CORRESPONDENCE Nov. 1940 Howard University Washington, D. C. November First 19 40 University Library My dear Mrs. Terrell: Permit me to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to you for the autographed copy of your autobiography. I have begun to read it and find it one of the most fascinating autobiographies which I have ever read. I am certain that it will not only be a book read and enjoyed by many of your friends. but a book which will fill a needed place in the documentation of American History. I hope that Mr. Wade has been of some assistance to you in the arranging and filing of your papers. Should you grow weary of having the cabinet in your room, let me know, and I shall be glad to store it in our Library. The material would be at your disposal at all times. Sincerely yours, Dorothy B. Porter Dorothy B. Porter Supervisor in Charge. Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. EDMUNDS & HAMNER ATTORNEYS AT LAW 914-918 PEOPLES BANK BLOG LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA. S. Garland Hamner B Prescott Edmunds Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. Dear Mrs. Terrell : I thank you for your letter of October 22nd enclosing review of your book in the Sunday Washington Star. It is a very interesting and instructive book and I would like three copies of it. One sent to R. Holt Easley, Halifax, Virgina. One to my son, B. P. Edmunds, Peoples Bank Building, Lynchburg, Virgina, the president of our company, and one to S. Garland Hamner, Peoples Bank Building, Lynchburg, Virgina, the secretary of our company, with your autograph. Sending me bill when I will send you check. I have read it as eyes would permit with great interest. It surely should be one the best sellers. With very kindest wishes. Sincerely yours, J. E. Edmunds, L.H. Sec. J. E. Edmunds JRE: H 1 WEST 125th STREET (AT FIFTH AVENUE), NEW YORK CITY LE high 4-9419 NEGRO WORLD DIGEST A MIRROR OF NEGRO LIFE, THOUGHT AND ACHIEVEMENT November 2, 1940 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell c/o Ransdell, Inc., Publishers Washington, D. C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: Your book, "A Colored Woman in a White World" is one of the most absorbing and enjoyable autobiographies that we have ever read. We would like our readers to know more about it. Besides reviewing it in our December issue, we would be pleased for your permission to reprint an extract from chapter 38, "Crossing The Color Line". Since all material for our December issue must be in the printers hands shortly, we would be grateful for an early response. Sincerely yours George Norford Associate Editor NEGRO WORLD DIGEST GN:hm 2205 Champlain St., N.W. Apt #3 Nov. 5, 1940. Mrs Terrill; Dear Madam: This is to give you some idea of the importance of my proposed visit to you in the near future. I have a daughter who was strickened with a nervous breakdown which caused her to lose her mind and was later admitted to the St. Elizabeth Hospital, where she may be for a year or more. She has a 10 mo. old baby girl. It has been impossible for me to go to work and I have no income to either care for her or myself since this occurred. Before my daughter became ill I was the main support. The whereabouts of her husband is not known. He deserted her and baby. I am very anxious to carry on. (2.) Mr. Claude Walker of 24 Quincy Place N. W. referred me to you as being very influential in such matters where aid is involved. Hoping, I may hear from you as soon as it is convenient, I remain, Yours Very Respectfully, Mrs Ann M Saunders 2205 Champlain St., N.W. Apt #3 Journal of Home Economics Official Organ American Home Economics Association 620 Mills Building Washington, D.C. November 5, 1940 Ransdell Incorporated 810-16 Rhode Island Ave., N.E. Washington, D.C. Gentlemen: The editor of the Journal of Home Economics has been much interested to look over your fall and winter book list, and has asked me to tell you that if you care to send us review copies of the following books she will be glad to see that they are annotated in the Journal as soon as space allows: A Colored Woman in a White World, Mary Church Terrell Choosing a Modern House, R. Myerscough-Walker Very truly yours, Frances Joyner Secretary to the Editor J Do you want to send them a newer copy? Public Schools of the District of Columbia Terrell Junior High School M Street between New Jersey Avenue and First Street NW. Washington, D. C. Valerie E. Chase Principal November 5, 1940 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. My dear Mrs. Terrell: We are observing Terrell Day on November 13 at 2 o'clock. Please let me know if you can come on that day and autograph