George Henry Calvert 1888 Letter to Actress Martha Ford - John T Ford Family

George Henry Calvert (January 2, 1803 – May 24, 1889) was an American editor, essayist, dramatist, poet, and biographer.

In a charming, signed and dated letter (July, 15, 1888) from Newport Rhode Island, Calvert thanks “Mattie” (Martha) for previous correspondence with clippings.  Complains of old age.  Refers to his work “The Gentleman” Boston: E.P. Dutton and Company, New York: Hurd and Houghton, 1866.

Find a Grave “Author. A direct descendant of the Calvert family who were the proprietors of what became the state of Maryland. A Harvard-educated educator and editor he was the author of many books including "Illustrations of Phrenology", "A Volume from the Life of Herbert Barclay", "Count Julian", "Cabiro", "Scenes and Thoughts in Europe", "The Battle of Lake Erie", "Joan of Arc", "The Gentleman", "Anyta and other Poems", "Arnold and André", "Goethe: his Life and Works" and "Wordsworth: A Biographic Aesthetic Study". He also contributed his work to numerous periodicals and was one of the earliest American translators of German works, having done post-graduate study at the University of Gottingen. He was briefly mayor of Newport, Rhode Island in the 1850s.”

Condition is fair antique – with folds and wrinkles.  See images.

With certificate of provenance from Rare Nest Gallery Chicago. Catalog number PMK0006GHC

Collector Biography: Martha Ford Gresham (John T. Ford daughter)

1872, Baltimore – 1923, Baltimore

Growing up in her father’s theaters gave Martha Ford a rare vantage point and opportunity to rub elbows with the prominent theatrical figures of the 19th and early 20th century. Evidence of this proximity is present throughout her sub-collection. Martha’s autograph book, dedicated photographs and a poem composed by Edwin Booth about her as a toddler demonstrate convivial relationships with the stars. From her teen years, Martha’s father worked assiduously to develop and promote her career and from at least 1894 Martha developed a repertory with renowned Shakespearian actor Creston Clarke (nephew of the Booth brothers). Martha received positive reviews as Ophelia in Hamlet and as Juliet. From 1890, Martha became known for her recitation of Francis Scott Key’s “Star Spangled Banner”. The national anthem enjoyed an almost fanatical revival during this period, and she was asked to recite at fairs and festivals across the country, including the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Also in the 1890’s, possibly at Daly’s Theatre in New York, Martha met Herbert Gresham, a London-born stage manager and actor. After her marriage to Herbert, Martha seems to have retired from the stage to raise her three children.

I am selling several hundred pieces related to John T. Ford, Ford’s Theater and Ford’s descendants who were figures in American theater from 1840 – 1970. See my Ebay Store, subscribe and visit category “American Theater History” for much more.