[Daughters of the American Revolution. with: Hurok, Sol]

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February 28th, 1939

Mrs. Frank L. Nason Registrar-General Daughters of the American Revolution 14 Eagle Nest Road Rivermoor Scituate Mass. [Massachusetts]

Dear Mrs. Nason:

I am astonished to learn that you have issued a statement to the United Press today in disregard or in ignorance of the facts which apply to the barring of Marian Anderson from Constitution Hall in Washington.

You have publicly denied that Miss Andersons application to sing in Constitution Hall was refused because of her race. Are you not aware of the fact taht the organisation [organization] of which you are registrar-general does not permit Negro artists to appera on the stage of Constitution Hall? ; that a clause is inserted in all rental contracts which specifies [specifies] this distinctly ; that Mr. [Mister] Fred Hand manager of the Hall has quoted this restrictive clause to interested parties who have attempted to secure the Hall for Miss Anderson?

You also state without the remotest reference to the actual facts that Miss Anderson was turned down only because of the unavailability of the Hall on Sunday April 9th. What you blithely omit to mention is that the Hall is available to Ignaz Paderewski on April 1st 3rd 4th 5th 6th 8th 10th 11th 13th and 25th according to the statement of Mr. [Mister] Fred Hand manager of the hall ; that attempts were made to rent the Hall for Miss Anderson on the 8th and 10th and that the Hall aws unconditionally refused.

I deplore your issuance of a statement to the press concerning [concerning] a situation upon which you have not informed yourself [yourself].

However if you are still of the opinion that Marian Anderson was refused Constitution Hall only because of its lack of availability on April 9th I hereby apply you to secure that Hall for Miss Anderson on April 8th or 10th dates which are still open on the Halls calendar.

I await your reply. Very truly yours S. Hurok

SH p

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March 3 1939

[GG?]

Mrs. Robert P. Breckeridge 17 West 9th Street New York, N.Y. [New York]

Dear Mr. [Mister] Hurok

I should like very much to discuss with you the idea of arranging a concert by Marian Anderson in New York next season under the sponsorship of the Junior Groups of the D.A.R. [Daughters of the American Revolution] and possibly other organizations.

It is my personal feeling that such an occasion will be of considerable benefit to all concerned especially if the proceeds are donated to schools or other charities to be selected by Miss Anderson.

I shall be glad to go into further details if you will drop me a line setting a convenient time for an appointment. May I suggest fivethirty some afternoon or any time Saturday?

Sincerely

[? Linn?] Breckenridge

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