a copy of "A Colored Woman In A White World". Very truly yours, Lydia M Hillman Edmunds & Hamner Attorneys at Law 914-918 Peoples Bank Bldg Lynchburg, Virginia S. Garland Hamner B. Prescott Edmunds November 6, 1940 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: I want to thank you very much for sending me an autographed copy of your book "A Colored Woman in a White World". I have just glanced over the first part of it and find it exceedingly interesting. I admire the negro race for the wonderful advance it has made i spite of the handicaps which you mention in your book. I believe you are at last coming into your own as I read of many negroes now who are prominent in so many lines, especially athletics, music, and literature. I shall read your book with a great deal of pleasure and I want to thank you again for your kindness in sending me a copy of it. Yours very truly, S. G. Hamner SGH B. November 7, 1940 Mr. George Norford, Associate Editor, Negro World Digest, 1 West 125th Street, New York, New York. Dear Mr. Norford: We are very happy to grant you permission to reprint an extract from Chaper 38, "Crossing the Color Line", from Mary Church Terrell's "A Colored Woman in a White World". We would appreciate receiving a copy of your publication carrying the review. Very truly yours, RANSDELL INCORPORATED J.H. Launders JHL:gg THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS Mr. J. H. Landers Ransdell, Incorporated, Publishers 810 Rhode Island Ave., N.E. Washington, D.C. GRAND CENTRAL ANNEX New York, N.Y. Nov 8 1940 BAPTIST BOARD OF EDUCATION, 152 MADISON AVE., NEW YORK, N.Y. November 8, 1940 Dear Mr. Launders: Thank you for your letter of November 4th and for the review copy of A COLORED WOMAN IN A WHITE WORLD by Mary Church Terrell. This book will be examined with care to see whether we can recommend it through our National Missionary Reading Program. Very truly, Dorothy A. Stevens Secretary of Missionary Education DC COPY- Please destroy first letter mailed you. It was not sent. GG. November 8, 1940 Mr. George Norford Associate Editor, Negro World Digest, 1 West 125th Street, New York, New York. Dear Mr. Norford: We will be very happy to grant you permission to reprint an extract from Chapter 38, "Crossing the Color Line", from Mary Church Terrell's "A Colored Woman in a White World". However, before we can grant this permission we must ask you to submit the exact quotation to be printed for our final O.K. before publishing. Very truly yours, Ransdell Incorporated J.H. Launders JHL:gg 1112 Park Road, N.W. Washington, D.C. November 11, 1940 My dear Mrs. Terrell, We are observing American Education Week at Shaw, November 12-15. Each year I try to bring to the pupils an outstanding speaker. Frequently I use the topics which are outlined by the National Education Association for each day of the week. This year, however, I am partucularly anxious that creative and cultural features of education be emphasized. Your recent most valuable contribution to the field of letters makes me especially desirous of having you address our pupils on Friday, November 15. The time is twelve noon. Please be good enough to caption your talk as you see fit and let me know whether you can serve us. Sincerely yours, Daisy W. Frazier Established May 5, 1905 World's Greatest Weekly The Chicago Defender Published by the Robert S Abbott Publishing Co. Executive Offices November 12, 1940. Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, 1615 S Street Northwest, Washington, D. C. My dear Mrs. Terrell: Beg pardon for not answering your letter before now. For the past two months I have been ill and my services at the offices have been rather spasmodic. I received the book from the publishers and have notified our reviewer, Mr. Barefield Gordon, that it was in hand and ready for his attention. I am rather poor at reviewing and do not consider myself competent to pass judgment on someone's life work. However, I do intend to give the book some treatment in my column, and your first letter gave me a good hint for a subject. I have read much of your work and will say that it is extremely interesting and delightful. Even after it is reviewed I have in mind a plan that will give it a good boost on possibly a full page spread with some quotations from it. It takes a little time on books, but don't be of the opinion that we have overlooked you. Nothing of the sort. The postoffice department notified us that we would have to drop some of the people on our free and exchange list. This is the reason, no doubt. that you have not been receiving the paper. I will try to restore it as soon as possible. With kindest wishes, I have the honor to remain Very truly yours, Lucius C. Harper Managing Editor lch/m Baltimore Washington Philadelphia Richmond The Afro American Newspapers Executive Offices, Baltimore, M.d. 628 N. Eutaw St. November 12, 1940 Dear Mrs. Terrell: Thank you for the autographed copy of your book, "A Colored Woman in a White World," which we used in making a review. I am referring the paragraph in your letter of November 11 on some suggestions as to selling the book to Miss Margaret Williams, who is in charge of the Reference Department. Kindest regard and best wishes. Very truly yours Carl Murphy President Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S. Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. cm/d New York Herald Tribune Published Every Day in New York and Paris November 12, 1940 230 West 41st Street New York Dear Mrs. Terrell: I haven't reviewed your book yet, but still hope to do so when the seasonal pressure begins to lessen. Sincerely, Lewis Gannett Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S St. N. W. Washington, D. C. Emma Ransom House Y.M.C.A. 175 West 137th Street New York City Audubon 3-2777 Mrs. Viola Bibb Chairman, Residence Committee Alroy Long Acting Residence Director November 13, 1940 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. My dear Mrs. Terrell: We shall be delighted to have you as a guest in our Residence when you come to New York City on November 24. We shall make every effort to give you the location you desire and we hope you are going to have a pleasant trip. Best wishes to you. Sincerely yours, MaBelle White Williams MaBelle White Williams Acting Residence Director MWW:t Howard University Washington, D.C. Office of the President November Thirteenth 1940 My dear Mrs. Terrell: I am glad to be advised of your feeling that a word from me regarding your book may be of value. I am reading it slowly. When I have finished it, I shall be glad to give you such a word. It gave me delight to read the foreword by H. G. Wells and to be made aware of the very favorable review in the Washington Sunday Star. Please allow me to thank you for your kind words regarding my sermon "Who is My Mother?" Sincerely yours, Mordecai W. Johnson Mordecai W. Johnson Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. The Woman's National Magazine Vivenie L. Penick Associate Editor M. Fitzbutler Waring Managing Editor Veivienie L. Penick Associate Editor Main Offices 4557 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago Nov. 13, 1940 Dear Mary: It's a long time now I don't hear from you. You are always so fine I feel that to hear of you is good but to hear from you is better. The magazine has been presented at a fundamental loss. That's my fault no complaint nor self pity but I would be helped an hundred fold by a little encouragement from you. Send an article on the National Council of Colored Women or on the N.A.C.W. but not both for the December issue. Send one of yours late photographs please nothing could please me more. You are always in my mind and endless of dignity and perfection. Love Mary The Young Women's Christian Association of the City of New York West 137th Street Branch 179 West 137th Street Telephone Audubon 3-2777 Cecelia Cabaniss Saunders, Executive Secretary Executive Committee Mrs. Ernest R. Alexander, Branch Chairman Mrs. Emma S. Ransom, Honorary Chairman Mrs. William M. Cummings, Vice-Chairman Mrs. Charles Pinckney, Treasurer Mrs. Edgar N. Parks, Assistant Treasurer Mrs. Virginia E. Scott, Treasurer Emeritus Mrs. Emma Shields Penn, Recording Secretary Departmental Executives Mattie J. Brown, Employment Director Elizabeth Ferguson, Food Service Director Olivia M. Hunter, Education Director Maude G. Johnson, Case Consultant Louis B, Lawrence, Office Alroy S. Long, Residence Director Rosalind L. Putnam, Program Director MaBelle W. Williams, Contact and Camp Director November 14, 1940 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington, D. C. My dear Mrs. Terrell: Thanks so much for your letter of November 11th, and the book review of "A Colored Woman in a White World" with a preface by H.G. Wells; I am returning the review as requested. I am having some notes made from it because I think it has a lot of valuable information and will be inspiring to our young people. I quote the sentence in the review which was most significant to me: "Yet one cannot help reflecting, as one reads her story, that perhaps the most invigorating state of mind in the world is that of the man or woman, who, as an individual, is superior, but who, as a member of some class, is made to feel adverse discrimination." I don't agree with the sentence which follows it, "Such a one enjoys the