HUGHES EXHIBIT CATALOGUE

HUGHES EXHIBIT CATALOGUE

CHARLES EVANS HUGHES: THE ELEVENTH CHIEF JUSTICE

Copyright 1981 by the Supreme Court Historical Society
From Yearbook 1981 Supreme Court Historical Society

Introduction

Our exhibit celebrates the anniversary of two notable dates in the life of Charles Evans Hughes.

It has been 70 years since President William Howard Taft appointed Charles Evans Hughes to be the sixty-second Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Fifty years have elapsed since President Herbert Hoover chose, and the Senate confirmed, Charles Evans Hughes as the eleventh Chief Justice. Hughes succeeded Chief Justice William Howard Taft, the man, who as President, had placed Hughes on the Court as Associate Justice.

During his eleven years as Chief Justice, the Court moved into its first real home. Hughes presided over the opening session in the new Supreme Court building on October 7, 1935--45 years ago.

Although there is no time limitation on the exhibit, the opening has been set to recognize these anniversaries.

To Elizabeth Hughes Gossett I extend my personal thanks for sharing with us her time and support, an insight into her father, Charles Evans Hughes, and most of the memorabilia included in this exhibit. Without her, the exhibit could not have been possible. My thanks to Susanne Owens, Assistant Curator, for preparing this catalogue detailing the memorabilia of Charles Evans Hughes.

We join many others in honoring Charles Evans Hughes on the fiftieth anniversary of his appointment as Chief Justice. In doing so, we pay tribute to him in the words of Chief Justice Taft, "a man who does things and does them right, a great Governor, a great judge and a great Secretary of State." May we add, a great Chief Justice.

Gail Galloway

Curator

Lenders to the Exhibit

Brown University Archives

Providence, Rhode Island

The Chief Justice and Mrs. Burger

Helen Hughes Campbell

Stonington, Connecticut

The Chapman Historical Museum

Glens Falls, New York

School of Law Columbia University

New York City

Cornell University

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Ithaca, New York

Diplomatic Reception Rooms

Department of State

Washington, D.C.

Mr. and Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

Library of Congress

Washington, D.C.

The National Archives and Records Service

Washington, D.C.

National Museum of History and Technology

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, D.C.

Mr. Ferdinand R. Petrie

Rutherford, New Jersey

The Supreme Court Historical Society

Washington, D.C.

Acknowledgements

A name that appears and reappears throughout the credits for gifts and loans to the exhibit is that of Mrs. William T. Gossett. Mrs. Gossett, nee Elizabeth Evans Hughes, is the youngest child of Charles Evans Hughes, born when her father served as governor of New York. From 1975 to 1980 Mrs. Gossett served as the president of the Supreme Court Historical Society and over these years she has made an extensive donation of material related to the life of her father. For the purpose of this exhibit, she has loaned still more. Not only the source of material bounty, she also provides a unique source of reflection upon Hughes, the public figure, and Hughes as she knew him--the private person. But for her, an exhibit of this scope on Charles Evans Hughes would not have been possible. For her vitality as well as her boundless generosity, we would like to express the depth of our gratitude. To Mr. William Gossett we also extend our deep appreciation.

The efforts of many others have contributed to the preparation of this exhibit. While it is impossible to name all of those who took part, in particular we would like to acknowledge the assistance of the following individuals and institutions:

Mr. and Mrs. George L. Campbell; Merlo J. Pusey; Martha Mitchell, University Archivist, John McIntyre, Assistant to the President, and Robert E. Hill, Associate Vice President for Administration, Brown University; M. Joan Gibson, Curator, Chapman Historical Museum in Glens Falls, N.Y.; H. Thomas Hickerson, Chairman, University Archives of Cornell University; Jon D. Freshour, Registrar, the Library of Congress Exhibit Office; James E. O'Neil, Acting Archivist, and Christine Rudy Smith, Education Information Specialist, National Archives; Herbert F. Collins, Curator, and Martha Morris, Registrar, the National Museum of History and Technology; Clement E. Conger, Curator, and Gail Serfaty, Curatorial Assistant, the State Department; and Keith Allen of Todd/Allan Printing Company.

For their invaluable part in producing the exhibit, we are indebted to the staff of the Office of Exhibits Central, Smithsonian Institution. In particular we would like to mention James Mahoney, Chief; John C. Widener, Chief Production Administrator; Kenneth V. Young, Senior Designer; Michael P. Fruitman, Editor; Kenneth R. Clevinger, Supervisor of Fabrication Production; and the exhibit production staff.

For their dedicated hours and their inspired skill we would like to thank Edward F. Douglas, Carpenter, and his staff, Frank Howarth, Phil Wood, Sun-Hoe Ku, David Douglas, and Bill McDonald.

