Lillian Russell Autograph for Martha Ford 1890 - Provenance John T. Ford Family For Sale

Lillian Russell Autograph for Martha Ford Gresham1890 Provenance Fords Theatre

4 x 6.75 inches. Provenance from the estate of MarthaFord Gresham – actress and daughter of John T. Ford.

Lillian Russell (1861-1922) was an American actressand singer. She became one of the most famous actresses and singers of the late19th and early 20th centuries, praised for her beauty and style, as well as forher voice and stage presence. Russell was born in Clinton, Iowa, but raised inChicago. “When Helen Louise Leonard was born in Clinton, Iowa in 1861 there wasno reason to suspect she would one day become the most famous woman in theworld, the paragon of the age, the epitome of all that women aspired to be, andthat all men aspired to possess…”

With certificate of provenance from Rare Nest GalleryChicago. Catalog number PMK0006LR

Collector Biography: Martha Ford Gresham (John T.Ford daughter)

1872, Baltimore – 1923, Baltimore

Growing up in her father’s theaters gave Martha Forda rare vantage point and opportunity to rub elbows with the prominenttheatrical figures of the 19th and early 20th century. Evidence of thisproximity is present throughout her sub-collection. Martha’s autograph book,dedicated photographs and a poem composed by Edwin Booth about her as a toddlerdemonstrate convivial relationships with the stars. From her teen years,Martha’s father worked assiduously to develop and promote her career and fromat least 1894 Martha developed a repertory with renowned Shakespearian actorCreston Clarke (nephew of the Booth brothers). Martha received positive reviewsas Ophelia in Hamlet and as Juliet. From 1890, Martha became known for herrecitation of Francis Scott Key’s “Star Spangled Banner”. The national anthemenjoyed an almost fanatical revival during this period, and she was asked torecite at fairs and festivals across the country, including the 1893 World’sColumbian Exposition in Chicago. Also in the 1890’s, possibly at Daly’s Theatrein New York, Martha met Herbert Gresham, a London-born stage manager and actor.After her marriage to Herbert, Martha seems to have retired from the stage toraise her three children.

I am selling several hundred pieces related to JohnT. Ford, Ford’s Theater and Ford’s descendants who were figures in Americantheater from 1840 – 1970. See my store, subscribe and visit category“American Theater History” for much more.