A Calendar of the Letters of Willa Cather

1931 letters found

Search parameters

previous - next

Results 11-20:

To Louise PoundJune 29, 1893 from Red Cloud, Nebr.Duke 

Has been feeling depressed. Has written a story about a tippling prima donna. Doubts Louise read letter sent with poem [see #0009] carefully, if at all. As to Louise's question about the word "bassoon," got it out of Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Poems of Passion. The school year was a trial. Interesting times around Red Cloud recently, with murders and suicides. Has tried a translation of "Wallenstein" [as follows; from Friedrich Schiller]. Glad Mariel and sisters are coming to visit, to cheer her up. Still disappointed Louise didn't come and will put off the Gere sisters if she might. Has been writing papers on Shakespeare.  P.S.: Has received her note. If she does not come, things will be different next year. It has been too one-sided anyway. Please come and show forgiveness or else it is goodbye.  Willa Cather   [Stout #13]


To Mariel, Ned [Ellen], and Frances GereJune 30, 1893 from Red Cloud, Nebr.WCPM 

Please come visit July 10 and see the harvest. Won't talk about Louise all the time. Can promise her [Cather's] brothers will be fun and there will be whipped cream with dessert. Is totally in charge at father's office. Is reading Caesar with Roscoe and will include the two younger girls in her lessons if they want.    William   [Stout #14]


To Mariel GereAug. 1, 1893 from Red Cloud, Nebr.WCPM 

Has been lonely since Louise's visit. Tried to bribe James to leave them alone. Spent a few days at uncle's home near other families from Virginia. Aunt hosted a "literary" at which a truly atrocious singer did twelve songs. Climbed the windmill in the evening and enjoyed the sight of moonlight glistening on ponds and corn tassels. Had to pull off skirts to climb down when a storm approached. Roscoe away haying, but when he gets back they will go up the river to their island. Baby brother Jack has been ill. Please greet a certain blonde [Louise?] if she sees her. Drove her about the countryside with one hand or none, but she didn't object. Still dreams about it. Don't read that part to Ned [Ellen] and Frances.    Cather   [Stout #15]


To Mariel GereSept. 11, 1893 from Red Cloud, Nebr.WCPM 

Expects to arrive in Lincoln Friday afternoon [Sept. 15].    Cather   [Stout #16]


To Mariel GereJune 16, 1894 from Red Cloud, Nebr.WCPM 

Children were all dressed up for her homecoming. Is reading Virgil and botanizing. Mr. Wiener now boarding at Mrs. Garber's. Thanks for being mainstay during past winter and spring, when she [Cather] was despairing over the loss of what she had lived for. Appreciates her patience these past years while she raved over a certain girl's beauty, charm, and talent; rhapsodized over merely touching that person's hand; and suffered through the loss of love. Loving too much is a mistake. Hopes they can meet in Crete [Nebr.] Douglass may come, too.   Willa   [Stout #17]


To Grace [Broady]Aug. 29, 1894 from Red Cloud, Nebr.WCPM , copy also at LincCity

Is sending clipping from the Auburn Granger, so scathing she may never be able to go to Brownsville again. Pictures were excellent, especially those of the Episcopal church after they piled the prayer benches into the aisle. Such fun! School grind starting again soon. Will be in Lincoln about September 20.   Willa Cather   [Stout #18]


To Ellen and Frances GereJuly 30, 1895 from Red Cloud, Nebr.WCPM 

Has returned home from Beatrice [Nebr.], where she had a good time. Country around Red Cloud very green and fresh. Hopes they will come to visit. Has enjoyed riding her bicycle ["wheel"]. Needs Mariel's address.   Willa   [Stout #19]


To Mariel GereDec. 27, 1895 from Beatrice, Nebr., fragment ; WCPM 

Has been visiting Katharine and her brother. Please send trunk keys she left. Why no letters? [Breaks off.]   [Stout #20]


To Mariel, Ellen, and Frances [Gere], Allie [Althea Roberts], and Maysie [Mary Ames]Jan. 2, 1896 from "Siberia" ; WCPM 

Enjoyed visiting Katharine and her brother, who is more charming than ever. Quoted Ella Wheeler Wilcox to each other. Attended New Year's dance with Douglass—a rustic event. Could Mariel retrieve her [Cather's] copy of Daudet's Sapho from Sarah Harris? Doesn't know when she will be back in Lincoln. Here in the country might as well be dead. Is indifferent to everything, even suicide.    Willa   [Stout #21]


To Mariel GereMar. 12, [1896] from Red Cloud, Nebr.WCPM 

Feels exiled. Why doesn't Mariel write? Cooks sometimes to relieve boredom. Rides bicycle when weather permits. Planned and orchestrated a wedding breakfast for her [Cather's] cousin and Hugh Miner. Looked after the children the previous week while parents went to Hastings. Enjoys playing cards and going visiting with Douglass and Roscoe, when he comes to town. Has been reading Arabian Nights and Alice in Wonderland to James.   Willa   [Stout #22]


previous - next