Framed or unframed, desk size to sofa size, printed by us in Arizona and Alabama since 2007. Explore now.
Shorpy is funded by you. Patreon contributors get an ad-free experience.
Learn more.
Production of the U.S. Department of Interior's radio play My Dear Mr. President, broadcast on Jan. 8, 1939, the subject of which was the Interior Secretary's annual report to the President.
January 1939. "Reception room, office, script writers' room, small and large studios, and sound control room. These actors are members of the cast for My Dear Mr. President, a play based upon the President's budget message presented in January 1939 through the channels of the national hookups." Harris & Ewing Collection 4x5 glass negative. View full size.
Harold Ickes was FDR's Secretary of the Interior, generally considered the greatest to hold that position. He started out as a New Deal supporting Republican, and became one of FDR's most effective administrators. His position included administrating some of the price control functions of the National Recovery Act (NRA), and as such had tremendous importance during the first years of the Depression. And he administered the PWA (Public Works Administration) NOT, tho often, to be confused with Harry Hopkins's WPA. The PWA is the one that built all those bridges and post offices during the 30s. He also deserves much of the credit for allowing Marian Anderson to sing on the Lincoln Memorial steps after she was rejected by the DAR. His edited 3 volume diaries provide a wonderful insight into the day to day operations of the White House. Ickes was a prickly insecure character, but a great and good man, nonetheless. This is just the kind of interesting, innovative thing he would support.
On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5