Here’s a fantastic letter from Mary Pickford to my great-grandmother Ida Mayer Cummings from 1941 that happens to mention so much Classic Hollywood greatness it’s almost too much! She mentions writing to Marion Davies, trying to reach Louis. B. Mayer (Ida’s younger brother), and a visit to Max Factor.

Just one of the many wonderful letters and telegrams Mary Pickford sent to my great-grandmother, Ida Mayer Cummings.

And here’s Mary Pickford, America’s Sweetheart, Queen of Hollywood, co-founder of United Artists and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, telling Ida “…with you beside me I would feel much braver.”

This sentence hits me in my heart and my gut all at once. Wow.

Plus you’re not likely to ever seen herrings mentioned at the same time as all of that esteemed company!

Both were such remarkable women and would work closely for over 20 years to help fundraise for the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aged.

They were truly a dynamic duo.

Actress Merle Oberon, Ida Mayer Cummings and Mary Pickford. 1950s. As part of their fundraising events, they hosted everyone from Hollywood stars to heads of industry, scions of famous political families, and other notable Americans.