OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
October 2nd.'58. 
Dear Mrs [Marie] Hatfield:-
Thanks your welcome letter, Sept.29th.
Enjoyed hearing from you again & to know alls well & happy. Yes, my mouth trouble has all cleared up & am much better in that dept. but I still visit the Dr. occasionally to have it checked, just in case.
Note you have been playing the Barbeque circuit this summer, am sure you have had some wonderful meals - Mrs L quite envies you, thats her favourite dish - thats the only thing she misses of our house, no charcoal brazier can be used in this apt.. We did have one in Malibu, due to having a big wide open fireplace, she did most of the cooking in that & no oder on account of the chimney.
Glad to know bob is feeling Ok & your Mother is improving. What could be fairer or squarer than that?!!
Am expecting some friends to visit me this afternoon, they are great Fans or L&H, they are here for a few days from Syracuse, N.Y. one of them is the chief engineer for the 'Delco' manufacturing Co. back there, they make Auto accessories etc. you've probably heard of their products. Mr Kobus, has quite a collection of L&H films & has built a little theatre to run them in, in the basement of his home, I understand he has about 50 of our old films. He is bringing his movie camera to make some film of me. I only know him through correspondence, so am looking forward to meeting him in person.
We've been corresponding for over two years now, & have created a very nice friendship - I was mistaken that he comes from Syracuse, its Rochester where the 'Delco' plant is, he lives quite close there in a little Town called Webster.N.Y.
Think thats all for now, I must get ready to start my Home Movie career, I'll feel pretty strange being in front of the camera again.
Mrs L. joins in Regards & best.
Sincerely always:-
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.7th.'58.
Dear Chester Fry:-
Thank you for your nice letter & news article, it was certainly interesting.
I appreciated very much your kind thought & sentiments regarding my dear late Partner & myself, it was indeed gracious of you.
With pleasure I am enclosing you a little picture of L&H, & thank you for the request.
My kind regards & best wishes always:
very sincerely:
Stan Laurel.
SPECIALTY POSTCARD - TYPEWRITTEN
OCTOBER 22nd. 1958.!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIE & MANY HAPPY RETURNS. MRS L. JOINS IN WISHING YOU CONTINUED GOOD HEALTH & HAPPINESS.
THIS IS YOUR DAY, SO HAVE A REAL GOOD CELEBRATION & MAKE MERRY.
GOOD LUCK & GOD BLESS.
SINCERELY ALWAYS.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.25th.'58.
Dear Wayne [Murray]:
Thanks for the picture card of Calico Ghost town, certainly interesting, I imagine it will [be] quite a tourist sight when the Knott's Berry people get through with the re-construction of it, I guess they will add more attractions to it like they did on their Farm project - have never heard of this place before, is it near you?
You should try 7 get a job on the restoration, maybe you could come across a new vein of Silver - that would be something.!!
Glad your feeling OK again & alls well & happy. Eda joins in love & best to Betty & self & good luck on your new home.
Hope to see you one of these days.
Bye & God Bless.
As ever:-
Stan Laurel.
| When he was a young man, Walter Knott worked the mines in Calico, an experience that stayed with him all his life. Some 40 years later he went back—and bought the town. Some of the buildings he moved to Buena Park, California, as an attraction to bring people in to his wife's chicken restaurant. These buildings eventually became the center of one of the most famous tourist theme parks in the world, Knott's Berry Farm. The buildings he left behind in Calico, however, became just as important, to him and the world. He restored the town and created a place where travelers can step back in time to experience the gold rush days, and learn how people lived during this exciting time. —Editor |
CALICO GHOST TOWN POSTCARD - CIRCA 1958
| "CALICO GHOST TOWN—Nine miles East of Barstow, California, off Highway 91. A general view of the largest silver producing camp in Southern California (1881-1895). Population 1890-3,500. (This is a restoration project of San Bernardino County Parks Dept.)" |
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.29th.'58.
Dear Betty [Healy]:
Thanks yours,24th.inst.
I sure got a big kick about the kids signing their names in blood to become members of the L&H club, wonder what on earth gave them this idea - I understand this is a Russian custom, especially among the TARTARS (Males) a couple of guys on a drinking spree will become great friends & to prove it to each other, they cut each others wrist with a dagger & both suck the blood, this they consider, makes them life long blood Brothers.
