ADELINE DE WALT REYNOLDS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/06/1944 - HFSID 297370

ADELINE DE WALT REYNOLDS
The actress who made her first film at age 78 writes to grandsons serving in World War II. "Your work is to help clean evil from the face of the earth."
Typed Letter signed: "Love, Adeline DeWalt Reynolds", 1 page, 8½x11. Metropolitan Station, Los Angeles, 1944 December 6. To Tom G. Berliner S. K. V., 3/c [Storekeeper, Aviation, third class], Fleet Post Office, San Francisco. In full: "GRANDMA finding it impossible to write at length to each of her GRANDCHILDREN, as she would like to do, she is sending you this short note to assure you that GRANDMA loves you, and that she prays for you unceasingly; that she KNOWS that you live, move, breathe, have your being in the PRESENCE OF GOD where no evil can possibly reach you. (Enclosed find some of the latest articles that have com) [addition in red type: "sent these under separate cover several days ago, by regular mail] Hoping that you may have time to write and tell her all about yourself, what you have been doing, what you hope to do, GRANDMA closes with Much LOVE. In this letter I am enclosing a small photograph that I had made expecially for my GRANDSONS, and the 91st PSALM, and a letter from a SERVICE-MAN in Italy, and a Lt.'s story. [Items not included.] The PSALM I am asking you to memorize, and to KNOW it is the TRUTH! KNOWING this will make your work OVERSEAS much easier, and you will KNOW that no bullet from the enemy can reach you, nor can any evil of any kind come near you, for you are in the PRESENCE OF GOD ALL THE TIME. Your work is to help clean evil from the face of the earth. God BLESS and keep you safe from all harm! Much LOVE/GRANDMA". Adeline DeWalt Reynolds (1862-1961) survived the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, raised four children after the death of her husband (1905), entered the University of California at age 64, graduated 6 years later, and made her first film in 1940, at age 78! She then appeared regularly in films, and then on TV, for two decades. She played, of course, grandmotherly types, in movies like Come Live With Me, Son of Dracula and Going My Way, and in TV series like Have Gun, Will Travel and Peter Gunn. Her last appearance was a Playhouse 90 presentation in 1960. Creased. Multiple mailing folds. Toned. Otherwise, fine condition.