Others Remember

This page is dedicated to a special group of letters discovered in the storage box titled “Virginia Dances.” It presents a large collection of mostly hand-written personal notes to Ethel or Jerome, still found in almost pristine condition inside the small envelopes that were in fashion for personal stationary in those years. Almost all of them were about seeing Virginia dance and the effect her performances had on those who saw her. Many notable people in the arts as well as New York society had been invited to her New York performances over the years and the reactions of many of them are represented here.

          Since the Edison feature “The Dream Dances of Virginia Myers” starring her at age 5 is no longer in existence, there is really no other accurate way for us to know exactly what kind of magic took place in the theatre when Virginia danced, except in the words of others who had the opportunity to see her. Along with published reviews, articles and essays, these letters in their own special way may also help to fill in the spaces.

          (This page, by the way, is still in the process of being completed. Almost all the handwritten letter text has now been transcribed into a standard format. Handwritten signatures to help identify the individual writers has been a struggle in some cases. Also we are still experimenting with how to best offer linked biographical notes “Who’s Who” to some of these letter writers of a 100 years ago, who you may not know, but a number were quite fascinating. Click on the small book icons close to the name of the certain selected authors to view details. Use standard return arrow in the upper left to go back to where you were. And, of course, at this moment we must also add our great debt to Wikipedia for being such a rich source of research.)


	LETTERS


	“VIRGINIA DANCES”

My dear Mr. Myers,

In a conventional and rather hurried leave-taking the other evening, I could not tell you what a thoroughly interesting and pleasant experience it had been. Miss Luik and I have talked much since of dear little Virginia and her wonderful talent and we shall both see her again on February 10^th. I shall send you the blank by the end of the week ordering the tickets. You are a splendid stage manager, and I shall never forget the first time I enjoyed seeing Virginia in your studio, with special music that you had so thoughtfully arranged and with the opportunity of talking with Virginia and learning to know her a little, as well as Mrs. Myers and yourself.

I feel in one way as if we had seen Virginia at the very height of her career, for her dancing is so perfect now and yet so spontaneous, and she will never be more entirely and full of childlike grace that she is now at seven. It is so wonderful to see such a child carry out by instinct ideas and motives that have been gained with so much thought and effort by other artists.

It was such a pleasure too, to meet Miss Dalrymple and the others, and we have to thank you for an altogether lovely evening, of just the informal kind that I enjoy most.

With best wishes to you all and looking forward to seeing Virginia again on the 10^th.

Your very cordially,

Mary Taber

Lloyd Morris

18 East 60th St., New York

Dear Mrs. Myers --

Before retiring tonight, I feel that I must tell you how very much we all have appreciated the opportunity of seeing Virginia's exquisite art, and how very grateful we are to you and Mr. Myers. The dramatic quality of her art is so evident and so firm in its expression that I feel sure that Virginia, in not so very many years will be unique here in a field that she can call absolutely her own. It will be a great loss to us all if she does not become in time, a very great actress. I cannot tell you well enough what a great privilege it has been to see her.

As ever

Lloyd R. Morris

28 April 1915

My dear Mrs. Myers,

The tickets have just come and I want to tell you again how very much Mr. Middleton and I appreciate the rare privilege you are giving us. We have both dreamed and spoken of the prodigious beauty of Virginia's dancing as it was revealed to us that day at Miss Lewisohn’s.

I have so longed to see her again. The joyous and tragic ecstasy of those beauteous moments she created have held my imagination enthralled. She seems in her baby body to gather up and express in unconscious rhythm the joy and sorrow of all life.

I've wondered often whence she came from and whither she is journeying. Surely she has known things both before and beyond.

