8-page original handwritten manuscript letter dated Sunday, August 21, 1892, written by "Molly / Polly" to "Dear Everybody."
This remarkable 19th-century letter provides a vivid, humorous, and culturally rich first-hand account of home theatrical performances, living picture tableaus (tableaux vivants), summer resort social life, and period beauty/hair care routines. Most notably, the writer references Mark Twain's classic Huckleberry Finn in page 2 of the text.
Key Content Highlights:Mark Twain / Huckleberry Finn Literary Citation: The author humorously describes a tableau pose and compares it to popular art of the era:
"I told the girls that the latter put me too much in mind of the crayon maidens in 'Huckleberry Finn' who reclined under a weeping willow in a black gown, beside a tomb stone and lamented 'Art Thou Gone Yes Thou Art Gone Alas!'"
Theatrical & Tableau Vivant Production Details: Describes staged living pictures, including Jacob's Ladder, a court scene suggested by "Judge McKenna," and various dramatic character poses.
19th-Century Cosmetics & Costuming: Details stage makeup and costuming tricks of the 1890s, including using lampblack daubs, face chalk, manufactured tears, fake dark brows/mustaches, and borrowing "old duds."
Victorian Hair Styling Technique: Includes explicit instructions for crimping hair using flat irons:
"If she wants her hair crimped by magic she must braid it in several strands and iron it was [with] a flat iron which is not too hot."
Social Commentary & Personalities: References various guests and participants, including Judge McKenna, Mrs. Meeker, Mr. Griffin, Harry Meeker, Miss Smith, Miss Wheeler, and Mrs. Phillipps.
Complete Transcription[Page 1]
Sunday August 21, 1892
Dear Everybody,
Mama wrote quite a lengthy letter home this morning and I daresay she has related the news very minutely—still the Connelly are used (if not fond) of hearing stories retold some forty nine and one half dozen times.
In the first place I know that you are interested to hear about the success of our tableaux. They were exhibited Friday evening and repeated, with additions Saturday. and they were a great success. It is remarkable how much may be accomplished with very few equipments.
Friday, one dozen tableaux were displayed, and as most of the arrangements for them had been made before our arrival I was "not in it" and I believe I had decidedly the best of it for I was free from all flurry and anxiety and was at liberty to take a front seat in the dress circle and watch the entire performance at my ease.
[Page 2]
(2)
Imagine your spinster sister in all the dignity of her old age, appearing in a lovey dovey picture in the company of a youth neither remarkable for beauty or wit! Or how would I look as "An Orphan" seated on the ragged edge of a chair, with a chalked countenance and a melancholy expression got up for the occasion? I told the girls that the latter put me too much in mind of the crayon maidens in "Huckleberry Finn" who reclined under a weeping willow in a black gown, beside a tomb stone and lamented "Art Thou Gone Yes Thou Art Gone Alas!" I noticed that our manager made decided alterations in this picture before she had it presented.
[Page 3]
The second night we invited people from the different houses around, and had refreshments and music and the addition of nine tableaux. I (big I) was in this performance, and I was obliged to get my part, hunt up my dress up, and select a pose under very short notice. We all piled into Miss Meeker's bed room, and sat around on the floor and the bed discussing subjects and suggesting "make ups" and I was requested to take part in several tableaux mentioned, and I refused flatly.
Judge McKenna suggested a court scene; and when they mentioned that the part of "the Culprit" had not been engaged by the pretty young belles of the "Oriental" I snapped at it at once; and then they all began to suggest how I should look and dress. I was to look frightened and sad, have my face chalked and also be supplied with manufactured tears. I kept quiet and carried the whole affair out just as I pleased.
Mama and I borrowed some old duds from Mrs. Lester, and I did not fix up until I was obliged to. I went in and helped Miss Smith and Miss Wheeler dress up, and I took part in the arranging of the "little angels" who were to appear in the first picture—Jacob's Ladder.
[Page 4]
(3)
Then you ought to have seen Mrs. Meeker "make up" the whole crowd. Miss Wheeler looked for once quite attractive, and the boys had on lovely moustaches and rose bud cheeks and fierce dark brows. The children looked very pretty in long white night dresses, and you may as well tell Allie right here that if she wants her hair crimped by magic she must braid it in several strands and iron it with a flat iron which is not too hot.
When "The Culprit" made her appearance in the green room, she caused considerable astonishment. She was just a regular "tough" and was consequently of very interesting among all the lovely beauties around her.
[Page 5]
All the fixing I gave myself was daubs of lamp black on my face and arms, and I didn't look to see what a beauty I was I was afraid I should fall in love with myself. Mr. Griffin came up to compliment me on my "get up," but I told him he was "too fresh" and he couldn't get anything sweet or polite out of the "Culprit" no how.
We had a good number of guests and the affair went off very smoothly every one said.
I am delighted to say that "the Culprit" was a good hit, I was afraid it wouldn't be. Judge McKenna was in the picture with me, also another judge from one of the other houses and we had a jolly time of it.
[Page 6]
(4)
After the tableaux some of the girls danced, and we had some corn starch creamed, also some cake. and then the party broke up.
This afternoon Mr. Griffin and Mr. Fisher went home. The latter has made himself very agreeable and useful and I can't understand why you took such a dislike to him. Mr. Griffin is "something between a goose and a peacock": pretty nice looking, but not very honest. Harry Meeker is very savage looking and ungallant, but he is a splendid boy to have for tableaux. You ought to have seen how patient he stood while the girls made his pigtail wig and tried it on. He took part in four or five of the tableaux and never complained the least bit.
[Page 7]
Papa and Miss Smith have been playing on the piano nearly all this afternoon; and Mama and Mrs. Phillipps have been listening and talking. I like Mrs. Phillipps better than anyone else up here. She is like our own people, and so lady like.
This evening we are to have a "Sacred Recital" given by a professional elocutionist. One piece is called "A Tough Convert" not a very sacred subject but I suppose the speaker will introduce it in a pious manner to suit the occasion.
Supper is ready, so I must close. Love and hugs all round.
From Molly / data-path-to-node="11">
