Whittemore, Margaret “Birthplace of Santa Fe Railway - Atchison, Kansas"

Margaret Whittemore. (1897-1983) “Birthplace of Santa Fe Railway - Atchison, Kansas.” 

Mid 1930s. 8 1/4 x 9 1/2 (image) plus margins.  Color woodblock. Titled and signed in pencil.  Old hinge residue at top corners well away from image, else excellent condition.

Margaret Evelyn Whittemore was born in Topeka, Kansas, studied at Washburn College where her parents both taught, and studied graphic arts at the Art Institute of Chicago and Taos Art Colony in New Mexico.  She was an author and illustrator in the 1930s and 40s. Whittemore worked as an artist in the Works Progress Administration museum extension program and created a series of prints depicting Kansas landmarks, of which this is one. She was a member of the Prairie Print Makers.  Her works are in the collections of the University of Kansas-Lawrence, Clay Center Library-Wichita, Kansas State Historical Society, and the Topeka Public Library.  Ref.: Who Was Who in American Art, p. 677.

This print shows a historical building in Kansas and reflects an appreciation for preserving the past as part of a cultural heritage. 

Accompanying text: “This small brick building, having two rooms, was the private office of Luther C. Challis, a banker of Atchison, and a promoter of the A.T.& S.F. Railroad.  The first meeting to plan the establishment of the railroad was held here, Sept. 15 and 17, 1860.  Mr. Challis became one of the directors, and merely loaned his office for this and subsequent meetings. The building was torn down about 1892.”