Winter Auction 2016 Closing January 30th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2016
Booker T. Washington was born into slavery, but by the age of 25 was a founder of the Tuskegee Institute, the first major black institution of higher learning. From this base, Washington became the most respected and admired voice of the black community in the decades preceding the First World War. Washington tirelessly fought to prove that through self-help, African-Americans could go from poverty to success. One of Washington's many passions was the preservation of black history and this 1910 dated letter is an appeal for help to restore Frederick Douglass' former residence so that it "might be used in the future as a kind of Mecca for the race." The 6 1/2" x 8" letter is typed in brilliant blue on a sheet of Tuskegee Institute letterhead. Washington has signed the bottom of the letter in crisp black fountain pen. A very attractive piece from one of America's greatest educator, statesman and author. Letter of Authenticity from JSA.