Norman, Gertrude, d. 1961

Marcia Van Dresser, (December 4, 1880 - July 11, 1937) opera and concert soprano, was born in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended local schools and later studied music under Mrs. Robinson Duff, Hermine Bosetti and Jean De Reszke. In 1898 she joined the Bostonians Company and toured, singing the lead soprano roles for four years. In 1903 she appeared with the Metropolitan Opera Company in minor parts and then went to Munich for further training. Van Dresser sang in Grand Opera at Dresden, 1908 - 1910, at Frankfort, 1911 - 1914 and made guest appearances elsewhere in Europe. After returning to the United States in 1914, she was a member of the Chicago Opera Company, 1915 - 1916 and appeared in concert from 1916 to 1918. Van Dresser died in London after a long illness.

Gertrude Norman, who died in 1961, was for many years a secretary and companion to Marcia Van Dresser.

From the guide to the Van Dresser-Norman papers, 1895-1956, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)