Dasburg, Alfred, 1925-1927

Containers:

Box 1

Extent:

9 folders

Scope and content:

Letters from Alfred to his mother Grace Mott Johnson while Alfred lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Johnson lived in Plainfield, New Jersey and Yonkers, New York. He writes about his classes, his horse Charlie, his plans to visit Johnson and his grandmother. A letter from July 2, 1926 addressed to "Dear Mother, or Miss, Mrs. Houghton" ... "sorry you seem to be displeased with the name Johnson. Perhaps it is a common name but I like it." A postscript of the letter reads: "My initials are A. Van D. D. according to MacFee. Please don't send the next check to Alfred Van Cleve Johnson, or Houghton."

Some letters include news of Andrew Dasburg's (Alfred's father) activities and travels. Alfred often includes accounting information of how he has spent his allowance and other funds, and a letter from November 8 1926 indicates there were disagreements and poor communication between his parents over who should pay his living expenses. Alfred's letters in fall 1927 indicate he had moved to Claremont, California, to attend Webb School. A letter from October 8, 1927 recounts a disagreement over his enrollment: "I dislike the school as much as ever."

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