We would also like to thank Francis J. Lorson and Edward H. Faircloth of the Clerks Office; Louis Cornio and his staff in the Print Shop of the Supreme Court; the staff of the Labor Force; and the officers of the Supreme Court Police Force.

Special mention should also be made of the following for their generous assistance to the Curators Office: Judith McCollough, Betsy Trumble, James M. Buchanan, Michael E. Gehringer, Karen Bizier and Timothy B. Carey. To all of these persons and to many who may not be named, we express our appreciation for their contribution to this exhibit.

CHECKLIST

The Early Years--1862-1905

SILK BOOTIES

Embroidered silk, 2-7/8 x 4 inches

Blue embroidered baby booties worn by Hughes as an infant.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH, 1868 (panel)

Family photograph of Hughes, age 6, with his parents, Rev. David Charles Hughes and Mary Catherine Connelly Hughes.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

SPELLING BOOK

23 pages, bound in red leather, 8-1/8 x 6 inches.

Short Words to Read and Spell inscribed on the flyleaf in pencil "My first spelling book--C.E.H." Also inscribed in pen "To Helen from Grandma--Nov 30th 1894," when presented to Hughes' daughter Helen, age 2, by his mother.

Loaned by Helen Hughes Campbell (grand-daughter of Hughes)

Stonington, Connecticut

LETTER, 1879

4 pages. Handwritten letter signed from Hughes to his father, from Brown University, February 8th.

" . . . Instead of the exact marks they give characters in the following order--Ex for excellent, V.g. for very good, g. for good. . . . There is one fellow who got five ex's I hear. I guess he is the only one. Please tell me what my marks are as I am quite anxious to know. I think I ought to have two ex's at any rate. I don't know, I may not have any." [not on exhibit the college tuition bill for January 1881, where Hughes himself attained five "ex's"]

Loaned by Brown University Archives

Providence, Rhode Island

PHI BETA KAPPA KEY

Gold key with chain, 14 inches long

Scholastic honor which Hughes earned at the end of his junior year at Brown University, 1880. Inscribed: "December 5th 1776/C.E. Hughes" Verso: ""

Loaned by the School of Law, Columbia University

New York City

POCKET WATCH

Gold, 2-inch diameter

Watch presented to Hughes by his students at the Columbia College School of Law where he taught at night. It is inscribed, "Charles E. Hughes from Classes '87 and '88. C.C.S. of L." (The Columbia College School of Law became Columbia University School of Law in 1896.)

Loaned by the School of Law, Columbia University

New York City

TUITION BILL, 1881

1 page

College Half Term Bill of Charles Evans Hughes for the term commencing September 15, 1880, and ending January 25, 1881, at Brown University, recording tuition due in the amount of $25 (a fifty percent reduction for the child of a minister).

Loaned by Brown University Archives

Providence, Rhode Island

LITHOGRAPH

Tinted lithograph of Brown University as it appeared about 1880 when Hughes was a student there.

Loaned by Brown University Archives

Providence, Rhode Island

STUDENT NOTEBOOK, 1882-1883

Bound notebook 12-1/2 x 8 inches

Handwritten notes by Hughes on Moot Court Cases 1882-1883, a course taken at Columbia College Law School.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

STUDENT NOTEBOOK

321 pages. Bound notebook, 9-1/2 x 8-1/4 inches

Handwritten notes by Hughes described on page 3 as follows: "The History of an Action. Lectures on the Code of Civil Procedure of the State of New York by Prof. Theodore W. Dwight./C.E. Hughes, Columbia Law School, Class of 1884."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE (panel)

Certificate of marriage of Miss Antoinette Carter and Charles E. Hughes on December 5, 1888, signed by the pastor, D.C. Hughes, father of the groom.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE (panel)

Decorative Certificate of marriage of the wedding ceremony held at the home of Antoinette Carter's father in Brooklyn.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH (panel)

Charles Evans Hughes and his wife, Antoinette, photographed at Mt. Vernon in Virginia, at the time of their honeymoon in Washington, D.C.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT (panel)

Engraved announcement of the marriage of Miss Antoinette Carter to Charles Evans Hughes, December 5, 1888, and card designating calling hours at the couple's new residence.

Loaned by the Library of Congress

Washington, D.C.

PHOTOGRAPH, 1888

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Evans Hughes during the first month of their marriage, December, 1888.

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

LETTER, 1891

2 pages. Handwritten copy of correspondence from Hughes to Charles Kendall Adams, President, Cornell University.

Hughes' draft of a letter dated June 9th accepting the offer of a teaching post at Cornell University.

