Blair Beasley Papers - Accession 1355

Authors

• Blair Edward Beasley Jr.

Files

Identifier

Accession 1355

Inclusive Dates

ca. 1930-2009

Restrictions

Open under the rules and regulations of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections

Collection Size

3000 pieces, 1.50 linear feet

Language

English

Scope and Content Note

The Blair Beasley Papers document the life and career of Blair Edward Beasley Jr. (1940-2003) as a theater educator, director, performer, and amateur race car driver. Beasley taught theater at Winthrop University and Southern Illinois University and maintained an active interest in automobile racing. The collection also documents his relationships with family, friends, students, colleagues, and others, as well as the impact he had on those around him.

The collection contains photographs, theses, play and performance materials, posters, certificates and awards, newspaper clippings, correspondence, employment records, scrapbooks, and other personal and professional materials. Materials relating to Beasley’s theater career include photographs of performances and students, information about plays he directed or performed in, play posters, his graduate theses, and certificates and awards received during his academic and professional career. The collection also includes materials documenting his employment at Winthrop University and Southern Illinois University.

Materials relating to Beasley’s racing activities include photographs, race results, racing certifications, competition licenses and other Sports Car Club of America materials, and four scrapbooks documenting races through photographs and newspaper clippings. The collection also contains newspapers and clippings concerning Beasley’s education career, racing activities, and other aspects of his life.

Personal materials include photographs of Beasley, his family and friends; childhood books; Bibles; identification cards and badges; medals; flags; and other artifacts. Materials documenting Beasley’s death and legacy include photographs, letters, and other items from his 2003 memorial services and celebrations of life.

The collection provides insight into Beasley’s career in theater and higher education, his involvement in automobile racing, and the personal and professional relationships that shaped his life. The materials date primarily from the 1960s through 2003, with some earlier materials dating to Beasley’s childhood.

Provenance

The Blair Beasley Papers were given to the Archives by Anne Fletcher on April 17, 2009.

Copyright

For information concerning copyright please contact the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University.

Finding Aid Citation

Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections, Winthrop University, "Blair Beasley Papers - Accession 1355". Finding Aid 1626.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/manuscriptcollection_findingaids/1626

Related Collections

• Blair Beasley Papers - Accession 1043
• Marilyn Frenkel Photograph Collection – Accession 1380