Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor....

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Terrific letter on State of New York, Executive Chamber, Albany stationery, dated March 7, 1932, in the midst of FDR's campaign for President of the United States of America, to President Boothe C. Davis of Alfred University, authorizing a name change with regard to Alfred University. FDR writes: "My dear President Davis:/ Please excuse me for not replying to your letter of February twelfth before this. I have already approved the bill for the change of name to ‘The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.' The Commissioner of Education and all others with whom I talked about it, felt that it would be to the advantage of everyone to have this step taken, and I was very glad to do this for you and for Alfred University./ Very sincerely yours,/ Franklin D. Roosevelt." Below President Davis's address is a notation entered in pencil: "Answered/ Mar. 21/ from Florida." The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University remains the name of this institution, described as a one of a kind institution that encompasses education, research and outreach in art, engineering, design and science. Its history and tradition are founded on the study of ceramics and glass, while its current programs investigate a wide range of materials and processes, through the School of Art and Design and the School of Ceramic Engineering and Materials Science. The fourth President of Alfred University, Boothe Colwell Davis was born in 1863, in West Virginia. He entered Alfred University in 1885 and graduated in 1890. He then went on to Yale Divinity school for his master's degree. In 1893 he became pastor of the Alfred Church. He was elected unanimously to replace President Main in 1895. Under his direction Alfred University separated from the Alfred Academy, grew to 20 buildings and earned accreditation. President Davis and his wife, Estelle Hoffman Davis had three children, Elizabeth, Stanton and Colwell Jr. Although President Davis's original intention was to serve as President for five years, he remained president until 1933, when he retired. Five years later on July 29, 1937 the Davis Memorial Carillon was dedicated to President and Mrs. Davis. Boothe Colwell Davis died in January of 1942 at his Florida home. A wonderful letter in which Governor Roosevelt acknowledges his executive support and action in the renaming of this major educational institution in the State of New York.