This letter by Ursula Thiess is for sale on eBay–not by me. It is in a lot with two letters by Robert Taylor and the seller has priced the lot at $300–way beyond my budget. I just thought that this letter is such a good illustration of this courageous and loving woman’s character. The letter was written on August 11, 1969, two months after Mr. Taylor’s death and six days after what would have been his fifty-eighth birthday.
Ms. Thiess’ European style of writing is difficult to decipher. It brings to mind an anecdote I read somewhere that her checks were always being returned by the bank because they couldn’t read her writing.
There is one word I can’t figure out but here is the rest of the text. Any suggestions about that word would be gratefully received. Update: the word seems to be concern, as 2 people suggested in their comments and on Facebook. Many thanks to both of you.
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Skinner
5453 Nedgmont Circle No.
Fort Worth, Texas 76133
Los Angeles-August 11. 1969
Dear Gabrielle:
Thank you for your kind letter and concern for us. The children and I are trying to see a new dawn–in each and every day as I had promised my husband we would. Even though our fifteen years of marriage seem like fifteen hours at this point. I do have so much to remember–and still so much to carry out–for both of us.
Thank you so much for having been such devoted fans and friends–and please take my best wishes for you and yours!
Always-Ursula
The letter:
More photos of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor:
Robert Taylor Actor 
Hi Judith,
She says a lot in such short text summing up her feelings at that particular time, ironically, on the same day I turned 11. True, the handwriting is hard to read and I’m clueless about the missing word, but I remember now that, as you remarked, it was dear Bob himself who “complained”–well, the way he would criticize his beloved wife–about Ursula’s handwriting in a letter to his tailor. He was adorably right!
I love also the elegant letterhead design with the “UT” initials.
What a treasure! I wonder why someone would get rid of it on Ebay.
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I expect that the original recipient died and someone else is selling the letters. You’re right about the handwriting complaint–Mr.Taylor was explaining that Ursula had paid a bill but the payment was returned because of her handwriting. 🙂
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Actaully I’m the owner of this letter and it’s still for sale if someone is interested. I’m mainly interested in Robert Taylor and that’s the reason for selling.
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Is the letter still up on ebay? I can’t afford it but I’m sure someone would love to have it. Thanks for writing.
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What a tender letter, it shows Ursula was a very gentle woman, with a very personal (and sometimes indecipherable handwriting, though). Could it be the missing word in her letter “concern”? Just a possibility.
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It’s probably not concern. The letters look like wueeru but really can’t be. I appreciate your comments.
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Kendra, you are right. It seems to be concern. I don’t know why I didn’t think so earlier. Thanks.
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Despite of her peculiar handwriting style, Ursula’s letter reflects her kind personality and the enormity that part of her life shared with Mr. Robert Taylor meant for her. Very nice photos of the couple, thanks, Judith!
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You’re very welcome. I love the last photo. They’re in a crowd but only have eyes for each other.
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