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1935 GREAT DEPRESSION LETTER & COVER, DESPERATION, YMCA RELATED
Historically interesting old 3-page handwritten letter 6 x 10.5”, from Mae Gupton Brown of Washington DC to Frank W. Coleman, an Officer of the YMCA at Columbia, SC, marked “PERSONAL” on the front of the envelope.

The letter reveals the desperate circumstances that drove individuals seeking scarce employment during this difficult era of American History.

The writer was previously employed by Coleman as a housekeeper at the Charleston South Carolina YMCA. On a job application in Washington DC, she has FALSELY claimed experience as a TELEPHONE OPERATOR at the same YMCA in SC. She begs Coleman NOT TO REVEAL HER LIE and to recommend her as a good phone operator.

Letter is transcribed as follows:

“Washington DC Jan. 17, 1935
Dear Mr. Coleman
Know you will be surprised to hear from me, and I am surprised that I should have to write you under such circumstances. Mr. Coleman, it has become very necessary that I find employment at once. I have tried to locate something for several months. It is so hard to do so in large city among strangers. The first question—have you had experience in Washington. Not being able to locate work in Hotel or Y, I took special course in PBT(?) operation. Mrs. Jones my instructor said that I developed into one of the most competent and capable operators she had ever had the pleasure of teaching.

Now I want to ask a great favor of you. Knowing I would not be employed without experience, I told a little STORY and I know that I will be forgiven for that.

Weaver Bro. Real Estate Co. had openings in one of their apartment houses for a PBT(?) operator. I told Mr. Evans that I had worked for the YMCA in Columbia, SC for three years as a PBT(?) and matron. JUST RECOMMEND ME AS BEING A GOOD OPERATOR, for I do know that I can make good and I have become desperate for need of employment.

Know you think I was foolish to do this and I hope you will understand.

They have quite a large and lovely “Y” here, and the Dormitory Sec. was very nice to me and made me feel very much at home. They have a large PBT(?) board with three operators. Guess there is where I conceived the idea of my story, knowing Mr. Evans wanted Telephone Operators and not Housekeepers.

I trust you folks had a lovely Xmas and will have bright and happy New Year.

I hope and pray that you will understand and that I shall hear from you soon. With every good wish for the future success of the dear old “Y” and with kindest personal regards. I am sincerely,
Mae Gupton Brown
1602 16th St. NW
Please keep this confidential”

Good condition as shown in scan.

Price= $65.00


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