Letter from Ted Redfield to Irene Redfield

Dear Ma, 

I was just wondering why that white lady’s always around our house now a days. Mrs. Bellew, I think her name was? I know you said you used to play together when you were girls, but you don’t have any other white friends from when you were younger. Why is that? She seems real nice and all - she’s really pretty - but I was just wondering. 

Also Ma, I was wondering why you have such light skin. You don’t look too much like Daddy - I thought both of you were colored? . . . . What makes someone colored? What makes someone white? 

Sorry I have so many questions Ma; I know you don’t like to talk about it. If you want, I can ask Daddy. 

Love, 

Ted

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