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Auction: 364 - Autographs & Documents e-Auction featuring the Mike Roth Aviation Collection Part I
Lot: 92

Pitcairn, Harold Frederick (1897-1960). American aviation inventor and pioneer, played key role in the development of the autogyro, for which he was awarded the Collier Trophy in 1930, founded the Autogiro Company of America, Pitcairn Aviation (later Eastern Airlines) and the Pitcairn Aircraft Company, patented a number of innovations related to rotary wing aircraft; enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1995. Letter Signed "Harold F Pitcairn". 3 pages typed on his letterhead, Philadelphia, Nov. 1, 1932. Writing as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Hoover Aviation Committee near the close of the 1932 Presidential campaign, Pitcairn summarizes what he considers the qualifications of the two candidates. He gives nine points on "why Mr. Roosevelt should not be elected" - including what Pitcairn says is Roosevelt's confusion on tariff and the threat of his costing the country large sums for his proposed assistance programs. Then notes "the outstanding reason to vote for Mr. Hoover" is that through his "Reconstruction Finance Corporation and other constructive measures" many of "the causes of the depression which threatened destruction to our country" have been blocked. In conclusion, Pitcairn argues that "it is obvious that recovery from the depression will be delayed seriously if Mr. Roosevelt is elected", while "On the other hand, Mr. Hoover has regained the confidence of business and industry." Fortunately, Pitcairn's arguments did not win the day. A Fine and interesting content letter.

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