FRAGA, PEDRO VALDES, 19th-20th Century;HORTON, LESTER IRADELL, 1906-1953; PEZA, ARMANDO VALDES, 1907-1970; and OTHERS. An interesting group of letters to/from performing arts figures in music, film, theater, and fashion, and related to the friend/support network for gay creatives of the era, saved together by Harriet Dean (1892-1964). The lot includes well over 100 pieces (both typed and handwritten, and incl. some photo postcards). Most of the letters are multiple pages, and thecollection has only been spot-read, the Spanish letters were not translated, so there is much content to discover. Condition: Letters appear good overall, with the usual folds, light creasing; the envelopes with some toning/staining, tears, and all with stamps cut off. THE LETTER FALL INTO THREE GROUPS: 1.) Approx. 46 letters and postcards in Spanish,all addressed to Armando Valdes Peza in Berkeley, California, 1929. They are sent from Pedro Valdes Fraga; Maria(possibly actress Maria Felix, to whom Peza was a confidant). 2.) Approx. 35 letters and postcards from Armando Valdes Peza, mostly from Los Angeles, some from Mexico, to Harriet Dean in Piedmont, 1930-1933. Plus, many have copies of Harriet's replies enclosed. The group includes a Western Union telegram from Armando requesting $30, to help him with a "great opportunity in Mexico right now". In Harriet's reply, she writes "Nothing could please us more than to start you on your way to Mexico--towards your 'great opportunity'". The letters are newsy, personal/affectionate, and supportive, discussing matters of family, friends, and career. 3.) Approx. 24 letters from Lester Horton in Los Angeles to Harriet Dean in Piedmont (plus many with copies of Harriet's reply letters), 1929-1934 He signs most of his letters "Quache". This group provides the connection between Lester and Armando (and perhaps Harriet's acquaintance with Armando through Horton, who was from Harriet's hometown, Indianapolis). There is one quietly passionate letter from Lester to Armando (sent care of California School of Arts and Crafts). He writes: "It was very hard for me to say goodbye, you understand "The other notable aspect to this group is Lester's humorous addresses to Harriet as "Aunt Hattie", signifying her supportive role in his life, and also affectionately calls her and Elsie "The Kids". Both of the men appear to have entrusted Harriet with their personal letters. In addition, some of his letters are illustrated, and in some he discusses his performance projects and Indian culture interests. Armando Valdes Peza was the son of violinist Pedro Valdes Fraga and Maria Peza Echergaray. He was a couturier who designed for actresses Maria Felix and Dolores del Rio, for plays and films, working both in Mexico City and Hollywood. As an actor, he appeared in theater and films, including Wuthering Heights (1946). Lester Horton was from Indianapolis, Indiana, arriving in California in 1929. He had an interest in and studied Native American culture, which informed his choreography. In 1932 he formed his own dance company, The Lester Horton Dancers, and later The Dance Theater of Los Angeles. Alvin Ailey studied with Horton, and after his death established his own studio with the company's dancers. From the Family of Xavier Martinez (1869-1943), Elsie Whitaker Martinez (1890-1984), and Micaela Martinez DuCasse (1913-1989).