University of Arizona

Students, faculty, staff, and the public are now welcome to visit Special Collections without an appointment from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

Edith Moore collection

Pen and ink sketch of Edgar Bergen and his ventriloquist dummies Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd..

Small collection of typed correspondence to Edith Moore from Edgar Bergen, a well-known ventriloquist at the time, and Fred Allen, a comedian and showman. It appears that Edith Moore was a fan and wrote often with suggestions, compliments, and gifts. Most Bergen letters are signed by his dummies, Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. These are dated 1941 to 1943 and 1951 to 1954. Also includes printed, signed caricature drawings and signed photographs from Edgar Bergen. Newspaper clippings concern Bergen's retirement in 1942 and his death in 1978.

Letters from Fred Allen, dated 1942 to 1951, thank Moore for her suggestions and gifts. His manager writes to ask Moore where she gets her canning labels and to tell her about Allen's retirement. Moore also wrote a short story and sent it to Allen.