A letter form Mrs. Maria Economidy thanking Senator Tom Connally for the assistance in a project. The letter is dated Feb. 25, 1949 and is addressed to Honorable Tom Connally, United States Senator, Washington D.C. The letter reads, "Dear Senator Connally; I wish to thank you for your letter and the assurance of your assistance in the project. You will never regret it. Do not think, for a moment, that you are sending to Greece a woman of "soft" culture or an intellectual slob. Education endowed me with the burden of a social conscience and I can be a fighter for what is right when the case calls for it. During my lengthy visits to Greece I engaged in social service work under the auspices of the National Council of Greek Women. The work I had organized is still carried on. I had successfully applied American methods, modifying them to suit the customs and conditions of the Greek people. I had tapped every available government service for assistance. I am a good solicitor. The treasury of the Mayoralty of Athens was usually empty, but I was able to extract help, both in money and labor, for my work and in a measure I was able to stir the dormant social conscience of our rich women and shape them to new orientations. I can be aggressive or pleading as the case my be. The Athenian Press, no matter to what party it belonged, was friendly to me; even editors, steeped in polities, because interested in my work. They were first amused, they thought me naïve but sincere. I often felt their irony, but in time "they remained to pray." I am conscious of the colossal undertaking of the Americans, of their problems and difficulties, difficulties arising, for the most part, out of a lack of mutual understanding. I can interpret the one to the other to perfection. I would have gone to Greece to serve, were I able, but reverses, deaths, and other misfortunes keep me nailed to Galveston. Salary is not the determining factor- I will accept anything, just enough to keep me going. All I want is to work fir the "Aid to Greece Program". Rabbi Henry Cohen, my friends for thirty-five years, will give you additional information about me, if needed. Gratefully yours, ( line for a signature) Marie Economidy 1817 Center-Galveston. Texas." Located on the bottom left corner are the words, "P.S. Today I am sending in my application to Aid of Greece Program." 

The content on this site is made available for research and education purposes only. The use of these materials may be restricted by law or the donor.

Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact [email protected]