A Calendar of the Letters of Willa Cather

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To Mariel Gere,  Friday [July 1896] from PittsburghWCPM 

Has been in this grimy city only a few hours. Began feeling happier when she got east of Chicago and started seeing hills and clear streams and trees. Conductor asked if she was going home. Was met by Mr. Axtell. For now, is staying at the Axtells' gloomy house, where the only ornament is a drawing of someone's grandfather. At least their library has some novels (tame ones), and Mrs. Axtell has Harper's magazine. Using daughter's room while she is away; room has three Bibles and an E. P. Roe novel.   Willa   [Stout #25]


To Mrs. Charles GereJuly 13, [1896] from PittsburghWCPM 

Why don't the girls write? Is lonely, not during work days but at night. Has her own stenographer and entire responsibility for the first issue, even overseeing layout. Is arranging for material for September issue [of Home Monthly]. Wants to do article on Mrs. William Jennings Bryan and Mrs. William McKinley. Please help get personal details about Mrs. Bryan. Magazine not much as literature, but hopes to make a success of it. Is behaving.    Willa   [Stout #26]


To Ned [Ellen] GereMonday [c. July 27, 1896] from PittsburghWCPM 

Presbyterian Axtells not so stern as first thought, but not much fun. Their social life limited to fellow church members! Summoned the Baptist minister from next door as soon as they learned the Cathers were Baptists. Has been to an organ recital at Carnegie music hall, which shares a building with library and art museum; theater next door. Between going to church and pretending to know Wild West stories, is losing all standards of truth. Magazine is dull stuff, but is practically the managing editor, with her own desk.    Willa   [Stout #27]


To Mariel GereApr. 25, 1897 on Home Monthly letterhead ; WCPM 

Why hasn't she written? Is lonely since visit by Dorothy Canfield. Dorothy likes the young doctor who wants to marry her [Cather]. Would be a good match, but doesn't care for him. Magazine is trashy, but is doing her job as instructed. Social life going well, with none of the old problems (short hair, Dr. Tyndale, bohemianism) to mess her up.    Willa   [Stout #37]


To Mrs. George SeibelJuly 23, 1897 from Red Cloud, Nebr.WCPM 

Probably will not go back to Pittsburgh until September. Magazine has been sold. Will try to get a newspaper job. Afraid Mr. Seibel has not been paid. Jack enjoying the brownies [rubber] stamp. Is going hunting with older brother in August. Is sending Erna [Seibels' baby] a spoon. P.S.: Has been reading Charles Lamb's Dramatic Essays.  Willa Cather   [Stout #40]


To George SeibelJuly 17, 1901 from Red Cloud, Nebr.WCPM 

Has been home about two weeks, feeling tired out. Mother better than in years. Hopes he will read her story in the June New England Magazine. Another to be in August or September Scribner's [?]. Hoping for cooler weather.   Willa   [Stout #70]


To George SeibelJuly 21, 1902 from Cranston's Waverly Temperance Hotel, 27 King Street, Cheapside, LondonWCPM 

Enclosing essay on an intriguing English industry ["The Strangest Tribe of Darkest England," Pittsburgh Gazette, 31 August 1902, magazine section, p. 4], and has included photographs, though they aren't of very good quality due to her poor camera. Having a delightful trip and will write Mrs. Seibel from Paris.    Willa Cather   [Stout #74]


To George Seibel,  n.d. [c. May 1, 1903?] WCPM 

Has been called to New York. Please advise what journals might review the book of poems. Hopes McClure's bodes well.    W. S. C.   [Stout #83]


To Will Owen JonesMay 7, 1903 from 1180 Murray Hill PittsburghUVa 

Thanks for launching her with S. S. McClure. Had a telegram from him and has been to New York to see him. Feeling elated, as if her life is now more valuable than before. McClure to run her stories in the magazine, then publish as a book. Will place for her any he does not use. At the McClure house met wife of Robert Louis Stevenson, who had read the stories. Greatly appreciates his help. Other plans afoot. P.S.: Doesn't seem to be able to reach Sarah Harris.  Willa S. Cather   [Stout #84]


To Dorothy Canfield,  n.d. [Mar. 1904] UVt 

Sorry they have had a misunderstanding. Sorry to be so often cross and ungracious; behaved badly two years ago in Europe. Felt inferior, not understanding French. Teaching wears on her disposition. Has not written a line of poetry in months. Others say she has become unfeeling. Has been to a doctor to see if there is a physical cause. Is paying now for not tearing away from happiness in Pittsburgh four years ago. Appreciates comments on "A Wagner Matinee" [Everybody's Magazine, Feb. 1904]. Spirits low; escapes by working. Please wait until these low spirits are gone before eloping with a tenor, if that's what she wants! Sorry to have written such a self-revealing letter all about feelings, but is trying to be honest. P.S.: Can't talk about the McClung household, of course, but it is wearing, too.  Willie   [Stout #94]


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