Loaned by the Department of Manuscripts and University Archives

Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

CERTIFICATE, 1900

Certificate of admittance of Charles Evans Hughes to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, signed by James H. McKenney, Clerk of the Court, dated January 8th.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

Investigator/Governor--1905-1910

LETTER, 1906

2 pages. Handwritten draft from Special Assistant to the Attorney General Hughes to Pres. Theodore Roosevelt at the White House.

A letter to the President concerning Hughes' resignation as Special Assistant to the Attorney General in anticipation of the upcoming gubernatorial election in which Hughes was a candidate.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

CAMPAIGN BUTTONS AND RIBBONS, 1906 (panel)

Seven buttons and two ribbons from Hughes' gubernatorial campaign.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPHS, 1906

Three photographs of Hughes campaigning for the office of governor of New York.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

LETTER, 1907

1 page. Typewritten letter signed to Gov. Hughes from Pres. Theodore Roosevelt, the White House, January 6th.

"I can not deny myself the pleasure of writing to congratulate you as well as our party and our State upon your admirable message and upon the admirable way in which you have begun your term."

Loaned by the Library of Congress

Washington, D.C.

PHOTOGRAPH

Portrait of Pres. Theodore Roosevelt

Reproduced from the collection of the Library of Congress,

Washington, D.C.

PHOTOGRAPH, 1908

Antoinette Hughes and daughter, Elizabeth, born August 19, 1907, the first baby ever born at the Executive Mansion in Albany.

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

PHOTOGRAPH, 1908

Hand colored photograph of Hughes with Gen. Frederick S. Grant, at Pine Camp, New York.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MEDALS, 1908-1909

Stuyvesant Medal, 1908, gold, 2-1/2 inch diameter

Hudson-Fulton Celebration Medal, 1909, sterling silver, 4 inch diameter

Hudson-Fulton Celebration Medal, 1909, gold, 1-3/4 inch diameter

Three medals made as presentations to Hughes while he served as governor of New York.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1909 (panel)

Formal portrait photograph of Hughes.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH AND POSTCARD, 1909

Gov. Hughes on horseback leading the New York delegation at the inaugural parade for President Taft, March 4th.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPHS

Two photographs taken upon the occasion of a visit by President Taft to Governor and Mrs. Hughes.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH (panel)

President Taft upon a visit to Gov. Hughes and family. After departing, the President remarked to an aide, "I don't know the man I admire more than Hughes," and subsequently appointed him to the Supreme Court as an Associate Justice.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

LETTER, 1910

1 page. Typewritten letter signed to Mrs. Charles E. Hughes from William Howard Taft, the White House, March 29th.

"I shall always look back with the most delightful memories upon my visit to the Executive Mansion [in Albany, NY], and shall always treasure the friendship that was made closer in the stay. . . ."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

LETTER, 1910 (panel)

1 page. Typewritten letter signed from Gov. Hughes to Major J.M. Wright, the Marshal of the Supreme Court, August 6th.

Hughes explains that his judicial robe will be ordered from the firm where Justices Peckham, Holmes, and Lurton procured theirs.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

Associate Justice--1910-1916

APPOINTMENT, 1910 (panel)

The certificate of appointment of Charles E. Hughes as Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, May 2nd, signed by President William Howard Taft.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1910 (panel)

Charles E. Hughes shown in his judicial robe.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

LETTER, 1910

3 pages. Typewritten letter signed from Gov. Hughes at the Executive Chamber in Albany, to the Marshal of the Court, Major J.M. Wright, August 16th.

"I have leased for the next year the house No. 2401 Massachusetts Avenue. . . . Various alterations are to be made in the house. The present dining room, in the basement, is to be converted into my office, and an alcove at the north end is to be partitioned off for my secretary."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

LETTER, 1910

2 pages. Typewritten letter from M.C.T., a Court employee, to J.M.W. [John Montgomery Wright, Marshal of the Supreme Court], August 18th.

Correspondence between the two refers to a letter from Gov. Hughes about furnishing his Judicial Chamber before his arrival in Washington. The chamber was being planned in his private residence, as was the tradition before the Supreme Court had a building of its own.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

JUDICIAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL OATHS, 1910

As a new Associate Justice, Hughes took two oaths of office, each on the tenth day of October.

Loaned by the National Archives and Records Service

Washington, D.C.

PHOTOGRAPH, circa 1910

A formal portrait of Hughes in a suit, with his Phi Beta Kappa key and chain showing inside his jacket.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, circa 1910

Charles E. Hughes in his judicial robe.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

APPOINTMENTS, 1910, 1914

Appointments for two stenographic clerks--the predecessor of today's secretary and law clerk. Both clerks were appointed to serve Associate Justice Hughes.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

OPINION, 1914

Cover page of Houston, East & West Texas Railway Company v. United States, 234 U.S. 342 (often called the Shreveport Case).

