Finding aid for the Erica Gunter papers
6069
USC Libraries Special Collections
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California 90089-0189
213-740-5900
specol@usc.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
USC Libraries Special Collections
Title: Erica Gunter papers
creator:
Gunter, Erica
Identifier/Call Number: 6069
Physical Description:
0.42 Linear Feet
1 box
Date (inclusive): circa 1945-1949
Abstract: Collection of letters and photographs collected by Erica (Ricky) Gunter. The bulk of the letters (including telegrams) are
from Richard (Dick) Paxton. Gunter was a German Jew who fled Nazi Germany with her brother. She met Paxton in 1944 or early
1945 while serving as a camera operator creating military training films. Dick Paxton was a regular character actor in a number
of films.
Preferred Citation
[Box/folder# or item name], Erica Gunter papers, Collection no. 6069, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern
California
Conditions Governing Use
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Conditions Governing Access
Collection stored off site. Advance notice required for access.
Acquisition
Purchased from The Bookshop, April 21, 2014.
Scope and Content
Collection of letters and photographs collected by Erica (Ricky) Gunter. The bulk of the letters (including telegrams) are
from Richard (Dick) Paxton. Also included are letters from Paxton's brother and mother, other servicemen, a CBS executive,
and a 20th Century Fox executive; 4 postcards; and 28 photographs.
Historical note
Erica Gunter was a German Jew who fled Nazi Germany with her brother. She met Richard (Dick) Paxton in 1944 or early 1945
while serving as a camera operator creating military training films. Dick Paxton was a regular character actor in a number
of films, beginning in 1940 with Third Finger, Left Hand starring Myrna Loy. He moved to California as a teen and met Mickey
Rooney at a high school party. The two became close friends and Paxton served as his stand-in on a number of Rooney's early
films.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Soldiers -- United States -- 20th century -- Archival resources
Soldiers -- 1939-1945 -- Photographs
Photographs
Correspondence
Paxton, Richard -- Correspondence
Gunter, Erica -- Archives
Gunter, Erica
Box 1, folder 1
Fox Studios to Erica Gunter
1942 20 October
Scope and Contents
Item is a typed letter from Twentieth Century Fox Studios to Erica Gunter. Gunter is told that Mr. Lubitsch would not be able
be able to assist her in joining motion pictures because he does not work with actresses from outside the studio.
Box 1, folder 2
Letter to Erica Gunter
1944 9 January
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter to Erica from a service man of the military. He writes to her and said he was very pleased to
receive a letter from her. He goes on to write about his interests such as dancing and music.
Box 1, folder 3
Letter to Erica Gunter from Art
1944 11 March
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Arthur to Erica Gunter. He starts off his letter by telling her that the letter that she
sent him was one of the nicest that she has received. He tells her that he would like to go visit her. He tells Gunter that
her personality shows up in a great deal of letters. He ends his letter by telling Gunter that he would like to hear more
from her.
Box 1, folder 4
Letter from Gordon to Erica Gunter
1944 25 March
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Gordon to Erica Gunter. He starts off his letter by apologizing for writing. He tells her
that she looks so different. Gordon goes on to write about the life at sea.
Box 1, folder 5
Letter from Paxton to Gunter
1945
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Paxton Richard Dick, to Erica Gunter. Paxton begins to tell her about their next idea for
filming and says it will revolutionize the war with the "Japs".He apologizes to Erica for not getting an offer from CBS. He
goes on to write about his future plans with Erica and how he will save every cent so they can be married.
Box 1, folder 6
Letter from Arthur to Gunter
1945 8 January
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Arthur W. Rangeler. Rangeler makes sure to tell Gunter that he has not forgotten her despite
what she thinks. He tells Erica that he still has her picture and took it all the way to New Guinea. He ends his letter by
telling her that he has been very busy and that he hopes that she will understand.
Box 1, folder 7
Letter to Erica Gunter
1945 26 January
Scope and Contents
Item is a short letter addressed to Erica Gunter from an acquaintance of Dick Paxton, Mrs. John D. She mentions in her letter
that she has included a photograph of Paxton. She ends her letter by telling Gunter that she is very excited to meet her.
Box 1, folder 8
Letter Paxton to Gunter
1945 5 February
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. He starts off his letter by letting her know that he arrived
back home safely. He tells Gunter that he wished that she were not so nice to him because he is not deserving of it. Paxton
tells Gunter that he cannot wait to marry her.
