• Letter ID: 1849
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1933-08-06
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  August 6, [1933], from Grand Manan ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Elsie's letter of July 22 has just reached her; wrote to Elsie about Virginia graduation before she left New York.  Is occupied with working out rights for translations.  Is sending money for upkeep of house and yard.  Will send Pauline Kourtner two months' pay for Bess.  Will all feel easier about Bess and Will then.  Why is Will Auld's bank in such trouble? What happened to Mrs. Damerell's money?  How is Father Fitzgerald?  Will soon write to Helen Mac. Please get money to Pauline Kourtner without waiting for check.  Love to Elsie and Mollie. P.S.:  Mary Virginia spent a restful vacation in Grand Manan, but is unhappy.  Doesn't her father care about her?  Willie 

• Letter ID: 1858
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1935-01
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  [January? 1935] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Expected to hear that Elsie had been struggling with wintry weather, but her letter was tenderly beautiful.  Elsie gave Bess a lovely funeral.  How appropriate to have a Christmas tree as Bess decorated so many for children.  Would have liked to have been there.  Read Elsie's letter repeatedly and then sent it to Virginia, but directed her to return it.  Elsie paid the debt all the Cather siblings owe to Bess.  Wants to pay for the roses and any remaining funeral expenses.  Will ought to have whatever money Bess left.  Life is hard to understand:  deserving people get such small rewards.  Gave Mrs. Lambrecht and Annie [Pavelka?] good holidays and purchased winter feed for Annie's stock.  Sent fifty dollars to Jack, wrote the Bishop and Mollie and Gertrude Coon, and gave nieces ten dollars each.  Is enclosing a historical Christmas card from the Society Library. Happy New Year.   Willie 

• Letter ID: 1859
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1933-09-25
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  September 25, [1933?], from Grand Manan ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Appreciates the letter keeping her connected to Red Cloud. Will ought to have invested Bess's money in Postal Savings Bonds. Jess always has a trick up her sleeve. Selling cosmetics—and what an attitude! Isn't too sorry for her. Sent Will Andrews twenty-five dollars. Hopes Bess will hire a cleaning woman. Elsie should do what she wants about the old kitchen, but even an empty kitchen will keep the house cooler. Pleased to learn about Sid Florance, but how can his bank survive? Please send on any letters from Roscoe. Leaving Grand Manan soon to go to Jaffrey. Please write. OK to send Molly money for Thanksgiving?   Willie 

• Letter ID: 1863
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1934-11-03
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  November 5, [1934?] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

When Elsie is tired, she should not try to write a long letter but just a note saying she is busy. Should stop teaching if she has a fever every day and instead have a quiet life at home. Doesn't know why Elsie finds their parents' peaceful house scary. Should at least visit a doctor. A prescription medicine for nerves is enclosed. Finds it very helpful herself and always has it on hand. A renowned doctor—the doctor of J. P. Morgan—prescribed it. He was the only one who could diagnose Edith's thyroid trouble. Please try the tonic. Sent Molly twenty-five dollars for Thanksgiving and sent Lizzie [?] ten dollars. Was happy to help as Lizzie was kind to mother. P.S. Will return to New York in four days.  Willie 

• Letter ID: 1865
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1939-03-16
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  March 16, [1939] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

[written beside date, before greeting:] So Hitler is in Prague! [then after greeting:] Enclosed is the promised money for Red Cloud house, five percent of the $5000 value of the home. Regards it as an investment. Asked earlier that Elsie not make more changes to the house, but received no response. Sorry not to write a longer letter, but has had influenza and a relapse, and is just today out of bed. What a difficult time this is! Feels her faith in British honor shaken in recent weeks. [The Munich Conference was in September 1938. Cather may bereferring to Britain's having subsequently refrained from opposing Hitler's takeover of Czechoslovakia.] Enjoyed sending flowers—no thanks needed. Enjoyed Mollie's letter. Doesn't yet feel like tackling correspondence. Has many letters, including one from Bishop Beecher, asking things of her. Harder to say no to Beecher than the others.   W. 

• Letter ID: 1867
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1934-09-24
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  September 24, [1934?], from Jaffrey, New Hampshire ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Has still not received letter Elsie promised, but maybe the Grand Manan post office forwarded it incorrectly and it will yet come. Has been in Jaffrey for two weeks and will go to New York October 3rd. Enclosed is a check for amount still remaining on the three hundred dollars promised for upkeep of the house. Already paid Carrie Sherwood for some things. Is sending Mollie fifty dollars; hopes she does not mind. Glad Mollie used the velvet dress. Where is Bess? Only fair to cover her summer medical expenses, since Elsie took care of her. Wants to hear about Elsie's summer. Please write soon.   Willie 

• Letter ID: 1929
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1936-04-15
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  Wednesday [April 15, 1936?] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Feels sure Elsie is exhausted after Easter, so doesn't want her to write at length about visit until after she's recuperated, but please respond to enclosed typed page of questions [enclosure not now with letter]—just the facts, not extended answers. Also enclosed is pleasant correspondence from Trix. The Mizer women are amazingly dignified in their ability to remain so positive after such a difficult life. Has been sick this Easter, but did get cards written and sent. Went with Yehudi to see Parsifal on Good Friday before the family left for the west. Roscoe has been delighting in his visit with Douglass in Long Beach. Take care, and don't be too concerned about the bleak events of Red Cloud. Carrie, Mary, and Vernon can bear it daily, so the abstract thought of it ought to be endurable. Hopes Mollie got the checks.   Willie 

• Letter ID: 1493
• Addressee: Beecher, Bishop George Allen
• Date: 1940-09-28
• Repository: Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, Nebr.

To Bishop George Allen Beecher,  Sept. 28, 1940 ; HSNeb 

Appreciated his letter about dedicating the altar rail at Grace Church, a place she loves as she loves few others. Remembers the evening of her and parents' confirmation, which meant so much to them all. Glad to hear Molly Ferris was able to be there for the dedication. Hopes to visit Red Cloud this winter and talk with him about the things that have kept her away.   Willa Cather   [Stout #1493]

• Letter ID: 1530
• Addressee: Beecher, Bishop George Allen
• Date: 1941-02-25
• Repository: Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, Nebr.

To Bishop George Allen Beecher,  Feb. 25, 1941 ; HSNeb 

He has probably heard about her hand problem. Used it too soon and had a relapse. Please address her by first name, as friends in Red Cloud do. Had a pleasant if not merry Christmas in the hospital. Enjoyed hearing the nurses speak French. Wishes she could have been in Red Cloud for the funeral of Mollie Ferris. One consolation for hand problem is she will be able to get to Lenten services more often than usual. Will be thinking about Grace Church and her Bishop.   Willa Cather   [Stout #1530]

• Letter ID: 1778
• Addressee: Ferris, Mollie
• Date: 1897/1941
• Repository: Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation

To Mollie Ferris,  Dec. 28, [?] ; WCPM 

Delighted with her Christmas presents of wash cloths and a teapot holder. Thanks for including sprigs of cedar, and please continue to remember her in her prayers.   Willie   [Stout #1778]

• Letter ID: 2166
• Addressee: Cather, Roscoe
• Date: 1940-02-22
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Roscoe and Meta Cather Collection (MS316)

To Roscoe Cather, February 22, 1940; UNL-Roscoe 

Hasn't he figured out that Elsie is always sullen and relishes her own martyrdom? Used to get upset by her letters, but has learned she always exaggerates. Mollie is actually doing quite well. Received a letter from the local doctor, Dr. Lewis, who explained that her fracture is a sort that requires no cast. Showed the letter to two surgeons in New York, and both thought it an extraordinary letter to come from a country doctor, better and clearer than most letters written by New York doctors. Shouldn't have forwarded the letter to Elsie, but she did. Called Carrie Sherwood in Red Cloud immediately upon learning of Mollie's accident, and it was Carrie who asked Dr. Lewis to write. Has sent Mollie $100 to help with the bills—the first $50 she sent to Carrie, thinking Mollie might not be up to handling money matters, but the second $50 she sent directly to Mollie. Note that Carrie's letter, enclosed, is very unlike Elsie's and both Mary Creighton and Dora Kaley have been consistent with Carrie. Why is Elsie more down about it than Mollie herself? Is quite at ease about it. Mollie's expenses aren't much, and will send her $50 more in March. If Roscoe, as the executor of the estate, wishes to make Mollie a gift in Douglass's or their mother's name, that would be very nice. But contrary to what Elsie writes in her annoying letters, Elsie is definitely not being imposed upon. Mollie's old age can easily be made happier by their friendship, not their martyrdom.   Willie. 

