Name/Title
Handwritten Poem by Lewis H. Latimer – Fragmented ManuscriptDescription
This is a handwritten poem on aged, fragile paper, signed by Lewis H. Latimer at the top. The text appears faded, and portions of the manuscript are missing or damaged, making parts of the poem difficult to read. The poem references food staples like sugar, potatoes, turnips, and cabbage, and reflects on the hard work involved in preparing meals. The tone suggests themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and labor.
The paper is mounted inside a protective archival sleeve, indicating efforts to preserve this historically significant document despite its fragility and deterioration.Context
Lewis H. Latimer was not only a pioneering inventor and engineer, but also a poet and writer. His literary works provide insight into his personal reflections, social observations, and philosophical views. This poem may have been written to capture daily life, the struggles of working-class people, or themes of gratitude and perseverance. Given its homely references, it may have been a personal or family-oriented piece, possibly reflecting on the importance of nourishment and hard work.Collection
The Lewis H. Latimer Papers (1870-1929, 1972) [QPL Subgroup], Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]Transcription
"L. H. Latimer" (signature at the top)
There’s sugar in store
Potatoes galore
There’s turnips and cabbage to boot
Now if we get meat
That’s tender and sweet
We can turn out a dinner to suit
A king or a lord
Nothing is hard
He can’t smile at the dinners we [illegible]
And I’m sure that no man
Or woman here can
Who has to work hard for a living.
(Some words and lines are missing or obscured due to the damaged paper.)