This is the “standardized text” version of the Mascot Moskovina documents. This version is presented in an easily readable and searchable format. Punctuation is modernized and inserted where needed for clarity. Abbreviations are spelled out, insertions are incorporated, and crossouts and duplicate words are deleted. First words in sentences have been capitalized; other capitalization issues have not been edited. Moskovina’s spelling is routinely irregular and creative; where it is possible to discern her meaning, spelling has been standardized.


[envelope]
[postmark] NEW YORK N.Y.
FEB 29 9 PM 1920

Mrs. Billie Morton
1433 N. La Salle St.
Chicago Ill.

M. Moskovina
c/o Mrs. F. W. Lucas
31 West 64th Street
N.Y.C.


[p. 1]
[letterhead]
Sascha Piatov
and
Mlle. Mascot Moskovina
CLASSICAL AND CHARACTER DANCES
31 WEST 64TH STREET
NEW YORK

Feb. 29th 1920.

My dear Billie and Nondas
Thank you so much for your pretty Valentines, also for Mama’s and Toots. You are really the marvels I never ever thought of Valentine’s day, so you must forgive me for not having written you one. Well, for the last two weeks I have been rushing my head off, to get my costumes ready, because last Sunday 22nd we gave our Concert at the Greenwich Village Theater. It went off great, only the first two numbers were spoiled by the orchestra which was one of the best symphony orchestras here. But they played beautiful symphony music but not dance, but all the same it went well. We are still with the show, we having come to an agreement to stop, and they permit us to play anywhere we like at the same time with them as long as we do our dance. So that finishes at 9.30. Then we can take anything like Vaudeville or something going on at 10 or 10.30. Above you see our new address, also the note paper. What do you think of it? I have not been to the photographer yet with Toots, but really I will go some day. I go every day to Albertiries and study. Oukrainsky and Pavly have been dancing here with the Chicago Opera Company by the papers have handled[?] them terrible. Today is Sunday so a lazy day of rest and to write letters. I saw in the Variety that Pavlova will open at the Drury Lane Theater, in London in April. I am very anxious to get a Divorce from my husband, and I want to ask you dear Billie if not too much trouble, could you make inquiries from a lawyer for me and find out if I could get a divorce in Chicago where I was married on the charge of desertion, and what length of residence time is necessary there? And, if necessary, could

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or would you allow me to say that your address was my permanent address, should I come to Chicago to take up my case? Also how much the case might cost, more or less. I hope you will not be angry for asking you all this. The lawyer would give you the advice free of charge, or you might have a lawyer you know. I must get my divorce, and here in New York I cannot get it. I must have my husband here, and my lawyer advised me to make inquiries about Chicago if I had any friends there to have them make inquiries and if they would permit me to say their home was my permanent residence. I used to know Mr. Wollf now (Wollkoff) the russian Consul, but I do not know where his address is now and so could not consult him. Next Sunday we are to dance at the sunday Winter Garden Concert. Well, I have to finish now and write some letters to some girls I know in England who have written me so many times, but I always was too busy to answer. Anyway, the first letter I always answer when I do sit down to write is yours. I am having four teeth filled so wish me luck. Kiss Nondas and I do hope you all feel a little better now. I will not ask you anymore why you don’t come here, for as you say you might not on so well. Only my idea was that when you were not well, you would have some real friends close at hand to help you and also Nondas would not be so lonely. Well, Cheer oh! Mama sends her love to you both and Toots as well.
With Love and Good Luck from
Mascot

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