Lydie Marland's Letters
To Grace Murray 1926 to 1945
Marriage, Infidelity, Poverty and Caring for an Ill Husband
This is a digital mockup of the print edition. The final product may vary slightly in appearance.
Now Available on Amazon
Due to high demand, the print edition of this extraordinary collection is now available! Read Lydie Marland’s personal letters and immerse yourself in a lost chapter of Oklahoma history. Also available on Kindle.
Lydie Marland
Who Was Lydie Marland?
Lydie Marland lived a life of extraordinary contrasts—from adopted daughter of an oil baron to Oklahoma’s First Lady, from a celebrated socialite to a reclusive woman shrouded in mystery. She was raised in wealth and privilege after being adopted by E.W. and Virginia Marland, one of the most powerful couples of the early 20th century. However, in a shocking turn of events, E.W. later married Lydie, an act that sparked controversy and speculation that continues to this day.
Once the heiress to the Marland fortune, Lydie witnessed the family's dramatic financial collapse, forcing her to navigate life outside the opulent world she once knew. Over time, she faded from the public eye, leaving behind whispers of heartbreak, resilience, and a life filled with untold stories. These letters provide a rare glimpse into her private thoughts, friendships, and struggles during a period of great personal and societal upheaval.
Grace Murray
Who Was Grace Murray?
Grace Murray was one of the few people who truly knew Lydie Marland, serving as both a confidante and a witness to Lydie’s most personal experiences. Likely a childhood schoolmate from Pennsylvania, Grace remained a consistent presence in Lydie’s life even as their worlds took drastically different paths.
Through dozens of letters exchanged between 1926 and 1945, Grace became Lydie’s trusted friend—someone with whom she could share secrets, joys, and hardships. These letters reveal deep personal struggles, moments of happiness, and a bond that endured through years of change.
Grace herself faced difficulties, experiencing periods of unemployment and financial instability. Yet, she was a woman of passions, loving theatre, music, and the arts, with a particular fondness for singer Elsie Janis. Her preserved correspondence with Lydie serves as a historical treasure, offering readers an intimate window into a friendship that spanned decades and a life lived between scandal, survival, and resilience.
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