Typed Note Signed by Pepper Claude (1 results)

Florida senator (1936-51) and representative (1963-89) who, as the oldest member of Congress, pushed through legislation outlawing a mandatory retirement age. TNS, 1p, 8" X 10½", Washington, DC, 1969 June 30. Addressed to Richard C. Laade. Near fine. On "Congress of the United States" letterhead, Pepper agrees to a request from an admirer. Accompanied by a fine original glossy 8½" X 6½" black-and-white news agency photograph showing then Senator Pepper on the steps of the Capitol at a political gathering. Printed caption (affixed to verso) dates this 27 June 1947, captions it "Townsendites Renew 'Assault' on Capital Hill" and describe the scene: "Townsendites, here for the 7th Annual Townsend Plan National Convention, converged on Capitol Hill this morning to urge Congress to pass the Townsend National Prosperity Plan Bill, which is now before the House for the 13th successive year. Photo shows, left to right: Senator Claude Pepper, (D) of Fla.; Dr. Francis E. Townsend, 80-year-old creator of the pension plan." The old-age pension scheme of this physician and activist (1867-1960) sprang up during the Great Depression, and while it never passed it did prove influential when Congress devised the Social Security system.