Richard Rodgers Signed Letter Plus Follow Up Edith Ford Gresham Actor Inquires

Illuminates how family members advocate for one another as regards work in theater.  The Fords, beginning with patriarch John T. Ford, made this a common practice.

Letter One 

AUTHOR: Richard Rodgers

DATE: 1948.11.08

Signed Letter from Richard Rodgers to Edith Ford Gresham, who seems to have put brother Harry Ford Gresham up for a job with the Rodgers & Hammerstein Org. Mr. Rodgers praises Edith’s performance as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma. Signed “Dick”. With envelope.

ORGANIZATION: Rodgers & Hammerstein

10.5 x 7.25 inches, with associated envelope.

CONDITION: Good

Letter Two

AUTHOR: Edith Ford Gresham

DATE: 1948.11.12

DESC: Letter from Edith Gresham to her brother “Mike” (Harry Ford Gresham), referencing letter from Richard Rodgers about Harry’s work. Also quotes Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science, regarding Harmony. Asks Harry to retain Rodgers’ letter for her.

MANUFACTURER: Mount Royal Hotel, Montreal

MATERIAL: Paper 10.5 x 7.25 inches

With Certificate of provenance from Rare Nest Gallery Chicago; CAT #: 0283, 0284

COLLECTOR BIOGRAPHY: Edith Ford Gresham (Granddaughter of John T. Ford)

1897, Manhattan – 1976, Riverdale

Edith Gresham’s incredibly diverse career ranged from prep school performances (as Romeo) to Broadway to radio and television (The Phil Silvers Show, others) to film. Her breakthrough role was playing Sadie Clarence in 39 East by Rachel Crothers (in 1919 on Broadway and reprised in a lost silent film in 1920).

Edith began as an ingénue eventually settling in as a go-to character actress. She was often called upon to replace short-lived original performers. Edith helped define the roles of Aunt Eller in Oklahoma (Broadway and travelling) and the outlandish Countess de Lage in Clare Booth Luce’s classic The Women. In all, Edith has at least twelve Broadway credits through 1966 (The Caucasian Chalk Circle).

Considering her grandfather and father’s theatrical management it is somewhat surprising that Edith was proud of her participation in the Actor’s Strike of 1919 which led the way for labor reforms and helped to cement Actors Equity as a bargaining and governance powerhouse in the entertainment industry.

During the period of World War II and after, Edith organized and supported charitable programs for refugees and promoted bond drives. Her sub-collection includes numerous receipts and moving letters of thanks to the Oklahoma company from war survivors and refugees.

A dedicated career actress, Edith remained single throughout her life.

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