Ida Benfey Judd

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.^[1] 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.^[4][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.^[4] Her Mark Twain Association was still meeting annually in New York City in 1990.^[17]