opened at top, else very good.

Former First Lady Grace Coolidge's letter is addressed to "Marie," almost certainly the wife of George R. Spear (ca. 1866-1935), the Coolidges' long-time close friends and former neighbors in Northampton, Massachusetts. Grace was responding to Marie's condolences in the weeks following Calvin Coolidge's unexpected death from coronary thrombosis on January 5, 1933.

"January 14, 1933.

Dear Marie:

Although, as you say, words may be inadequate, friends do not need to depend upon them when they lean most heavily upon the love behind them. Your message is precious to me but above and beyond the comforting things you have said, I feel and know your love and understanding.

Sincerely,

Grace."

The Coolidges returned to Northampton, Massachusetts after leaving the White House in 1929. They relocated to a more secluded home in Northampton called the Beeches in 1930, because their former home, a duplex house on Massasoit Street, had become too much of a tourist attraction. Coolidge still remained active in various professional, academic, and charitable enterprises after his presidency, but transitioned into full retirement. Coolidge's golden years would have included much more boating on the Connecticut River if it were not for his premature death.

The Coolidges had rented the Massasoit Street house in Northampton between 1906-1930; the Spears were their righthand neighbors. George R. Spear was a traveling salesman and industrial executive. The Coolidges often visited the Spears for an hour or so every night they lived on Massasoit Street, when Coolidge was not in the Massachusetts Gubernatorial Mansion or the White House. Coolidge and Spear frequently played horse shoes in the back yard. Spear disproved the myth that Coolidge was taciturn by often claiming that "Mr. Coolidge was in fact a free and easy talker." (Dayton Daily News, Dayton, Ohio, November 6, 1930 issue.)

Vermonter Calvin Coolidge had moved to western Massachusetts to attend Amherst College, and he would live in the nearby industrial center and college town of Northampton, Massachusetts for the rest of his life. Coolidge was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1897 and opened his own practice in Northampton a year later. Coolidge had already begun transitioning into politics by 1903. “Silent Cal” became President in 1923 and served until 1929.

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.