Thank you again and again

Faithfully yours,

Fola La Follette

Feb. 10th, 1913
My dear Mrs. Myers:

   I have telephoned Mr. Coburn. He is very much interested indeed to know of Virginia's dance on the 28th. He has a set of blue curtains which he says he will be happy to have you use. Fortunately they are not stored away so that all that would be necessary would be to let him know the morning of the 24th if you want them. Then he would have a man put them up. The expense of this would be very small and the man would know just how to handle them. Of course they would not be delivered or put up until the 28th. He would want to know by the 28th. He would want to know by the 24th in order to arrange for it. He says the curtains are very interesting and in good condition. It seems to be nothing will be so lovely for the dance as this. He has no rug for these but every theatre has a ground cloth which can be stretched at the time it is needed. His experience is that the only safe way is is to go over this ground cloth with a vacuum cleaner on account of Virginia dancing in her bare feet. He says that he always did this when he was arranging the stage for Miss Duncan. Otherwise splinters or particles of glass or something more likely to be left and be both uncomfortable and dangerous.
     I have talked with Mrs. Glackens and she is very enthusiastic and will want a number of tickets for her most intimate friends -- artists and people who would love Virginia and her dancing. I am hoping very much to arrange a box party and will let you know just as soon as I find out what I can do. Of course you know only the people who would be most sympathetic and understanding would be permitted to come. My family physician and his wife - charming peope - have asked me for tickets. Mrs. Untermeyer is at Greystone so I have not as yet been able to see her.
     Let me know as soon as you want me to help plan about the program and I will have it done at our wholesale rates - as cheaply as any good work can be done in the city.
     My heart is full of good wishes for the dance, indeed for all of Virginia's life."

         Affectionately yours,
                                  Mary Fanton Roberts

        The Vogue Company
         Four Forty Three Fourth Avenue
     New York City
        Marie L. Harrison - editor March 7, 1913

My dear Mrs. Myers --

Thank you very much for sending me the tickets. I enjoyed seeing your child dance very much indeed and with your permission intend using some illustrations of her which Mr. du Bois gave me and a short article on her dancing which he is writing for us.

Sincerely yours,

M. L. Harrison

Mrs. Jerome Myers. Studio 914
Carnegie Hall, New York

My dear Mrs. Myers:

Virginia was heavenly yesterday afternoon. She looked so lovely and danced so beautifully, and everything was such a success. The curtains too were very effective.

I have to thank you for myself and your generosity to my friends for the lovely lovely afternoon.

Virginia, as you know always gives us the keenest joy.

I was obliged to leave before the program was quite over on account of a rehearsal, so I shall hope to bring my sister (when she returns) to play for Virginia sometime if I may. It will give her much pleasure. She should be home in about three weeks.

With very many thanks again for the pleasure you gave us

Most sincerely,

Ivah Wills Coburn

My dear Mrs. Myers:

I am still under the spell of Virginia's dancing and I want to thank you again for making an opportunity for me to see her.

It is one of those things that happen just once in a lifetime and I do appreciate your thoughtfulness more than a few words can express.

I still hold my breath when I think of her and I wish words were not so inadequate.

Your exhibit was wonderfully interesting. I wanted to go again but was pressed for time, as a number of unforeseen things happened at the last minute.

I’m so happy to know that Ella has seen for herself, for I tried to tell her, but couldn’t.

I quote her own words so you can know how she felt. “It is our precious things that bring a tear to the eye and a lump in one’s throat.”

I hope you will all be in New York whenever I may come again and that you will let me call on you.

Wishing you all the good things you could possibly wish for your self –

Believe me.

Much appreciation

Sincerely,

Henrietta Turnbull

Dear Mrs. Myers,

I think you may like to know who your (& my) guests are to be tomorrow night! I tried to have people whom I knew would be really interested & who would be nice for Virginia to know. Mr. Sanborn, the musical critic in the “Sloke?”—Van Vechten musical critic in the Times.—Mr. Rob Parker—one of the Editors of “Current Opinion”—Mrs Seward Casy (who is Mr. Arthur Bresdouce's mother-in-law & who loves children.), Mr. Justice Shepfeld, Mr. Lawrence & The Hapwoods are coming. I have asked the Stigletz’s, but haven’t heard from them yet. I telephoned him & he was pleased that you consented. I think it a fine propaganda for life in art.

I hope we won't be too many. I am looking forward with so much pleasure to seeing Virginia again.

Faithfully Yours,

Mabel Dodge

118 East 17^th St. New York

My dear Mrs. Myers:

My dear Mrs. Myers – I can’t let the day close without trying to express to you and Mr. Myers – the great joy this afternoon's performance brought me. I don’t know when anything moved me so deeply than the exquisite unconsciousness and beautiful face of your lovely child. I hope the coming years will bring you the added joys and conscious satisfaction which such a gift must.

Cordial greetings in which Mr. Brenner joins me.

