A how one man's kindness--and a trove of letters--revealed the hidden history of the Great Depression Gup, Ted. 1950- creator author. text biography nyu New York Penguin Press 2010 monographic eng

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365 p., [16] p. of plates : ill. ; 24 cm. The author's grandfather, Sam Stone, placed an ad in the Canton, OH, newspaper shortly before Christmas in 1933, offering cash gifts to seventy-five families in distress. Readers were asked to send letters describing their hardships to a benefactor calling himself Mr. B. Virdot. The author investigates a suitcase full of letters responding to these ads as he learns more about his grandfather's hidden past as well as the suffering and triumphs of strangers during the Great Depression. -- From publisher's description. A Christmas carol -- In consideration of the white collar man -- The bread of tomorrow -- If I would accept charity -- Families: the crisis that brought them closer -- Families: the crisis that pulled them apart -- An opportunity to help -- A merry and joyful Christmas -- True circumstances. Ted Gup. Includes index. n-us-oh Stone, Samuel 1887-1981 Benefactors Ohio Canton Biography Benevolence Ohio Canton History 20th century Canton (Ohio) Biography Canton (Ohio) Economic conditions 20th century Canton (Ohio) History 20th century F499.C2 G87 2010 977.1/62 9781594202704 1594202702 2010017302 DLC 120216 20250701105626.0 535490506 eng