Trusted Confidants

 
 

Greene formed deep bonds with her female colleagues. Marguerite Duprez Lahey, a bookbinder, was a confidant to Greene, who in this letter shared her daydreams of running away to Europe. Ada Thurston, Greene’s assistant and first hire after becoming librarian, would remain a close friend even after leaving the Morgan. Written following the death of J. P. Morgan Jr., the letter to Thurston, affectionately called “Thursty,” shows a profound connection between the two women as well as the personal importance of the Morgan Library in their lives.

Belle da Costa Greene (1879–1950)
Letter with envelope to Marguerite Duprez Lahey, 16 June 1927
Retained copy of letter to Ada Thurston, 19 March 1943
Archives of the Morgan Library & Museum