The Shreveport Case is generally regarded as one of Hughes' most significant judicial opinions. By establishing the power of the federal government to regulate intrastate railway rates, the opinion had repercussions on industrial expansion for the nation as a whole.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

JUDICIAL CAP

Black silk cap traditionally worn by the robed Justices at outdoor functions.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

Presidential Campaign--1916

CAMPAIGN SPEECH, 1916

29 pages. Printed copy of Hughes' address on July 31st accepting the Republican Nomination for President: "America First, America Efficient."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PAMPHLET of SPEECHES, 1916

35 pages. "Speeches of Hon. Charles Evans Hughes and Hon. Nathan L. Miller and Platform Adopted at Republican State Convention, Saratoga Springs, New York, September 28, 1916."

Loaned by the Smithsonian Institution

Washington, D.C.

CAMPAIGN BUTTONS, 1916

Four Campaign buttons, three depicting heads of Hughes and one depicting that of his opponent Woodrow Wilson.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

and collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

CIGAR, 1916

9 inches long.

Large cigar with wrapper promoting Hughes for President.

Loaned by the Smithsonian Institution

Washington, D.C.

ITINERARIES, 1916

Two printed itineraries for cross country campaign trips made by Hughes in his presidential bid.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

POSTCARDS

Four postcard scenes of Republican presidential candidate, Hughes, riding the railway campaign trail.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

PHOTOGRAPH, 1916

Postcard portrait of Mrs. Hughes, wife of the Republican candidate for President upon arrival in Spokane.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1916

Described on the rear of the photograph by Elizabeth (Mrs. William T. Gossett): "CEH, Republican presidential candidate, summer 1916, with daughter, Elizabeth, 9 years old. Bridgehampton, N.Y."

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett,

Birmingham, Michigan

NEWSPAPER PAGE, 1916 (panel)

The New York Sun, Sunday, July 23rd.

Presidential candidate Hughes with his wife and daughters, Elizabeth, Helen, and Catherine, "photographed on the lawn of their summer home at Bridgehampton, L.I."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPHS, 1916

Photographs of Hughes campaigning while traveling to the Pacific North Coast on the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

POSTER, 1916 (panel)

Campaign poster issued by the Ohio Republican State Executive Committee.

Loaned by the Smithsonian Institution

Washington, D.C.

CAMPAIGN RIBBONS AND BADGES, 1916

Four ribbons and medallions from Hughes' 1916 presidential campaign.

Loaned by the Smithsonian Institution

Washington, D.C.

POSTER, 1916

"Preparedness-Protection-Posterity," a poster showing Republican candidate Hughes for President, Charles W. Fairbanks for Vice-President, and other party candidates.

Loaned by the Smithsonian Institution

Washington, D.C.

BALLOT, 1916

Sample ballot for the November 7th election.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH

Woodrow Wilson, the victor in the 1916 presidential race against Hughes.

Reproduced from the collections of the Library of Congress,

Washington, D.C.

BENCH and PHOTOGRAPH

Mahogany.

Restored portion of the cascade of the Bench at which the Supreme Court justices sat between the years 1860 and 1935. The photograph shows the balustrade in its original setting in the Old Senate Chamber (on the first floor of the U.S. Capitol) where the Court held its sessions before moving to the current site.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

Secretary of State/World Statesman--1921-1929

ITALIAN MEDAL, 1920

Royal Decree of the Order of Cavalier of the Grand Cross, decorated with the Grand Cordon of the Crown of Italy.

This award was conferred on Hughes in honor of his service as president of the Executive Committee for the society, Italy-America, promoting cordial relations between the two countries.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

APPOINTMENT, 1921 (panel)

Official appointment of Hughes as Secretary of State by Pres. Warren G. Harding, March 7th.Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1921

Sec. of State Hughes and his wife, Antoinette, as they posed at "Greystone," their home which overlooked Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. The photographs were taken just prior to the forthcoming conference on the limitation of arms.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

PHOTOGRAPH, 1921 (panel)

First official photograph of the Conference on the Limitation of Armament, in D.A.R. Hall, Washington, D.C. showing a view of the delegates, advisers, secretaries, interpreters, stenographers and spectators at the opening session.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

SPEECH, 1921

27 pages.

Autographed cover and final page of the speech Hughes presented on the opening day of the Conference on the Limitation of Armament, Washington, D.C., November 12th.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1921

"The Big Four--U.S. Delegates to Arms Conference--Washington, D.C.--1921." Shown left to right are former Sec. of State Elihu Root, Sen. Oscar Underwood, Hughes, Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge, and American diplomat, Basil Miles.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

REPORT, 1922

132 pages.

