Edith Moore collection
Pen and ink sketch featuring Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd.
Collection area: Performing Arts
Collection dates: 1941-1978 bulk 1941-1954
Small collection of typed correspondence to Edith Moore from Edgar Bergen, a well-known ventriloquist at the time, and Fred Allen, a comedian and showman. It appears that Edith Moore was a fan and wrote often with suggestions, compliments, and gifts. Most Bergen letters are signed by his dummies, Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. These are dated 1941 to 1943 and 1951 to 1954. Also includes printed, signed caricature drawings and signed photographs from Edgar Bergen. Newspaper clippings concern Bergen’s retirement in 1942 and his death in 1978. Letters from Fred Allen, dated 1942 to 1951, thank her for her suggestions and for sending giftsthings. His manager writes to ask here where she gets her canning labels and to tell her about Allen’s retirement. She also wrote a short story and sent it to him.
Edith Naomi Abernathy married Carl. R. Moore in 1920. He was a professor and chair of the Zoology Department at the University of Chicago. They had three children. He died in 1962, and she died in 1988.
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