mental exhilaration of martyrdom without suffering materially more than is needed to keep the crusading spirit alive." I appreciate your sending me the book and shall be glad to write you about it when it comes and as soon as I have had opportunity to read it. I am asking the Emma Ransom House to reserve a room for you for November 24th. If you decide on another date will you let them know. Very sincerely yours, Cecelia Cabaniss Saunders Executive Secretary CCS/m Encl. Memphis, Tenn Nov 14th 1940 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell Washington D.C. My Dear Madam: I am going to beg your pardon in the beginning, for my seemingly indifference, or neglect in not answering your very welcome letter before now. The book, "A Colored Woman in a White World" written by you and graciously presented to us was most thankfully received. Mrs. Branch and I have enjoyed it very much and have told some of our friends about it. I have not found time to read all of it, but have been very much pleased indeed with it. You have enjoyed some very wonderful experiences indeed. -2- I think it will sell very well in our city where there are so many who know you and admire you. I think I will be very much pleased to serve as an agent of yours here. I believe I can advertise the book in our city by different means and sell many. Let me know the price, terms of commission, etc. and I will consider it. I think the article about you in the "Sunday Star" of Washington, D.C. is excellent. We read it with much pride and interest, and most heartily endorsed it. We think you are wonderful. I had a desire to read all off your book before I wrote you, but -3- did not get to do so. It is intensly interesting, excellent language and beautifully expressed. I feel very much embarrassed at not acknowledging the receipt of the book right away, than I could have written you later about it. However I hope to redeem my self. Now that the election is over we all know what to do next, to some extent at least. The logical thing to do is to fall in line, and march along. The interest here was very intense, altho many think went off nicely. This has bee a cold day here, with the thermometer standing at 20 degrees 8 A.M. This leaves all well, and hoping that it will find you the same. Yours Very Truly, L.F. Branch. Leonard Wood Memorial (American Leprosy Foundation) Metropolitan Tower New York TRUSTEES Henry L. Stimson Chairman Perry Burgess President General Samuel McRoberts Treasurer Arthur W. Page Secretary Kermit Roosevelt Dorothy Paul Wade Dr. Ray Lyman Wilbur Owen D. Young MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD Dr. J.A. Doull Chairman Dr. S. Bayne-Jones Colonel G.C. Dunham Dr. Howard T. Karsner Dr. Esmond R. Long Dr. Thomas Parran Dr. Malcolm H. Soule Dr. H.W. Wade November fourteenth Nineteen-forty My dear Mrs. Terrell: This organization is attempting to find the solution of a disease that is as old as history and looked upon with the greatest terror throughout the world - leprosy. On a recent visit to our great leper colony at Culion in the Philippine Islands, I saw more than 7,000 lepers. All day long I wandered up and down the narrow little streets of the colony and looked upon their unspeakable, indescribable, horrible misery. In Java, Malaya, India, China and Egypt, where I saw literally thousands of lepers, there were always the same stalking tragedies - men, women, little children - worst of all, little children, faces half eaten away, hands mutilated or gone. One ray of light I encountered in all this black despair. Everywhere I heard hopes expressed and gratitude spoken that America was bringing the forces of science to the aid of these, the most miserable of human beings. Leprosy must go. We have started a worldwide scientific warfare against the disease and have many scientists working at this awful problem. Our activities have aroused much interest on the part of governments and other institutions throughout the world. It is the strategic time to push our efforts to the limit. In the light of suffering such as I have so recently seen I cannot feel apologetic in appealing to you to aid us in our efforts to eradicate this age-old scourge from the face of the earth. Sincerely yours, Perry Burgess Perry Burgess Howard University Washington, D.C. School Of Law Founded By General O.O. Howard November 15, 1940 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. My dear Mrs. Terrell: I want to thank you for the pleasure derived from reading your life history. I thank you for the great work you have done and for that you are still doing for the advancement of our people. I do this because, as a member of our race, I