ENPages
p. 1
January 7 1964
Dear Mr. [Mister] Hurok
Following my re-introduction to. you by George Fowler before the Oistrakhs concert on Saturday evening and again by Max Gershunoff at the Airport the next morning I feel I should write to you myself regarding the subject of my accompanying Marian Anderson as your representative on her 1964-65 farewell tour. There are many reasons why I think I am well qualified for the position of traveling with Marian and I sincerely hope you will take them into consideration.
Ever since the illness and death of the devoted Mr. [Mister] Joffe Marian has had an assortment of your representatives [representatives] touring with her each year a different gentleman and all with the exception of one regular members of your staff. For many years I have accompanied Marian on the West Coast segment of her tour often driving her and her party from one engagement to another writing letters for her and assisting her in any way possible. During those first years I observed how Joffe fulfilled his responsibilities how he watched over Marian took care of her comforts protected her from embarrassing situations looked afte the many physical details of her traveling and in all ways tried to maker easier for her the problems of touring and those connected with meeting the public. Since Joffe has gone and other have taken over I have watched Marian having to deal with many of the obstacles herself and though you well know she never complains she has felt the difference in many ways.
In hoping to undertake the duties left vacant by Joffes passing I feel I have learned a great deal from him regarding the cares and responsibilities of such a position. I think I am as aware as it is possible to be of the many problems and unexpected emergencies that might arise including the sensitivity of knowing when to be close at hand and when Marian would prefer her privacy. Though I ahve been a personal friend of Marian's for many years this situation should not and would not be taken advantage of in any way whatsoever but it should act as a factor toward better understanding and easing of the problems of daily contact. In addition the presence of another female might be more comfortable for her on such an extended tour as this will be.
As to my past experience some years ago I toured with my friend Alexandra Danilova turning myself into her [quote] volunteer [end quote] maid learning much in the process. When
p. 3
2
living in Seattle I was Chairman of the Special Projects Committee of the Women's of the Seattle Symphony and in that capacity originated organized promoted and managed a Concert Series the revenue augmenting Seattle Symphony funds. At that time most of the artists presented in our Series were managed by you and NCAC Toscaninis Farewell Tour Heifetz Rubinstein and Marian being among the attractions which we most successfully sponsored. About twelve years ago I moved from Seattle to Los Angeles and shortly after Max Gershunoff and I were asked by James Doolittle to help him start the Greek Theatre organization. For three years I devoted my energies to that enterprise acting on occassion as stage manager set decorator public relations representative and general coordinator between the management stage crews and visiting artists and attractions. It was largely through my efforts that Mr. [Mister] Doolittle was able to bring the New York City Ballet to the Greek Theatre and to later present Alicia Markova and partner. The reason for the termination of my services there - along with those of Max Gershunoff - is a long story and Max is well able to fill in the details.
Two years ago I toured for almost four months with Dame Judith Anderson and her Company (Medea and Macbeth) acting as chauffeur for the entire 8600 miles and doubling and tripling as Dame Judiths secretary - handling all her personal finances - companion and maid. Much was learned from this experience I assure you.
Last year I became assistant producer to the same two young men who again sent out Dame Judith for the second season and then promoted a six months tour of the play [quote] Here Today [end quote] starring Tallulah Bankhead and Estelle Winwood. I again acted as set decorator and coordinator between the Company and the public going to St. [Saint] Louis for the opening of the tour. After the opening weeks I returned to Los Angeles last March to be with Marian on the West Coast lap of her tour expecting to rejoin the [quote] Here Today [end quote] Company immediately afterwards. Instead the producers kept me in Los Angeles as they had started making plans for the following season and I assisted with auditioning for [quote] Becket [end quote] to star Dana Andrews as well as auditions of other attractions to send on the road. This entire project including the tour of the [quote] Here Today [end quote] Company suddenly collapsed over night [overnight] when the police tried to apprehend the two producers who - unknown to any of the rest of us including Actors Equity - had been passing bad checks over a period of several months! The two gentlemen managed to disappear and the last reports have been that they were seen in Mexico. More experience but a tragic one financially and otherwise.
As a final statement of my qualifications I am
p. 5
3
a seasoned and experienced traveler both in this country and abroad and at one period of my life resided in England for four years. I have no pressing ties at home since both my daughter and son are married and have families of their own so I would be free to remain with Marian for the duration of the Farewell Tour.
In conclusion because of my great admiration and deep affection for Marian her comfort and interests would at all times be my prime concern and I would in all ways strive to be an asset for you and your organization.
Sincerely
Mrs. Eleanor Peters