Name/Title
Correspondence Between Booker T. Washington and Lewis H. LatimerDescription
This is a letter dated May 31, 1904, from Booker T. Washington, Principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (now Tuskegee University), to Lewis H. Latimer. The letter acknowledges Latimer's previous correspondence and discusses a newspaper article by Mr. Scottron that complemented Latimer’s statements. Washington expresses interest in Latimer’s suggestion of preparing a diagram of Tuskegee, noting its potential usefulness and offering his support for the endeavor. The letter is signed in ink by Booker T. Washington. The accompanying envelope, postmarked the same date from Alabama, was addressed to Latimer at 120 Broadway, New York.Context
Lewis H. Latimer, a pioneering African American inventor and draftsman, corresponded with influential Black leaders of his time, including Booker T. Washington. This letter provides insight into their intellectual exchange and Latimer’s engagement in matters beyond engineering, including advocacy for education and racial progress. Washington, a prominent educator and leader, valued Latimer’s contributions, particularly regarding the visualization of Tuskegee’s work. The discussion of a diagram suggests Latimer's role in conceptualizing ways to document and illustrate Tuskegee’s mission and achievements.Collection
Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]Transcription
Letter:
Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute
Tuskegee, Alabama
May 31, 1904
Mr. L. H. Latimer,
120 Broadway, New York, N.Y.
Dear Mr. Latimer:
I have yours of May 24th which would have been earlier acknowledged but for the Commencement season at Tuskegee.
Under separate cover today, I am sending you a copy of the Montgomery Advertiser, containing a report of these exercises, which you may care to read.
I have read Mr. Scottron’s article with very great interest and care. He has most admirably supplemented your own statement, and together, I think you have absolutely [word appears to be "convinced"] not only the critics in general, but your friend Mr. Miller in particular.
What you say with reference to preparing a diagram of Tuskegee is most interesting and I shall hope to take this matter up and supply you with proper information. Such a diagram will prove of infinite help to us and I shall be glad to have you undertake it. The sketch as prepared by you, is in itself most interesting and illustrates your idea most adequately.
Very truly,
(Signed) Booker T. Washington
Envelope:
After five days return to
PRINCIPAL
TUSKEGEE INSTITUTE
TUSKEGEE - - - ALABAMA
Mr. L. H. Latimer
120 Broadway
New York
N.Y.
Postmark: May 31, 1904, 7 PM, Alabama