• Letter ID: 1933
• Addressee: Seymour, Elizabeth (Bessie)
• Date: 1906-01-21
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Bess Seymour,  [January 21?, 1906] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Thanks for the letter about the baby [probably Mary Virginia Auld, niece, born November 11, 1905], who likely had a rich Christmas. Had a good trip to New York, but unfortunately was too busy to see the Wieners. Will someday show Bess the beautiful dress she bought for the dinner [Cather attended a dinner at Delmonico's in New York celebrating the 70th birthday of Mark Twain in December 1905]. Auntie Gore's letter said that Douglass Clark has nine children, that Perry's kids are living in Winchester and Walter works at a bank, and Howard Gore's wife is wintering in Switzerland and sending Sidney to school there. Auntie doesn't seem to enjoy their living abroad. Was good of Alec Bentley to visit his father. Is Mrs. Governor Garber still in Red Cloud? Sends affection to everyone, particularly the baby. Tell Mollie hello and please write and get Jess to write, too. PS: Is wearing garters Jess gave her. Received many Christmas gifts, including silk stockings, a leather bag, a pin, hand-embroidered clothing, and books.  Willie 

• Letter ID: 1468
• Addressee: Sherwood, Carrie Miner
• Date: 1940-01-29
• Repository: Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation

To Carrie Miner Sherwood,  Jan. 29, [1940?] ; WCPM 

Showed Dr. Lewis's letter to an orthopedic surgeon, and he understood the nature of Mollie's injury from the description and agreed with the treatment. Is sending a check to help pay for nurse. Would like to cover the cost of the nursing, if Carrie will let her know how much. Very cold here; has had bronchitis. Appreciated her letter and Mary's. Yehudi and wife now gone to California.   Willie   [Stout #1468]

• Letter ID: 1538
• Addressee: Sherwood, Carrie Miner
• Date: 1941-04-24
• Repository: Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation

To Carrie Miner Sherwood,  Apr. 24, [1941?] ; WCPM 

Sending a check to help with window for Mollie. Enjoys thinking of Carrie's trip—most cheerful thing she has to think about.   Willie   [Stout #1538]

• Letter ID: 1966
• Addressee: Cather, Mary Virginia (Jennie) Boak
• Date: 1928-04-09
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Philip L. and Helen Cather Southwick Collection (MS77)

To Mary Virginia Cather,  Monday after Easter [April 9, 1928] ; UNL-Southwick 

Easter was very cold after some warmer weather. Decorated the altar with Elsie in father's memory. Gave lilies to Molly and Hazel Powell and took daffodils to father's burial place. He always loved them; daffodils in Virginia are the earliest flower in her memory. Went to dinner with Will and Charles at the hotel, then saw Mrs. Turnure and Clifford. Had supper with Molly. Since the weather was poor, was glad Elsie did not travel. Odd to get a card from the Peggs. When that young man's wife and baby died, sent him snapdragons like those sent to father. It was very sad. His wife had a tumor within her when she was pregnant, and the tumor choked the baby. With proper medical care, she could have been saved. For many days the baby within her was dead. Dr. Stockman did not call Creighton until it was too late. Albert is devastated. Lizzie is now at the Macs [McNenys], though she comes by and lights the fire in the kitchen every morning. Has been to dinner there. Helen has the grippe. Has put silk curtains up in the dining room. The old bed is painted, and old "walnut" table mended and painted. Molly came over for dinner on Good Friday and Saturday and complimented her cooking. Has polished father's oak furniture, but will have it painted if mother wishes. Please write.   Willie