From my collection: an original 1934 snapshot of Harlow at home with Oscar the Pomeranian, taken in the backyard at Beverly Glen. As per usual, Harlow’s mother signed for her: “Oscar is a toy Pomeranian—seems to like to pose—Jean”. This pose was shot by MGM studio photographer William Grimes, whose camera was at the scene of some of Harlow’s best swimsuit career portraits.
Really one of my favorite photos of her. Always partial to her favored sweater/slacks/sneakers combo.
This signed photo was included with a secretarial letter sent to one of Harlow’s many Midwest admirers, penpal Margaret Ewald—Harlow employed various secretaries, as well as her mother and best friend, to assist with the bulk of fan correspondence.
When this snapshot of Harlow and Oscar sold at auction in 2006, it was lumped in with a lot of letters from two different women named Margaret; one Ewald, one Hamilton. It’s my belief that while this originally sold with a ‘33 letter to Margaret Ewald, it was actually sent to Miss Hamilton instead.
As Harlow dictated to secretary Ethel Ley in a letter to Margaret Hamilton, June 29, 1934:
“I suppose you will be disappointed but I must admit that I dictate my letters to my secretary, and she writes them for me, as I couldn’t possibly write all my letters when I am in Production […] I am enjoying very good health at the present time, and am working at the studio on “Retakes” for our latest production. I am enclosing a snap-shot of myself and my little dog, his name is Oscar. Don’t you think he is a dear?”
Harlow Heaven 