Library Collections: Document: Full Text


Trying To Sell FDR A Vacuum Cleaner, With Reply

Creator: William H. Osborn (author)
Date: September 7, 1938
Source: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library


Page 1:

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Box 564
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
September 7, 1938.

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Hon. Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States,
Hyde Park, N. Y.

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Dear President Roosevelt:

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The enclosed copy of a letter forwarded to Mr. Henry Toombs, Architect, is self explanatory.

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I would appreciate the opportunity of bringing the matter of an Electrolux Cleaner and Air Purifier for use in your new Retreat near Poughkeepsie, N. Y. to the attention of your representative and I trust I may have the pleasure of serving you with a Complete Electrolux Service.

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Thanking you, I am
Yours very truly,
Wm. H. Osborn
Electrolux Representative

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Box 564
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
September 7, 1938

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Mr. Henry Toombs, Architect,
Warm Springs, Ga.

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Dear Sir:

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A few days ago the writer was in communication with Mr. Kannee, of President Roosevelt's Staff, with reference to the placement of an Electrolux Cleaner and Air Purifier in the new Retreat which the President is building near Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Mr. Kannee advised that it would be necessary to communicate with you in regards to this matter.

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As doubtless you are aware, the Deluxe model Electrolux will do more than satisfactory work and greatly helps to solve the cleaning and sanitation problems. For rugs, floors, moldings, baseboards, linoleums, walls, ceilings, and all cleaning surfaces, it cleans without destroying property as well as purifying the air all the time the Electrolux is in operation. The cost of the equipment complete is $78.00.

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It might be mentioned in passing that the President's mother purchased an Electrolux from the writer last fall, which is the second machine of this type which she has owned.

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I shall be glad to hear further from you in order that negotiations may be complete when the equipment will be needed.

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Thanking you, I am

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Very truly yours,
Wm H. Osborn,
Electrolux Representative.

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-Write and- say the President in not putting in any special equipment in his new cottage - M A LeH

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September 19, 1938

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My dear Mr. Osborn:

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Your letter of September seventh to the President at Hyde Park, with the enclosed copy of communication, has been received.

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With reference to the matter about which you write, the President asks me to advise you that he is not putting any special equipment in his new cottage. Thank you, nevertheless, for writing.

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Very sincerely yours,
M. A. LeHand
PRIVATE SECRETARY

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William H. Osborn, Esq.,
Box 564,
Poughkeepsie,
New York.

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