%xmlchars; ]> MS2161 Guide to the G. Fred Blackburn papers, 1850-1993 Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Special Collections Research Center, The Gelman Library, The George Washington University 2006

2130 H. St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20052 Phone: 202-994-7549 Email: speccoll@gwu.edu

Machine-readable finding aid derived from Re:discovery database program and converted into xml; Code template by Archives and Information Associates (http://archivesandinformation.com), Alexandria, Virginia . 2005 Finding aid written in English Guide to the G. Fred Blackburn Papers, 1850-1993 MS2161 Special Collections Research Center, The Gelman Library, The George Washington University

Washington, D.C.

Processed by: Special Collections Staff, 2006 Encoded by: Jennifer King, 2006

Descriptive Summary Blackburn, George Frederick G. Fred Blackburn papers, 1850-1993 MS2161 0.5 Linear feet 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. The George Washington University, The Gelman Library, Special Collections Research Center

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English Information for Users Preferred citation

G. Fred Blackburn papers, Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University.

Restrictions on Access

Some records may be restricted.

Acquisition Information

[required]

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.

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.

Collection Organization

Organized in one series.

Subject Terms Individuals Blackburn, George Frederick Corporate Entities Topics Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (Md. and Washington, D.C.) Geographic Locations Detailed Description of the Records MS2161 Series 1 Papers, 1850-1993 0.5 Linear feet

This series 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.

1 1 Biography, undated

1 2 C & O Canal, undated

1 3 C & O Canal Association, 1970-1980

1 4 C & O Canal Association Annual Reunion Hike, 1963-1979

1 5 C & O Canal Association Annual Reunion Hike -- Towpath Notes, 1957-1967

1 6 C & O Canal Hike, 1954

1 7 Congressional Record -- Development of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, 12/22/1970

1 8 Correspondence, 1958-1976

1 9 Hiking songs, undated

1 10 Lists of names, 1954

1 11 Minutes of National Capital Wilderness Study Committee, 04/28/1969

1 12 Newsletters and pamphlets, 1950-1992

1 13 Newspaper clippings, 1850-1992

1 14 PATC hikes, 1972-1973

1 15 Petition to establish C & O Canal National Park, undated

1 16 Photographs, 1954

1 17 Photographs, undated

1 18 Potomac National River proposal, 1968

1 19 Slides, 1954