Julie Haydon Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 146

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Julie Haydon Papers consist of biographical material; correspondence from her family (largely undated), husband George Jean Nathan and others; playbills; photographs and a deconstructed scrapbook.The bulk of the material consists of clippings pertaining to Julie Haydon and her husband George Jean Nathan. The majority of the collection is comprised of photocopies.

Dates

1908-1995

Creator

Haydon family (Family)

Access to Materials

Materials in this collection are available for patron use.

Biographical note

Julie Haydon was born Donella L. Donaldson on June 10, 1910, in Oak Park, Illinois. She was a stage and screen actress who got her start in Hollywood in the 1930s, and later performed on Broadway. In 1944, Haydon originated the role of Laura in Tennesse Williams' play "The Glass Menagerie."

In 1955, Haydon married writer and critic George Jean Nathan, who died three years later. After his death, Haydon made guest appearances in university plays around the country. She was actress-in-residence at the College of St. Theresa in Winona, Minnesota, from 1967-1977, and lived in La Crosse, Wisconsin, from 1977 until the time of her death on December 24, 1994. Professional actress and director Patricia Angelin serves as executrix for Haydon and describes herself as her "surrogate daughter".

Extent

0.4 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Julie Haydon (1910-1994) was a stage and screen actress who originated the role of Laura in Tennessee Williams' play "The Glass Menagerie" in 1944. She was an actress-in-residence at the College of St. Theresa, Winona, Minnesota, from 1967-1977, and lived in La Crosse, Wisconsin, from 1977 until the time of her death in 1994.

The collection, mostly photocopies, consists mainly of clippings about Haydon and her husband, George Jean Nathan. It also contains correspondence, playbills, photographs and a deconstructed scrapbook. The La Crosse Public Library Archives does not hold the originals for this collection.