Description
This collection contains the papers of Hollywood screenwriter
Sonya Levien (1888?-1960), including screenplays, literary manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, awards and ephemera.
There is also material in the collection related to
Levien's early involvement with the Suffrage movement, both in America and England,
as well as material recounting life in England and surviving the Blitz in World War
Background
Sonya Levien (1888?-1960) was born in Russia, most likely around 1888, although her
"official" birth date is usually given as 25 December 1898. Her family immigrated to
the United States when she was eight years old, settling on the East Side of New
York City. She worked her way through New York University Law School and was
admitted to the bar in 1909. Deciding not to practice law, she secured a position on
the Woman's Journal, a magazine owned by Alice Stone
Blackwell, primarily devoted to woman's suffrage. She joined the staff of Metropolitan magazine, eventually becoming an assistant
editor. She married the magazine's editor, Carl Hovey, in 1917; they had two
children, and remained married until his death in 1956.
Extent
1,181 pieces + ephemera and
awards in 35 boxes.
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to
quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such
activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is
one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services
Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.