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GIBSON, CHARLES D.

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GIBSON, CHARLES D.
(1867 - 1944) American illustration artist who created the "Gibson Girl" for Colliers magazine. Later, he bought Life magazine and worked as the magazine's editor until the 1930's. A nice correspondence from Charles D. Gibson and his wife, Irene (the original model for the "Gibson Girl"), to the caretakers of his summer home at 700 Hundred Island, Maine, John and Helen McLeod. The archive totals approximately 120pp. mostly 4to. On personal stationery, and written from Gibson's New York City address between December 1942 until the summer of 1944. Apparently, the Gibsons were very friendly with the McLeods and shared their house on 700 Hundred Island with them throughout the winter months, writing them 57 letters. All but 11 of the letters are from Charles Gibson, and each letter has the original transmittal envelope. Much contents concerns the upkeep of the house, garden, and property, and give some insight into how the effects of WWII have strained the Gibson family and farm. In very small part: "...[Dec. 29, 42]…I see we are all expected to...as much as possible so we don't all have to go to North Africa…[Jan. 13, 43]…We had a letter from Helen saying there was a chance of your having to leave. The country and your duty comes first…What has to be, must be…[Irene writes, Jan. 24, 43]…there is a possibility of John going off. However we understand that perfectly…Youth is superb! And I think as if the war can not last too long…Food is certainly to be rationed and were it not for our delicious eggs - we would be badly off. No cereal and very little butter…[Feb 9, 43]…I am still hoping they can stay…This is war and we are all out to do whatever is necessary to win it. I asked Malcolm to do his best to get someone of a suitable age (beyond the draft age) to take hold…this was won't last forever and we hope to get up there for good and all, when peace comes…[Mar. 1, 43]…It is our hope that both you and Malcolm and his family want to stay on to keep a light in the window…[Irene writes, Mar. 14, 43]…I went to the White House and saw my beloved President and Mrs. President, both gave me a warm greeting…[Oct. 27, 43]…When this war is over we hope to spend most of our time up there…[Nov. 26, 43]…The news is good and what they are doing to Berlin is all right by me…[Jan. 31, 44]…These are troublesome uncertain times and it's a case of getting by as best we can until this war is over. So no complaints out of me…[Apr. 5, 44]…We got here hoping to find George…He is sure of his place on a bomber crew, and may get here before we leave…thus is serious business we are all engaged in…[Apr. 13, 44]…George couldn't get off so we missed him…but this is war…[May 2, 44]…Its uncertain when we will be getting up. While the 'Western front' hangs in the balance its difficult to bring our minds onto anything else…[July 29, 44]…Sorry I made so much trouble yesterday. I am feeling perfectly all right now and intend to take it easier watching my grandchildren…". Apparently Gibson's health started to decline at this point and he died later that year. Included in the group is a mourning card sent by Irene to the McLeods, thanking them for their sympathy at the time of her husband's death. Also included is a booklet from a 1935 art exhibition featuring Gibson's work. A great collection from an iconic twentieth-century artist! Very slight staining, overall very good.