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SOCIAL SECURITY BUILDING

FEDERAL WORKS AGENCY
PUBLIC BUILDINGS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER   
IN REPLYING, QUOTE THE ABOVE SUBJECT, 
BUILDING, AND THESE LETTERS FA

June 18, 1941

Mr. Ben Shahn
Jersey Homesteads
Hightstown, New Jersey

Dear Ben:

Further reference is made to the cartoons for the mural decoration of the Social Security Building.

At a meeting with the Social Security Board on quite another matter I was rather surprised to have the Board express its opinion against the man with the patch over his eye in the positive panel. One of the members of the Board reiterated to me that to a man they objected to this feature and therefore it will be necessary to eliminate it. The feeling was that every section of this long panel should be treated in a positive way.

While I personally have no feeling relative to this detail I understand the viewpoint of the Social Security Board on this and this office must request that the patch be removed. 

For the sake of our records will you kindly give me a statement that you will comply with this request. 

Very cordially yours,

Ed Rowan
Edward B. Rowan
Assistant Chief
Section of Fine Arts.