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G. Fred Blackburn papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS2161

Collection Scope and Content

This collection contains photographs, newspaper clippings, newsletters, correspondence, and other materials related to the C&O Canal, the hike of 1954, and subsequent reunion hikes. The materials date from 1850-1993.

Dates

  • 1850-1993

Restrictions on Access

Some records may be restricted.

Restrictions on Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Historical or Biographical Note

George Frederick Blackburn (1903-1990) was an active member of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), serving as its president between 1951 and 1955. Blackburn was born in Cessna, Pennsylvania in 1903, and received Bachelor and Masters degrees in Mathematics from Princeton University. He relocated to the Washington, D.C. area and worked for the National Bureau of Standards for the majority of his career. Blackburn joined the PATC in 1929, and became actively involved in its activities in the 1930s and 1940s. He served as the organization's president for four years, beginning in 1951. Under his leadership, the PATC fought efforts to convert the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath into a scenic highway. Blackburn was a participant in the hike led by Justice William O. Douglas in 1954 to draw attention to the scenic beauty of the canal, as well as subsequent reunion hikes. G. Fred Blackburn died in 1990.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection contains photographs, newspaper clippings, newsletters, correspondence, and other materials related to the C&O Canal, the hike of 1954, and subsequent reunion hikes. The materials date from 1850-1993.

Title
Guide to the G. Fred Blackburn papers, 1850-1993
Status
Completed
Author
Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2006
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository

Contact:
2130 H Street NW
Washington 20052 United States of America