LAST FALL I received a letter from Mr. David Lawrence
who informed me that President Wilson's typewriter was at the American
Red Cross, and because of our interest in attempting to acquire things
which were associated with our Presidents he thought that we should - suggested
that we might get in touch with the Red Cross and see if they would be
willing to turn it back to the White House.
I called General Gruenther and
he informed me that the typewriter belonged to the Grayson family. This
typewriter had been Government issue. I think it was in the White House
during President Wilson's administration, and it was sold, I understand
from Professor Link, during the Harding administration as surplus. And
it came into the possession of Admiral Grayson, who had been associated
with President Wilson, and has continued to be a valuable possession of
the Grayson family.
The Grayson family were very
generous enough to agree to have it come to the White House, and we are
most indebted to them, because we know what a valuable source of satisfaction
it was to them because of the association with their father.
So we are very appreciative
to them and we are very glad to have this come to the White House. It was
on this typewriter that he typed his Fourteen Points and other messages.
We are going to put it on exhibit here in the White House so that the million
people who come every year can see it, because it reminds us of a distinguished
President and of the distinguished role he played in the life of our country.
So we thank you all - members
of the family - General Gruenther - the Red Cross - Mr. Lawrence, for reminding
us of this - Professor Link, for his valuable works on the life of President
Wilson. And this is a - my wife has collected everything and this is my
- [laughter] - this is the only thing I have produced, with their
help.