Abstract This collection consists of correspondence between Elfrida “Elfy” Stoeger-Joseph, her former husband Rudolph “Rudy” Joseph, and Thornton Wilder, 1945-2011. The correspondence of this collection ranges from about 1945 to 1974, which also corresponds to the years of Elfy and Rudy's marriage. Topics discussed in the letters include opera, writing, film, and every day matters. The letters provide a small glimpse of the lives of Elfrida, Rudolph, and Wilder. Thornton Wilder was an American writer...

Scope and Contents Letter written by Thornton Wilder to Elfy Stoeger. It appears that at the time that this letter was written, Wilder was not aware that she had been married the day before and moved to Los Angeles. Wilder mentioned his hearing continued to deteriorate after they had lunch together. Wilder says that he wasn’t writing to her just to thank her for her letter, but also to encourage her to pursue singing. Wilder tells Elfy that she has the talent, beauty, and grace to sing the works of Mozart and...

Scope and Contents

Short letter written by Thornton Wilder, addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Joseph. During the time that this letter was sent, Wilder was in Miami Beach on military duty and was able to send his letter free of cost. In addition, the war had just ended in the Pacific theater earlier that month. Wilder informs his friends that the news of their marriage made him very happy. He wishes them the best and congratulates the couple.

Scope and Contents

Letter written by Thornton Wilder, addressed to Mrs. Rudolph Joseph Wilder writes that he was very happy to hear that Mrs. Rudolph was dedicating herself to music. He gives her advice and says that the best thing one can do is to be disciplined, love, and be creative. Wilder ends the letter by informing Mrs. Rudolph Joseph that he will be in the Carolina mountains to finish Alcestiad.

Scope and Contents

Letter written by Thornton Wilder addressed to Rudolph Joseph, Elfy’s husband. Wilder often called Rudolph Joseph “Mochven” which means “little seagull” in German. Wilder mentions Elfy’s charming letters and jokingly says he should become a singer himself. Wilder mentions that he has a British film offer, as well as 3 American ones. He says he is almost at a point of accepting a film offer and visiting Los Angeles.

Scope and Contents

Letter written by Thornton Wilder addressed to Rudolph Joseph, Elfy’s husband. Wilder writes to inform Rudolph, or “Mochven” as Wilder calls him, that a certain matter is in suspension due to pending negotiations with London bidders. He mentions that his latest interest is Existential Philosophy and Jean Paul Satre. Wilder concludes his letter by asking Rudolph whether he is an “existialiste” and sends his best regards.

Scope and Contents Letter written by Thornton Wilder, addressed to Rudolph Joseph, Elfy’s husband. Wilder greets Rudolph and says he is pleased that he has been enjoying Cabala. He tells Rudolph he has an obsession with creating film adaptations based on works of literature. Wilder informs him that his translator Herbert Heilischtra is trying to interest him in a publishing company Albatross, which will publish German books in London. Lastly, he mentions that he has heard no news of Gnadige Frau and jokes...

Scope and Contents

Thank you letter addressed to Mr. Rudolph Joseph The writer of the letter thanks Rudolph and his wife for the Piaf records. The writer states that he has heard of them but has never listened to them.

Scope and Contents

Letter written by Thornton Wilder, addressed to Rudolph Joseph and Elfy Joseph. Item is a brief letter from Wilder in which he answers Rudolph and Elfy’s questions. He offers them both a reading recommendation titled Fear and Trembling The Concept of Dread. In addition, he mentions that Dr. V. Frisch of Graz gave a great lecture on how bees communicate with each other.

Scope and Contents Letter written by Thornton Wilder, addressed to Rudolph Joseph, Elfy’s husband. Wilder starts off his letter by apologizing for not being able to write much, he states he received a large stack of mail while he was in Europe. He mentions that his new play is about halfway done. Wilder writes that he has had ongoing contact with Vittorio de Sica and would love to collaborate with him. He tells Rudolph that charming and beautiful Elfy ought to be singing for them. Wilder concluded the letter...