The Pre-Commerce Papers reflect Mr. Hoover's activities and interests from the time he graduated from Stanford until he became Secretary of Commerce. Letters sent and received by Herbert Hoover in the early part of his career comprise this series. Important correspondents include Mary Austin, Charles G. Dawes, Cardinal Gibbons, Warren Harding, John J. Pershing, Franklin Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson.
Arrangement is alphabetical by name of correspondent.
This series contains correspondence, memoranda, photostats of letters and documnents, clippings, and other papers relating to the variety of interests that claimed Mr. Hoover's attention. Much of the material is related to the work of the Industrial Waste Committee. This sub-series contains an office file of the FAES and an Industrial Waste Committee file. Mr. Hoover attempted to mobilize support within Germany and Great Britain for participation in the San Francisco Exposition. I cut short this activity, and propelled him into food relief work.