John J. Blair (1860-1937) Papers, 1923-1927

BlBleicm of ArttjInfB anb ffiannerrlpl» &tolc Bppartmrnt of ArrbinrH anil BtHtnrg Kalrtgfj. Nnrtlj (Saroltna Collection: BLAIR, JOHN J., PAPERS (1860-1937) Raleigh, North Carolina 1923-1927 PC 21+9.1 - 2ltf.2 Physical Description: Letters, newspaper clippings, minutes, blueprints, and pamphlets. 2 boxes. Acquisition: Transferred from the Division of Schoolhouse Planning, Department of Public Instruction 1961 Description: John J. Blair, member of a pioneer family in the Piedmont, was born September 1 5, i860. He was active in educational, civic, and cultural affairs in his native High Point and in the state at large. His early connection with education was as superintendent of schools in Winston-Salem and later in Wilmington. For a number of years he worked with the State as director of school house planning. While in Raleigh, Blair's interest in art made him a leader in the formation of the North Carolina Art Society and he was largely instrumental in bringing collections to North Carolina and in establishing an art gallery. Blair and his family gave ihe City of High Point a large tract of land for the development of a public park system. As a lifetime member of the Springfield Friends Church, he contributed largely to the construction of a new building and under his direction the Springfield Museum acquired an outstanding collection of historical items. Following a lengthy illness, John J. Blair died at a hospital in Charlotte in November, 1937.