The History
This wonderful love story, locked in a trunk for more than 90 years, got a grip on both Donna and I. Two lovers, one running a bookstore in Chicago, the other locked up in a TB sanitarium were somehow able to strengthen their love amidst the tumultuous events of the 1920’s. Jerry’s letters, that had been locked in Rhoda’s trunk until Donna liberated them and decided to provide Rhoda’s voice by answering them, generated the play you are about to see.
The letters proved the truth about the 1920’s being, in the words of writer Bill Bryson, “an age of loathing.” “There was never a time in U.S. history,” Bryson said, “when so many people hated so many other people, from so many different directions, and for so little reason.” Women, Jews, immigrants and “reds” were the object of much of this hate. Jerry, Rhoda and their friends who hung out at the Dil Pickle Club on Chicago’s Near North Side countered this hate with a glorious counterculture embracing all the creative arts –especially music, poetry, literature--and an inclusive liberatory politics. These were the bonds that cemented the love between Jerry and Rhoda as together they faced her illness and a hostile world. Their love story can be an inspiration to all of us today to counter much of the hatred and negativity we see around us.
– David Ranney, Co-Author of Dear Rhoda
April 1917 — The Dil Pickle Club Opens in Chicago
Artists, radicals, poets, and outsiders gather in Chicago's famous bohemian club.
Timeline
January 1919 — First Red Scare
Fear of immigrants and political radicals spreads across America.
1922 — Jerry & Rhoda Meet at the Dil Pickle Club
A romance begins amidst books, poetry, politics, and Chicago nightlife.
1923 — Rhoda Diagnosed with Tuberculosis
Rhoda is sent to Winfield Sanitarium for treatment; Jerry and Rhoda's relationship blossoms through letters.
1924 — Leopold & Loeb Trial
Clarence Darrow gains national attention defending the infamous Chicago case.
1925 — Rhoda & Jerry Marry
After months of treatment, Rhoda returns home to Jerry and they marry.
March 1927 — The American Songbag is Published
Carl Sandburg publishes his landmark collection of American folk songs.
August 1927 — Sacco & Vanzetti Executed
Worldwide protests erupt after the controversial executions.
1927 — Rhoda Relapses and Sent to the National Jewish Hospital in Denver
Rhoda's tuberculosis returns, threatening the future she and Jerry built together.
1927 — Jerry Arrested
Fear of radicals, immigrants, and dissent continues to spread across America during the Red Scare.
1928 — Rhoda Leaves Denver
After treatment in Colorado, Rhoda returns home determined to reclaim her life with Jerry.
1959 — Rhoda Dies
After several decades of happy years working alongside Jerry in their bookstore and participating in the B’nai B’rith International service organization, Rhoda passes way at the age of 59.
1966 — Jerry Dies
After 45 years as a Chicago bookseller, Jerry dies at age 70. He never remarried, carrying his love for Rhoda with him for the rest of his life.
1996 — The Trunk Discovery
Donna Russell discovers 300+ letters from Jerry to Rhoda in a trunk and meets with David Ranney, starting the journey of writing Dear Rhoda.
2016 — First Production
The 1st Production of Dear Rhoda at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center; letters later donated to the Newberry Library.
2024 — Shakespeare Project Partnership
Dear Rhoda partners with Peter Garino and The Shakespeare Project of Chicago to workshop a revised script.
2026 — Chicagoland Library Tour
Dear Rhoda tours Chicagoland Libraries, bringing history to life once again.
Summer 1925 — Fanny Brice Headlines at the Palace
Fanny Brice becomes one of America’s biggest vaudeville stars during the Jazz Age.