Posted 7 years ago
vintagelamp
(1101 items)
I purchased this letter from a special friend who was a special friend of Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale, first cousin to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onnasis. I fell in love with "Little Edie" whenever I first saw the "Grey Gardens" documentary. I also loved the movie by the same name. I sincerely thank my friend for allowing me to own this special letter that Edie sent to him in May of 1986.
Edie's unique handwriting is difficult to read, but here are some of the highlights:
Edie writes that she liked Caroline Kennedy when she visited Grey Gardens in 1972. She didn't think she would be invited to Caroline's wedding because Jackie (Kennedy Onassis) stopped speaking to her when she (Edie) moved to Florida and did not tell Jackie or her secretary Nancy Tuckerman. Edie was angry at Jackie for never thanking her for a "darling little present" she sent Jackie for Christmas (1984), even though she mentioned the Christmas gift several times in letters to Jackie.
Edie also mentions losing a small book (in a robbery) by Rabindranath Tagore that belonged to her mother, Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale.
Edie adds at the end of her letter : "People are completely negative. Christianity has broken down in the Western Hemisphere. They have more or less junked it. Too bad--Religious Faith greatly needed. We sure are in great trouble."
Amen, Edie! May you rest in peace...
From the Internet:
Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale (November 7, 1917 – January 14, 2002) was an American socialite, fashion model and cabaret performer. She was a first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill. She is most known for her participation, along with her mother, with whom she lived, in the 1975 documentary film Grey Gardens by Albert and David Maysles.
Cripes, I could only read a few words. It's a really great piece of ephemera to own.
Gillian, Yes, very difficult to read until you get used to her writing. Thank you for the comment!
A truly wonderful piece to have. I took a few minutes and was able to read most of it. But you are right, takes a bit to get used to her writing.
Really nice unique piece!
Karenoke, Thank you so much! Also, thank you for taking the time to read the letter. It gets easier as you get used to the writing. She was unique in every way.
Vintagelamp: Makes me wonder if she ever spellchecked her letters. I will be honest, it would give me a headache to attempt to read it. Guess I just lack proper appreciation of the rare letter, just because of the handwriting. It's still an uncommon piece of history and you are fortunate to have it.
Padit, Thank you for the comment. I summarized the highlights. It is the most difficult writing to understand but I love the letter!
valentino, Thank you so much! I wish that I could have met them.