Report of the American Delegation of the Proceedings of the Conference on the Limitation of Armament, Submitted to the President/February 9, 1922.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MEDALLION, 1922

Copper hexagon, 5-1/2 inches across

Bas relief medallion with an eagle surmounting a shield engraved, "U.S.S. Maryland," over crossed anchors. Also engraved, "Rio de Janiero to New York/9-12-22 9-23-22/Charles E. Hughes/Secretary of State/U.S.A."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MEDALS, 1922

Centennial of Brazilian Independence Medal, gold, 2-3/8 inch diameter

Brazil-Mexico Centennial Award, silver, 2 inch diameter

Two medals awarded to Hughes for his work as Secretary of State in the area of U.S.-Latin American relations.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1923

Calvin Coolidge, Hughes, and Republican Whip of the Senate, Charles Curtis, at the Willard Hotel when Coolidge assumed the presidency after the sudden death of President Harding.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

MEMORIAL, 1924

18 pages. (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1924)

"Memorial Address in Honor of the Late President Warren G. Harding" delivered by Secretary of State Hughes, February 27th.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORIZATION, 1924

Typed document with official seal and signature of President Calvin Coolidge empowering Hughes to conduct negotiations to prevent liquor smuggling.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1924 (panel)

An autographed photograph of the Coolidge Cabinet with Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, Attorney General Harlan Fiske Stone, Navy Secretary Curtis Wilbur, Secretary of State Hughes, Agriculture Secretary Howard Gore, War Secretary John Weeks, Labor Secretary James Davis, Postmaster General Harry New, Interior Secretary Hubert Work, an Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

CARICATURE, 1925

A caricature drawing by Massaguer of Hughes as ex-Secretary of State and internationalist of world fame.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1925

A photograph of Chief Justice Taft inscribed: "For Charles E. Hughes, a man who does things and does them right, a great Governor, a great judge and a great Secretary of State. With affectionate admiration. [signed] W.H. Taft/Washington, March 9, 1925."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PASSPORT, 1926

United States diplomatic passport issued to former Secretary of State Hughes, his wife, and daughter, May 16th.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1927

Former Associate Justice Hughes presenting the Cross of Honor of the United States to Charles A. Lindbergh for the American Flag Association, June 12th.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1928

Inscribed in the hand of Hughes, "Special Committee of Pan American Conference at Washington, December, 1928, on Bolivia-Paraguay incident. . . ."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

BILL OF SALE, 1929

A record of sale in the amount of 29 pounds (then equivalent to approximately $140) from Kerslake & Dixon Tailors in London, for a judicial robe. The robe was ordered by Hughes to be worn while serving the International Court of Justice. The robe referred to can be seen on display.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1929

Hughes robed as a judge for the International Court of Justice, The Hague, Netherlands.

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

PHOTOGRAPH, 1929

The World Court in session, hearing argument.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

LETTER OF COMMENDATION, 1929

1 page. Typewritten letter signed to Hughes from Pres. Coolidge, the White House, January 5th.

"This is to express my appreciation again for your generous and successful public service and to tell you how grateful I am for all of it. Your representation of our interest at Havana and again at Washington has been all that our country could desire. . . ."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

Supreme Court Nomination and Controversy--1930

PHOTOGRAPH

Autographed formal photograph of Hughes.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

Chief Justice--1930-1941

JUDICIAL ROBE

Black Silk.

Judicial robe worn by Hughes as Chief Justice.

Loaned by the Smithsonian Institution

Washington, D.C.

APPOINTMENT, 1930 (panel)

The certificate appointing Charles Evans Hughes as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, February 13th, signed by Pres. Herbert Hoover.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

JUDICIAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL OATHS, 1930

The two oaths of office taken by Hughes on Feb. 24th as the new Chief Justice. Each oath is also signed by the Senior Associate Justice, Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

APPOINTMENT, 1930

Typewritten letter signed by Hughes designating Wendell W. Mischler to serve as secretary to the Chief Justice at an annual salary of $4,400.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

PHOTOGRAPH, 1931 (panel)

A courtesy visit by the nine Supreme Court Justices, which was traditionally made at the opening of each fall term. The visit of President Hoover was paid on October 12th.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

PHOTOGRAPH (panel)

Photograph of Herbert Hoover inscribed, "To my good friend, Charles E. Hughes, Chief Justice of the United States from Herbert Hoover."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

DRAFT OPINIONS (panel)

Printed drafts of two opinions as they are circulated to each Justice for review. Hughes has signed his agreement on these two authored by Justice Butler.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

LETTER

1 page. Handwritten letter signed to Hughes from Oliver Wendell Holmes, simply dated, Dec. 26/9:30 (p.m.).