Very sincerely yours,

Ann Reed Brenner

My dear Mrs. Myers:

Thank you very much for the ticket you so kindly sent me. I was glad to have a seat that gave me the chance to see every movement, and watch the changes of expression on Virginia’s face. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed her dancing. It would be easier to express my feelings if they have been stirred less deeply. I expected to be interested and pleased, but found that this little seven year old girl had a wonderful power over her audience.

It seems incredible that we should be so moved by the dancing of a child. I shall never forget it. I know now how the fairies and wood nymphs dance. My best wishes for her future.

May this coming Xmas days bring joy to you all.

Yours very sincerely,

Elizabeth H. Green

226 Union Street, Hackensack New Jersey

December the Fifth, 1913

Dear Virginia, March 6, 1912 (from envelope)

Do you know we only received your picture a few days ago—I don’t know how it happened but we suddenly found it tucked away under some trunks just as though it had always been with us. We will love it dearly and indeed think of you very very often.

I fantasize you are dancing with the snow-flakes today. Well dear Virginia I send you much much love and many thanks for the photo.

…… and I hope we may play together very soon.

Your friend

Alice Lewisohn

Dear Mrs. Myers –

It has just occurred to me that you might possibly think that in asking you to allow that wonderful little daughter to dance for me that I wished to exploit her or vaudeville the dear little lady –

Will you please let me assure you that such is by no means the case .

There is no doubt that she is unique and that she should have a very remarkable career and she ought to have all the help and encouragement that real people can give her –

There are a number of such coming to my dinner (of 20) and I would explain to them why I had begged you to let them see her and I think you would find she had made some life long friends of people whose friendship is accounted worthwhile –

If you were willing, she could dance before the dinner at 7:45 and be in her little bed by 9 and I would promise you that my guests would do nothing to make you regret having her here. I should especially love de Longrieres and d'Needicourt (sic) who are over here for a short time to see her.

She was a revelation to me, but – I realize perfectly all are loving ---by which you, her mother, would be assailed – so I hesitate to urge you

I enjoyed so much meeting both Mr. Myers and yourself and am promising myself a treat in seeing your work at the Folsom Galleries –

Sincerely yours,

Belle da Costa Greene

Dear Mrs. Myers: –

My daughter Fanny is writing you, but I beg to add my little word of appreciation and thanks for the great treat we owe you and your husband.

Your little girl is a genius, of course, and I was thrilled and charmed beyond expression by her exquisite dancing, and almost more so by the fascination of her personality!

Indeed I have never seen anything so wonderful and I shall always feel an interest in your young artiste.

With cordial regards yours sincerely,

James Turner F. Brown

The Martha Washington, 5 Dec. 1913

Dear Mrs. Myers:

We are all so happy we have had such an aesthetic pleasure yesterday afternoon thru the generosity of yourself and Mr. Myers. The girls have requested me to try to express their thanks with my own.

Mrs. W. H. Allen, who occupied the box with Miss Ballard and her friend, and myself, felt as we all did, that Virginia’s dancing is more beautiful than that of any professional we have seen. Believe me.

Yours Sincerely,

Sophia A Walker

My dear Mrs. Myers,

Might I bring Sylvia Parkhurst in to see Virginia tomorrow morning (Sunday)? Sylvia is an artist besides being an ardent suffragette, but she is a very dear child besides everything else –and she has heard of Virginia’s dancing and is very anxious to see her. – I am not quite sure this can be arranged so I have not yet seen Miss Parkhurst and if you have other plans please let me know. I am sure that Mrs. P. would be interested in Mr. Myers’ work. Could the entire family be on exhibition please?

You can please call this evening or tomorrow morning around nine to let me know if this will be satisfactory. But if I do not hear from you I shall know you will be at home during the morning. Not knowing the Parkhursts exact plans I cannot say at just what hour we will arrive.

Affectionately yours,

Mabel Pollen

Dear Mrs. Myers,

What a perfect appreciation of your dear little sprite, that article was which you so kindly sent me! There was no doubt whatever in my mind, that her classic fairy-dancing would bring a tribute from the most grudging critic—still, it was gratifying to read her praises in actual lasting print!

