1909 New Orleans ALS Mary Harkness Newcomb Tulane ALS on Marriage, 2717 Chestnut For Sale

1909 Autograph Letter Signed – Mary L. Harkness
New Orleans (2717 Chestnut St) – Newcomb College / Tulane Association
Unusually Candid & Witty Discussion of Marriage, Gender & Relationships

Offered here is a multi-page handwritten letter signed by Mary L. Harkness, an educated Newcomb College woman (Tulane University), written from 2717 Chestnut Street, New Orleans, dated December 27, 1909.

This letter stands out for its strikingly modern tone, featuring a witty, candid, and at times provocative discussion of marriage, gender roles, and relationships—rare to see expressed so openly by a young woman of this era.

🔍 Documented Identity

A contemporary newspaper confirms the author:

• The Times-Democrat (New Orleans), August 1, 1909
• “Miss Mary L. Harkness, of Newcomb College, is located… 2717 Chestnut Street.”

This provides a direct match to the signed name, firmly placing the author within:

• Newcomb College (Tulane University)
• Upper-tier New Orleans society
• An educated, literary environment

✉️ Content Highlights (What Makes This Special)

Written to “Doctor Ward”, the letter reads more like a personal essay than routine correspondence, with sharp observations and playful intellectual sparring.

💬 Marriage & Relationships (Surprisingly Candid)

• Challenges the idea that education makes women unfit for marriage
• Argues that intellectual women are better suited for companionship
• Discusses affection and courtship with humor and confidence

“…the study of Latin—nay, even Sanskrit—does not stand in the way of the gentle art of ‘holding hands’…”

🧠 Early Feminine Intellectual Voice

• Critiques male perspectives on women and relationships
• Questions authenticity of female characters written by men

“Is she a real woman, or just some man who made up a lot of emotions…?”

😏 Playful, Slightly Provocative Tone

• Teases the recipient directly
• References wealth, marriage dynamics, and companionship

“…only with the intellectual woman that true matrimonial felicity can be achieved.”

📚 Publishing World Insight

• Mentions Henry Holt & Co.
• Discusses article submission, editorial rejection, and literary reputation
• Refers to herself as one of Holt’s “discoveries”

🏛️ Location & Social Context

2717 Chestnut Street – New Orleans

• Large 14-room residence (period listing)
• Uptown / Garden District corridor
• Home to educated boarders and professionals

✍️ Signature

Signed clearly:

Mary L. Harkness

📏 Physical Details

• Multi-page handwritten letter
• Ink on paper
• Approx. [insert dimensions]
• Condition:
  • Age toning and spotting
  • Some staining present
  • Fully legible and intact

🎯 Why This Letter Matters

This is not routine correspondence.

It is:

• A documented Newcomb College woman’s voice (1909)
• Expressing independent, confident views on marriage and gender roles
• Delivered with wit, humor, and subtle irreverence

📚 Collector Appeal

Ideal for collectors of:

• Women’s history & early feminist voices
• New Orleans / Tulane / Newcomb College material
• Literary & intellectual correspondence
• Social history with personality

🧾 Provenance

Includes reference to 1909 Times-Democrat listing confirming author and address.

⚡ Final Note

A lively, intelligent, and unexpectedly candid letter from a Newcomb College woman, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century attitudes on relationships, education, and identity.