Collection primarily contains correspondence relating to the Panama Canal, 1900 to 1915.

Harry Balfe (1860-1944) was born in Newburgh, New York. In 1900, he embarked on a mercantile career and joined the firm of Austin, Nichols & Co. of New York as sales manager, then as manager and vice-president, and then president. When he retired in 1920, he was chairman of the board. Balfe was a friend of President Theodore Roosevelt, and during the building of the Panama Canal he made two trips to the canal zone on request of Roosevelt. Balfe was also requested by President William H. Taft to make another trip to the Panama Canal zone. In the 1930s, he was living in San Joaquin Valley, California, on a large ranch where he raised prize-winning horses. Balfe was married to May Adams of New York; they had three sons: Harry, Thomas, and Raymond.

.42 Linear Feet (1 box)

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.