I wonder what happens when they sober up & take a real good look at one another - they probably cut their throats.!!
Appreciate very much the sweet thought of you & Wayne inviting Eda & I to visit your new home as guests for a week. We would really enjoy it, especially a barbeque party for the Club kids - it will depend on my health condition Betty & whether the Dr. will permit such a trip when the time comes. Anyway, I deeply value your gracious gesture, & thanks again to you both.
Note your bedroom will be done in Blue & white, that will be very attractive, blue is my favorite color - do you have your choice of color for the other rooms? Seems to me you should have that privilege, do'nt see what difference it would make to the decorator, after all, it should'nt cost any more, no matter what color is used, the same amount is put on.
I can understand how anxious you are to get the building started - hope by now its underway.
Its quite cold here, & we are having some rain for a change. Eda joins in love & best to you both - will enjoy hearing how the house is progressing.
Bye for now & God Bless,
As ever:
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Oct.29th.'58.
Dear Mrs [Marie] Hatfield:
Thanks yours, 26th.inst.
Pleased to know you had a happy time on your Birthday & celebrated at 'Dinah's' with your favourite chicken feast - your description of the place sounds very tempting.
The card I sent you was'nt very elaborate, I came across it in my desk, had intended to send you a nicer one, but had completely forgotten to get one the last time I was out shopping. so decided this would be better than nothing. Anyway just wanted you to know we remembered.
[It] was'nt Mr Kobus that was coming out to see me, but another gentleman that works with him at the office of the Delco Co. a Mr Millet. I just had a letter from Mr Kobus, he had'nt seen the film yet so he was waiting for it to be enlarged from 8mm to 16mm so it would fit his machine, & said he would send me a copy of it to run on my projector here - I have a Bell & Howell sound outfit, given to me on "This Is your Life" show, so am looking forward to seeing how it turned out - it may be a shock to me to see how I look now & especially Sans make-up.! will let you know later what I think of it.
Weather here is quite hot again, 84. right now, a sudden change, it was very cold for a few days & had some rain too.
Mrs L. joins in regards & best to Bob, self & Mother.
Bye & God Bless.
Sincerely always:
Stan Laurel.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
October 31st.'58.
Dear Betty [Healy] & Wayne [Murray]:
Many thanks your letter, 29th.inst. also the brochure & pamphlets on CALICO.
It certainly is an interesting place - quite a history, it should be very attractive to the tourists, I enjoyed reading about it, especially your information re 'Calico Fred' embezzeling the Hundred Grand, that really gives the place a flavour of the 'WEST', just like the old movie plots.
I imagine there is still a lot of Silver to be found there, but probably not enough to open up a big mining project again. This Fred, resembles 'Buffalo Bill' a great deal does'nt he? He was lucky that Knott did'nt press charges against him. I sure got a kick out of the horse stealing episode, I do'nt blame you Wayne for getting 'shooting' mad. Anyway am glad the horse was'nt stolen & you found it in good condition. Next time you'd better take it in the beer joint with you & tie it up at the bar & order two glasses of hay or a bucket of grain.!! I can imagine how you felt, having to walk home through the back trails with a heavy load on.! what a predicament to be in. I guess you'd like to find the guy who caused all this, it sure was a lousey joke.
It was'nt funny for you either Betty, having to search for 'Buster', you must have been plenty mad too, walking all that distance for no reason at all, plus losing a night's sleep over it, it sure was a dirty trick.
Thanks again for the brochure etc. much appreciated.
Eda joins in love & best.
As ever:-
CALICO GHOST TOWN BROCHURE - CIRCA 1958
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
November 12th.'58.
Dear Lillie Wray:
Thank you for your interesting letter of Oct.26th. with enclosure of your 'returned' letter from the Postal Dept.
It is certainly strange that your first letter was'nt delivered to me, especially that I recd. the paper which bore the same address: Hollywood.Calif. I really can't understand it, as I get many letters from all over the World in the same manner - probably some postal employee did'nt bother to check my proper address & just marked it unknown to save himself the trouble.
The paper evidently contained your name & address on the wrapper, or inside, otherwise I would have never known who sent it & would have been unable to acknowledge it - anyway am glad the matter is cleared up.
