Governor Spry Letter books, 1909-1913.

The letterbooks consist of copies of letters, most of which were sent from the Governor or from the Governor's office. Included are replies to citizens, private institutions, and businesses; communications within state government; with officials from other states; with officials from the federal government; and with officials from foreign governments.

Governor Spry, as the chief executive officer of the state, dealt with a wide variety of administrative and political issues. The series gives an insight into the Governor's role in the accomplishment of several goals: to construct a state capitol building, to erect a new arsenal and armory, to build and maintain roads, to develop conservation measures, to protect natural resources, to find a larger market and establish higher standards for agricultural products, to expand water resources for irrigation and power, to drill wells in dry farming areas, to increase mining resources, to upgrade banking practices; to institute more equitabletaxation, to improve the accuracy of property assessment; to provide better working conditions for children, and to promote industrial safety.

Documented is the Governor's support for participation in several events and celebrations, the more prominent include the following: the presentation of a silver service during the ceremonies for the launching of the Battleship Utah, the participation of the High School Cadets at the World's Fair, the creation of exhibits for the United States Land and Irrigation Expositions, and the entertainment of Civil War veterans at the encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Spry offered rewards for the arrest and conviction of criminals, directed communication to the legislature about various bills, issued proclamations about a variety of topics, participated in relief programs for victims of disasters, and notified applicants for state positions of their acceptance.

The Governor frequently became involved in helping people with personalproblems. He wrote letters of recommendation for persons seeking employment, recommended releases for prisoners who he felt deserved their freedom, and arranged visits for patients in the mental hospital.