Box 1, folder 9
Letter Paxton to Gunter
1945 6 February
Scope and Contents
Item is a typed letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. He tells Gunter that he looks forward to going home, however, if
the work day is long, he might not be able to make it. He tells her that they will start a new picture sometime during the
week. Paxton ends his letter by telling Gunter that he feels like his job is easier because he knows that she is waiting for
him back home.
Box 1, folder 10
Letter Paxton to Gunter
1945 12 February
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Richard Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. Paxton writes a Valentine's Day poem to Gunter.
Box 1, folder 11
Letter Gunter to Paxton
1945 14 February
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Erica Gunter to Dick Paxton. Gunter begins her letter by telling Paxton that a blizzard
has set in. The letter was written the morning of Valentine's Day and Gunter expresses her love for Paxton. She tells him
to take phone money and to call her Saturday. She ends the letter by telling Paxton that the crew has arrived.
Box 1, folder 12
Letter Paxton to Gunter
1945 27 February
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. Paxton starts off his letter by telling Gunter that the day
was a bit rough because he had to film in the rain. He says that he hopes to be with her on during the weekend. Paxton says
he will not worry about train reservations and will just take a chance. He closes his letter by telling Gunter that he must
go to class.
Box 1, folder 13
Letter Paxton to Gunter
1945 10 March
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. Paxton starts off his letter by writing about the warm weather.
He says that he has been having a great time and that he wished that she was there. Paxton writes that there isn't much to
do in town, however, he is staying busy. He ends his letter by telling her that he loves and misses her.
Box 1, folder 14
Letter from Paxton to Gunter
1945 11 March
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter.
Box 1, folder 15
Letter from Johnny to Erica Gunter
1945 5 June
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Johnny to Erica Gunter. Johnny starts of his letter by telling Gunter that there is something
different about her and that she seems more mature than before. He tells her that he remembered that she is supposed to graduate
this month.
Box 1, folder 16
Western Union Telegram
1945 8 July
Scope and Contents
Item is a Western Union telegram from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter.
Box 1, folder 17
Letter from Paxton to Gunter
1945 9 July
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. Paxton starts off his letter by telling Gunter that he has
been very busy. He tells her that he should be back home by the first of the month. He tells her that he wasn't able to get
much sleep the night before. Paxton closes his letter by telling Gunter that he loves her.
Box 1, folder 18
Colombia Broadcasting to Gunter
1945 11 July
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Colombia Broadcasting System to Erica Gunter. Ray from Colombia writes to tell her that
it has been a while since he had been captivated by a Jewish girl. He invites her to a broadcast with him and provides her
with his home phone number.
Box 1, folder 18
Estes Park postcard
1945 8 August
Scope and Contents
Item is a postcard from Mildred and Jack Paxton of The Stanly Hotel in Estes Park. Postcard addressed to Richard Paxton and
Erica Gunter.
Box 1, folder 20
Francis Scott Key Hotel postcard
1945 9 August
Scope and Contents
Item is a postcard addressed to Erica Gunter from Dick Paxton of the Francis Scott key Hotel in Maryland.
Box 1, folder 21
Letter from Paxton to Gunter
1945 11 August
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. He starts off by telling Gunter that he loved hearing her voice
over the phone. He tells her that he was currently at the Virginia Military Institute. Paxton tells Gunter that he will not
mail any laters after Monday of the following week because he expects to be home by then. He ends the letter by telling her
that as soon as it is all over, they will be married and go on vacation.
Box 1, folder 23
Letter to Gunter and Paxton from E. Paxton
1945 14 August
Scope and Contents
Item is a short letter from E. Paxton, addressed to Erica Gunter and Dick Paxton. The person writing the letter thanks them
both for a purse. She closes the letter by telling Gunter that Paxton has spoken very highly of her.
Box 1, folder 22
Letter from Paxton to Gunter
1945 13 August
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. He starts off the letter by telling Gunter that they announced
V-J Day. He lets her know that things have been running smoothly and that he has been buying himself a steak dinner every
night. He says they have a very interesting place and that he will tell her all about it once he is back home. Paxton writes
that there are several camera men, however, most of the job was turned on to him. He ends his letter by telling Gunter that
he hopes to be back home by the end of the week.
Box 1, folder 24
Dream Lake postcard
1945 29 August
Scope and Contents
Item is a postcard from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter of Dream Lake in Virginia.
Box 1, folder 25
Letter to Dick Paxton
1945 29 August
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter for Dick Paxton.
