Ghost Ranch
Abiquiu
New Mexico

This is the first letter I have ever had
a chance to dictate to you, and I will
probably never have a chance to dictate
another because there won't be anyone to
dictate to.

We arrived at the Ghost Ranch this after-
noon. It was the best trip † have ever had
driving out. We left Madison at two 6.30clock
on Friday, and arrived in Raton Saturday
night. We were tired, but had a good night,
and drove the last ninety miles to Taos
Sunday afternoon. We went to Beck's. She
was at home, and has added a room to her
house. She asked us to spend the night. We
did and it was very comfortable and very
pleasant. I went to sleep in the afternoon
and Narcissa says her husband got drunk. A
good many people came and went. My room was
at the end of the house and † didn't hear
much of it. There is a little girl that
James' former wife had adopted. She is about
twelve years old, but very small, and very
cute. Narcissa says damned cute. It cramps
Beck's rough style a bit to have the child
on her hands. I went around to see if Brett
was there this morning, but couldn't find
her. Through her studio window I could see
some astonishing paintings of fish. Pretty
lively for Brett. She is living in the studio
Mabel built for Maurice Stern. As we drove
down from Taos we stopped to see Paul Jones.
And after that came on up here.

The trip across the country was very green.
The first time I have ever seen it that way,
as it was always later when I drove out,
and everything was dry. Even Taos seemed MEXICAN
green. Up here it is dry, as usual. I would
probably think it very beautiful, but the
man at the post office in Abiquiu told me

that Italy had gone into the war. And from
there on the landscape didn't look so good
to me. However after I got up here to the
ranch I thought it was pretty good, espe-
cially as there are only two other people
here, and they are leaving tomorrow.

I had your two letters this afternoon when I
arrived. I was very pleased to have them. I
am sorry that your cold developed as it seems
to have: it must be very annoying with the
warm weather. I am surprised that Dr. Baum-
garten told you that I had written her. I
did not write to her and I did not telephone
her either. I thought you probably wanted to
keep the place so that you could come to
town when you wanted to after you go to Lake
George. She peobably wouldn't pay more than
100.00 a month, and I think it too little.
If she would pay $150.00 I might let her
have it, but I know she won't. I thought we
had decided not to sublet it, but do what-
ever is most convenient to you. It would
give Saga something to do, and I don't feel
like paying her if she isn't doing anything for us.
 Saga would have to put my clothes
and things away a little differently if
there is going to be anyone living there.

Thanks for the Dorothy Thompson clipping.

Of course we can't do anything about loaning
Vernon Hunter a picture. I will see him out here.

I am feeling very good lying in my bed, all
fixed for the night, while Narcissa types
this for me. The air out here is different,
and the sky is bluer, and I love it as I al-
ways have. I am going to be quiet for a few
days. It was good to have word from you yes-
terday morning by telegram.

I guess this will do for the night.

Alfred Stieglitz
Room 1710
509 Madison Ave.
New York -

Saturday afternoon

Yesterday three letters -- today one - thank you.

Yes - my telegraph address is Espanola. Dr. Baumgartner
wired me -- I wired back yesterday that she could have the place
for 150 when you are not in town -- of course she must pay Saga
extra.

I am writing her with this mail.

I am getting my white room cleaned up this afternoon
and will be moving over next week -- Arthur hates this house so
that he has taken everything out of it -- but I like it so I am
moving in again -- It is two miles from the other houses-- I'll
get a girl to stay with me -- I like the bareness and the emptiness
and the space all round -- I really feel a bit ridiculous to be
liking it so much

There is a sort of reclining porch chair left
facing the big window -- I lay there a long time this morning
thinking it was very good -- it will be better all washed up and
clean smelling --

I got some flowers to work on but I will not get
started today -- maybe tomorrow

The change in food and everything -- probably
partially the excitement gets my insides a bit out of order --
not bad -- but not quite right -- I must write Dr. Baumgartner --
for this mail too

Yes I met Francis Miller but I did not see any
of her work

Give Edward my greetings -- I am sorry I did not see him

A kiss to you

It is a warm dry day --

2

I am telling Dr. B. that I would rather let Henwar
use the place as I offered it to him than rent it for less than 150.

That is the way I feel about it and I think you will
agree.

Will you mail enclosed to Dr. Baumgartner - Ask Saga for
the address if you haven't it.

Margaret Prosser
% Stiegleb
Box 201

Labor George
N.Y.

(Alfred Stieglitz
Box 201

Labs, Georg
New York ~

<table><tr><td>CLASS OF SERVICE</td></tr><tr><td>This is a full-rate Telegram or Cablegram unless its deferred character is indicated by a suitable symbol above or preceding the address.</td></tr></table>

WESTERN
UNION

1201

R. B. WHITE
PRESIDENT

NEWCOMB CARLTON
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

J. C. WILLEVER
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT

<table><tr><td colspan="2">SYMBOLS</td></tr><tr><td>DL=Day Letter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NL=Night Letter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>LC=Deferred Cable</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NLT=Cable Night Letter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ship Radiogram</td><td></td></tr></table>

The filing time shown in the date line on telegrams and day letters is STANDARD TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is STANDARD TIME at point of destination

NAB128 13 XC=ESPANOLA NMEX 11 1015A

ALFRED STIEGLITZ=

509 MADISON AVE=

1940 OCT 11 PM 12 54

SHOW NOTICE JUST RECEIVED PLEASE PLEASE REPRINT MINUS THE
TWO WORDS SOME SHOW=

GEORGIA.

THE COMPANY WILL APPRECIATE SUGGESTIONS FROM ITS PATRONS CONCERNING ITS SERVICE

FEDERAL WORKS AGENCY

PUBLIC BUILDINGS ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISING ARCHITECT

IN REPLYING, QUOTE THE ABOVE SUB-
JECT, BUILDING, AND THESE LETTERS

SA-

Miss Georgia O'Keeffe
Ghost Ranch
Abiquiu, New Mexico

October 18, 1940

Dear Miss O'Keeffe:

Reference is made to National Art Week November 25 - December 1 for which I have been asked to arrange a National Exhibition in Washington but have been given no funds with which to work. I am, however, relying on the generosity of my artist friends for material which will give the show real distinction.

I am taking the liberty of asking you to send one of your oil paintings for this exhibition. The work would have to be sent express prepaid and returned collect to you. It would be necessary for you to make your own insurance arrangements. Needless to say the work will be very carefully handled and every precaution taken while in my trust.

A great deal of interest has been aroused in Washington and there will be a large and active committee in charge of sales. It is our intention to see that most of the material exhibited will be sold.

The deadline for receiving the work is November 10 but in the meantime kindly let me know if you will be able to send something for the show. Note the shipping instructions at the bottom of this letter.

Address work to Edward B. Rowan, c/o Howard Armstrong, Federal Housing Workshop, 57 L Street, S. E., Washington, D. C.