Excited about her play [The Magical City opened at the Bandbox Theater in mid-March 1916]. Sets wonderful, characters wonderful. Poet character a true ass. Shows what a clear sense of theater she has. Sorry for the poor handwriting, but is in bed with grippe. Hoping to sail for Italy in early June unless submarines get too active. W. S. C. [Stout #352]
Interested in her new efforts in play production. Looking forward to seeing her piece [probably "Did It Really Happen?"] in Smart Set. What is she going to do with the Spoon River poet in her anthology? [The "anthology" was a series by Akins published from Feb. 19 to Aug. 13, 1915, in Reedy's Mirror, St. Louis. The series was to have been published in book form but was not until 1994, under the title In the Shadow of Parnassus: A Critical Anthology of Contemporary American Poetry, edited by Catherine Parke.] He is beneath comment. P.S.: Sending some poems not in April Twilights. Novel finished and being set in type. W. S. C. [Stout #415]
Feels generously treated in her anthology [series of articles Akins anticipated publishing in book form]. Agrees that Spoon River is realistic, but it shouldn't have to be so harsh. Hates the syntax. W. S. C. [Stout #466]
Delighted to see the good review in yesterday's Times [of Déclassée, which opened at the Empire Theatre on October 6 with Ethel Barrymore in the lead]. Seems a triumph—a word that can only be used for the theater since the advent of trench warfare. Confident the play has real quality, is not just what is usually popular. Will go see it as soon as she gets back to New York. Willa Cather [Stout #477]
Please drop by on a Friday afternoon. Recently back from long trip to France. W.S.C. [Stout #527]
Wishing her bon voyage. Has enjoyed being with her during the winter and seeing her enjoy herself. Willa [Stout #584]
Doctor sent her to this sanitorium after she left the hospital. Luxurious surroundings but terrible food. Lost a lot of weight in the hospital; couldn't swallow anything solid for over a week. Working on her proofs. Willa [Stout #586]
Congratulations. Please send interesting reviews. [Stout #634]
Play is wonderful and a fine production. Jobyna wonderful in the lead role—as powerful as a fine car. Great looking, too. Didn't go to her house after the play because has been ill and is in bed as she writes. Willa [Stout #647]
Does not want to do business with Charley Towne. The Knopfs will try to serialize her story [A Lost Lady?]. Appreciates Zoë's helpfulness, but Towne has no credibility. Must go—taxi at the door. Willa [Stout #652]
