LETTER: Typed letter signed by Harry Truman to Frances Perkins about her service.
PERKINS, THE FIRST FEMALE US CABINET MEMBER
TO HARRY TRUMAN, ON HER SERVICE
WITH TRUMAN’S RESPONSE
Perkins, Frances. Draft autograph letter signed, to Harry S. Truman, March 15, 1952. In full:
My dear Mr. President, I must tell you how grateful I am for your recent executive order
exempting me from the fatal operation of the age requirements of the Compulsory Retirement
Act. I like to work – I need to work and I particularly like to work for you... I shall strive to work
for the things you and I believe – for our country – while there is breath in the body. Loyally,
faithfully your friend.
In 1933, Frances Perkins became the first female member of the cabinet of any US President, setting an
important precedent that paved the way for many who would come after her. As Secretary of Labor, she
was one of just two people who served in FDR’s cabinet throughout his long presidency.
After Roosevelt’s death, President Truman wanted her to stay in public service with the Civil Service
Commission. However, she was slated for forced retirement in 1952, when she turned 72 years
old. Truman decided to remedy that problem and issued an executive order in late February 1952, which
read: “By virtue of and pursuant to the authority vested in me... I hereby exempt the said Frances Perkins
from compulsory retirement for age for an indefinite period of time.”
Perkins wrote to Truman thanking him and expressing her desire to continue to serve her country.
Together with:
Truman, Harry S. Typed letter signed, to Perkins, from the Key West White House, March 20, 1952. In
full:
Dear Miss Perkins: I appreciated very much your nice note regarding your extension of service. It
was a pleasure for me to do it and I know your position will continue to give all of us pleasure and
good service.
Just weeks later, Perkins’s husband died and she did not finish her term in the Commission. This would be
her last position in public service before her permanent retirement.
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