Geraldine Farrar Memorabilia

Collection

Identifier: Midwest-MS-132

Staff Only

Scope and Content of the Collection

A small collection of Farrar items, including eight letters – seven to Pauline Moritz of Evanston, Illinois, documenting their friendship, and one to Moritz’s daughter. Also, two postcard photographs of Farrar, two printed Christmas cards, and two published articles.

Dates

Creation: 1902-1963

Creator

Farrar, Geraldine, 1882-1967 (Person)

Language

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The Geraldine Farrar Memorabilia are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room.

Ownership and Literary Rights

The Geraldine Farrar Memorabilia are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections.

Biography of Geraldine Farrar

Opera singer and film actress.

Geraldine Farrar’s (1882-1967) stage presence earned her a fanatic following of “Gerryflappers” in the early 20th century. She studied voice in Boston, New York, Paris and Berlin, and caused a sensation in Germany with her debut as Marguerite in Gounod’s Faust in 1901. In 1906 Farrar joined the Metropolitan Opera and sang in 29 roles in nearly 500 performances there. She recorded extensively for the Victor Talking Machine Company, and appeared in a number of early Hollywood films.

A true diva, temperamental and fiercely independent, Farrar’s life was the source of considerable scandal, with many love affairs and a very public divorce in 1923. She retired from opera in 1922, though continuing to give recitals and a few radio broadcasts.

Farrar died in 1967, at the age of 85.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (2 folders)

Additional Description

Abstract

Seven letters from Geraldine Farrar to Pauline Moritz of Evanston, Illinois, and one to Moritz’s daughter, 1916-1958. Also, memorabilia related to Farrar: two postcard photographs, two Christmas cards, and two clippings.