A Calendar of the Letters of Willa Cather

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To Jessie Cather AuldDec. 17, 1908, on McClure's letterhead ; TWU 

Is sending a present for Peter Rabbit. Don't open until Christmas! Will send books for Mary Virginia as soon as she and Miss Lewis (with whom she is partners in housekeeping) have read them. Found these nice children's books from England in a local book shop.   Willie   [Stout #144]


To Mrs. George P. Cather [Aunt Franc]Feb. 22, 1911UNL-Ray 

Another busy winter. Elsie made her first visit to New York at Christmas; they had a wonderful time except for worrying about Mother, who'd hurt herself in a fall. Elsie liked the apartment and the colored maid, who has taken over all housekeeping cares. Health is better this winter, though working all summer while Mr. McClure was ill in Europe wore her down. Had some time away to recuperate in the fall. Saw Mr. Wiener a few weeks ago; he is still himself, in spite of having made so much money. Isabelle visiting and sends her greeting. Hears from Howard Gore that he is going to the coronation of the king of Siam, whom he knew years ago. Wishes he wouldn't pursue aristocrats, but vanity seems endemic to Washington. Hears that Bessie and Auntie are well, and that she and Uncle George are too. May have to go to England in April. Hopes to receive a letter from her before going.   Willie   [Stout #188]


To Mrs. Charles Cather [mother]Nov. 26, [1921]TWU 

Hopes they had a nice Thanksgiving. Had hers at home. Please tell Margie the French woman, Josephine, is back working for her part-time; she is an artist of housekeeping. Cook their own breakfast and have to carry in the ice to the icebox, which is pretty heavy. Would appreciate a couple of aprons for Christmas. Hasn't heard from Isabelle yet. Sorry to have been so testy this summer.   Willie   [Stout #563]


To Enit KaufmanMay 15, 1944HRC 

Appreciates her interest and regards it as a compliment, but does not care to have her portrait painted for American Portraits [pub. Henry Holt, 1946]. Realizes Dorothy Canfield is involved in this effort as well, but even so, does not believe she belongs among the list of people it will include. They are much more public people. Learned from having her portrait published in Good Housekeeping about fifteen years ago that publicity brings interruptions.   Willa Cather   [Stout #1667]


To Dorothy Canfield FisherMay 26, 1944UVt 

So long since she heard from her! Is sending a copy of letter to a Mrs. Kaufman, who wanted her to sit for a portrait. Never again! Many family events have kept her occupied, let alone the war. Has been drawn back in by the family net. Now has three nieces and a nephew living nearby. Has had little energy since the gall bladder operation. Is worn out from constant housekeeping, now that all of New York is burning soft coal. Please help Mrs. Kaufman understand.   Willa   [Stout #1668]


To Elsie CatherJuly 14, [1934]UNL-Rosowski Cather 

Appreciates Elsie's letter from Hastings and is pleased to learn that Bess does not have cancer. The heat is terrible. Has been hoping to see a cooler, wetter forecast when reading about the Midwest's weather in the [New York] Tribune, but it never comes. Feel pity for all, particularly the elderly. Would say it's punishment for the world's latest ideas and ways if she were a Catholic. Very hot in New York when she was finishing the book [Lucy Gayheart], but didn't really mind thanks to cool mornings and Josephine's good nature and creative housekeeping. The typist [Sarah Bloom?] could not keep the purple ink from running and smearing the manuscripts. Had to send dirty manuscripts to both the magazine [Woman's Home Companion] and Alfred Knopf. Both are thrilled with the book. Sent draft to Jan Hambourg to check musical material and received cable in return declaring the book to be her finest one. Not true, but it has good form. All directed toward the end. Had to put it down for four months when it was going well or it would be even better. Is sending a check now in case Elsie needs something for medical expenses, since getting to Grand Manan will put her out of touch for a while. Virginia cried at news of Bess's illness and has fond memories of her. Paper says that Charles is in Red Cloud. How has the town reacted to Will Auld? Does Elsie ever see the Aulds? Amazed that Bess gave Tom money for school—cannot respect him. Elsie should use part of enclosed money to buy electric fans—was a great relief to have them in the Grosvenor Hotel. Feels guilty going where it's cool, but could not read proofs in the heat of Red Cloud. Fears Elsie thinks her selfish, but the many letters she receives indicate her books serve a purpose for many readers and give others something to gossip about. No matter how strong and charitable she was, she could not do more for people than that. Not that she writes them for that reason, but that is their effect. Integrity is always positive, regardless of the form it takes. With love and sympathy.   Willie 


To Mary Virginia Cather,  Sunday [pm October 26, 1924] UNL-Southwick 

Sorry she hasn't written, but it is tiring to return home after being gone so long. Thankfully, Edith arrived two weeks earlier and, with Mrs. Winn, cleaned the apartment better than ever. Even the rugs and curtains were cleaned. Had to hire a new maid, since Montana returned to the south—Mattie, a lovely mulatto gal from Baltimore. Likes her a lot. Hopes she doesn't return south the way so many do. Trained her last week and together put up five quarts of wonderful quince preserves. Is worried about parents over the winter. Wishes they could go to wonderful place in Winchester she knows about. Is writing daily, but slowed by housekeeping needs. Hopes mother enjoys staying with Mrs. Wolfe. Mary Virginia's school sent invitation to Thanksgiving, but unsure if she can go.   Willie