35052: George Washington Carver Archive of 97 Letters
| Start Price |
USD 55,000.00 |
| Current Price |
USD 97,500.00 |
| Time Left |
- |
| Bid Count |
1 |
| Buy It Now Price |
- |
| Reserve Price |
- |
| Start Time |
Friday, October 17, 2008 |
| End Time |
Friday, October 17, 2008 |
| Location |
Heritage Auction Galleries |
|
See more about '35052: George Washington Carver Archive of 97 Letters'
|
Description
click for larger image35052: George Washington Carver Archive of 97 Letters George Washington Carver Archive of Ninety-seven Letters to his longtime friend and supporter Sophie Liston. The letters span the years 1925 through 1937 and contains 24 Typed Letters Signed (all but one are single page on 8.5" x 11", Tuskegee letterhead), and 73 Autograph Letters Signed (most are 2 pages) and cover all topics including religion, racial segregation, his work in agriculture, the Great Depression, travel, and health issues. All letters are signed "G.W. Carver". Sold with an oil painting, 18" x 36.25" (framed to an overall size of 22.5" x 40.5"), purportedly painted by Carver and Liston; and a small card hand-painted with daisies, signed "G.W. Carver", 2" x 4.25".Sophie Liston first befriended Carver during his first year at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Carver had enrolled at Simpson in hopes of continuing his education, particularly in the areas of art. Carver arrived at Simpson College with little resources and had hoped to make his way by setting up a laundry service for students. There are many versions of stories relating Carver's hardships during this period, but what can be established is that Sophie, a white woman, was one of the local townspeople who befriended Carver and helped by providing small jobs for him to earn money, clothing and furnishings for his stark shanty. They had an immediate bond that was likely founded on their strong faith in God and love for the arts. Sophie and her family eventually moved to California, and their friendship continued through letter-writing. This rich correspondence, shows many sides to Carver and is illustrative of the rather complicated place he held in society as an educated black man in the South. "[Nov. 30, 1925]... I am sending you an announcement which we feel very proud over. This is one of the largest meetings that I have ever had in the South... It was a five hundred mile trip as we visited several points in Florida. One of the gentlemen had never heard me speak, after I had finished and gotten to my room he came in and said, 'Dr. Carver, I am thoroughly convenced [sic] that you are doing missionary work as well as along other lines, as you are doing so much in the way of better race relations while you did not say anything about them at all, what you have accomplished speaks for itself...' [Oct. 11, 1927] I had the privilege while in Oklahoma of inspecting officially one of the great oil refiners. It covers 1000 acres of land and they employ from 700 to 900 men and turn out from 100 to 150 cars of different products per day. They are, however, throwing away from six to seven tons per day of what is known as sludge, which is a varying composition. They are going to send me some of this sludge for further study..."Carver originally enrolled at Simpson with the intent to study art. Although his focus would eventually turn to agriculture, his love for the arts is evident as it remained a frequent and important topic in his letters: "[Feb. 8, 1928]... It is so pleasing to know that you are still interested in art, and that you are keeping it up. How I wish that I could be there and have a real art discussion once more... I have just received the 1928 Maxfield Parrish Calendar, which is a wonderful picture. It is somewhat different from anything that I have seen. There are two figu[r]es sitting upon a rock overlooking a deep gauge. He has worked in those marvelous blues, which nobody except Maxfield Parrish can do. Through the central part of the picture there comes such an interesting exposition of purple... [Oct. 7, 1928] I am making some wonderful little sketches with charcoal made from the roots of the Fla. Palm. I have a dainty little landscape, study of each, and am now working on a study of apples. There are five apples lying on a table, they look like they will fall off... "Of course, his scientific work was a major topic of discussion; in particular his research in the use of peanut oil massages for the treatment of infantile paralysis. In an undated letter he writes (typed):"The special peanut oil to which you refer is not manufactured commercially, and will not be until I finish my investigations and get the range of its entire pharmaceutical possibilities.I have only used it on two cases of infantile paralysis, each of which shows decided improvement. One of the cases has left and I will not see him any more. Three, 15 now [added in holograph], others have just come to me, so that I can go on with my investigations and give you truth and directions of valueIt is practically impossible for me to make enough oil for my own investigation..."The letter continues in holograph:"My dear Mrs. Liston these oils I am working on now are for infantile paralysis. Even if it were available in its present state I would not recommend it for ladies as it grows hair as well as being a strong fat producer. Use the oil on the slip, if an oil at all is needed they will do the work. I cured a bad case on myself with them several years ago. Mine was in the knee, swelled terribly and the pain was almost unbearable, no sleep at night. I put the knee in a continuous heating pack at night and massaged night and morning with these oils it cured me. My infantile paralysis work is coming on fine. My physician says my 'strength' is not sufficient to undertake such a long trip. Don't know if I will ever get strong enough to make it..."Carver's work on the treatment of infant paralysis would receive a lot of attention, and gave rise to copycat companies: "[Oct. 1. 