• Letter ID: 1391
• Addressee: Menuhin, Hephzibah
• Date: 1938-01-13
• Repository: Princeton University, Firestone Library, Princeton, N.J.

To Hephzibah Menuhin,  Thursday [Jan. 13, 1938] ; Princeton 

Thanks for protecting her from the reporter. Weather too damp to go out, but evening will probably be fine.   W. S. C.   [Stout #1391]

• Letter ID: 1402
• Addressee: Menuhin, Marutha
• Date: 1938-03
• Repository: Princeton University, Firestone Library, Princeton, N.J.

To Marutha Menuhin,  n.d. [Mar. 1938?] ; Princeton 

Meant to send enclosed clipping sooner, but was ill with influenza. There must not be an appendix left in the whole Menuhin family. Now Hephzibah!   Vassinka   [Stout #1402]

• Letter ID: 1444
• Addressee: Menuhin, Yaltah
• Date: 1939-03
• Repository: Princeton University, Firestone Library, Princeton, N.J.

To Yaltah Menuhin,  Sunday [mid-Mar. 1939?] ; Princeton 

Enclosing an interesting story she found about a cat. Has had influenza and been keep in by bad weather. Hasn't been to the theater or to hear any music all month. Has tried to spend her time remembering happy things, like their presence last year. The last time she, Hephzibah, and Yehudi would ever be so free of adult cares. Suggests she try to vegetate and not think too much for a while.   Aunt Willa   [Stout #1444]

• Letter ID: 1919
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1934-03-29
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  Holy Thursday [March 29, 1934] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Sprained a tendon in her left wrist weeks ago, it got inflamed, and now is forced to wear a splint. Is not supposed to write, because of overload on right hand, so hasn't corresponded recently. The heat therapy takes hours each day, and every daily process takes more time and effort. Does not attempt to work. Thankfully, Yehudi and his family have kept her company; the pleasant children always distract her. Menuhin children are divine. Have just finished reading Richard II together. Supposes she would not have understood the quality of Yehudi's character if she had not had her injury, so there is a silver lining after all!   Willie 

• Letter ID: 1755
• Addressee: Brown, E. K.
• Date: 1947-03-23
• Repository: Yale University, Beinecke Library, New Haven, Conn.

To E. K. Brown,  Mar. 23, 1947 ; Beinecke 

Will let him know her plans as soon as they are made. Hephzibah Menuhin, her husband, and their two little boys were there to see her yesterday morning. Yehudi and his family arrived soon afterward. Visited happily until 11:30, then rose and quietly got the children into their wraps, went down on the elevator, and took cabs to the North River docks for lunch before sailing on the Queen Elizabeth at one o'clock. They never seem to get into a flurry. Yehudi and Hephzibah to give concerts in London and other cities in Europe. Have been a joy to her for sixteen years. Are people with beautiful natures. Still feels their presence in her rooms.   Willa Cather   [Stout #1755]

• Letter ID: 1386
• Addressee: Akins, Zoë
• Date: 1937-12-30
• Repository: Huntington Library, San Marino, Ca.

To Zoë Akins,  Dec. 30, [1937] ; Huntington 

Chrysanthemums arrived looking freshly cut. Reminded her of Remembrance of Things Past, always the smell of chrysanthemums in the drawing room of Odette. Loves the orange marmalade, too. Had a delightful Christmas, with Menuhin children in town. Their presence reassures her that youth can still be wonderful.   W.   [Stout #1386]

• Letter ID: 1215
• Addressee: Sherwood, Carrie Miner
• Date: 1934-02-12
• Repository: Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation

To Carrie Miner Sherwood,  Feb. 12, [1934?] ; WCPM 

Often wishes she had time to write her a long letter. Business matters wear her out. Has been struggling to prevent radio broadcasts of her books. Also letters about translations. Would prefer to spend her time producing new work. Knopf indulges her determination to avoid commitments. Happiest part of the season has been the presence of the Menuhin family. Enjoyed reading Shakespeare with the children and sledding with Yehudi on his birthday, followed by a small party with champagne smuggled in by his mother. Enclosing letters from Hephzibah and Yaltah, but she must not show them to anyone.   Willie   [Stout #1215]

• Letter ID: 1225
• Addressee: Menuhin, Yaltah, and Menuhin, Hephzibah
• Date: 1934-05-03
• Repository: Princeton University, Firestone Library, Princeton, N.J.

