MARGARET DELAND - TYPED LETTER FRAGMENT SIGNED - HFSID 320176

MARGARET DELAND
A fragment of a letter from the author, declining an unknown invitation
Typed letter fragment signed: "Margaret Deland", in black ink, 1 page, 5½x6¾. In part: "home. One or two promises that I made a long time ago, must be kept now, - but I find it necessary to decline any other new invitations. With regret, and with appreciation of the compliment of your invitation, I am, Sincerely yours". American novelist, short story writer and poet Margaret Deland (1857-1945), born Margaretta Wade Campbell, was best known for her 1888 novel, John Ward, Preacher, and for her "Old Chester" books, which were based on her early memories of Maple Grove and Manchester, Pennsylvania (her uncle, who lived in Manchester, was the model for the fictional "Old Chester"). Her first book, The Old Garden and Other Verses (1886), was her only volume of poetry (her first poem had been published in "Harper's" magazine); Deland also published a two-volume autobiography. She and her husband, Lorin F. Deland, whom she married in 1880, lived in Kennebunkport, Maine in the summers. In addition to her literary endeavors, Deland also became involved with the plight of unwed mothers; she and her husband took in some 60 women and infants in the space of four years. Multiple folds. Corners slightly worn. Small stain on bottom margin. Light surface creases. Left edge frayed. Adhesive residue on verso. Pencil notes (unknown hand) on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.