Streeter Blair Oral History Transcript,
Scope and Content Note
This collection consists of the transcript from a 23-hour oral history interview of American primitive artist Streeter Blair, conducted by Elizabeth I. Dixon and Donald J. Schippers (under the auspices of the Oral History Program of the University of California Los Angeles). The transcript, titled "Primitive Painter of the West," focuses on Blair's youth and education in Kansas as well as his careers in education, advertising, and art. Containing more than 800 pages and several illustrations, the transcript is divided into two volumes and is fully indexed. A small collection of Blair-related printed materials accompanies the transcript and includes a brochure for a 1967 Blair retrospective exhibition.
Dates
- Creation: 1967 - 1975
- Creation: Majority of material found in 1975 - 1975
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish material from Streeter Blair Oral History Transcript must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Biographical Note
Streeter Blair was born in Cadmus, Kansas in 1888. After graduating from Kansas University, he moved to Sabatha, Kansas, where he married Camille Hook in 1913. The couple would have two children. Blair served as principal of Sabatha's high school while teaching English and Latin and coaching the football team. Later, he opened a clothing business, then operated a successful advertising agency. After moving to Los Angeles, the Blairs opened a successful antiques business. Blair's art career began around 1948. With no formal training, Blair nostalgically recalled in his works day-to-day life in rural and small town America. Streeter Blair died in Los Angeles on November 3, 1966.
Full Extent
0.5 Cubic Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Transcript of oral history interview with American primitive artist Streeter Blair, conducted by Elizabeth I. Dixon and Donald J. Schippers (under the auspices of the Oral History Program of the University of California Los Angeles) and titled "Primitive Painter of the West." Accompanied by a small collection of printed materials relating to Blair.
Acquisition Information
The Streeter Blair Oral History Transcript was acquired by Special Collections in 1975.
Physical Characteristics
0.5 cu. ft. 1 box
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Streeter Blair Oral History Transcript commenced and was completed in May, 2012.
Genre / Form
- Title
- A Guide to the Streeter Blair Oral History Transcript, 1975
- Subtitle
- A collection in Special Collections.
- Author
- John M. Jackson
- Date
- ©2012 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu