More Historic Tacoma Ephemera - Something Heartwarming for the Holidays

I suppose you could file this under This Month in Tacoma History – Holiday Heart-warmers.

In November of 1962, Eleanor Roosevelt, the so-called “First Lady of the World,” passed away. Though she played a key role in the evolution of 20th Century U.S. policy, she was known for her warmth and charm (according to my research, this seems to be a common trait in the realm of popular figures). One small example of her famous human touch occurred right here in Tacoma just before her death, as reported in the Spokesman-Review on November 12, 1962.

For 22 years Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt never forgot to send a $10 birthday check to her goddaughter, Mrs. William (Eleanor Anna) Bailey of Tacoma. In failing health near her final hours, Eleanor Roosevelt remembered to send the check again this year. It arrived Thursday and the envelope was post-marked Tuesday the day before her death. Mrs. Bailey and her oldest daughter, Lucille, 3, look over what may have been the former First Lady’s last check.

See the photo and original story here.