Gertrude Lawrence Papers, 1925-1986, bulk 1925-1952

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Series IV: Personal, 1925-1955

The series includes items and documents relating to Gertrude Lawrence's personal life. The first subseries contains two diaries from 1934 and 1945, and the second contains clippings, certificates, receipts, identification cards, and other miscellaneous documents from throughout her life.


Subseries IV.1: Diaries, 1934, 1945

This subseries includes two diaries belonging to Gertrude Lawrence. The first dates from 1934, is bound in floral paper, and is sealed with a lock. It contains twelve dividers separating the pages by month. The second diary dates from 1945 and chronicles Lawrence's time on the USO (United Service Organizations) Pacific Tour. The original composition book has been bound in green fabricoid by Doris Harris, who also created a partial transcription of the diary. The contents of Lawrence's 1945 diary are addressed to her husband, Richard Aldrich. Also included are newspaper clippings, a letter from the National War Finance Committee, a photograph, and a document detailing travel orders for the USO tour.



Box 3 1934 Diary, 1934

Diary covered in plastic, and equipped with a small lock. The lock was opened and disabled in 2021.


Box 3 USO Pacific Tour Diary, 1945

Diary bound in green fabricoid. Includes partial transcription. Newspaper clippings, letters, and photographs wedged at the back of the diary.


Subseries IV.2: Miscellaneous documents, 1925-1955

This subseries contains miscellaneous items pertaining to Lawrence's personal life. Highlights include Lawrence's baptism certificate, Immigrant Identification Card with photograph, X-rays of elbow and knee joints, and a 47-page horoscope by R. H. Naylor from 1931 predicting that Lawrence "will go far in your profession" and "have a musical or artistic genius."



Box 4 Folder 1 Horoscope, 1931

Typed booklet of horoscope reading by R. H. Naylor.


Box 4 Folder 2 Misc. - Personal, 1925-1944

Baptism certificate, immigration card, National Registration Card, and X-Rays.


Box 4 Folder 3 Misc. - Broadsides, Clippings, Receipts, 1932-1955

Receipts, programs, and clippings.