Special Collections Staff Picks

Source: Guide to the Harry Seymour Logan Papers, 1930-1936, East Carolina Manuscript Collection, #111

Letter from Harry Seymour Logan to his half-sister

Staff Person: Dale Sauter

Description:

We hear a lot of comparisons these days between the current economic climate and the era of the Great Depression. Today’s staff pick is a portion of a letter that offers some public viewpoint during the time of the depression. The letter, dated October 22, 1931, was written by Harry Seymour Logan in Oakland, CA, to this half-sister, Mrs. H.C. (Murdena Susan Logan) Kennerley in Pinehurst, NC. Remarking on existing economic conditions, Logan mentions that “Seattle I understand for the first time in her history [has] a breadline for women and children, which is pretty tough.” Logan goes on to make further comments of a more social and political nature when he says, “No wonder we have radicals and soap box artists. I don’t believe that the people who live in luxury can help feeling blue over the present situation, I imagine that people who boosted for the apparent jelly fish Hoover feel now as I do (a sap) I don’t think anyone blames him for the deppression [sic] but they feel he has the power and authority to untangle the mess.”

For more information on President Hoover’s reaction to the Great Depression, see the following online article.

http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?action=read&artid=603

For more information on the Harry Seymour Logan Papers or any other collections we hold, please contact us for further details.

Posted by Dale Sauter under East Carolina Manuscript Collection, letters (correspondence) and Tags: Great Depression