1931 Franklin D. Roosevelt Signed Letter as Governor of New York – JSA Certified

An exceptional typed letter signed (TLS) by Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945), written on official "State of New York Executive Chamber" stationery during his tenure as Governor of New York. Dated February 17, 1931, this letter is addressed to Frank Plant, Democratic Chairman of Rochester’s 8th Ward, and expresses gratitude for a birthday telegram received from Mr. Plant and his wife. Roosevelt's signature, boldly signed in black ink, remains crisp and highly legible.

Full Transcription:

STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
ALBANY
February 17, 1931

Mr. Frank Plant,
Democratic Chairman, 8th Ward,
Rochester, N.Y.

Dear Mr. Plant:

I am grateful to you and Mrs. Plant for that nice telegram of birthday congratulations and I want you to know how much I appreciate your thought of me.

Very sincerely yours,
Franklin D. Roosevelt (signed in full in black ink)

Historical Significance

At the time of this letter, Franklin D. Roosevelt was serving as the 44th Governor of New York (1929–1932), positioning himself as a rising star in the Democratic Party. Less than two years later, he would be elected as the 32nd President of the United States, leading the country through the Great Depression and World War II. His leadership during these crises cemented his legacy as one of America’s greatest presidents.

This letter also highlights Roosevelt’s strong political connections and grassroots efforts, as he maintained close relationships with Democratic leaders like Frank Plant, reinforcing his influence ahead of the 1932 presidential election.

Authentication & Certification

This historic Franklin D. Roosevelt signed letter is accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA (James Spence Authentication), verifying the authenticity of Roosevelt’s signature. The document remains well-preserved, with only minor signs of age, enhancing its desirability among collectors.

A Remarkable Collector’s Item

FDR’s autographs are highly sought after, particularly from his time as Governor, as they represent a pivotal period leading up to his presidency. This JSA-certified 1931 signed letter is a fantastic acquisition for collectors of presidential autographs, historical documents, and political memorabilia, offering a tangible link to one of America’s most transformative leaders.