have been benefited by these achievements. After I had finished reading your wonderful story, I began to think seriously on that passage at the end of the book where you are reflecting upon what might have been your accomplishments, if you had not been handicapped by the obstacles in your path, and I have come to this conclusion. Accomplishments are neither great nor small except by comparison. Having accomplished the things you have done with the handicaps you have overcome is a far greater achievement than to have reached the apparently greater heights unencumbered by these obstructions. Therefore, you are greater than the person you might have been. With very best wishes, I am Sincerely yours, A Mercer Daniel A. Mercer Daniel AMD/o Nov. 16, 1946 Dear Mrs. Mary C. Terrell I am happy to send you the news that the Senior High School Library Committee unanimously adopted your book for the senior high school library list. Before your book is put on the list, however, the Board of Education must approve the recommendation of Committee. Sincerely yours, Mary P. Bradshaw Chr. Senior H.S. Lib. Com. The St. Louis Call "A Better Newspaper" 11 North Jefferson Peoples Finance Building St. Louis, Missouri JE 9009 November 16, 1940 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: I received your letter of November 14 but find that you failed to enclose the invitation to the "Musican and Testimonial Hour given by the Interracial-International Committee of Phyllis Wheatley Y.W.C.A. in your honor which you mentioned. I would appreciate receiving same. Also please send us your picture as soon as possible as we are holding up Mrs. McFadden's book review pending its receipt. Respectfully, Samuel P. Bills Samuel Paey Bills Managing Editor SERVING THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA THEODORE ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL THIRTEENTH AND UPSHUR STREETS NW. WASHINGTON, D. C. MAY P. BRADSHAW PRINCIPAL CHARLES E. BISH ELVA C. WELLS ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS November 16, 1940 Mrs. Mary C. Terrell 1261 Irving Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. Dear Mrs. Terrell: I am happy to send you the news that the Senior High School Library Committee unanimously adopted your book for the senior high school library list. Before your book is put on the list, however, the Board of Education must approve the recommendation of the Committee. Sincerely, yours, May P. Bradshaw MAY P BRADSHAW Chairman Senior High School Library Committee MPB:DM Baltimore Washington Philadelphia Richmond The AFRO AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS Executive Offices, Baltimore, Md. 628 N. EUTAW ST. November 16, 1940 Dear Mrs. Terrell: I am happy to offer you some suggestions for putting over the sale of your book, "A Colored Woman In A White World," as outlined by Miss Margaret Williams, who is in charge of our Reference Department. She has given the following hints: Formulate a letter, very personal in appeal, with slants in the direction of the club woman, the mother of a 'teen age girl, the student of social phenomena, the "aufait" just discovering the Negro; include the best blurbs from the best sources, and mail to as many as possible who fall in one of these categories. Mrs. Terrell-2 Use of arresting ads in newspapers and periodicals. Secure combination rates with subscriptions to such publications, e. g. one year subscription to The Afro-American plus the book at a discount price. Have reliable persons act as agents, although I am not completely sold on this method. It works well with books like Henderson's of last year, where the subject itself has a large and worshipful following among the young, or with a book of encyclopedic function that some salesman can convince a parent will raise Junior's I.Q. from 70 to 170. Parents will buy anything that they think their children ardently desire or urgently need. Otherwise, adults don't generally buy books. Most of them have a book already, and persuading them to get another takes more sales pressure than any ordinary person can command. Mrs. Terrell-3 In this connection, however, it occurs to me that you might easily, and still gracefully, be your own best salesman. From your wide and influential circle of friends, some of them might collaborate in arranging a lecture tour for you on a timely and intriguing subject that you can handle authoritatively. Some aspects of English life and character as you know them and as they relate to the present world crisis ought to go over big. the tour is arranged, of course, "in response to a demand from readers everywhere to see and hear the author of this remarkable life story." Once you start talking, book sales resistance will fall to the level of resistance to electric refrigeration, so far as your book is concerned, I believe." Kindest regard and best wishes. Very truly yours, Carl Murphy Carl Murphy President Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S. Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. cm/d [*2 NEW ROCHELLE NOV 20 930 PM 1940*] [* THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS*] [* US POSTAL CARD ONE CENT JEFFERSON*] Mary Church Terrell 1615 S. St. - N.W. Washington D.C. Please inquire for Special Complimentary ticket, at door of East Ball Room, Hotel Commodore before 8 oclock on Tuesday evening November 26th Women's Centennial Congress 303 Roosevelt Street Bethesda, md. November 20, 1940 Dear Mrs. Terrell, Much to my regret I find that my daughter has an appointment for Saturday afternoon and will not be able to call for you. The best thing then is This: if you will kindly take Friendship Heights car on Penn. Ave about 3 - 15 and go to the end of the line (District Line) I would meet you there and bring you to our home. If that is agreeable to you please phone me. (Wisconsin 2078)? I do hope you can come. My sister is here from New York. She will be so glad to meet you. Mr daughter attended the Testimonial Tea for you last Sunday and was delighted. She was obliged to leave a little earlier because of guests at her home. Cordially, Ethel S. Cohen Oakmont. Pa.. Nov. 20, 1940 My dear Mrs. Terrell:- In going through my husband's mail which had been accumulating since the 27th of August, when he was first confined to the house, I came across an autographed copy of your book which you had sent to him and me. When I become a bit more composed, I am sure I will enjoy reading it. I want to thank you sincerly for the book itself and also for the thought of us that prompted the sending. I am sure that since you have experienced the same great loss that I have, you can fully appreciate just how much courage it must take to face a future which at first will be very, very, lonely, I plan to keep busy believing that to be the best remedy for loneliness. Please believe this expression of appresciation though tardy is none the less sincere With every good wish I am yours very truly Jessie M. Vann. Mrs. Robert L. Vann WOMAN'S CENTENNIAL CONGRESS 1840-1940 CARRIE CHAPMAN CATT. Chairman HEADQUARTERS 1624 Grand Central Terminal Bldg. 70 East 45th Street New York City - Telephone: MUrray Hill 6-8273 120 Paine Avenue New Rochelle New York EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Josephine Schain, Chairman Mrs. Halsey W. Wilson, Secretary Mrs. Bert Hanson, Treasurer Henrietta Roelofs, Program Mrs. Albin Johnson, Arrangements Alda H. Wilson, Budget November 20, 1940 Dear Mrs. Terrell: You are a delegate, so have no compunctions. I have sent in the $2. and you will find yourself registered. You will have to appear at the registration desk to secure what belongs to you. You will also have been put somewhere for the dinner and we will see that you have as good a seat as is available at this time. I am not sitting at a table, but will be at the Speakers' Table. Sincerely yours, Carrie Chapman Catt Carrie Chapman Catt CCC:HW. Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, 1615 S Street, N.W., Washington, D. C. NOVEMBER 25-26-27, 1940 HOTEL COMMODORE NEW YORK CITY 438 WHO'S WHO in the East LARKIN, ROOSEVELT & LARKIN, LTD. 38 NEWBURY STREET . BOSTON, MASS. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT 38 NEWBURY STREET BOSTON 22 November 1940 Dear Mrs. Terrell, To date, your questionnaire for "Who's Who in the East," has not been returned to our office. As all our questionnaires must be in before work on the biographies and linotyping can begin, would you be kind enough to cooperate by sending in your questionnaire within the next day or so? We feel that it is imperative to have you included in this volume; for, unless the book is entirely representative, the charge will be levelled against us that the book is not authentic. You can, at this time, still take advantage of the special pre-publication offer of $10, rather than pay the regular $14 book- store price. Even if you do not wish to purchase this book, please return your questionnaire. For your convenience in returning the questionnaire, a return envelope is enclosed. Sincerely yours, Thomas Larkin III PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FRANCIS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TWENTY-OURTH AND N STREETS NW. WASHINGTON, D.C. MARY H. PLUMMER PRINCIPAL November 23rd 1940 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S