Marjorie Henderson and Ruth Plumly Thompson archive now available

Newly available for research is the Marjorie Henderson and Ruth Plumly Thompson archive.

Marjorie Henderson Buell (1904-1993), better known as Marge, was a cartoonist. She got started in the field at a young age, with her first cartoon being published when she was just 16 years old. Although best known for her cartoon "Little Lulu," she worked on a number of different projects, including collaborations with Ruth Plumly Thompson (1891-1976), a writer of children's stories.

Marge and Ruth's life-long friendship began when Marge, at 11 years old, wrote to Thompson, who was then working at the Philadelphia Public Ledger as editor of the children's page. This collection, acquired by curators Peter Blank and Rebecca Wingfield, dates from 1915-1940 and is mostly made up of drawings and illustrated letters Marge sent to Ruth. Also included are photos, as well as tear sheets of a cartoon the two collaborated on called "Forgetiquette".

These materials offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about both of these women, as well as the history of cartooning in the United States.