"My Dear Chief/ Will you please convey my thanks to Mrs. Hughes for the pheasants one of which gave me good supper this evening? I am not very available to write a pretty letter to a lady and so ask a man of the world to do which I cannot."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1931

Hughes photographed with Oliver Wendell Holmes on the 8th of March, Holmes' 90th birthday.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

PHOTOGRAPH, 1933 (panel)

Chief Justice Hughes swearing in of Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt at the beginning of FDR's first term, March 4, 1933. (Beginning in 1937, inaugurations were held on January 20th.)

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MEMORANDUM AND LETTER, 1937

Memo to the Chief Justice from his secretary, Mischler, in reference to a letter from a woman that requests a stay of execution of her daughter's marriage. Mischler asks for guidance in responding to the letter, to which Hughes replies: "Write saying that I have no authority in the matter,/C.E.H."

Mischler's letter in reply dated June 5th is also displayed.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MAGAZINE, 1937

Pages 30-35, LIFE magazine, March 8th.

Photographic feature layout covering the major events in the life of Hughes as a 75th birthday tribute to him: "The Chief Justice of the United States has lived seventy five years . . . and no man has ever doubted either his brains or his character."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MAGAZINE, 1937

Volume XXXIX, No. 9, March 1st

Cover shot of Hughes on TIME magazine.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1938

Chief Justice and Mrs. Hughes at the time of their 50th wedding anniversary, December 5th.

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

PHOTOGRAPHS, 1939

Two photographs of Chief Justice Hughes on March 4th, as he addresses Congress on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. The photographs seem to attest to the fact that he was seriously ill although he gave his speech as planned.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

ADDRESS, 1939

1 page.

Address made by Hughes to Congress at the 150th anniversary meeting of First Congress of the United States, March 4th.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PROGRAMS, 1940

Two programs for the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the Supreme Court on February 1st. One copy is autographed by the nine justices then serving.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MEMORANDUM, 1941

1 page. Typewritten memo to Chief Justice Hughes from his secretary. W.W.M. (Wendell W. Mischler).

The memo refers to the presentation of two tickets for seating at the 1941 inauguration of Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

INAUGURATION TICKETS, 1941

Two tickets for seating at the inauguration of Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Vice President Henry A. Wallace. The tickets were offered to Chief Justice and Mrs. Hughes even though they would not be required since the Chief Justice would be a participant in the ceremony, administering the Presidential oath of office.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1941

Charles Evans Hughes as he steps from a car, arriving for a luncheon with the President on June 5th.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

The New Deal Controversy

ORDER OF THE COURT, 1935

1 page.

Typewritten order initialed by Hughes to close the October term of 1934: "All cases submitted and all business before the Court at this term having been disposed of . . ." Dated June 3, 1935.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

LETTER, 1936

1 page. Handwritten letter signed to Chief Justice Hughes from Mrs. W.F. Arnold, Mentor, Ohio, December 4th.

A letter of support by an American citizen in response to the challenges of the New Deal: ". . . It is our belief that during the next few year sour beloved country will need you more than ever before.

May God grant you health and many years to come, is the prayer of one of your millions of admirers."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

ETCHING

Autographed portrait of Hughes.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

"WHEELER" LETTER, 1937

9 pages. Typewritten letter signed from Chief Justice Hughes to Senator Burton K. Wheeler (D.-Mont.) March 21st.

This widely publicized letter calmly rebutted an accusation by Pres. Roosevelt that the Court was behind in its work, calling for a plan of reform. Hughes replied: "There is no congestion of cases upon our calendar. This gratifying condition has obtained for several years. We have been able for several terms to adjourn after disposing of all cases which are ready to be heard."

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

PHOTOGRAPH, 1944 (panel)

An autographed photograph of Hughes inscribed, "To Wendell W. Mischler, my faithful Secretary and esteemed friend. . . . October 10, 1944/Charles E. Hughes"

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

Laying of the Supreme Court Cornerstone

PHOTOGRAPH

Photograph of William Howard Taft, who succeeded in acquiring the necessary appropriation and plans to build a home for the U.S. Supreme Court.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PLAQUE

Bronze mounted on oak, 8-3/8 x 7 inches

Bas-relief medallion of Cass Gilbert, the architect of the U.S. Supreme Court Building

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

Gift of Farnham Gilbert

PEN

Rosewood pattern and color penholder with pen point, 8-1/2 inches

Pen used by Cass Gilbert, the architect of the building, and Hughes, to sign a contract for the U.S. Supreme Court building.

Loaned by the Smithsonian Institution

Washington, D.C.

TROWEL, 1932

Silver with mahogany handle, 11 inches long, 4 inches wide

Inscribed: "Trowel used by the President in laying the cornerstone of the building for the Supreme Court of the United States at Washington, D.C., October 13, 1932.

The Trowel is of silver and mahogany, furnished by the Architect of the Capitol, made from articles long used in the Supreme Court Chamber."

