Vel Phillips Papers (Correspondence, Box 7)

Bless you My dear. You were so wonderful. This is a side of you that many have not seen, but it should be known. The occasion was sad, but you brightened it. Thank you, the Ray Jones Family

1

Why must the taxpayers of Milwaukee County and of the City of Milwaukee pay bus fare to haul pupils from certain schools in the so called inner core to other schools miles out of their district just to satisfy a silly whim of yours?

Let them go to the schools in the districts where they live. Why do you discriminate against the white people? They are the largest group of taxpayers.

Did it ever occur to you that certain plants require physical examinations before employment, and that many people of your kind are disqualified because they can not meet the requirement.

January 10, 1964

Mrs. Cliff Carter Assistant To The President White House Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. Carter:

I am writing you on behalf of a group of Milwaukee citizens who are planning a testimonial dinner for Mrs. Vel Phillips. We feel that Mrs. Phillips has given many years of dedicated service to the total Milwaukee community and particularly to the central area of the City which she represents.

On Monday of this week we learned there was some possibility that we might obtain Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson as our principal speaker. We would be deeply honored to have our First Lady. We have not set a permanent date thus far in order to accommodate the schedule of the guest speaker. We would, however, like to make definite plans as soon as possible. Would it be possible for you to consider the time from approximately February 15 through March 8, 1964. Our primary is Tuesday, March 10, 1964 and we would prefer a date prior to March 10 and April 7, 1964, if this would be more convenient for the First Lady.

Mrs. Phillips' continued efforts in behalf of the many, many Milwaukee citizens who look to her for guidance is our real concern. We must keep those in public office who care and she certainly fits that description.

Please let us hear from you as soon as possible so that we might complete our arrangements. I am sending under separate cover some of the interesting news items written about Mrs. Phillips so that you too will appreciate her work, her splendid qualifications and her views on key issues.

Very truly yours,

(Mrs.) Ardie A. Halyard Secretary-Treasurer

AAH: tw

January 14, 1964

Dear Cliff:

As per our conversation, here are some clips which I hope give you a little background. Mrs. Halyard wanted them included in her letter to you, but I don't keep a scrap book, and I had to go directly to the Milwaukee Journal. These were gathered rather [hurriedly?] because the records there are voluminous.

Please let us know as soon as possible - yesterday would be [fine?] -- (smile). Seriously, time is of the essence.

Our evening with the Johnsons was unforgettable.

Sincerely,

VEL PHILLIPS Alderman 2nd Ward City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

VP: mjc

Enclosures

January 29, 1964

Mrs. Elizabeth Carpenter

White House

Washington. D. C.

Dear Liz:

I am extremely sorry that everything was "bungled". Its that government red tape, (smile) City Hall on this end and Uncle Sam on the other.

Please Honey, time is now truly of the essence. We are all feeling a bit desperate. We cannot begin to attempt to make other contacts until we hear some word from you. DO YOUR BEST.

It was good to see you last week.

Fondly,

VEL PHILLIPS

Alderman 2nd Ward

City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

VP: mjc