Eli Whitney Blake (1867-1902) papers (Ms. 2008.031)

The Eli Whitney Blake (1867-1902) papers contain personal correspondence to and from Blake, several of his drawings and poems, one portrait photograph of him and an undated letter from a family member to a publisher regarding his correspondence.

The bulk of the material consists of personal letters from Blake to his friends Sophia Atwater and Stephen Atwater, and their letters to Blake. Also included are Blake's letters to Sophia's father, Richard M. Atwater, Sr., and to her sisters Elizabeth and Marjorie Atwater. Some of the letters to Stephen and Richard Atwater contain descriptions of Blake's work at the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Hampton, Virginia.

Several empty envelopes are included in the first series. They are arranged by the date of the postmark and are addressed to Richard M. Atwater, Sr. and Sophia Atwater.

The second series contains drawings by Blake and several poems written by him. Many of the poems are illustrated. The final two series in these papers consist of a framed portrait photograph of Blake taken in New York City and an undated letter from Sylvia M. Boethe, a family member, to the editors of The American Heritage Publishing Company regarding their interest in publishing an article about Blake's letters.