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

PHOTOGRAPHS, 1932

The construction of the Supreme Court building was well under way before the laying of the cornerstone was scheduled. Here, Hughes is shown speaking at the ceremony on October 13, 1932.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett and Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

PHOTOGRAPH, 1932

Chief Justice Hughes and President Hoover at the placing of the cornerstone of the U.S. Supreme Court building.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PROGRAM, 1932

Program for "Laying of the Cornerstone for the Supreme Court of the United States under the auspices of the American Bar Association" Washington, D.C., October 13th.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

RULER

Architect's ruler described as follows by the Marshal of the Court: "Col. Strickler this 26th day of February 1936, presented for our museum his ruler which had measured the entire SCUS [Supreme Court] Building."

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

LETTER, 1932

1 page. Typewritten letter signed to Hughes, Chairman of the Supreme Court Building Commission, from the Architect of the Capitol, David Lynn, May 2nd.

Lynn suggests inscriptions for the main frieze of the West and East Porticos of the building.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

MEMORANDUM, 1932

1 page. Initialed handwritten memo from Hughes in response to the May 2nd letter from David Lynn, the Architect of the Capitol.

Responding to suggestions for the inscription for the West and East Porticos of the Supreme Court building, Hughes writes,"May 16, 1932/I rather prefer `Justice, the Guardian of Liberty.'/C.E.H."

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

Honors and Memorials

LETTER, 1924

1 page. Typewritten letter signed to Hughes from Thomas A. Edison, Orange, N.Y., October 23rd.

"It gives me much pleasure to offer to you my felicitations on your having been the recipient of the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, which was recently conferred upon you by The University of the State of New York./With esteem and good wishes, I remain/Yours sincerely,/Thomas A. Edison"

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

DIPLOMA, 1924

Certificate granting an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Hughes from the University of the State of New York, October 17th.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MEMORIAL CITATION

Paper under Plexiglas, mounted on wood plaque, 14-3/4 x 12 inches.

"The American Judicature Society Presents its Golden Anniversary Award honoring the late Charles Evans Hughes in recognition of services in promoting The Efficient Administration of Justice. . . ."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

CITATION, 1940

Inter-Faith award conferred on Hughes, December 27th, by the National Conference of Christians and Jews in tribute to his contribution toward the improvement of human relations.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MEMORIAL, 1948

Leather-bound five-page memorial, October 7th.

A hand-lettered tribute from the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York, signed by the acting president, John D. Rockefeller.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

INVITATION, 1949

An invitation to a meeting of the bar of the Supreme Court, to "taking appropriate Action in memory of the late Mr. Chief Justice Hughes."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MEMORIAL, 1950

Booklet, 138 pages.

"Proceedings of the Bar and Officers of the Supreme Court of the United States, November 4, 1949; Proceedings Before the Supreme Court of the United States May 8, 1950. In Memory of Charles Evans Hughes."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MEDAL, 1958

Sterling silver medal, 2 inch diameter, with red ribbon.

A posthumous award to Hughes for "Leadership, Innovation, Integrity, Vision." The medal was awarded in recognition of Hughes' role as Chief Counsel to the Armstrong Insurance Committee investigation of insurance operations in New York State in 1905.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

MEDAL

Gold Coin, 3-1/4 inch diameter

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Association medal awarded to Hughes for "the administration of public office and the development of public and International law."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PROGRAM, 1962

Program for a Charles Evans Hughes Commemorative Stamp Ceremony, April 11th. Autographed by Chief Justice Earl Warren, Deputy Postmaster General William Brawley. Mrs. Elizabeth Hughes Gossett, and Sylvester C. Smith, Jr., President-Elect, American Bar Association. Note accompanying envelope with first day issue stamp.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PORTRAIT, 1924

Oil canvas, 55 x 39-3/4 inches.

Portrait of Hughes painted from life by Howard Chandler Christy.

Loaned by the U.S. Department of State

Washington, D.C.

SERVING TRAY

Silver plate, 17-1/4 x 23 inches.

Described in the following inscription: "1860-1885/Presented to Rev. D.C. & Mrs. M.C.C. Hughes [the parent of Charles Evans Hughes] on November 20th 1885/The twenty fifth anniversary of their wedding by members and friends of the Summit Avenue Baptist Church. Jersey City, N.J."

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

TRI-HANDLED BOWL

Silver, 11-1/2 inches high.

Inscribed: "To the Hon. Charles Evans Hughes, Governor of the State of New York, from his military staff, upon the occasion of his retirement from office/October, 1910." On the opposite side of the bowl, the names of the staff are listed.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

WINE EWER

Silver, 22-1/2 inches high.

Inscribed to: "Charles Evans Hughes from The American Foreign Service Association/ March 4th, 1925."

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

The Hughes Family

MINIATURE

Miniature framed behind glass in gold setting, 3-5/8 x 2-7/8 inches.