St., N. W., Washington, D. C. My dear Mrs. Terrell: This is just a line to express to you my deep regret at being unable to attend the testimonial given in your honor at the Phyllis Wheatley Y. W. C. A. on last Sunday. A prior commitment which forced me to attend a church service in Georgetown kept me from the privilege of joining those who met to do honor to a great woman. I have already expressed to you the pride that I feel in your recent achievement, "A Colored Woman in a White World" does credit not only to Negro womanhood, but to women of all races and creeds. With kindest regards and best wishes for continued success and happiness, I am Sincerely yours, Mary H. Plummer 4312 N. Pershing Drive Arlington, Va. November 23, 1940 Dear Mrs. Terrell: Thank you so much for your note. I felt honored at being asked to take part in the tribute to you, and am glad if you liked what I said. Now, what's this about a bill! I truly had now intention of sending any. When we talked about money, it was with the idea that I was going to do a much more thorough job, which of course would have taken a good deal of time. What little I did, I was very glad to do for friendship's sake and I should really rather have it that way, if you don't mind. Besides, I feel a little guilty about part of that bill for alterations, because in the part of the manuscript that I went over, I changed some words from capital to lower case (i.e. small letters) which I shouldn't have done without consulting you; and when they were changed back to capitals, in the proof, of course it counted as alterations. So please let's not talk about bills - I'd feel so much better! Hoping I see you soon, I am Sincerely yours Dorothy R Swift ( C O P Y ) November 26, 1940 Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S Street, N.W. Washington, D. C. My dear Mrs. Terrell: I have received the autographed copy of your book and would like you to know that I have read it and I value it highly. It seems to me that the chief value of "A Colored Woman In A White World" by Mary Church Terrell--a preface by H.G.Wells-- lies in the historical perspective it gives; time is the essence of any study of human relations; this sex-race saga covers more than a half century at a period of the greatest changes, both in regard to women and Negroes. It is interesting that for both groups the pattern is the same. The book shows that for both groups conditions in the fifty year period, in many respects, have immeasurably improved--in some respects they have degenerated. We read (page 45): "I feel I have little reason to complain about discrimination on account of race while I was a student in Oberlin College. It would be difficult for a colored girl to go through a white school with fewer unpleasant experiences occasioned by race prejudice than I had." "If I attended OBerlin College today, I am told, I would not be so free from the annoyances and discriminations caused by race prejudice as I was fifty-six years ago." and (page 206): "When we compare the status to which German women have been relegated by the Hitler regime with that which they enjoyed in 1904 we cannot help deploring the conditions under which they are living today." But fifty years of public life gives not only perspective by wisdom, understanding, and magnanimity in great souls like the author of this book-- Mrs. M. C. Terrell - 11/26/40 - Page 2 "many people feel that in considering certain situations they are expected to entertain stereotyped opinions prescribed by custom and tradition, whether a particular case warrants any deviation from that or not." (page 69) "A Colored Woman In A White World" ought prove very valuable to serious students of race relations and also as an inspiration to young colored people who many times "can't see the woods for the trees." Very sincerely yours, Cecelia Cabaniss Saunders Executive Secretary CCS/m OPPORTUNITY Journal of Negro Life Published by the National Urban League 1133 BROADWAY, ROOM 826 NEW YORK CITY Elmer Anderson Carter Editor Edward Lawson Managing Editor November 27, 1940 My dear Mrs. Terrell: Recently we wrote to Ransdell, Inc., requesting a review copy of "A Colored Woman in a White World." They informed us that their supply of review copies is now exhausted. Could you find some way to send us a copy of this book, as we would like to carry some mention of it in OPPORTUNITY? Thank you very much. Yours very truly, Edward Lawson Edward Lawson Managing Editor EL: MLA Mrs. Mary Church Terrell 1616 S. Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. The Baker & Taylor Co. WHOLESALE DEALERS IN THE BOOKS OF ALL PUBLISHERS 55 FIFTH AVE AT 12TH STREET NEW YORK Fred R. Hood President Stetson Baker Vice President Arthur Mac Auley Sec'y & Treas. __________________ Glen Parker W.T. Haskell M. A. Corrigan Alan C. Hood WHOLESALERS PUBLISHERS IMPORTERS EXPORTERS RE-SEWED BINDINGS __________ CABLE ADDRESS: BAKTAY TELEPHONE: ALGONQUIN 4-8780 November 29, 1940. Mary Church Terrell, 1615 S. Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Dear Madam: We plan to carry in our stock your book - A COLORED WOMAN IN A WHITE WORLD. It is our usual policy to stock items of this nature on a consignment basis. On these accounts we render statements and make settlements three times yearly for books sold. Each new title is listed in THE RETAIL BOOKSELLER, which has a wide circulation among dealers, schools, colleges and libraries throughout the country. In regard to discount, our position as wholesalers and distributors to the book trade requires that we resell to dealers at rates that will be attractive enough to promote sales. We are expected to allow retail dealers the customary 33,1/3% discount on small lots, with larger rates for quantities. We will be in a position to do this if we receive 50% from you, you to assume carriage charges to our stock room, and on returns to you if any. Our initial order on this basis is enclosed herewith. It is understood that the terms on this order, i.e. "on consignment @ 50%, transportation prepaid", will not be changed for one year from date. Yours very truly, THE BAKER & TAYLOR CO. BY: John Snow JS MD enc. 25% commission on net returns. Thank you very much for your letter of Nov. 29, offering to stock my book . A colored etc. I am advised that 50% [discount] is an unusually high discount rate particularly when you are accepting on consignment basis. However, I am anxious to have you [handle] stock this book so I will fill this initial request on your terms-ie [I am instructing the publisher to send you the 25 copies you requested and on a consignment basis] 50 per discount- on a consignment basis, the books to be sent post-paid. I have instructed the publisher to ship the books to you immediately. these books are to be handled on my account and not that of the publishers Ransdell Inc. Your M Form 48-5M-3-40 THE BAKER & TAYLOR CO. Wholesale Dealers In The Books Of All Publishers 55 Fifth Ave. At 12th St. New York 11/29/40 PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING BOOKS PROMPTLY,CARRIAGE AT YOUR EXPENSE. DELIVER WHAT YOU HAVE IN STOCK NOW. SEND BALANCE LATER WITH BILL. REPORT FULLY ON BOOKS NOT SHIPPED NOW, STATING WHEN THEY WILL BE SUPPLIED. SEND BILL SHOWING PRICE,DISCOUNT,NET TOTAL,TO ARRIVE AS SOON AS BOOKS. Mary Church Terrell 1615 S. Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. TERMS: ON CONSIGNMENT JS:GC PREPAID 25 A Colored Woman in a White World 2.50- 50% ship and charge to Mrs Terrell Those books sent 12/3/40- as requested by J.H. Launders. ALL GOODS ORDERED BY US ARE TO BE SUPPLIED ONLY IF THEY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED IN CONFORMITY WITH THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT OF 1938. UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED, WE RENDER STATEMENTS AND MAKE SETTLEMENTS OF CONSIGNMENT ACCOUNTS THREE TIMES YEARLY: ON JANUARY 25TH. FOR SALES FROM AUGUST 1ST TO DECEMBER 31ST: ON APRIL 25TH. FOR SALES FROM JANUARY 1ST, TO MARCH 31ST; AND ON AUGUST 25TH. FOR SALES FROM APRIL 1ST TO JULY 31ST, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO RETURN BOOKS CONSIGNED TO US, OR ANY PART OF THEM. AT ANY TIME. IF, AFTER REASONABLE EFFORT ON OUR PART, THE CONSIGNOR CANNOT BE LOCATED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT, AFTER SENDING NOTICE TO THE CONSIGNOR'S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS, TO SELL THE ITEMS FOR WHAT THEY WILL BRING OR TO REMOVE THEM FROM OUR PREMISES WITHOUT LIABILITY THEREFOR. CONSIGNOR SHOULD INFORM US PROMPTLY OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS. PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TERRELL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL M STREET BETWEEN NEW JERSEY AVENUE AND FIRST STREET NW. WASHINGTON, D.C. VALERIE E CHASE PRINCIPAL [NOV. 1940] MRS. MARY CHURCH TERRELL 1615 S STREET, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. My dear Mrs. Terrell: We are planning to celebrate Terrell Day on November 26, 1940 at 2 P.M. and would like to know if you will address the children at that time. Today, we are ordering from Ransdell Publishing Company, a copy of your book "A Colored Woman in a White World", and we would like you to autograph it and present it on that day. Will you? Very truly yours, Valerie E. Chase, Principal s Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.