Description:
Jean Stapleton was born Jeanne Murray on January 19, 1923, in New York City. She is an incredibly talented American actress of stage, television and film and best known for her portrayal of Edith Bunker, the devoted wife of Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) on the popular and envelope-pushing "All in the Family." Her awards for her role include three Emmys and two Golden Globes. Ms. Stapleton also played in the sequel Archie Bunker's Place, which lasted only one season. In 1982, she portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt in the television production of the First Lady's later life. In 1998, Ms. Stapleton took her "Eleanor" characterization to live theaters as a one-woman show.
Ms. Stapleton has been featured on Broadway in several hit musicals, such as Damn Yankees, Funny Girl, Bells are Ringing and Juno. She has also acted in made for TV movies and feature films, such as Klute, Cold Turkey and many others.
She was married to William H. Putch, with whom she had two children. Her husband directed a summer stock theater, Totem Pole Playhouse, at Calendonia State Park in Pennsylvania for 30 years.
Offered here is an archive of an autograph letter signed, two typed letters signed each connected to the famous Charlotte Cushman Club of Philadelphia, which catered to actresses and a typed three-page description by Ms. Stapleton titled "In Praise of the Charlotte Cushman Club, Philadelphia," dated February 14, 1951.
The Cushman Club was a social club for traveling actresses. Here is what Ms. Stapleton wrote of the club, in part, "When you play in Philadelphia don't miss the Charlotte Cushman Club. The cherry, red door at 1216 Locust Street will open to you every afternoon. Inside, Miss Eleanor Westcott, a quiet, hospitable young lady who knows more threatre history than a dozen erudite actors will welcome you into the cozy parlor after you have lingered in the hallway with your favorite actors and actresses, past and present, whose pictures line the walls.
"...There are more photographs in the back room, an attractive sitting room warmed by a homey fireplace and recently brightened with red draperies and crisp curtains. On proud display in this room is one of Joseph Jefferson's oil paintings, a lovely English pastoral scene which he must have painted soon after the smash opening in London of Dion Boucicault's 'Rip Van Winkle...Miss Westcott will offer you tea with rum and lemon or just tea and an eye-catching trayful of cheese and crackers, cookies, and cakes.
"If you want to talk Miss Westcott will listen like a saint or if your mood is anti-social she may lead you to the brand new tape recorder which sits on the top of the elegant AM-FM-radio-phonograph. You can operate this voice mirror to your heart's content, singing, acting, imitating, or what you will. There are volumes of Shakespeare nearby and the fascinations of recording scenes and soliloquies is irresistible..." There's much more to this eloquent description.
Each of the three letters relates to The Cushman Club and comes with the original envelopes.
Autograph letter signed, three pages, 9 ½" x 6" dated February 8, 1951, on Hotel Senator of Philadelphia stationary to the Board of Directors of the Charlotte Cushman Club, attention Miss Eleanor Westcott. In part "...The seven members of our cast who were privileged to be your guests at the Club last Sunday evening to hear the broadcast of 'Come Back Little Sheba' have delegated me to express to you our collective thanks for a delightful evening.
"Your spontaneous, generous organization of the wonderful supper party before the broadcast not only satisfied our hunger deliciously but it filled our desire to hear together this important broadcast of the play...
"All of us in the cast appreciate the new tape recorder so much. It is an invaluable addition to the numerous accommodations of the Club. Three of us are greatly indebted to you for the opportunity to vocalize consistently these two weeks. We are ambitious aspirants to singing roles in the musical comedy field and the chance to practice privately and uninterruptedly every day is truly a boon.
"I can only express our gratitude for the Cushman Club this way - If only there was one in every city! Sincerely, Jean Stapleton of 'Come Back, Little Sheba' Walnut St. Theatre."
One page typed letter signed, 8 ½" x 11", dated May 11, 1951, to Eleanor Westcott. In part "...Tsk, Tsk! What will you think of me. Such a long time has elapsed since I received your two wonderful letters, both of which I cherish. I am thrilled as you about the success of the article and its timeliness. I am delighted that it has served such a good purpose and amazed at the ladies lack of appreciation of your wonderful service in your job. Our Hattie is a great card and is apt to put her food in it wherever she may be. If I were establishing a USO or any such institution where grace and intelligence and kindness & diligence and tact and a dozen other good qualities were required I would think of you immediately for the job of hostess...
"Several of my friends are involved in Susan Peters' show--Ken Buckridge, the director, as well as Helen Rae and Lillian. Marc Roberts and I were in a hospital show together once, too. Regards to all.
"Am so happy about the television set. I have been busy appearing in a showcase production uptown, a Theatre Wing hospital show and now a children's play that we will do in Connecticut the end of May. It is the story of the goose that laid the golden egg and full of laughs. All of this has been very interesting--not remunerative! But rewarding in other ways. Now the summer is 'icumen in' and the schedule of straw hat jobs will no doubt unfold soon..."
One page typed letter signed, 9 ½" x 6" no date but Wednesday Night to Eleanor Westcott. In part "Right after your call I talked to Florida Friebus, Associate Editor of the Magazine. She said it had gone to press but that in her conversation with Helen Rea she could have easily given the wrong impression. She told Helen about me and about the article and in the next breath recalled to Helen the days when she lived at the Cushman Club. So Helen lumped the whole conversation together, hence her remark to Lillian. I'm sure the article will not be misunderstood although a statement clarifying the Club's non-residential status would have been wise.
"However, I think only hasty readers would misunderstand and should you get any calls all to the good as my mother points out as you can inform them of the virtues of the Club...
Lots of love and thanks for missing me. I am going to New Haven next Monday night to see the premiere of 'A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.' Incidentally, two weeks ago, Shirley Booth lost her sweet husband, heart attack. She is bearing up like a strong trouper. Love Jean."
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