Interesting to hear that Marsden has now developed into a Town, they are certainly making great progress in modernizing 'Canny Aad Shields', I can imagine the changes that have been made since I last visited there - even to a new 'Wooden Dolly' in Northumberland Square.
I remember staying at the Grand Hotel in Tynemouth in '52. we spent a miserable two weeks there, the place was so dilapidated & run down & most uncomfortable - was happy to leave the place. I would'nt have stayed there one night if we could have found other accommodations, we expected to stay at the Railway Hotel in Newcastle, but unable to get reservations.
I was terribly sorry to know the sad news of your Mother & your husband - my belated deep sympathy.
Thanks again for your nice letter Lillie, am glad you found my proper address - hope I shall have the pleasure of hearing from you again sometime.
Its a bit early yet, but I take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year, lots of good health & happiness always.
Take care of yourself 'Hinney'
SIncerely always:
Stan Laurel.
PS. Enclosed some stamps for your friend.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
November 18th.'58.
Dear Lee:
Thanks your letter, glad to know you enjoyed your visit, it was nice to see you again.
Note you couldn't find the article of the interview, so am enclosing a copy of it, that Mr Rick DuBrow sent me, (the Correspondent you met.)
Yes it was sad about Tyrone Power - so young too, I was very sorry to hear of it. Strange to say, his father died the same way during the making of a film.
I really do'nt know who's idea it was to make a film on the career of L&H, I read rumours of it in the papers several times, but nothing materialized as far as I know.
Yes, I've been to Grauman's Chinese theatre many times, Babe & I also appeared in an act on the stage there one night, the reason we did'nt sign our names in cement was, we were never asked - (they probably saw our act.!!)
We wore many hats during our career, the same style of course, they were specially made for us, so they would always look the same, the Hatter made a special mould for them.
All for now Lee. Take care of yourself.
Good luck.
As ever:
Stan Laurel.
| Tyrone Power, an American film actor who appeared in dozens of films from the 1930s to the 1950s including "The Mark of Zorro," died on November 15, 1958, three days before Stan wrote this letter. —Editor |
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
November 20th.'58.
My Dear Ed [Patterson]:
Thanks yours 14th.inst.
Sorry long delay in writing you, but the fact is, I too have been very ill for several months - I had a malignant infection in my lower jaw & had to have Ex-ray treatments 4 times a week, it was very serious, if the treatment had failed I would have had to be operated on, & one side of my jaw removed - you can imagine how worried I was & certainly was'nt in the mood to correspond with anyone. I trust you will fully understand the reason of my silence.
However am happy to say the treatments proved successful, & the dreaded infection finally disappeared, Thank God, but believe me I went through hell with the pain of it, it really panicked me.
Sorry to hear you had bad weather this year, the climate has sure changed in the last few years, its the same all over the World I guess. I know California is not the same as I first remembered it, its hard to believe.
Yes, this dust 'Fallout' from the bomb business is really a serious matter - certainly dangerous to everybody, am afraid its going to cause a lot of ill health as time goes on - a terrible thing.
I read about the Command show at the Coliseum, was glad to know it was so successful financially - that was wonderful to take in $24,000.
Not much tell you Ed, so will close.
Mrs L. joins in kindest regards & every good wish for a Merry Xmas & a happy New Year. Take care of yourself.
Bye & God Bless.
As ever:
| On November 7 , 1957, the "Gaither Report"—an official U.S. government evaluation of the measures in place to protect the civilian populations in case of nuclear attack and its aftermath—called for more American fallout shelters. —Editor |
NO LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
Nov.25th.'58.
Dear Mrs [Marie] Hatfield:
Many thanks for the nice card.
Appreciated very much your sweet thought & kind remembrance.
We too wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, but go easy on the Turkey dept., remember, its good 'Cold' too.
Have a nice time,
Good luck & God Bless.
Sincerely:
Stan Laurel.
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
December 5th.'58.
Dear Buck (Earl Manbeck]:
Thanks yours 1st.inst.
Enjoyed hearing from you again - often think of you - wonder how you are doing with the theatre.
Am certainly pleased to know that bus. has improved & you're holding your own - I guess the exhibitor has rough going these days due the lack of good box office product, it must be a great problem.