Hoping that the dear child is quite well and happy—and thanking you for sending us the article. I am

Very Cordially Yours

Etta K. Guinzburg

Dear Mrs. Myers,

I am so delighted that Virginia is to dance again. I shall send news to a number of friends who missed the joy of seeing her before.—Indeed I could not bear not to be there, but it does not seem fair for you to send tickets again. I shall be there whether or not. I will see Mr. Wilson if I can. I want to talk to him about it, not a telephone message as before. I want him really to understand all the wonder and beauty your dear dear little daughter is giving to this prosaic old world. I can never repay my debt of joy to her.

Thanks for letting me know about the Pastelist, I want to go very much.

I have wanted so much to see you all at this holiday time, but the loss of my dear mother just after Xmas left me very gray and desolate in the midst of the joyous season.

My love to you and yours and every blessing for the New Year.

Affectionately,

Mary Fanton Roberts

29 East Thirty Seventh Street

My dear Mrs. Myers --

\ I have so many friends who would be interested to see your little girl dance that I asked Mrs. Robinson whether I might ask you for more tickets for the Matinee—I shall quite understand if you do not care to have too many strangers present, but I shall be very glad to take ten more tickets if you care to let me have them.

Sincerely yours,

Lillie Bliss

Jan 24th, 1915

I have invited a few friends, who have never seen Virginia dance and who are very musically inclined.

Will you kindly let me have five tickets and tell me how much my indebtedness will be.

I forget if it is first come, first serve, or if the seats are numbered; it the latter is the case, could you menage to give me centre aisle, anywhere between the 5th and eighth rows.

Should you happen to be in our neighborhood, do drop in and see us.

With kindest greetings I remain

Very Sincerely Yours,

Florence G. Morganstern

P.S. How long will Virginia's dance last

Dear Mr. Myers --

I want to thank you for the great pleasure of yesterday. Your little daughter was true in one of those rare beautiful experiences in which there is no flaw to bring in the bitter suggestion of mortality. The gesture of her soul is so perfect that one cannot analyze it—any more than one can analyze a live line.

With granteful regards to Mrs. Myers and affectionate greetings to Virginia -

Sincerely yours,

Hutchins Hapgood

Wednesday the 9th

Dear Mrs. Myers,

Thank you so much for the clipping about Virginia's dancing. Everything that touches her art or her life fills us with interest. How I wish we could have seen the wonderful dance at Greenwich. New beauty will come to her work so swiftly and surely in each presentation.

We had such a happy time with the "Myers Trio" the evening at the Studio. And we watch for your types everywhere in New York. You have struck a new note in your work, and a most important one.

Our warmest greetings to you three dear people.

Most loving

Mary Fanton Roberts

136 East 19^th St.

My dear Mrs. Myers

I have been delayed ever since Virginia's dance to write and tell you how much I enjoyed it. I especially noticed her hands, the most beautiful use of dance I have ever seen. I have heard from all sides that she has made a giant hit with Society people, but that doesn't make them a wise audience.

Thanking you again and regards to Mr. Myers and Virginia

Yours very sincerely,
(Signature unclear)s

Friday Feb-13-1914

My dear Mrs. Myers --

Thank you so much for giving me such a fine seat for Virginia Dances. I did so enjoy the afternoon!

What a wonderful child she is! The second and 3rd numbers, one Shubert and the other Mendelson, seemed to me absolutely perfect—and how much longer she is able to sustain her ideas this year than last. It was all a real pleasure. I shall have to come and see you before long.

                Very sincerely

                                  Agnes Pelton

142 East 18th St., N.Y. - Jan 15th 1914

My Dear Mrs. Myers --

Thank you very much indeed. I shall be delighted to see your daughter dance on February 10th, and if my husband can go also he will be very much pleased to do so.

I hope you will not forget to write Helen Ten Broeck who does a lot of journalistic work. She told me you were pleased with her notice in the N. Y. Review. Please give her a place near us if you can remember it.

I certainly hope she will have an excellent reception. She is so poetic and artistic.

Sincerely,

Margaret Herford

Dear Mrs. Myers --

Indeed I will try to come with all pleasure—and thank you many times for the invitations. If I do not it will be that I am too rushed with work and am "financing" around myself that night—

My love is that little image of beauty and goodness!

Dear Virginia!

