Elizabeth Ellender Original Pen & Ink Design for Martha Ford Gresham RARE!

TYPE: Ink Drawing  ARTIST: Elizabeth Ellender, Illustrator   DATE: circa 1930’s   DESC: Original ink drawing illustration "Merry Christmas – Martha (Ford) Gresham". Noted illustrator and former roommate of Edith Ford Gresham – Elizabeth Ellender. Ellender’s most renowned work was an edition of “The Snow Queen” published by Dutton.  PERSONS: Edith Gresham, Martha Gresham (Kiar)   MATERIAL: Paper 4.5 x 4.25 inches

CONDITION: Good, lightly soiled. See images.    PIECES/PAGES: 1

With Certificate of provenance from Rare Nest Gallery Chicago; CAT #: 0278

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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