Collection of three ALSs from George Harrison’s older sister, Louise. Each handwritten letter is one page in length and addressed to Beatles fan Martha Ruth in January and August of 1965. Included with the letters is a 4.75 x 2.5 ticket stub for the Beatles concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on August 29, 1966, for the "Lower Stand Box, Gate C, Sec. 18, Box 3C, Seat 3." This was the band’s very last scheduled live concert, though they would appear unannounced for their famed ‘rooftop’ show in 1969.
The letters read as follows:
Postmarked January 14, 1965
“Your article is very good. I enjoyed reading it & sent it to George to read, and J, P, & R. Do you want me to return it to you? Your letter was very nice & sincere. My best wishes to you & your family. I hope you are never lonely. The Beatles are real good sincere boys I really know & love them.”
Postmarked August 22, 1965
“I read your letter, and I was very touched by your sincerity, only I never know any plans, or where the ‘Beatles’ stay when they are away. If George wants us he will ring up; but not often on tour as they are really having a hectic time. All I know is what we hear on the radio, & God knows that is little. Well dear I will pray that by some miracle you will get to see the Boys.”
August 29, 1965
“I’m rushing answers off as quickly as I can. George booked us on a holiday 6th Sept. Soon after he returns to England. This is one day they will be at the Bowl, so I’m praying for you.” Includes a four-leaf clover affixed to a small slip of paper.
In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Martha, her original “It’s a Lonely Life’ article, two newspaper articles (one annotated on the reverse by Louise), response letters from publishers related to Martha's 'lonely Beatles fan' article and her request for press credentials, Louise's three original mailing envelopes, and a pair of Beatles promo photos with facsimile signatures (both signed on the reverse by Louise).
The eldest Harrison child, Louise emigrated from Britain years before her kid brother George would form a band called the Beatles. She settled in Benton, IL, and by 1963, had become a staunch supporter for her brother’s group, lugging their records to any radio station that would listen. When the Beatles hit international stardom, Louise was there, too, experiencing firsthand the whirlwind of Beatlemania.
From an interview with REBEAT Magazine, Louise explains her relationship with the other members: ‘For me it was like getting three more brothers. We just all blended in as if we’d always known each other. But I’ve always made a point of never pursuing them. There were so many millions of Beatle fans after them, so I never tried to get in touch with them unless I was there the same time as them for some reason.’
