Bernhardt, Sarah. (1844-1923)
Handwritten Article about Canada
Original unsigned three-page handwritten article in French, in pencil, entitled “Au Canada,” and numbered “123.” Article mentions Calgary, Vancouver, and Saskatchewan, probably referring to her American tour in the late 1880s and in particular her performance in Calgary on January 14 and 15, 1913. Article reads, in part: “I just crossed part of Canada from Winnipeg to Victoria going through Edmonton and Calgary. My God what an interesting country. I can see why people come in drove to to pitch a tent… I can see why one would come from Europe specially to make a wonderful and unforgettable trip and cross the Rocky mountains from Calgary to Vancouver. The diversity of nature cannot be described, we would leave Edmonton in 30 degree centigrade weather and would come back to Vancouver in 10 degree weather…It seemed like spring. Flowers everywhere, charming houses along side the bay, very luxurious cars.Oh! when I see the progress of this huge Canada, I cannot help to think about this criminal king Louis XV who sold it for one million…this stupid action proves at what point absolute power is absurd thank God one cannot commit such an act today, the Kings and Emperors are only left to be the employees of the peoples, and the peoples are the whole nation. This Canada will certainly become the world granary attic. I will not live to see that; but nevertheless I see it in the future.”
In very good condition, with horizontal storage fold and rusty pin hole to each page, expected scattered soiling, and a rough vertical left edge to each page.
Bernhardt performed in Canada on 32 separate occasions, from a single night performance to a six-day session. The numerous and lengthy visits undoubtedly led to the strong admiration expressed in this manuscript. Bernhardt made numerous and lengthy visits to the French-speaking Montreal, usually for week-long stays, which revealed her affection for those audiences in particular. (4683)
Autograph Letter Theater