Portrait miniature of Helen, eldest daughter of the Hughes family, who died from tuberculosis in 1920, age 28.

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

PHOTOGRAPH, 1920

Presidential nominee Warren G. Harding and musical comedy entertainer Al Jolson standing with Hughes. The black arm band seen on Hughes was worn in mourning for the recent death of his daughter, Helen.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

PHOTOGRAPH, 1932

Chief Justice Hughes with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. William Waddell, arriving for the New Year's reception at the White House.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

PHOTOGRAPH

Color photograph of Chief Justice and Mrs. Hughes seated outdoors during a vacation in Colorado.

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

PHOTOGRAPH, 1940

The Chief Justice and Mrs. Hughes at home just before a reception at the White House for the Judiciary, given by Pres. and Mrs. F.D. Roosevelt. In the vest worn by Hughes are a set of buttons which can be seen on exhibit.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

STUDS and CUFF BUTTONS

Gold backing, each with a pearl

One pair of cuff buttons, three studs and four matching vest buttons. With the accompanying photograph which shows them as they were worn with formal dress.

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

PHOTOGRAPH, 1942

Catherine Hughes Waddell, Charles Evans Hughes, Jr., and Elizabeth Hughes Gossett, the children of Hughes, in a photograph taken at the time of his 80th birthday [April 11th].

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

PHOTOGRAPH, ca. 1978

Mr. and Mrs. William T. Gossett (nee Elizabeth Evans Hughes, the youngest daughter of Hughes).

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

PHOTOGRAPH, 1947

Described by an inscription on the rear as follows: "C.E.H. with his youngest child, Elizabeth, taken in the cottage at Wianno Club, Cape Cod, August, 1947, exactly one year before he died in the same cottage. Last picture of him./E.H.G." [Elizabeth Hughes Gossett.]

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

CLOCK

Eight-day traveling clock with leather covered case.

According to family account, this clock belonged to Hughes for at least 20 years. It was at his bedside and registered 9:15 p.m. at the time of his death, August 27th, 1948, Osterville, Massachusetts.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

Exhibit Room

PHOTOGRAPHS, 1881

Copies of six photographs compiled from the yearbook, the Brunonian, of which Hughes was an editor in the year of his graduation from Brown University. The photographs include views of the campus, and photographs of Hughes and his fellow editors.

Loaned by Mrs. William T. Gossett

Birmingham, Michigan

JUDICIAL ROBE

Black silk trimmed with black velvet. Judicial robe ordered in England and worn by Hughes during his service as a justice on the International Court of Justice.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

FORMAL GOWN

Gold threaded evening dress.

Formal gown worn by Antoinette Hughes for the occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary, December 5, 1938.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

FLAG

Silk, 32 x 46 inches

American flag painted on silk, with 45 stars, which belonged to Hughes.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

LAP ROBE

Brown wool blanket.

Heavy wool blanket that served Hughes as a lap robe when riding in automobiles.

Courtesy of the Supreme Court Historical Society

Gift of Mrs. William T. Gossett

CANE

37-1/2 inches long.

Walking cane presented to Hughes by the Republican Club of Kalamazoo, Michigan. A photograph of Pres. Lincoln is adhered to the cane, which is purportedly made from a rail split by Abraham Lincoln.

Loaned by Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

ANDIRONS

Brass, 18 inches high

A pair of andirons which belonged to Oliver Wendell Holmes, friend and associate of Hughes.

Collection of the U.S. Supreme Court

CHILD'S ROCKING CHAIR

Painted Windsor rocking chair with cane bottom.

According to family account, the rocking chair was used in the church on Sundays to soothe young Charles while his father presented the sermon.

Loaned by Helen Hughes Campbell

Stonington, Connecticut

TALL CASE CLOCK

Mahogany case 7 feet 10-1/2 inches tall, works by William Allam of London.

Tall case "grandfather" clock which belonged to Hughes.

Loaned by Helen Hughes Campbell

Stonington, Connecticut

ORIENTAL RUG

Loaned by Chief Justice and Mrs. Burger

OFFICE CHAIR

Black leather upholstered high back swivel chair, 50 inches high.

Identified by a plaque inscribed, "Charles Evans Hughes/Governor New York/January 1, 1907-October 6, 1910."

Loaned by Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

OFFICE CHAIR

Brown leather upholstered swivel chair, 46 inches high.

Identified by a plaque inscribed, "Charles Evans Hughes/Secretary of State/March 4, 1921 - March 4, 1925/From the Staff of/The Department of State."

Loaned by Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

DRAWING

Pencil on paper, 22 x 15 inches. Sketch of Charles Evans Hughes by Ferdinand R. Petrie.

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Turner

Kenwood, Maryland

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