A Calendar of the Letters of Willa Cather

26 letters found

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Results 11-20:

To Elizabeth Moorhead Vermorcken,  Aug. 24, [1931], from Grand Manan ; PM 

Glad she likes the new book; many do not. The word "shadows" in the title should have given them some indication of the intent. Has enjoyed summer at Grand Manan. Will leave toward the end of September and go to California to see her mother. Isabelle and Jan have been to Brussels. Has lost track of Ethel Litchfield.   Willa Cather   [Stout #1070]

To Marie M. Meloney,  Aug. 26, [1934?], from Grand Manan ; Columbia 

Just received her letter written a month ago. Sorry she didn't get to inscribe the book for J. M. Barrie.   Willa Cather   [Stout #1233]

To Marie M. Meloney,  May 29, 1935 ; Columbia 

Has intended for some time to write and thank her for relaying James M. Barrie's message about My Ántonia. Cannot try to write a story using the idea she suggested. Ideas for stories must be her own.   Willa Cather   [Stout #1261]

To Mary Willard [in San Francisco],  May 6, 1941 ; UVa 

Is grieved to hear of May's death. Knew her even before she knew Isabelle. Edith Lewis phoned Ethel Litchfield, who was so overcome she had to hang up without saying anything. Called back and implored her [i.e., Cather] not to die before she did because couldn't bear another death of a dear friend. Feels that way herself. Such a precious group of friends. Remembers how they enjoyed folk dancing classes. May was the best dancer of the group and the youngest-looking. Hasn't seen Ethel recently. Brother Roscoe ill in Colusa, California with a heart lesion. Don't answer, just wanted to say she shares her grief.   Willa Cather   [Stout #1540]

To Marie Adelaide Belloc Lowndes,  Oct. 4, 1944 ; HRC 

Regrets her letter has been lying unanswered for two months. Has been in Grand Manan. New York is insupportable, and travel west is difficult because roads [i.e., railroads] almost totally occupied with military transport. Only place she could go for quiet was to the island, and no mail was forwarded. S. S. McClure now lives at the Union League Club in New York. His eruptive energy has dissipated, replaced by an overwhelming gentleness and calm. If the war ever ends, hopes to get back to London and see her. Childhood years in both France and England must have produced an interesting person!   Willa Cather   [Stout #1674]

To Ethel Garber Cather [sister-in-law],  July 23, 1930, from Paris; postcard showing the St.-Martin's Gate in Paris ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 
Image of postcard showing the St.-Martin's Gate in Paris, France
Front of postcard #1876

Going south soon to see friends near Marseilles. Sends love to Jim and children.   Willa Cather 

To Elsie Cather,  August 23 [1932?] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Is pleased that Elsie had a fulfilling summer, but hopes she will relax now and revel in accomplishments. Appreciated Bessie's lengthy letter—read it several times—but wishes she would use a soft lead pencil. Elsie was kind to welcome Ethel [Garber Cather, sister-in-law] and her children; Helen Louise and Charles Edwin surely had a fine time. Is very glad Charles got on with Jess and her sons [William Thomas Auld and Charles Auld]; he is very sensitive. Used the incorrect name [in the short story "Two Friends"] to describe the astrological phenomenon which she saw in 1893 from the Wieners' porch, and scientists are in a tizzy. Proper description is "occultation" of Venus, not "transit." The second printing [of Obscure Destinies] is revised. Heard about it first not from an astronomer but from the omnipresent Professor Phelps of Yale University. Enclosed is his response to Cather's acknowledgment, which Elsie may destroy after reading. 

To Helen Louise and Charles Cather,  January 2, [1935], postcard ; UNL-Southwick 

Is grateful for the handkerchiefs from them and the fruit from their parents [James and Ethel Cather]. Had a joyful Christmas with lots of music, but unfortunately Aunt Elsie has not had such a nice holiday. Sends much love and wishes them both a Happy New Year.   Aunt Willie 

To Ethel Garber Cather [sister-in-law], Sunday [October 21, 1928] from the Grosvenor Hotel, New York City; UNL-Southwick 

The coat is in the mail. Thinks it's lovely. If it doesn't fit, send it back to Lord and Taylor with instructions for Miss Dust in the cloak department. Lord and Taylor is a dependable store. Consider a hat to match the coat. She and Edith deliberately selected a classic style; idiosyncratic styles will soon look foolish. Helen Louise will love Ethel's getting the coat more than she would getting anything of her own—so the gift is from her, too!   Willie 

To Mary Virginia Cather,  February 21, [1919] ; UNL-Southwick 

A British journalist from the London Daily Mail is coming to do an interview, someone she met at Lady Spyer's, so doesn't have much time. He says she is well-liked in London. Doesn't have the flu and doesn't expect to get it, since didn't catch it from Edith. Was planning to have operation this week, but Dr. Patterson's treatments may be enough. Sees that the baby [Helen Louise Cather?] is in Red Cloud, so know she is busy. Received many flowers for Valentine's Day from boys who like her writing. Had an excellent Friday tea with many British people, a Spanish tenor, and many youthful writers. Is very proud that so many young writers respect her work. Josephine cooks wonderfully, and really appreciated the fresh butter from Bess and Auntie at Christmas. During the blizzard last week went for a walk in Central Park. Story about Mrs. Meyers was something! Loves her and Miss Blumer's dresses and wears them often. Give regards to Ethel and the baby. PS: Enclosed letter is for Virginia.  Willie 

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© 2004-2019, Willa Cather Archive. Andrew Jewell, editor. Updated July 2019. The Willa Cather Archive is freely distributed by the Center for Digital Research in the Humanities at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. UNL Logo