Collection of Original Letters Written to California State Senator William P. Rich

Eight letters to Senator Rich in 1941 upon his recent marriage and one from Rich in 1934. Senator William P. Rich (1880-1965) represented Yuba County in the 10th Senatorial District of California from 1931 to 1951. At the age of 61 he married a woman named Patricia and these letters are related to that event. There are some stains and tears to the letters. They have all been folded for mailing and the writing is clear and legible. The letters are as follows with brief quotes: (1) From Ed Fletch, State Senator from San Diego "Incidentally, I was told in Los Angeles the other day that you had married - congratulations! Wish you had come down to San Diego on your Wedding trip . "; (2) From Thomas Maloney, State Assemblyman from San Francisco "May I, at this time, express to you both my heartiest congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy married life. I am sure, knowing the 'groom' as I do, there will never be a dull moment in the Rich family . from a poor poker player"; (3) From Arthur Breed Jr., State Senator from Alameda County "Maitland Pennington informs me that you have just become a blushing groom. I wish to congratulate you and wish you tremendous happiness . "; (4) From George Killion, California Director of Finance "When I picked up the newspaper the other morning and read of your wedding, I cannot tell you how surprised and delighted it made me. I simply want you to know you have my best wishes."; (5) From Vincent D. Kennedy, Central Tower of San Francisco "Congratulations and more power to you - what power is this you have - ?"; (6) From Jerry Seawell, State Senator for Placer, Sierra & Nevada counties "Being overcome with surprise at your courage, and up to my neck in work, I have unforgivably failed to extend my congratulations to Mrs. Rich and yourself in life's venture."; (7) From Fred E. Stewart, Board of Equalization from Oakland "For your information I am not in the hospital but have returned to Sacramento office and once again I am back in harness. Also, from what I hear you better be mighty, mighty careful or you'll end up in the hospital yourself . Give your bride my every wish for the happiness and contentment you both deserve so richly."; (8) From Edward Tickle, State Senator from Monterey and San Benito counties "So you went and done it . well you have my heartiest congratulations and best wishes . may you live long and do yourself proud. . Of course, I hold no fond illusion that you will be more kindly disposed toward your fellow man nor to your colleagues in the Senate, that would be asking to much, nevertheless, I do see some hope where none existed before." (9) and a letter from Rich to Patricia, written in 1934 during an early period in their courtship "Even my horse sends his love. He has never seen you but I have told him. He hears about you on our solitary rides." an affectionate letter on his official stationery, not signed. Not sent? The letters are remarkable in their friendliness and good natured humor, especially when viewed through the prism of today's acrimonious nature of California politics. …