This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/26/2023
Martha Graham sends a talisman that she wore, of a modern dancer pin made in silver approx 1"x2 inches to one of her dearest friends Aileen Mehle “Suzy Knickerbocker” for all her generosity and friendship over the years. Accompanied with the talisman is the original transmittal letter by Graham.
There is also another letter that was written by Graham and other correspondence by Earl Blackwell and Malcolm Forbes and 3 official invitations, one to a viewing of Jasper Johns artwork, another from the Secretary of State, and one to honor their Majesties the King and Queen of the Hellenes.
The letter sending the silver dancer pin in full: Dear Suzy, I was simply stunned by the generosity of your gesture. 1 had never dreamed you would do such a thing. How can I ever express my deep deep appreciation?
I am sending to you a talisman of sorts: it is something that I have worn and which was given to me many years ago.
I hope in years to come, for my time I know grows very short, you will see it and remember me and recall the gift that you gave to me: the compassionate act of light from one soul to another.
I finally made a breakthrough on the new piece but much remains to be done. I will not really see the complete set which Ron had designed until the rehearsal on the day we open. If you are not easily rattled, and I know you are not, perhaps you would like to come to the dress orchestra rehearsal. It is a curious time in the life of a work, and 1 must warn you I am not always in the best of tempers; mean as a snake a friend used to say. It will be still a work in an act of becoming but should you and a guest wish to come you would be very welcome. Later that evening our new Board President Rick Burke (he used to be Ted Kennedy's chief of staff) will host a party with Halston across the street after the premiere.
Misha has promised to attend if he is back from California in time and since it is such a sudden thing don't know if Kathleen Turner and other friends will attend; but all of our dancers will be there and it will be a family sort of thing.
Ron has told me of your love of potato salad(at the Harley supper) and it is a vice we share. I will see if the chef, at an Italian restaurant can come up with something at an Italian restaurant can come up with something approximating it for both of us, should you be able to attend. There would be tickets for the opening should you care for them, or you could drop by latter, Ron was on the phone with Doris Duke who promised him to drop by. She is such a loyal friend always there when trouble lurks about.
Suzy, please know this is my personal Invitation: you are invited as an individual with your guest. No One will expect anything of you but to hopefully have a lovely evening.
I look forward to seeing you then. But should it not be in your area of possibility please tell me when you would like to attend. I think you might enjoy one of the evenings with the Solos or with Primitive Mysteries. But we shall see.
With Love and Blessings,
Martha
Oct, 8, 1987 P.S. I would be grateful if this letter remains a private one between us.
Aileen Mehle (née Elder, June 10, 1918 – November 11, 2016), known by the pen name Suzy or Suzy Knickerbocker, was an American society columnist, active in journalism for over fifty years. Her column was syndicated to 100 newspapers and read by over 30 million people.
With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA