It is November 10, 1940.
This is the letter a boy from Cleveland wrote to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
“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 Wednesday, 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 ourselves 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 shoe shiners.
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.
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 somehow.
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.”
I’ll see you tomorrow.
— Brenda
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