To Yaltah and Hephzibah Menuhin,  May 3, [1934?] ; Princeton 

Wishes she could have accompanied them to Marseilles; has always liked it. Isabelle wrote that Yehudi's concert in Paris was a great success. Expects to finish new book before leaving in July for Grand Manan. Hoping hand will be well enough to let her enjoy the rougher life there. Will use splint if it hurts. As Shakespeare writes, "My very chains and I grow friends..." Hopes they can read Shakespeare together again some day. Greetings to all.   Aunt Willa   [Stout #1225]

• Letter ID: 1401
• Addressee: Greenslet, Ferris
• Date: 1938-03-02
• Repository: Harvard University, Houghton Library, Cambridge, Mass.

To Ferris Greenslet,  Mar. 2, 1938 ; Harvard 

Is recovering from influenza. Enjoyed reading about his meeting with Stephen Tennant and mother and stepfather, Sir Edward Grey. Didn't mean Grey was stern, but his interests and Stephen's utterly dissimilar. Very pleased with O Pioneers! in autograph edition. Did he hear the recital Hephzibah and Yehudi Menuhin gave in Boston? Such a joy to know them!   Willa Cather   [Stout #1401]

• Letter ID: 2048
• Addressee: Menuhin, Yaltah
• Date: 1945-04-20
• Repository: University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Special Collections, Research Library, Los Angeles, Calif.

To Yaltah Menuhin,  April 20, [1945?] ; UCLA 

Enjoyed hearing that the music she heard on Good Friday reminded Yaltah of listening to Parsifal with Hephzibah and herself. Unfortunately, energetic non-musical use of Wagner has ruined him somewhat. Had terrific time with Miss Lewis and her parents [Marutha and Moshe Menuhin] the past winter, and felt that the children might rush in at any moment. They all saw Yehudi play the extraordinary Bach concert with Landowska [Yehudi Menuhin and Wanda Landowska performed Bach sonatas together at New York City's Town Hall on December 20, 1944].   Aunt Willa 

• Letter ID: 2134
• Addressee: Cather, Roscoe
• Date: 1938-05-23
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Roscoe and Meta Cather Collection (MS316)

To Roscoe Cather,  May 23, 1938 ; UNL-Roscoe 

Has been busy, so hasn't written to the lonely Margaret as intended. Went to Virginia with Edith to ease struggle with bronchitis, and when she returned had many messages from the Menuhins. Last week Edith was injured in a car accident and has been bedridden since. Her lip will have a significant scar, but not as disfiguring as initially thought. Met Sidney Ehrman when she received an honorary doctorate from the University of California-Berkeley. He was President of the Board of Regents then, and they sat together at the alumni dinner. Though Yehudi's name didn't come up on that occasion, he and his father soon came to California and stayed with Mr. Ehrman. Saw them while there. Mr. Ehrman supported the Menuhins financially when they had very little, and he knows music himself. Mr. Ehrman committed to support Yehudi when the boy was only six years old, and he sent the family to France for Yehudi's education when he was ten. Though the Menuhins repaid the money some time back, they still feel indebted to Mr. Ehrman. He was a stalwart supporter for four years and really started Yehudi on his professional path. Though many praised Yehudi, Mr. Ehrman was the only one to back it up with his money. As to the current circumstances, was glad to get Roscoe's letter. Is consoled that Mr. Ehrman shares her opinion of these marriages; he knows them as well as anybody. Is particularly worried about the girls. Hepzibah and Yaltah write friendly, open-hearted letters, but they don't seem to understand the situation! They write as if getting married were like an exciting excursion. What does it mean? Is not as concerned about Yehudi, however. Even if his fiancée is the wrong woman, he won't be too affected. He is, at his core, pure music. Even if he could not play, the music would be with him always as a consolation. Music is within him the way great scenes from Shakespeare are within her: she feels every line as potently as if she recited it out loud. Yehudi thinks profoundly, though he doesn't show it off. She knew him for three years but did not understand the depth of his mind until they formed their Shakespeare Club. But he thinks about the world in the best way: he takes pleasure in small things. Naturally, Roscoe must keep these thoughts to himself. The newspapers love the Menuhins more than anybody, save the Lindberghs, and she worries that if she utters a word about them, she will read about it in the New York Times. Will write to Margaret soon. Hopes she doesn't marry before they can travel together. All of her young friends are leaving her!   Willie. 

