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My mother, Esther Laddon, was a
devoted friend and supporter of Emma's. She lived with us in Toronto
for quite a few years. I met Emma when I was 18 and she had a good
deal of influence on my life at that time. I owe her a great
gratitude for persuading my parents to let me go to New York with
letters of introduction to many Little Theater groups where her
friends always received me and gave me employment. I played in the
first production of e.e. cummings' play "HIM." I also played at the
Cherry Lane. Unfortunately I disappointed Emma by getting married at
the age of 21 and that was the end of my theater career. I can never
forget how she sat me down and talked to me about free love which
she very firmly believed in--love never interfered in a career if
you're really serious. This was in the
1920's.
My first contact with the Emma
Goldman Papers Project was through Queens College Professor Paul
Avrich, who interviewed me in 1985 for his book Anarchist Voices:
An Oral History of Anarchism in America (Princeton University
Press, 1995). After a very pleasant lunch he suggested that I alert
the Project to my mother's correspondence with Goldman when I moved
out West. I was very impressed with the Project and the way they
asked not for the actual letters but instead copied them for their
work and gave a set to me that I would always have. And I have
happily participated in programs that were initiated by the Project.
Especially enjoyable was a reading at the San Francisco Public
Library. As a member of Emma's List, I am hoping for all of their
future success.
Ora Robbins
April 11,
1997 | |