1934]... One of my patients who lives in Washington D.C. secured a bottle of 'Velvet Vitalized Peanut Oil' for me. I was amazed when I saw the product and the advertising matter on the bottle and inner carton. I do not see how he could hope to sell a dozen bottles per month. I think the 'Pure Food and Drug Law' has censored it. They wrote the Add. Matter that I am allowed to send out on Penol, and I think they have done the same with Dr. Frischkorn..." There are also two letters on stationery of companies that produce peanut based products that have included Carver's name in the mast. Carver makes frequent references to the growing number of letters received and patients traveling long distances for treatment. Eventually it was discovered that the effectiveness of Carver's treatments on infantile paralysis had nothing to do with the peanut oil, but with the massages themselves. Carver had been a trainer for the Iowa State football team and was skilled masseuse. Carver's treatments and use of peanut oil begin to make sense when examined against the context of his religious beliefs. Sophie and Carver shared a strong religious faith, and the role of God in their lives was a frequent topic. "[June 5, 1936]...Yes I have read Mrs. Eddie's [Mary Baker Eddy] book, 'Secret of Health' [likely Science And Health, With Key To The Scriptures]. I have had it for many years and from time to time get copies of 'Unity'. I used to get it regularly. I also get the Christian Science Monitor. A recent issue had a nice article of the work that I am trying to do..." Nevertheless, he is not welcome to worship at their church, "[March 20, 1935]... I am so glad that you are better. My daily prayers are that 'The Great Physician' will come to you with healing spirits. There is no Christian Science Church nearer than 42 miles of us and it is a white church so you see I could not go if I was there. You, my great friend cannot understand what a terrible blight this prejudice is, but God will take care of it in His own good time and way..."The subject of race arises on occasion, and although not a focus, it nevertheless remains a constant factor in his day-to-day life: "[Nov. 22, 1928]... It will probably be 50 years after I have been called hence, before the people can fully realize what a contribution to education the work I am doing is. Booker Washington is yet misunderstood by some, but with many there is growing understanding... I do not know if I told you that a recent offer had come to me for $10,000 per year as chief chemist for a large manufacturing plant in Ga. Of course I turned it down as usual..." Although the Depression had not quite hit full force, the nations' economy, particularly the agrarian economy, had already begun to see a downturn. He continues in the same letter: "I do hope your son will find a lucrative position. I trust also that conditions will be such that he can return with profit to the occupation of his choice. I think the country as a whole is pleased with Mr. Hoover. He is really a good man. Just what we need..."In his next letter, dated December 25, 1928, he continues on the topic of the lucrative job offer: "... Today has been a wonderful day. I could accept no dinner invitations. O yes no one is more conscious of the fact that my time is about up than myself. I am not physically strong enough to take a heavy position like the $10,000 job, even though it was safe, which is not by any manner of means. All of my white friends who know about it advise me not to do it, because the rough element would not stand for a 'nigger' as chief chemist over them, here in the south under no circumstances . Were you here just 24 hours you would say no too."Of course, the Depression did not discriminate, and Washington's letters tell of the crisis as it affected everyone: "[Jan. 2, 1931]... Yes the bank situation is just as it was when I wrote you last. No evidences of getting even part of it yet. I see so many people that are so much worse off than I am, that I wish I was able to help them. I was the largest depositor the bank had and therefore I am the heaviest looser [sic]. I am not grieving or worrying over it. I have asked God's guidance in the matter. I still have my job, and am able to do it, so they say, so why grieve... [Jan. 24, 1931]... The depression is something terrible sight around us. We found the children of one family eating swill, it was all the food they had... [April 17, 1932]... The financial condition of the U.S. is in such a state that down here we have no money with which to build roads. Some schools have already closed, others closing. Some teachers have not received any pay since last Sept... [Dec. 28, 1932]... I am not worrying Mrs. Liston, even though I have lost my savings, suffered a cut in salary, was not getting much and it looks as if though we will have to be cut again. Yet I am much better off than hundreds... [Jan. 15, 1933]... Thank God I am not suffering or worrying as I am so confident that God will provide for me. While millions are suffering I must suffer a little too, and then even though I have suffered such severe losses there are others much worse off that I am, yes millions of them. I am trying to point the way out to someone almost every day. I am telling them to make lye housing, salt rising bread etc. etc. I taught one poor fellow (white) who has a family was out of work, how to make soup from waste fats etc. from eating houses..."The topic of Carver's celebrity often appears. Letters mention an invitation from the Russians to come to the Soviet Union to explore cotton as a crop, an invitation from the Bahamas for a week-long speaking tour, the publication of a biography on Carver, and a film documentary that was released to movie houses throughout the country (John Hix's "Strange as it Seems"). These letters are rich in content, revealing the complexities and contradictions of his life. Born into slavery, and raised by a white family, Carver seemed equally at ease with whites and blacks; although he likely felt an outsider with both. Biographies reveal that he was widely resented at Tuskegee because of the additional privileges he demanded and received; and these letters although telling of his daily life reveal nothing of any personal relationships he may have had. Despite his engaging nature, the bond he