Ida Benfey Judd (– February 14, 1952) was an American educator, elocutionist and monologist, billed as "The American Storyteller".[1] She founded the Mark Twain Association, and was its first president.
Ida Benfey was born ca. 1858-59 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Delia M. and Louis Benfey. She and her older sister Myra lost their mother when they were 11 and 13 years of age, respectively.[2] [3] She studied elocution at the Michigan State Normal School in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and graduated from the University of California in 1883.[4] Her sister Myra married Waldo S. Waterman, son of California governor Robert W. Waterman, in 1887 and died of consumption later that year.[5]
Judd was a popular speaker at community events, schools, and in theaters, especially in New York City, where she was based, but also on national tours.[6] Of her interpretation of The Book of Job, a signature piece in her wide repertoire,[7] the Times noted that "Miss Benfey has taste, understanding, and uncommon powers of expression, and her new undertaking cannot fail to interest many persons."[8] She was also known to read works by women writers; an 1896 recital included texts by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman and Ruth McEnery Stuart, with both authors in the audience.[9] At the 1920 centennial commemoration of George Eliot held at a Columbia University, Judd performed scenes from The Mill on the Floss, accompanied by a trio of women musicians.[10] Les Misérables and A Tale of Two Cities were other popular texts for Benfey's performances. She also told Chinese folk tales, recited Socrates, and read Mark Twain essays and stories.[11]
Judd taught public speaking and elocution at Teachers College, Columbia University; among her students was political strategist Belle Moskowitz.[12]
In 1926, Judd founded the Mark Twain Association, to promote the study and reading of Twain's work. She was the association's longtime president,[13] organizing contests, raising funds, and corresponding with writers and publications.[14] In the 1930s, she organized Great Literature Across the Footlights, to promote cultural literacy through dramatic presentation in prisons and reformatories and summer camps.[15]
Ida Benfey married George W. Judd, a lawyer. She died in Ossining, New York on February 14, 1952, at the age of 93.[16] Her papers are archived at the New York Public Library. Her Mark Twain Association was still meeting annually in New York City in 1990.[17]