Dear Miss Addams,
In walking through districts struck with misery and want, right in the midst of my beautiful home city, Rio de Janeiro, I thought of what I had read in "Twenty Years at Hull House," and wished that some day I might have the [privilege] of observing your work.
Besides reading about you in Brazil, I heard about you through Bertha Lutz, who happens to be one of my personal friends. That made me want to know you all the more, and I was glad indeed of having the pleasure to meet you at the Foyer about a year and a half ago.
Our needs are numerous and manifold and I could, no doubt, gain many ↑a↓ helpful ideal at Hull House. But, since my time and preparation are limited, I think it may be helpful to tell you what specific aspect of your work I am particularly interested in.
Story telling and playing with children from four to ten years of age has always been one of my favorite occupation. I am very much interested what recreational activities you have for such little boys and girls at Hull House. [page 2] As I understand, you try to preserve beautiful customs and folk songs in [these] entertainments. We have some lovely songs in Portuguese. The noise of traffic and of factories is drowning the sound of these simple melodies which have gladdened the hearts of little children for many generations. I would like to know how you protect such flowers of the popular soul from the corroding influence of city life.
In short, Miss Addams, I would consider it indeed a [privilege] if I could spend a week at Hull House, to partake of its wonderful spirit which has brought consolation and joy to so many suffering souls. Would it be possible for me to come any time between now and about the twentieth of December? If it can be arranged I would appreciate it very much.
Thanking you for anything you may do for me, I remain,
Very sincerely yours,
Heloisa Marinho [signed]
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