In her late teens, the lively, beautiful,
and articulate Gratz took her place among the social and
literary elite of Philadelphia. Philadelphia was a
growing cultural center and Gratz came to know many of
the important thinkers of her era. She corresponded
regularly with Maria Edgeworth, the British educator and
novelist, Catherine Sedgwick, the American author,
Fanny Kemble, the British actress, Grace Aguilar, the
Jewish-British theologian, and many others. Gratz was
also familiar with many of the nation's leading artists
including, Thomas Sully, Edward Malbone and Gilbert
Stuart, all of whom painted Gratz family portraits.
Gratz's friends and family encouraged her to submit
her own poetry to the Port Folio, a popular literary
magazine. However, Gratz was never interested in fame;
instead she used her writing talents in prolific
correspondence and anonymous organizational reports.
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source | full image
source | full image
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