Document 34: Hazel Zborowski to Margaret Sanger, 30 April 1934, Reel 33, Papers of Margaret Sanger, 1900-1966, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Document 34: Hazel Zborowski to Margaret Sanger, 30 April 1934, Reel 33, Papers of Margaret Sanger, 1900-1966, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Introduction

   This letter was written Hannah Zborowski, the business manager of the Clinical Research Bureau. Zborowski served as liaison between the Harlem Branch clinic's Advisory Council and Sanger for most of 1934 while Sanger was in Washington, D.C. The letter describes the April 25th council meeting. This staff member's informal update provides a glimpse of the interpersonal dynamics beneath the formulaic language of meeting minutes. The meeting focused on the Urban League's request that the clinic pay $200 annually to help defray the expense for utilities incurred by the clinic's presence in the league's building. There was a range of opinion among the council members as to the merits of the league's request and the ways to raise the funds. Document 35 provides the league's perspective on this matter. Council members also discussed their desire to elect their own chairperson.

April 30, 1934

Dear M.S.:

   I had a very interesting meeting in Harlem again last Wednesday afternoon to get the Rev. Imes' report on his visit with Mr. Hubert. Mr. Hubert, it seems, thinks we should pay $200 a year. Dr. Ellis does not agree with this, and voiced a number of objections which the Rev. Imes will convey to Mr. Hubert, and at our next meeting of the Council, which we will have to make to conform to Mr. Hubert's time, this is going to be thoroughly discussed, and the Council are going to decide just what we will pay for.

   I asked those present how much they felt they could assume of this donation to the Urban League, as I felt the Clinic could possibly give a part of it, but not all of it. They are not, of course, in a position to state definitely how much, but Mrs. Bearden is going to see if she can work up a debate such as they had two years ago, and raise some money; Mrs. Hernandez is going to see if she can work up interest among some of the wealthier citizens of Harlem to contribute; and the Rev. Imes stated he did not wish to continue as an inactive member of the Council and while his means were limited he would contribute something. Dr. Ellis suggested that each member of the Advisory Council be written to and asked whether or not they wish to continue active interest and to assist in raising money for the maintenance of the Clinic and if they did not they be dropped. They are certainly manifesting very active interest in the work, and I think would like to elect their own chairman, having you of course as the Honorary Chairman and the center around which the entire thing will pivot.

   It may be possible that a little later they will be willing to assume entire responsibility for the work in Harlem as the social welfare aspect is gaining a great deal of headway.

   It rather seems that the lift which I expected to get to Washington is not going to materialize, and as my father is quite near death every penny I have will have to be contributed toward his situation, therefore I will possibly see you when you return.

   I can readily imagine just how unhappy you must be with every faculty in perfect order excepting a toe which ties you nearly as badly as anything possibly could.

[Handwritten in the margins: Not a toe!! The indignity!]

   Mr. Slee has been in and I have him installed in the little room that F.R. used to have, and we will take care of him as best we can. I will send you the minutes of the Harlem meetings just as soon as I get them.

Sincerely, [and with love]

Hazel