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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Letter Opener Made from White House Wood
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Letter Opener Made from White House Wood

Artifact IDMO 1973.88
Object Type Opener, Letter
Gifter
Maker (American, 1927 - 1938)
Date1934
Mediumwood
Dimensionsoverall H 8 3/8 in x W 1 in x D 3/4 in (21.3 cm x 2.5 cm x 1.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionAn unfinished letter opener made from a piece of wood from the White House's original roof. Most of the piece has been shaped, sanded, stained into the form of a simple letter opener except for one side of the handle which has been left in the original raw condition with just a coat of varnish.
Historical NoteThis letter opener is a 1934 example of Christmas gift items distributed by Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. It was given by Eleanor Roosevelt to White House Press Secretary Stephen Early.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteFrom the papers of Stephen T. Early, donated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Helen W. Early in 1969 and received at the Library in 1972. Transferred from the FDR Library Archives, 1972.
Credit LineGift of Helen W. Early (Papers of Stephen T. Early)
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view