Box 1, folder 26
Letter to Erica Gunter and Dick Paxton
1945 31 August
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter to Erica Gunter and Dick Paxton from
Box 1, folder 27
Western Union Telegram 2
1945 12 September
Scope and Contents
Item is a Western Union Telegram from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter.
Box 1, folder 28
Letter from Paxton to Gunter
8 March
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. Paxton starts off his letter by letting Gunter know that he
has arrived safely to his destination. He tells Gunter that he misses her and that he is miles away from any woman so she
need not worry. Paxton goes on to write about the camera crew. He ends his letter by telling Gunter that he hopes that his
letter reaches her soon.
Box 1, folder 29
Letter from Mildred & Jack to Gunter
10 May
Scope and Contents
Item is a typed letter from Mildred and Jack, letter is addressed to Erica Gunter. Jack lets Gunter know that her husband
speaks very foundly of Gunter when they do talk. He gives her good news and says he is very happy to inform her that in order
to be eligible to be discharged, he would only need a total of 85 points. He tells her that he is very happy that the war
is coming to an end. He closes his letter by asking her what she has been doing lately.
Box 1, folder 30
Letter from Paxton to Gunter
5 July
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. He starts off his letter by telling Gunter that he is in St.
Louis. He tells Gunter that he hated to leave her and that she is the sweetest girl on earth. He tells her that he has been
thinking about them getting married and that he can't wait. He ends his letter by telling her that he cannot wait to get back
because he cannot be without her much longer.
Box 1, folder 31
Letter from Paxton to Gunter
12 July
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. Paxton starts off his letter by telling Gunter that her letters
really keep him going because his place is so dead. He goes on to tell her that he hopes that his job is not extended more
than 30 days. He goes on to write about how much he loves Gunter. He ends his letter by telling her that soon they will take
a trip to Colorado to visit his grandparents.
Box 1, folder 32
Letter from Paxton to Gunter
30 August
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter by Dick Paxton. During this letter Paxton tells Gunter a little bit about his filming and says
he is very busy.
Box 1, folder 33
Western Union Telegram to Erica Gunter from Carl H. Wilson
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is a telegram to Erica Gunter from Carl H. Olsson, wishing her a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Box 1, folder 34
Letter Paxton to Gunter Thursday
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Rick Paxton to Erica Gunter. Paxton starts off his letter by telling Gunter that his work
has been very interesting but also very tiring. He tells Gunter that he will give her a full report of everything as soon
as he sees her. He ends his letter by telling her how much he loves her and that he can't wait until they are married.
Box 1, folder 35
Letter from Johnny to Erica Gunther
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is a typed letter from Johnny to Erica Gunther. Johnny addresses Gunther's doubts about him. He expressed his jealousy
when Gunther dated others. Johnny makes sure to tell her that he does not have a long list of other women that he calls. Johnny
ends his letter by telling Gunther that if he is financially fit, he will visit her in California.
Box 1, folder 36
Letter from John H. Macaulay to Gunter
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is a typed letter from John H. Macaulay to Erica Gunther. Johnny tells Gunther that she is having such a good time in
California and that he is starting to worry. He tells her that he has started to attend school again. He ends the letter by
telling Gunther that her picture that she sent doesn't do her justice and that he will send her one of himself.
Box 1, folder 37
Note to Dick
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is a short list of things to tell Dick Paxton.
Box 1, folder 39
Letter from Paxton to Gunter
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Dick Paxton to Erica Gunter. He gives Gunter a brief description of what he has been doing
and tells her that he can't wait to be home with her.
Box 1, Folder 39
Letter from Albie to Erica Gunter
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is a handwritten letter from Albie to Erica Gunter. He starts his letter by telling her that he received the package
with cookies and a photograph. He tells Gunter that she has changed a lot and is much more glamorous. He asks her how Christmas
went for her. Albie asks her when she will return to New York from California.
Box 1, folder 40
Erica Gunter Headshot 1
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is a black and white headshot of Erica Gunter.
Box 1, folder 41
Erica Gunter Headshot 2
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is a black and white headshot of Erica Gunter which she had sent to Twentieth Century Fox Studios. The headshot was returned
after she was informed that she would be not able to receive assistance to become an actress.
Box 1, folder 42
Ralph Photograph 1
undated
Scope and Contents
Black and white image of soldier.
Box 1, folder 44
Photograph 3
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is a black and white image of soldier.
Box 1, envelope 1
Miscellaneous Envelope
undated
Scope and Contents
Item is an envelope with miscellaneous items.