shared with Sophie Liston was only possible because it was through written correspondence and only inclusive of certain areas of his life. This rich archive is accompanied by two original works of art by Carver. The first is a large oil painting (unsigned) of a corn stalk that had been stored with the letters by Sophie Liston's descendants. The story that has been passed down is that Sophie and Carver painted it together. This is not an unlikely possibility. Carver was an avid painter, and he and Sophie spent much of their time working in her garden or making art, prior to the Listons move to California. There is a photograph of Carver standing alongside one of his paintings in the biography, George Washington Carver, Scientist & Symbol, by Linda O. McMurry. Like the corn plant being offered here, the composition is vertical, and the depiction of the leaves and flowers is strikingly similar. The painting has areas of flaking and loss of paint as well as a small tear in the canvas. The second work of art is a small flower painting on a card signed "G.W. Carver". The letters reveal that Sophie and Carver sometimes included these small paintings in their letters to one another, so it is likely that Carver included this small painting in one of his letters. Although there are known examples of his artwork, many were destroyed in 1947 when fire struck the George Washington Carver Museum at Tuskegee.Carver's advanced age and poor health can also be traced through the course of the letters. Although his early correspondence is handwritten, by December 1935 all letters are typed, bearing only his signature. In fact, two of these typed letters are secretarially signed (dated May 17 and December 6, 1937.) the last letter in this archive is a heartfelt letter of condolence handwritten by Carver to Sophie's husband on the occasion of her death: "Jan. 17 - 1937 [actually 1938] My dear Mr. Liston: - My heart is full to overflowing tonight, I felt so much the loss of your dear wife and my sainted friend. To me she was always an angel of light: her memory is so sweet and dear to me. How strange, it has been more than a year since I was able to use my hand in writing. I tried to use it Sat. and failed absolutely. May God ever bless, keep and guide you. With Love and best wishes always, G.W.Carver. Dr. says I must stop." Carver's writing is very palsied and frail. This is likely one of the last letters he ever wrote.Overall condition of the letters is very good to near fine, and the majority are accompanied by the original envelope. It is recommended that bidders examine the letters as it is not possible to accurately represent the breadth of content included. This archive comes directly from descendants of Sophie Liston.Also included are three biographies of Carver: 1) George Washington Carver The Man Who Overcame, by Lawrence Elliott. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, Inc., 1968.2) George Washington Carver An American Biography, by Rackham Holt. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Doran, and Company, Inc., 1943.3) George Washington Carver Scientist & Symbol, by Linda O. McMurry. Oxford University Press, 1982.Shipping: Framed - without Glass, Medium (view shipping information)Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 100-110 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Since eBay bids are not shown to us until we open the lot on the floor, we treat those bids just like floor bids. In most cases the floor responds before the eBay bid is presented to us, due to Internet lag time, so for consistency we have made it a policy that floor bids are always considered first over tie eBay live bids. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 22.50% Buyer's Premium with a $9 minimum Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid. This lot is being auctioned in conjunction with a live floor auction by Heritage Auctions. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by Heritage Auctions, and all other information should be considered preliminary. Lot:35052Winning Notification and Billing: After the FINAL session in this auction is complete, Heritage will send e-mail and snail mail invoices. This process normally takes several days. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by Heritage Auctions, and all other information should be considered preliminary. Second Chance Offers: Heritage does not make Second Chance Offers. Once our auction ends, if you receive a Second Chance Offer to buy this item DO NOT accept the offer. Please forward any Second Chance offer emails received on one of our auctions to eBay's Safe Harbor Department. This auction will be conducted on a live auction floor and over the Internet through eBay Live. If you choose to place an absentee bid, please take a moment to learn how eBay Live absentee bidding works Auction House Info Heritage Auctions 3500 Maple Avenue 17th Floor Dallas, Texas 75219-3941, United States Tel: 214-528-3500 Fax: 214-443-8425 EMail: EbayLive@HeritageAuctions.com CLICK TO Ask a Question ABOUT THE LOT OR AUCTION FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT EBAY LIVE AUCTIONS Terms & Conditions Please view our complete Terms & Conditions at the following web address: http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/images/TermsAndConditions.pdf Auction House Heritage Auctions3500 MapleDallas, TX United States 75219214.409.1444Terms & Conditionshttp://ha.com/common/auction/terms_and_conditions.phpShippingBuyer Pays Shipping CostBuyer's PremiumUSD 0 - USD 999 22.5 %USD 1000 + 22.5 %PaymentContact For Payment DetailsTaxesLocal Taxes ApplyContractYour bid is a contract.Place a bid only if you're serious about buying the item. If you are the successful and winning bidder, you have entered into a legally binding contract to purchase the property bid on from the seller. You should contact the seller to resolve any questions before bidding.RegistrationBidders are required to:a) Sign up for this auction& b) Complete bidding approval formApproval is at the discretion of the Auction House.HelpHelp with biddingImages Auction services provided by LiveAuctioneers
Place a Bid!
|
|