Glad to know the "Golden Age of Comedy" did so well for you, its amazing - just a few reels of old 'clips' thrown together, it goes to show you, the fabulous cost of the films they are producing today are not of interest to the public. I do'nt think they care how much they cost, the fantastic expenditure does'nt guarantee popular entertainment - there are exceptions of course, but the majority of stories & plots are not worthy of the money spent on them, & consequently have little appeal to the general public - I feel the producers are making a great mistake in trying to make every picture a spectacular, am sure the public would prefer simplicity & down to earth fare. It would too cost less to see them, better for all concerned. This is of course my humble opinion of the situation. I also feel the films are too long in length & can become boring, especially if the story is weak & uninteresting.
Note E.W. Hammons is considering producing some comedy shorts again - am afraid thats a 'lost art' & will be pretty difficult to revive - anyway it will be interesting to see the results.
Mrs L. & I are both feeling pretty good, & she joins in wishing you & the Family a very Merry Xmas & a Happy & Prosperous New Year, lots of good health & happiness in '59.
Bye buck. Good luck & God Bless.
Sincerely always:
Stan Laurel.
| Produced by Robert Youngson, "The Golden Age Of Comedy" (1957) was a compilation film featuring scenes from some of the best-known comics of the silent era including Laurel & Hardy, Ben Turpin and Harry Langdon. Youngson followed up this success with "When Comedy Was King" (1960), "Days of Thrills and Laughter" (1961), "Laurel and Hardy's Laughing 20's" (1965) and "4 Clowns" (1970). | E.W. Hammons was the vice president and general manager of Educational Pictures, a studio that produced slapstick comedies in the '20s and '30s starring Lloyd Hamilton, Harry Langdon and Buster Keaton, among others. —Editor |
STAN LAUREL LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
December 8th.'58.
Dear Betty [Healy] & Wayne [Murray]:
Thanks yours, 3rd,inst.
Am terribly sorry to hear about your great disappointment re the mix up of the building deal - I know how much you had looked forward to the new home & all the plans you had made for the construction, it must have been very upsetting for you.
Anyway, it looks like the Thompson outfit have been the cause for all this trouble by not paying off the loan as they had agreed to assume - did'nt you have this stipulated in the contract with them - it seems to me they would be liabel if they had signed to that effect & should be responsible for it.
You just can't trust people these days - thats why I suggested that you file a completion bond when the deal was first set up, so that you would have had protection against these happenings.
I think you are wise in deciding to call it all off & fix up your old place instead, am sure you'll be much happier not being under obligations & be under pressure to make monthly payments for the next 20 years, plus a high rate of interest. Your place is practically clear now so you have nothing to worry about - why burden yourselves with a lot of debt, am sure with the improvements you are going to add to the house will make a great difference in effect & comfort, especially the content of knowing its all paid for & belongs to you.
Frankly, I think you were very fortunate that the deal did'nt materialize for a new house, it might have brought you a lot of grief.
Yes, that Chicago school fire was a shocking thing, terrible for those families who lost their children - what a tragedy.
The Malibu fire was pretty bad too, I understand around 40 big homes were destroyed - the fire spread across the Coast highway in the direction of the place where we used to live - sure glad we were out of there.
Hope by now you are over your disappointment & do'nt feel so bad about it. I think you are lucky to have escaped being involved, it would have been a great mistake.
Will look forward to hearing the stories about Louis & his Bar- I imagine many funny things happen there when the gang get together.
Enclosed clipping was sent me from back East somewhere - a reporter came to see me for an interview last month - do'nt know what for? anyway, thought you would like to read it. I think they keep these articles on hand to use only when they need to fill in some space for a dead-line issue.
Am not sure if I told you or not, I had a letter from Steve Allen a couple of weeks ago, told me a couple of his comics were going to do an impersonation of L&H on one of his coming shows. He did'nt know what date, so keep on the lookout for it, it should be interesting.
Think thats about all for now. Eda joins in love & best to you both. Take care or yourselves & keep well.
Bye & God Bless.
As ever:
P.S. I just read in 'Variety,' Sid Van Kuren had quit Roach's
understand he is in very bad health - serious operation etc.
