Item: Original 1874 Handwritten Letter / Autograph

Author: Edward E. Kidder (1846–1927)

Date: November 10, 1874

Location: Written from Atlanta, GA (with a return address to the famous NY Clipper Office)

Historical Context:

Edward E. Kidder was a highly successful Broadway playwright and theatrical manager who penned over two dozen plays, many of which were later adapted into early silent films. This incredible letter is an intimate piece of theatrical history: it is a formal, heartfelt request written to a mother ("My Dear Madam") asking for her daughter's hand and promising to make her happy. Because Kidder married actress Augusta Raymond Kidder, this is almost certainly his original proposal letter to his future mother-in-law!