Testimonial to Ken from the only other surviving member of the Truman Whitehouse.
Ken Hechler is a prodigious worker. Now that’s not news to those of us who served with him in the White House or at the State Capitol in Charleston. Nor is it news for those who knew him at Swarthmore, Columbia, Princeton and Marshall and the many other college and universities where he has studied, talked, lectured and cajoled students and faculty into engaging at first hand in politics and with politicians.
I have known of Ken’s talents for over 50 years. We first encountered each other during World War II when he was in an Army uniform and I in a Navy one. When we returned to civilian life we stayed in touch. Read more of this letter from GEORGE M. ELSEY..
Ken Runs for Congress. Notable People Respond
July 2, 1958
As you know I was special counsel to President Harry Truman.. (snip) I was delighted to learn that you had thrown your hat in the ring.. - Clark M. Clifford
July 2, 1958
Ken, I do not think that anyone who was not associated with you in the White House and ever fully realize the great contribution you made.. (snip) PUrely by chance I heard recently of your race for the Democratic nomination for Congress .. - David D. Lloyd, former Administrative Assistant to President Harry S. Truman.
Fan Letter from a Reporter
Feb 2, 1977
This is amazing. In this 1977 letter a reporter unapologetically admits to Ken that, basically, he is so impressed with Ken that he can’t cover him objectively.
You have heard the cant about reportorial objectivity and all that poppycock.
Well, we aren't objective, really, so it is no great admission to say
that I never looked very objectively at you and your good works.
I just want you to know that no public official I've ever dealt with, no public figure, came close to making on me the impact that you did.
No figure ever gave me more hope than you did. No figure ever inspired me to keep plugging in my own small way than you did.
When they finally strike a medal for guts and integretry, decency and inspirational leadership, the first one should be yours, hands down.
Letter from a Hubert H. Humphrey
May 22, 1958
Talk about getting off on the right foot. This is the kind of pep talk letter any young candidate would like to see in their mailbox.
You would be one Congressman who could give effective representation to your constsituents the day you hit Washington.
Letter from a Majorette
“..the good is oft interred with their bones." Not always true.
Imagine doing something nice for a group of young girls and then, forty-six years later, finding a warm thank you letter in your mail.
Sometimes we get so busy in our lives that we don’t stop to reflect – let alone thank someone who has touched our lives. Seeing you Saturday gave me that spark to tell you how much I appreciate – then and now – how special you have been to my life.
This is a must read letter.
Ken's 1964 letters to the Majorettes:
Ken's poem for the Majorettes:
From a Senior Writer at the Interior Dept
I think one of the greatest honors and pleasures I've had as a West Virginia resident for the pas 12 years has been the opportunity to meet you on several occasions, to read your books, and to continue to benefit from your knowledge and counsel from time-to-time.
More Letters..
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