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[[preprinted]]
[[image - drawing, eye witness television logo]]
CLARK'S TELEVISION
& HOME APPLIANCE
OUR CUSTOMERS ENJOY MOVIE CLEAR, STUDIO TONE TELEVISION AROUND THE CLOCK - SO CAN YOU
SALES - SERVICE - E-Z TERMS
CONSUMER GUIDE TOP RATED APPLIANCES
PROPRIETOR, O'CONNOR T. CLARK
578 1/2 SECOND AVE.
PHONE 5432 - AFTER 6 P.M., 2-2156
[[/preprinted]]

^[[Reg. letter]]

APRIL 29, 1953

Dr. F. D. Patterson
President, Tuskegee Institute
Tuskegee, Alabama

Dear Brother Patterson:

When one reviews the overall success and failure of institutions of higher learning and the embodiment into the sands of time personalities are making, one can't help but salute Dr. F. D. Patterson.

Eighteen or Twenty years ago I used to mildly boast to visiting friends to the campus - the annual budget $450,000, the buildings initiated and completed by student labor, etc.  Because of your untiring efforts Tuskegee Institute has an annual budget of three million dollars whereas some State institutions don't spend three million dollars in two years. 

I think I could spend many days boasting about Tuskegee Institute. However, I'd like for you to know that one of my greatest thrills as Tuskegee host came the time you invited Miss Ona Sircar as guest of the college for a week and had me excused from all classes to squire her smile. I'm telling you I thought I was sumpin'.

I've lived a thousand and one unforgettable thrills at Tuskegee Institute and like myself, many individuals will miss the glamour they've known through you, such as having 25 millionaires go there and pledge a million each.

As far as I am concerned, I, like you, have attempted to walk humble with my God.  Because of the fact that the powers that be have schemed to keep a Negro Appliance Dealer marking time, I feel that it best to develop my other potentialities.  And New York City would offer me the contact and outlets for same. I'd appreciate your keeping me in mind when you reach New York, for my enclosures will explain much of my personal endeavors.

The Phelps-Stokes Foundation is fortunate and I am grateful to know you.

I'm Appreciatively Yours,
[[signature]]
O'Connor T. Clark.

^[[handwritten - send a copy of this letter to Bill Trent]]