May 2025 Auction Ends Thursday, May 29th, 5pm Pacific
Harper Lee autograph letter signed, composed from her home in New York City shortly after 9/11. Lee writes at length about Ground Zero and the malaise in New York after the attacks. Written to her friend Tammy Rovell on 26 March 2002, letter reads in part,
''...Nothing much goes on in the city. Everything's the same, yet somehow different: people seem to be slower about their getting about - maybe it's because traffic is at it's all-time worst. Downtown is a mess, of course, and now the Holland Tunnel's been closed for a week (fire that won't go out in New Jersey, right at the entrance) and that makes the other tunnel have waits of 90 minutes and more. So no Atlantic City for this kid!
Don't even want to tell you about Ground Zero. Even after 6 months it's appalling to see. Only thing I will tell yo is that when you're as far down as 14th Street, still a good bit away from the scene, you begin to get the smell. Not, thank God, rotting flesh, but sort of an industrial smell - like an electrical fire or burning plastic. Bearable, but I'm glad I don't have to work or live in it. One other thing: it's not very nice to know that when you're walking around down there, every step you take is on a pulverized human being. To know what hell is like, go take a look.''
Lee then writes about events happening in Monroeville, Alabama, including job prospects for Tammy. Letter continues, ''Don't be silly about sales Ford: you can sell anything - from cars to the Brooklyn Bridge! Is Sylvia Turberville still there? You'll have a crony if she is. (I hope you are driving a Ford, but I think it's a jeep!) I've wondered about you maybe trying to get on at the Ford World Pharmacy if the Browns close, and also wonder if you would like the work there. It looks pretty frantic, I know 'frantic' wouldn't faze you - I'd guess the more frantic it is for you, the faster your day goes. I am thinking of your break time - from what I've observed it's very structured, like 15 minutes (or something) A.M. & P.M. For somebody who smokes, that could be inconvenient. Oh well, QUIT and make very good money!
How big a store is going up in the City Cafe lot? Is the house behind there going, too? I'd hate to see another video store eat into Melvin's business, but that's Monroeville for you. You may end up selling porn films! (Frankly, I'd prefer Fords.) / Take good care, hon, and remember that housework is for you to do on Sundays - yard work is for those two men of yours to do. / Take care, hon, and love, / Nelle''.
Two page letter on single sheet measures 8.5'' x 11''. Near fine condition.
Harper Lee Autograph Letter Signed from NYC After 9/11 -- ''...when you're walking around down there, every step you take is on a pulverized human being. To know what hell is like, go take a look...''
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