An incredible archive of an over fifty year correspondence between Katharine Hepburn and a female fan named Madeline Nueske. Nueske began writing to Hepburn in 1934 and continued well into the 1990's, including approximately half a dozen in person meetings with Hepburn, the first being in 1937. Nueske won second place in a contest sponsored by the New York World Telegram, writing an essay on her favorite film personality. Second prize for the contest was a two week trip to Hollywood and a 75 cash prize. This entire trip is documented in her diary, complete with a news clipping of the prize winners, her winning essay and her notification of her award. Her daily entries begin on her flight out and end when she finally returns home. She writes of going to the set of Bringing Up Baby, meeting Hepburn, sitting on the set with her, being introduced to Cary Grant and being allowed to take snapshots during the filming. Her other daily entries detail all of her tours and visits, including a tour of the set of Robin Hood and Jezebel, and meeting the respective actors and actresses, including Errol Flynn, Claude Raines, Olivia deHavilland, Bette Davis and James Stewart. The second half of her diary is full of candid snapshots of celebrities taken on her trip including: a candid snapshot of Hepburn on the set of Bringing Up Baby, four candids from the set of Robin Hood, including photos of Claude Raines and Olivia deHavilland and snapshots of Frank Morgan, Judy Garland, Clark Gable, James Stewart, Mickey Rooney, Bing Crosby, Don Ameche, Cecil B. deMille and Lucille Ball among others. The principle of the lot consists of fifty two letter from Hepburn to Nueske, plus three letters, received by Nueske, which appear to be written by Hepburn's mother, one each year from 1934-36, all signed 'Katharine Houghton Hepburn.' There are eleven ALS, two signed in full, four signed 'K. H.,' one unsigned and four signed 'K. Hep.' Remainder of the letters are TLS, almost all on her personal letterhead, seven signed in full, one signed 'Kate,' two signed 'Katharine,' three signed 'K. H.,' and twenty eight signed 'K. Hep,' with remained signed with various portions of first and last names. Most of Hepburn's letters are accompanied by Nueske's correspondence. Their correspondence spans from the late 1940's up to 1994. While detailing all the letters in limited space would be impossible. The following are excerpts from several letters from the group. A TLS from Hepburn from February 1950 sends thanks for a gift. 'I don't know what happened to my brain last night as I drifted away without a word of thanks...I always enjoy knowing that you are out front watching the play.' Later that same year Hepburn writes in a TLS 'It is nice to be admired by someone who is competent in so many delightful ways, rather than someone who turns out to be a complete idiot, which is my usual fate.' Again that same year, Hepburn sends a short ALS from the road, including a typed schedule of her tour stops for As You Like It, thanking Nueske for attending a show in Philadelphia.In 1951 Hepburn sends a short note after the death of her mother, 'Thank you for your sweet letter.' Accompanied by two clipped obituaries on her mothers passing.In 1970, Nueske writes to Hepburn, thanking her for helping her make her the woman she is today. Hepburn replies, in part, 'I think I really sort of knew it anyway. But you must know that underneath all the exteriors - you have a fine clear eye - straight and true - commonly known as character - and I like to think that underneath my exteriors - I too have a clear eye - and common sense.' In January of 1979, Nueske writes to Hepburn stating 'That if something unexpected happens to me, all my treasured possessions from you be returned to you...Have you a personal library, theatrical museum, etc., to which you are giving your personal papers? Or should they just be burned? I wouldn't want any of these treasures mishandled.' Hepburn replies in a TLS, 'Don't worry about 'things' What are treasures to you may be nothing to someone else - you endow them with value.' At the end of 1979, Nueske writes of seeing an article in the Enquirer regarding Hepburn's health and asks for an update on her condition. Hepburn replies with a TLS, writing 'Where they got all that I have no idea - All bunk - I'm fine.' In December 1981, Nueske prepares to see Hepburn on stage and hopes for a meeting, no matter how brief. Hepburn replies in a TLS, 'Come backstage immediately after the matinee...You can ride across town with me. I cannot wait in the dressing room between shows as I have no time. Then my driver can take you where you want to go.' In February 1983, Nueske writes to Hepburn after Hepburn's auto accident and asks of her condition. Hepburn replies with three line typed statement and finishes with a hand written injury update, signed 'Your stupid friend, Kate.' She writes 'Get rid of wires day after tomorrow. Phyllis had wrist and elbow - R and L broken - and neck vertebrae chipped (so neck brace) 2 cracked ribs - now rid of everything. Will both be fine.' In the summer of 1986, Hepburn sends a short letter after the death of her sister Marion 'Sad - Many thanks for thoughts.' One of Hepburn's last letters, postmarked December 27, 1993 simply reads, 'Dear Madeline, You have been such a nice addition to my life. Thanks, Kate Hep.' In fine overall condition, with expected letter folds, some light toning to a couple of letters and some loose pages and photos to diary. This fifty year collection provides a rare insight into the personal life of Hepburn and her affect on one woman and her life. Possibilities of development of this collection into something bigger exist and further research would provide even more insight. Private in person viewing of this collection may be made by appointment at the R and R offices in Bedford, NH.
