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Lot #5273
Marilyn Monroe Autograph Letter Signed

"I'm having a grand time"—Norma Jeane visits her former caretaker in Chicago

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Estimate: $7000+
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Description

"I'm having a grand time"—Norma Jeane visits her former caretaker in Chicago

Early ALS signed “Norma Jeane,” one page on the reverse of a color 5.5 x 3.5 souvenir postcard from Chicago, Illinois, postmarked October 28, 1944. Letter to Catherine Staub, in full: "I will write soon honey, but have been awfully busy. I'm having a grand time. I received 3 letters from Jimmie I was so happy. Will be back soon, I miss you Cathy." Monroe adds "Bud hello" along the top In fine condition, with minor surface loss to the illustrated side.

Discontent with the constant departures of her Merchant Marine husband Jim Dougherty, Norma Jeane decided to embark on her first railroad trip in October 1944. After first visiting her half-sister Berniece in Detroit, Norma Jeane moved on to Chicago to see her previous caretaker and beloved mother figure, Grace Goddard. Although the trip was cut short when Dougherty unexpectedly announced that he would be returning soon to California, the solo journey provided a great boost in confidence for Norma Jeane. Not long after returning home, she was discovered by Army photographer David Conover who arrived at Radioplane to snap morale-boosting pictures of female workers for the First Motion Picture Unit. The attention Norma Jeane received spurred the bubbly redhead to quit her job from the factory in early 1945, and, not long after, sign on with the Blue Book Modeling Agency. An early and significant handwritten letter from the future icon.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Pop Culture
  • Dates: #524 - Ended March 15, 2018





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