Samuel L. Clemens-Frances N. Winzer Papers, 1907-1910

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Summary

Creators:
Clemens, Samuel Langhorne, 1835-1910.
Abstract:
This collection contains forty pieces of correspondence from American author Samuel Langhorne Clemens (also known as Mark Twain) to teenager Frances Nunnally Wizner (1891-1981), dating from 1907 to 1910.
Extent:
approximately 50 pieces in 1 box
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains forty pieces of correspondence from American author Samuel Langhorne Clemens (also known as Mark Twain) to teenager Frances Nunnally Wizner (1891-1981), dating from 1907 to 1910.

Collection includes several interesting items including: photographs of Samuel Clemens and Frances N. Winzer (HM 48476, HM 48492); manuscript by Clemens entitled "The Aquarium" (FAC 1023); letter of 1908, Dec. 9 where Clemens discusses a John Milton celebration he regrets having declined; he mentions in particular the teasing of William Dean Howells he will miss by not attending the event (HM 48477); letter of 1909, July 15, discusses Clemens' thoughts about his recently-diagnosed heart condition (HM 48486); clippings from Atlanta newspapers about Clemens and Winzer, 1910, Apr. 22 (HM 48491).

Biographical / historical:

In June 1907, American author Samuel Clemens travelled to England to receive an honorary degree from Oxford University. One of his shipmates for the Atlantic crossing was Frances Nunnally (later Wizner) (1891-1981), the daughter of J. H. Nunnally, an Atlanta candy manufacturer. The teenaged school girl and the 71-year-old writer became acquainted and, discovering they were staying in the same London hotel, Clemens escorted the young girl, whom he called Francesca, on visits and social calls. Back in the United States, their friendship continued, and Nunnally became part of Clemens's group of young women, nicknamed the "Angelfish," whom Clemens treated as honorary grandchildren. Two years after the friendship began, Frances asked Clemens to speak at her graduation. He agreed and, in June 1909, left his Redding, Connecticut, home and journeyed to Catonsville, Maryland, to be the commencement speaker at St. Timothy's school for young women. His address included this advice (much quoted in the contemporary press) to the young ladies: "Don't smoke, drink, or marry -- that is, to excess." While in Maryland, Clemens for the first time suffered the chest pains of the heart ailment that would result in his death less than a year later on April 21, 1910, at the age of 74. The affectionate correspondence between Clemens and his young friend continued until shortly before his death.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Frances N. Winzer Estate, May 1982.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in the following 2 series:

  • Series I. Correspondence
  • Series II. Photographs and miscellaneous materials

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

RESTRICTED. Items available with curatorial approval. Requires extended retrieval and delivery time.

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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