Darwin D. Martin - Frank Lloyd Wright Papers, 1883-1982 (inclusive), 1904-1949 (bulk), bulk 1904-1949

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Summary

Abstract:
Correspondence and other documents between businessman Darwin D. Martin and architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Extent:
8 Linear Feet (7 boxes, 1 oversize folder)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item] Darwin D. Martin - Frank Lloyd Wright Papers, M0355, Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

Note that most documents dated 1888-1914 are photocopies. Originals are located at University Archives, State University of New York at Buffalo.

Includes more than 200 letters from Wright and over 2,000 letters to Wright from Martin. Wright's letters refer to design and construction issues, as well as financial matters. Also includes drafts of manuscripts which Wright prepared for publication. Martin was a supporter of the Tuskegee Institute and donated Larkin soap to help underwrite construction of a teacher's cottage in 1902; the collection contains original signed letters from Booker T. Washington from 1907 to 1914, most of which are appeals for for further support. Wright, no doubt with Martin's encouragement, later designed a Rosenwald-funded building (never realized) for the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, and there are letters from and to the Institute's James E. Gregg circa 1927-1928.

Also included are letters and other items from other members of Martin's family including brother W.E. Martin and son Darwin R. Martin. There are a few letters from both Wright and Martin's spouses at various times. Files from after Martin's death are mostly about his son's efforts to recoup Wright's debts to his father, as well as later letters (1967-1968) about the disposition of some Wright furniture, and newspaper clippings highlighting Wright's increasing canonization.

Biographical / historical:

Darwin Denice Martin (1865–1935) was an early 20th-century businessman who worked for the Larkin Company of Buffalo, New York. After contracting with architect Frank Lloyd Wright for the design of administration building for Larkin, Martin also had Wright build homes for his family and became a friend, confidant and financial supporter, as evident in the numerous exchanges present in these papers.

Acquisition information:
Partial gift of Jean and Paul Hanna and the Library Associates, 1982 and 1983.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Architects.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.

Terms of access:

While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item] Darwin D. Martin - Frank Lloyd Wright Papers, M0355, Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Location of this collection:
Department of Special Collections, Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6004, US
Contact:
(650) 725-1022
specialcollections@stanford.edu
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