Archive from the FBI career of Darlene Lage Bellus Fitzsimmons, highlighted by 24 TLSs by J. Edgar Hoover, totaling 25 pages, dated from 1955 to 1971. The letters boast general content granting time for maternity leave, commending good work, and recognizing exceptional performance with pay increases. The earliest letter welcomes her to the FBI as a clerk; others follow her path of promotions to clerk-typist, stenographer, clerk (stenography), and secretary (stenography), all with commensurate boosts in compensation. Also includes a color 6.5 x 8 portrait of Hoover, affixed to its original 9 x 11.25 mount, signed and inscribed on the mount in fountain pen, "To Darlene & John Bellus, Best wishes, J. Edgar Hoover, 11.29.68."
Additional ephemera includes: a custom-made book honoring milestone anniversaries with the FBI—20th anniversary (1975), 25th anniversary (1980), 30th anniversary (1985), and retirement (1992)—all filled with warm letters from her colleagues; a hardcover book entitled The FBI, signed and inscribed inside by William H. Webster and William S. Sessions; a set of six plastic coasters with the FBI logo at center; a white marble paperweight with gold-tone Department of Justice medallion; a white mug featuring the FBI logo; invitations to 1985 inaugural activities; and a 26″ tall wooden cigar stand and ashtray presented to her as a retirement gift (a letter from the family states that the cigar tray was originally owned by J. Edgar Hoover, but that is unsubstantiated). In overall fine condition.
