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Frances PerkinsFrances Perkins
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I, of course, was sticking pretty closely to the work of the Labor Department and to the Industrial Commission, of which I was a member during that whole period. I only gave secondary attention to this Reconstruction Commission, but I was involved in it by being involved with Mrs. Moskowitz and by being invited to talk over all kinds of projects and problems as they arose. The Governor often talked with me about it. He became very deeply interested in it - no question about it. That was the basis of Mrs. Moskowitz's and his friendship, really.

Their friendship was never personal in the sense that most people think of personal friendships - that is, of having good times together. Mrs. Smith liked her very much, but I don't suppose they ever went anywhere together. The way you think of personal friends is “We'll all go on a picnic,” or such. It was never that at all. Mrs. Moskowitz was a working friend. The relationship was personal in that it was intellectual and spiritual understanding, but not personal in the sense that they did things together outside of working hours.

Her wisdom, judgment and devotion to him were so considerable that it soon became clear that she would have great influence with him on any subject which she was willing to put before him. People would seek her out on matters





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