When I see you tomorrow - I might forget to thank you for your lovely photo that I am pleased to get... my best salaams!

your,

Ruth St. Dennis

College Inn, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

My dear Mrs. Myers --

Your cordial letter has just been received and I am happy, indeed, over the prospect of seeing your daughter Virginia dance in the afternoon of December fourth.

I should like two good seats in the orchestra, or the first or second row in the balcony -- which ever you think are the better seats, for I should be sorry to miss anything -- and I shall be happy to bring a friend with me.

If you will retain the seats I will call for them immediately upon my return to New York which will be before the fourth, although I cannot now say what day.

I appreciate your cordial invitation to call at your studio -- and look forward with much pleasure to meeting you.

I find upon looking through my trunk here that I have with me the leaf of the magazine upon which appears Virginia's three pictures and the interesting article of her dancing. I have but one other clipping with me—a short poem by Laurence Binyon which he wrote—his early career as a poet, and was published in Boston a year ago.

Thanking you sincerely for your kindness and cordiality.

I am yours most cordially,

Mary E. Westman


	April 22, 1915 Dear Mrs. Myers: Enclose please find my cheque for eight dollars, for the four tickets to Virginia's dances. With kind regards to yourself and husband, Very truly yours, Edward Robinson Director, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York




	Sherman Square Jan 29 My dear Mrs. Myers -- I am so glad your little daughter is to give us the pleasure of seeing her again. Will you please send me three (3) tickets at $2 each. I am bringing a young friend who is studying to be a professional, different from your daughter who doesn't seem to need study in the same old way. Thanking you Sincerely Miss C. Timkin


	540 West 145th Street, New York Very many thanks dear Mrs. Myers for the seats for Virginia's lovely dances. It was delightful to see her again. Mr. Coburn got in late and did not have a chance to see Mr. Myers, and I was rushed at the end of the program so was disappointed not to speak to you a moment, but I shall hope to meet you soon and thank you again in person. Most sincerely, Ivah Mills Coburn




	535 Park Avenue Dear Mrs. Myers -- Thank you so much for letting us know about Virginia's dancing. I am so glad she is to do it again, so that the friends who did not see her before will have another opportunity. Can you give us our seats in E or J in the centre aisle? I shall probably want other places. Hoping to see you very soon. Sincerely yours, Gladys Cromwell

Dear Mrs. Myers --

We'll be on hand and mighty glad to come.

Leona Dalrymple

P.S. I'm a little afraid Mr. Wilson may lose his nerve. If he does I'll bring a violinist with me.

E.P Dutton & Company,
681 Fifth Ave., NY 4/30/15

My dear Mr. Myers,

Pardon my not acknowleding the receipts of the tickets before this --

Virginia's dancing was a treat, an artistic one -- the whole performance gave me the impression of a beautiful poem, with the sound of music—music for the eye—

Virginia is a wonder—she's blessed in being the daughter of artistic parents who appreciate her wonderful gift—

Thank you both, ever so much

Yours Very Truly,

J. E. Neilaen

(page over)

P.S. Going from the sublime to the lower order of things— does Dutton Co. owe you any money?

101 West Eighty Fifth Street

My dear Mrs. Myers: -

It was a great pleasure to see Virginia dance on Thursday. The dear child has gained a lot since last year—she could not have more grace, but she has more poise and vastly more emotional quality.

That seems such a strange thing to say of a child, but it is true of Virginia, for she has an art that does not belong to age or youth—it is universal.

Wasn't it beautiful to have her so charmingly accompanied. The orchestra was a good one, playing with real taste and discrimination. It gave our little Terpsichore her chance to do herself justice.

Thanking you and Mr. Myers for the privilege we enjoyed.

I am

Very Sincerely,

Julie M. Lippennauer
December 6th, 1913

987 Fifth Avenue

My dear Mrs. Myers --

Enclosed is my check for eight dollar for four orchestra seats.

I am most anxious to see Virginia again. I was down at the Berlin Photographic Studios today and saw some of your work which I think most interesting and clever. Wishing you lots of success.

Sincerely

Alice Lewisohn

Knickerbocker Club

Dear Mrs. Myers:

You were more than kind to send me those tickets.

I enjoyed Virginia's dances immensely. She has a great future.

I don't know when I've been more impressed.

