Edgar
Rickard
Edgar
Rickard (1874-1951) was a longtime friend and close
confidant of President Herbert Hoover. Contemporaries
in the international mining industry at the turn of
the century, the two men developed a strong personal
relationship that they would maintain throughout their
lives.
When Hoover became chairman of the Commission for
the Relief of Belgium (CRB) in 1914, Rickard agreed
to become his assistant, serving as "Honorary
Secretary." The two continued to work together
in a variety of war and post-war organizations over
the next several years.
Rickard remained Hoover's friend and confidant throughout
Hoover's presidency and beyond. In 1945, when it became
apparent that the Truman administration would welcome
Hoover's input on matters regarding the war and its
aftermath, Rickard hesitated. He agreed with Hoover
that it was important for President Truman to initiate
the contact. This was just one of several conversations
the two men had in regard to this subject which were
recorded by Rickard in his diary. Due to their long
friendship as well as the level of trust shared by
Rickard and Hoover, Rickard's diary has become an
accurate and candid source of historical information
concerning President Hoover and his life.
