First Lady autographs

In his "Collecting Autographs and Manuscripts" (1961, revised 1970 adding Johnson & Nixon)), autograph pioneer Charles Hamilton writes "A few of the First Ladies rank among the most elusive of American autographs. Martha Jefferson, for instance ...Even harder to find, if such is possible, are autographs of Eliza Monroe and Hannah Van Buren ... Rare, also, are the autographs of Caroline Fillmore, Ida McKinley, Ellen Arthur, Rachel Jackson, and Anna Harrison..."

The wives of Jefferson, Van Buren, Arthur, and Jackson each died before their husbands became President. As did Alice Lee Roosevelt who died 17 years before TR became President. Fillmore married his second wife Caroline 5 years after his presidential term ended. In that same chapter, Hamilton reproduces signatures of 36 "First Ladies" including  Jefferson, Jackson, Caroline Fillmore, Arthur, and Mary Lord Harrison (married 3 years after husband's presidency).

Should we also add the past wives of Presidents Ronald Reagan (Jane Wyman), and Donald Trump (Melania Trump, Marla Maples Trump) to a collection of First Ladies?

Views: 453

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on June 17, 2025 at 3:56pm

Yes, a great loss to the hobby.  He actually was one of the very few people I ever sold an autograph to.  It was a Charles Evans Hughes signed photograph as Chief Justice.  I joked with him that I never sold an autograph I did not regret selling and that included that one.   Welcome to site, by the way, and I hope if you get a chance, you will post some of your collection.  I know many would love to see some.

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on June 17, 2025 at 5:00pm

Such a kind man with his knowledge. Herman Darvick was featured in a Newsday article when I was much younger and first entered this hobby. C. 1992? I had purchased fully signed Pink Floyd albums, Bowie etc  from some loony place. I contacted Herman from the article. All were forged. I went to this record store and asked for a refund from the son. He refused. I told him to go talk with his father and tell him I will publicize these findings and the source, and that I expect to get a phone call from him in about 4 hours telling me to show up next day. I did. Full refund next day. Thanks Herman. RIP

Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on June 18, 2025 at 2:02pm

I know he was very generous when anyone asked him.  That is good you were able to get your money back.  I checked and one site said he was born in 1938, that surprised me. For some reason I thought he was about ten years older than I am not 20.  The hobby loses a wealth of information when older collectors die.  

RSS

© 2025   Created by Steve Cyrkin, Admin.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service