Gratefully and faithfully yours,

Frank Crowninshield

Dec.7th

53 Washington Square Feb 13, 1912

My Dear Virginia,

Please consider this note a Valentine and let it carry to you my deep appreciation of your dancing. I do appreciate you with all my might. I would rather watch you than to watch the moon or the sunset or a rainbow or any other lovely thing I have ever seen.

Please let me know whenever you dance again and have room for me. I want to see you whenever I can. I hope we understand each other. I am terribly easy to understand and I think you are too. That is because we both love beautiful things.

Whatever happens let us both be true. I have become a better man since I met you. That is because Beauty is Good, of course you know.

What a lovely poet Poe is.

Your Devoted Admirer,

Ridgely Torrence

84 Irving Place

Dear Mrs. Myers --

When the tickets are ready for Virginia's dance, please send us four seats in the orchestra - we are so glad she is to do it again.

I will come in before long to see the new fashions, I am sure they are charming.

Lovingly yours,

S. Robinson

Dear Mrs. Myers,

It was so nice of you to send the tickets. I have wanted to see Virginia so much. She is just beautiful and wonderful. I had such a hard tiresome day Wednesday and was afraid I would be too tired to enjoy the evening, but Virginia made me forget all about it, and took me in another world where one never knows about such a thing as tired. I shall very often think of her expressions. Give her my love.

Sincerely,

Nellie West

Women's Press Club of New York City

Mrs. Haryot Holt Dey, President

515 West 122nd Street

New York

Jan 4, 1914

Dear Mrs. Myers,

Thank you for your loving card! So much love from "The Myers Trio" that all sort of good things are bound to be theirs! I enjoyed precious Virginia's afternoon more than I can explain, and thank you both and all for it. I should love to know of the thought she has when she dances. May God Bless you all—the gifted "Myers Trio"

Affy,

Haryot Holt Dey

3100 Broadway
New York

My dear Mr. Myers:

I have a pleasant letter from Mrs. Myers, saying that she will be in on Thursday. If you could join them at the end of the play and come back to the stage, we could have a little chat about Virginia and at the same time give us the pleasure of a glimpse of you all. So very happy that you like our precious "Jacket."

Sincerely,
Ivah Wills Coburn

(Nov. 18, 1916)

375 Park Avenue

My dear Mrs. Myers:

I want to tell you how much I enjoyed seeing your small daughter dance. She is such an exquisite little thing, and with such a remarkable talent for dancing that I am very anxious to know if she has had any training, or education in dancing. I trust you won't think I am too inquisitive -- but it is so seldom that one sees such real grace and balance in a child that I am very much interested to know more of her.

And thank you, very much, for yesterday afternoon's pleasure.

Sincerely,

Ruth Garden Steinway

(Mrs. Theodore E.)

37 Madison Avenue

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Myers,

I am sure that you know what Virginia’s dance meant to Miss McKinney and me, even though, when we tried to tell you, there were not the words in which to speak of a thing so rare and beautiful.

Do you remember that I said that she seemed a pure Greek, of the Golden Age – part of that great first Springtime of the world, and it’s most wonderful period.

I have made a little rhyme, for Virginia, putting into it some of the thoughts that came to me while she was dancing. Will you accept it, with my warm regard, and to Virginia give love and kisses from Miss McKinney and me. We shall try to see you soon after our return from Boston.

Thank you once more, for the delight you gave us!

Yours cordially,

Lena M. Weinstein

III. 29, 1913

To Virginia

O child of the Golden Ages,

Dancing moon beam, shining star,

How did you find the long long road

From Elysian Fields afar?

Did the pipes of Great Pan guide you

When you rose from your happy sleep,

In those dark green groves on the Island’s rim

Where the Fates their vigils keep?

And are you Demeter’s daughter,

A dance with your daffodils,

In the warm, sweet-flowering valley,

To the music of bubbling rills?

Where your clasp to your breast the roses,

The roses that Peccatum Kneed;

When you stand in the temple doorway,

In your veil of moon-light blue;

When the sacred fire flickers

Through the scarlet film you wear;

When the crown of the White Moon Goddess

Glows again in your dusky hair;

O child of the Golden Ages,

Then I know you have come from afar

A spirit from Fields Elysium.

Dancing moon beam, shining star!

Lena M. Weinstein

III .29, 1913