• Letter ID: 1407
• Addressee: Akins, Zoë
• Date: 1938-06-04
• Repository: Huntington Library, San Marino, Ca.

To Zoë Akins,  June 4, 1938 ; Huntington 

Right hand was smashed in a drug store door in May. Can't write. Appreciated the orange blossoms, which came while she was in Atlantic City but were still fragrant when she returned. Orange marmalade a treasure. Is feeling reconciled to Hephzibah's and Yehudi's marriages. Isabelle wrote from Sorrento that the entire family, including the new husband and the new wife, visited her there. Though usually so critical of people's shortcomings, Isabelle likes them in spite of theirs. Is herself somewhat like a porcupine when meeting people, so is glad Isabelle reassured her about these new members of the Menuhin family. Thinks Thornton Wilder's new play quite good, authentically in the spirit of New England. Has felt that the dead remain part of people's lives there, as in the play.   Willa   [Stout #1407]

• Letter ID: 1423
• Addressee: Akins, Zoë
• Date: 1938-11-13
• Repository: Huntington Library, San Marino, Ca.

To Zoë Akins,  Nov. 13, [1938], from Jaffrey, N.H. ; Huntington 

Douglass, the brother she most loved, died in June of a sudden heart attack. He had spent her birthday with her last December. Only four months later, on October 10, Isabelle died. Wrote many letters to inform people— the only service she could give Isabelle. Feels emotionally numb. Regrets Yehudi's wife takes such bad pictures. She is Scotch, not Jewish. Feels confident it is a good marriage. Was happy to see them. Then Douglass died the next week. P.S.: No, does not like Hephzibah's mother-in-law.  Willa   [Stout #1423]

• Letter ID: 1872
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1937-12-22
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  December 22, [1937] ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Appreciates Elsie's letter about the service for the window [a window in Grace Episcopal Church dedicated for their mother, Mary Virginia "Jennie" Boak Cather] and all the old friends in Red Cloud. Has sent notes in Christmas cards to many of them. Overlooked Mrs. Warren, but did remember Mrs. Macfarland in California. Has been busy. The Menuhins came recently, and the mother is quite sick and bedridden, so spent time with the girls until Yehudi and their father came to New York from New Orleans. Douglass was visiting; spent as much time with him as possible. Saw Yehudi's dramatic performance at Carnegie Hall with him. Since Mary Virginia was working, and since she did not want to invite people outside the family, had a quiet, delightful dinner on her birthday with just Douglass and Edith. Douglass really came to New York to consult a heart specialist, who said he was fine. Enclosed a check to spend on something fun. Merry Christmas.   Willie 

• Letter ID: 1440
• Addressee: Fisher, Dorothy Canfield
• Date: 1939-03-05
• Repository: University of Vermont, Bailey-Howe Library, Burlington, Vt.

