OLCOTT, BEN W. (1872-1952) Governor of Oregon – 1919-1923; Oregon Secretary of State – 1911-1920

Assuring his defeat in the upcoming election, Oregon Governor Ben Olcott denounces the Ku Klux Klan

Typed Letter Signed, on official 6 ¾” x 9” stationery as Oregon governor. In this excellent communication, Olcott expresses thanks to “Mr. Binger Hermann, Roseburg, Oregon,” for sending a newspaper containing an article written by Hermann. Governor Olcott concurs in Hermann’s denouncement of the Ku Klux Klan, at the time an ascending, openly acknowledged presence in the politics of the state.

“State of Oregon, Executive Department, Salem. September 20, 1922. My Dear Mr. Hermann: I am in receipt of copy of the Coquille paper containing a most interesting article from your pen and which I have read with great interest. I appreciate your remembering me in this connection. I have not forgotten the fine letter you wrote me several months ago in connection with the proclamation issued by this office against the activities of the nefarious and odious Ku Klux Klan organization. It was a master piece and I took the liberty of reading it to several of my close friends also of yours. In the hundreds of communications I have received on this subject none exceeded or even equaled yours. With assurance of high respect and all good wishes, I remain Sincerely yours, Ben W. Olcott, Governor.”

As secretary of state, Olcott assumed office after the death of Oregon Governor James Withycombe on March 3, 1919. Refusing the support of the Klan, Olcott won the Republican nomination for governor, but was defeated in the 1922 general election – just weeks after the steadfast disgust affirmed in this letter - by Klan-backed state Senator Walter M. Pierce.

The letter is lightly and evenly toned, with a center horizontal fold and scattered minor staining.