This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/26/2023
GEORGE, Grover. TLS to Thurston’s Long Time Assistant George White. Dated March 7, 1937 and typed on George’s elaborate two-color stationery, he writes in full: “I want to again express my thanks for your help at the Herckher [sic] theatre and also let you know that I have not forgotten our conversation with regard to future possibilities. After reading the criticism of this show in the Variety, one wonders if there could be a successful magic act. My plans are at present to arrange a small company and the route may take us north and into Canada for the summer. Now if you are interested in this kindly write me at your leisure just how much you would expect as a salary. We will carry eight or ten illusions. Your correspondence will be confidential.” Boldly SIGNED in ink “Grover G. George.” With the original mailing cover (well worn), the letter in very good condition. RARE. This letter is as ironic as it is historically significant, as George was, for all intents and purposes, sued into oblivion by George White’s longtime employer, the illusionist Howard Thurston. And yet this message, written less than one year after Thurston’s death, shows not only that White assisted George on-stage, but that he was considering a longer-term contract with his former boss’s rival. In the end, White went to work for Dante, who was Thurston’s unofficial successor.