The offered 1894 letter on "Tuskeegee Normal and Industrial Institute" is signed by Booker T. Washington. Washington was a Trustee of the school as well as its founding Principal. When Washington was given the job in 1881, the school had just two small converted buildings, no equipment, and very little money. Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute became a monument to his life’s work. At his death 34 years later, it had more than 100 well-equipped buildings, some 1,500 students, a faculty of nearly 200 teaching 38 trades and professions, and an endowment of approximately $2 million. The offered letter, dated January 27, 1894, is addressed to "A.G. Dow" of New York. Albert G. Dow of Randolph, New York was a successful merchant who became a Republican in the New York State Assembly during the Civil War, and later served in the New York Senate. The letter is a solicitation for funds to help the school, and reads in part:
Being of the opinion tha tif yiou knew more definitely of its far-reaching effects, you would like to help forward the work that we are doing here fo rthe eleveation of our own race. I tak eth liberty of sending you the enclosed circular which I think will interest you. we have a large number of poor buth worthy students who do all they can to help themselves (underlining in original.)
The letter is in another hand (many copies were most likely created for mailing to many potential benefactors), but is signed "Booker T. Washington." The letter is accompanied by the four page circular mentioned by Washington--it outlines the schools mission and financial needs. The document was created for circulation to potential donors. It has a split on the last page, Very Good to Excellent condition.
Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentic. The letter measures 6 x 9 ½ inches and presents with expected folds from mailing and some small edge tears. Excellent condition.