Cleveland,
Ohio
November 10, 1940
Dear
Mrs. Roosevelt:
I
am a boy of 17, I quit school 2 years ago in order to find a
job. Since my dad died 3 years ago we haven't been able to do
so good. We stretched his insurance money so far as it would
go, but now we have to face it.
We are behind 2 months in our rent and the 3rd falling due this
Wednes¬day, the 13th. We pay $15 a month for 4 rooms. There
are 5 of us, mother, 3 boys and myself. I really wouldn't be
writing this, but I can't see our¬selves evicted from our
house. We've got till Wednesday to get either all or at least
a half of our rent paid up. It would be all right if it was
only me because I could take care of myself one way or another.
My mother can't get work because she just recovered from tuberculosis
and must rest. I am afraid that if nothing comes up I will turn
to crime as a means of getting financial help.
My
little brothers are shoeshiners. They go out at night and shine
shoes. They go mostly in beer gardens. Their little money even
helps. You might say, why don't we go on relief, well you just
can't convince my mother on that. She said she would rather
starve than get relief.
I
am working as a grocery store clerk at $8.00 a week. We could
get along on this in summer but not in winter on account of
the coal problem.
I
was wondering that maybe you could loan us about $35.00 or more,
we could get on our feet again and once again hold up our heads.
We will greatly appreciate this second start in life with all
our hearts.
Will
you please be so kind as to answer this letter in some way.
And will you please congratulate your husband for us for winning
the election. I read all about how angry Hoover and all the
rest were about not letting your husband have a 3rd term. The
reason for that is because they weren't even good enough to
be re elected for a second term and are angry. We all have faith
in our president.
Thanks
Ever So Much
V.B.F.
P.S.
Please, again I say, try to answer this letter before Wednesday
some¬how. I'll be praying every night for your loan. I'll
give you $1.00 a month with interest until it is all paid up.
P.S.,
The reason I marked it peronel is that I was afraid it might
be thrown out by your secretaries before you even read it.
