Theodore Dreiser to Rufus M. Jones

THEODORE DREISER TO RUFUS M. JONES* 1015 N. King's Rd., Hollywood, Calif., April 23, 1943. Rufus L. Jones c/o Swarthmore College Swarthmore, Pa. My dear Jones: It is a long time since we undertook to impress the Rockefellers and the Catholic Church, but I not only have thought of you often but do think frequently of your temperament and your social import. I happen to be writing a novel that involves Friends or Quakers, and I want to ask you this question: What educational institutions in the Philadelphia, New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania area were either influenced or controlled by Friends between the years 1885 and 1900? The reason for the question is that I want to establish in my own mind, and possibly in the book, how liberal or illiberal (from the Sectarian point of view) were these schools, if any. I am concerned only with Friends' schools or schools that were influenced by them in one way or another, which were in existence in that period within one hundred miles of Philadelphia. Friends' schools or colleges farther away do not interest me so much, although, if you will, you might name a few. How are you? I hope strong and active. When I think of you and contrast you with the average so called Christian, I am inclined to use language that your temperament would not countenance. But I still and always will hold you in my very highest esteem. Regards. And all my best wishes—- (Signed) Theodore Dreiser D:r * From the original typewritten letter in the Quaker Collection of the Haverford College Library. Vol. 35, Autumn 194662 ...