Primary Sources: The 1950s: Truman, Bess

"One of the distinctive elements of their relationship was the camaraderie between Bess and Harry. Historians have evidence of this close relationship from a series of letters often referred to as the “Dear Bess” Letters. Harry Truman frequently sought his wife’s advice and opinions on his political actions. Bess was also Harry's main speech writer. Due to her strong influence in his life, Harry gave Bess the nickname “The Boss.” Bess was very headstrong and was determined to handle being First Lady in her own way. She made her own decisions and ignored some of the traditional roles of the position. She preferred to keep away from the public eye and refused to hold press conferences like the previous First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, had done."

Provides access to the actual letters as well as a transcript below the scan.

The photographs in this collection document Truman's life from his childhood to his retirement. Most cover his years as president (1945-52). Description from footnote.com

(Editor's Note: This account of the wedding of Bess Wallace and Harry Truman on June 28, 1919, appeared in The Examiner. It was written by Mrs. William Southern, wife of Col. William Southern, the editor and publisher. The Southerns' daughter, May, was the wife of Mrs. Truman's brother, George P. Wallace, and the family always referred to the Southerns as "Mom" and "Pop.")