To Dorothy Canfield Fisher,  Mar. 5, [1939] ; UVt 

Has not been writing many letters recently, except to family and to friends of Isabelle. In December 1937 brother Douglass came to New York to spend her birthday with her. He died on June 13, 1938, age fifty-two, the only joyful and attractive member of the family. On October 10 Isabelle died in Sorrento of nephritis after four-year illness, during which her loving though unreliable husband cared for her. This has been the hardest year of her life. Is enclosing a letter from Jan Hambourg. Please return it, but don't write back. Is worn out with letters about Isabelle. Enjoyed [the picture of ?] Dorothy's two granddaughters. Enjoyed having her two nieces with her at Grand Manan in the summers of 1936 and 1937. Both married this year—as well as three Menuhins! Likes Yehudi's wife. Appreciates receiving Dorothy's new book and will read it soon. Eyes giving her trouble, but what is worse is the trouble of keeping people away who want to come and comfort her. Doesn't want them; wants quiet for reflection.   Willa   [Stout #1440]

• Letter ID: 1852
• Addressee: Cather, Elsie
• Date: 1939-12-20
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Susan J. and James Rosowski Cather Collection (MS228)

To Elsie Cather,  December 20, 1939 ; UNL-Rosowski Cather 

How nice it must be that Helen Louise is in Lincoln.  As Josephine used to remark when the Menuhin children were coming to the apartment, children are pleasant to have around.  Has heard about Carrie's golden wedding anniversary, especially from Annie Pavelka, who enumerated the cakes, flowers, and guests. Good of the Miners to invite people from the neighboring farms.  Wishes she could have attended.  Hopes Elsie and Helen Louise will plan something fun for Christmas.  Yehudi and his wife gave her happiness on her birthday by bringing their baby, nearly three months old, to visit.  Likes Nola; Scotch but born in Australia.  Admires the honest, forthright Scotch.  Yehudi has been flattered so much that he needs someone who is plainspoken.  She and Edith will think about Elsie on Christmas Eve, and she will remember her last Christmas in Red Cloud. P.S.  Enclosing letter to Helen Louise for forwarding.  Willie 

• Letter ID: 2140
• Addressee: Cather, Roscoe
• Date: 1938
• Repository: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Roscoe and Meta Cather Collection (MS316)

To Roscoe Cather,  [1938?] ; UNL-Roscoe 

Was consoled by his letter, both because it contains good news about his health and because he admitted his vulnerability. She is vulnerable herself: has not written to him more often because whenever she does—or writes to other family members—is overwhelmed by guilt over her negligence through the years: she should have shown more care to their parents, should not have spent an evening of Douglass's brief visit to New York meeting with her British publisher. Her life is full of such failures. But did not so much try to build a career as try not to have to ask her father or any other member of the family ever to send money to support an endeavor so foreign to them. Wasted a lot of time that way. During three long summer visits, witnessed Jim pressing father so hard to start him in business that he hid in the bathroom. Hated to see that, but perhaps avoiding such nagging cost her something more important. To answer his question: her health is improving. Was having trouble sleeping, had shaking hands, and hair falling out in clumps. Apparently, such things can come from anxiety. Is now sleeping better and hands not trembling, but still feels down. Surprisingly, Alfred Knopf, such a wonderful friend and colleague, gave her the only recent snapshots of Douglass she has. He took them with his small Leica without Douglass even realizing it. They're not of high quality, so Alfred didn't give them to her until after Douglass died. Please share one with Elsie and send a copy of the account of its origin. Retain a copy, and send one to Jack and another to Jim. Elsie reports that he has books of hers that belonged to Douglass. He can send one to Jack and one to Jim, but only ones with inscriptions to Douglass. Wants to avoid their use by club women. Please keep the others. Please inform Margaret that she is glad for her happiness. Only a year ago was invigorated by the presence of five young playmates—twins in summer, Menuhins in winter. Now all have married. Has to keep at the new book begun last fall, even though the energy has drained out of it. But consistent work hours are the one way she may get to feeling like herself again. Both Alfred and Dr. Garbat concur on that point. Correspondence is difficult. Will send Margaret a wedding present soon. Is leaving after September 15, but does not yet know where she is going. Is writing on the old typewriter Douglass got for her thirty years ago when the three of them were all in Cheyenne. It has been damaged by the ocean air, though Ralph has tried to fix it up with mechanic's tools.   Willie.