NEWSPAPER CLIPPING ENCLOSURE - DECEMBER 8, 1958
NO LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
December 18th.'58.
Dear Wayne [Murray] & Betty [Healy]:
Many thanks for the nice card & letter, also the enclosures - I got a big kick out of the card from 'Louie', he's really a great character - I dropped him a line, & sent him a picture.
Note re Sam Hearn being on the Jessel show tonight - I never miss that program, its very interesting to see some of the old 'Timers' he interviews, I enjoy it very much.
Am enclosing a clipping out of a recent issue of 'Variety' re Sid Van Kuren quitting Roach's, & 'Bones' Vreeland being promoted to the 'Top Brass' - thought this would interest you Wayne as you've know him for so many years.
Hope you had a nice trip to Bakersfield, that was a nice change for you, does you good to get away for a few days. I got a laugh about the dogs spending the week-end in High Society, the diamond collar class - very cute.
Do'nt know if I already conveyed the Season's greetings or not. Anyway, again wish you a very Merry Yuletide & a Happy, Healthful & Prosperous New Year,lots of good luck in '59.
Bye now, & God bless you both. Eda joins in love & kind thoughts.
As ever:
| Sam Hearn (1888-1964) was a semi-regular character on Jack Benny's radio program, normally playing Schlepperman. Even though he appeared on Jack Benny's TV show several times he only appeared as Schlepperman once. He also made appearances on "I Love Lucy" and "Make Room For Daddy." He started his career in "The Greenwich Village Follies," which opened at the Shubert Theatre on May 10, 1926. —Editor |
NEWSPAPER CLIPPING ENCLOSURE - DECEMBER 18, 1958
NO LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN EXCERPT
December 18th.'58.
Dear Jennie & Jack [Racey]:
Glad to know Jack that you are going to get busy with that pully routine - when you feel a bit tired, just rest for awhile, do'nt overdo it, thats not good for you - take it easy & gradually, to start with, do'nt make the weight too heavy, then increase it as often as you feel able to pull it up & down. I used to take this exercise twice a day, - morning & afternoon, & slowly raise the amount of pulls each time, I went from 10 & finally reached a 100 without any effort - this gave me a lot of confidence & I made wonderful improvement. I also exercised on an indoor bicycle, this helped my legs a lot & I was soon able to stand up without cane or crutches.
I sincerely sympathize with you in regard to the financial situation - thats the tragic part of it all. This same thing happened to Mr. Hardy, his illness cost over thirty thousand Dollars in 11 months, even lost his home, it had to be sold to pay medical expenses - its shocking to end up like that after all the years of hard work.
I too am in the same boat as you, have to get along on a fixed income, a small Life annuity & Social Security cheque each month (Thank God for that.!) I do own a home however, but I rent that & live in a small Apt. otherwise I would'nt be able to get by.
As ever:
Stan Laurel.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
December 29th.'58.
Dear Mr. [Gary] Alexander:
Many thanks for the nice card. Appreciated your kind thought & remembrance.
Hope you enjoyed a Merry Xmas & wish you & yours a very Happy & healthful New Year.
My kindest regards always:
Sincerely,
Stan Laurel.
OCEANA LETTERHEAD - 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA - TYPEWRITTEN
December 19th.'58.
Dear Mrs [Marie] Hatfield:
Many thanks for the nice card & the lovely box of cookies - it is very sweet of you to go to all that trouble & I deeply value your gracious gesture - wish I could fully express my appreciation.
Mrs Laurel too joins in wishing you & bob & your Mother a very Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year, lots of good health & happiness in '59.
Trust alls well & you will all enjoy a wonderful Yuletide.
Again thanks for your kindness.
My regards & best always.
Very sincerely:
Stan Laurel.
 
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THE STAN LAUREL
CORRESPONDENCE ARCHIVE PROJECT
HOPES TO COLLECT AND CATALOG
LETTERS FROM STAN TO BETTER
UNDERSTAND HIS LIFE AND CELEBRATE
HIS COMEDIC GENIUS.
IF YOU HAVE AN ORIGINAL
LETTER FROM STAN OR HAVE A COPY
NOT INCLUDED IN THESE ARCHIVES,
PLEASE ADD A COPY OF YOUR LETTER
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