Mailing envelope addressed in Marilyn’s hand to Mrs. Davis Miracle in Detroit, 6.75 x 4, postmarked February 2, 1944, signed with her return address at upper left, “Mrs. James E. Dougherty, Personal, c/o Atwater Hotel, Avalon, Catalina Island, California.” Sixteen-year-old Marilyn, then still known as Norma Jeane Mortensen, married James E. Dougherty on June 19, 1942. When marine-in-training Dougherty was ordered to boot camp on Santa Catalina Island in 1943, the newlyweds set up temporary residence there. In the following year, when Dougherty was sent overseas, Marilyn took a job at the Radioplane Company, where she was discovered. She thereafter moved out of her mother-in-law’s home and stopped writing to Dougherty; their divorce was finalized on September 13, 1946. Rough right edge from opening (well away from writing), small corner bend touching first word of signature, and a hint of light scattered soiling and wrinkling, and an erased pencil notation, otherwise fine condition. The writing is dark and distinct. A rare opportunity for the serious Marilyn completist to obtain this most uncommon form of her signature! PSA/DNA LOA and R&R COA.
