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Dr. Austin Wingate Curtis, Jr.

Austin Wingate Curtis, Jr. was born on July 28, 1911 in Institute, West Virginia to Austin Wingate Curtis, Sr. and Dora Thorne Brown. His life began at a time in America when industrialization and social reform was in full swing. The farming industry was near recession as the automotive industry was beginning to crawl. Though slavery had ended, segregation and sexism was parallel to the course of change. Best said by Historian and Associate Professor of History at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “the Progressive Era doesn’t really capture it. Not everyone was progressive and not everything they did was…all that progressive either. It’s also a time of broader, slow long-term shifts in society and the economies that show Americans trying to figure out how to be an industrial society and a just society at the same time” (Progressive Era, 2010). Sooner than later, many of Curtis’s life work would be a cornerstone of change.

Family

Dr. Austin Wingate, Sr. was born on May 28, 1872 in North Carolina. In 1899, he graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro with a degree in agriculture. He later earned his master’s degree from NCAT. Mr. Curtis, Sr. was a devout Methodist and trustee at his local church. He served as a member of the Study of Negro Life and History, the Association of Teachers in Colored Schools, and as President of the West Virginia Teachers Association. He was also was Director of Agriculture at West Virginia State College (Vella, 2015). At that time the school was known as West Virginia Colored Institute, It is now known as West Virginia State University. Austin’s mother, Ms. Dora Thorne Brown, was born on December 13, 1875 and was an accomplished teacher herself (Boyd, 2014). Austin’s parents married on December 5, 1905 and birthed Austin’s older sister, Alice Cabell, on October 18, 1908. She went on to graduate from West Virginia State College (WVSU), and received a master’s degree at Cornell University. She met Marron W. Fort as they both taught in Institute, WV. In 1933, Fort was the first African American to earn a PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He married Alice and she gave birth to Marron Curtis Fort. Marron C. Fort graduated from Princeton and earned a German philosophy PhD from the University of Pennsylvania (Manning, 2015). He is a renowned linguist who now lives in Germany. Austin Wingate Curtis, Sr. died on March 23, 1950. Dora Thorne Brown Curtis died on February 1, 1960 and Alice Cabell Fort passed away on April 24, 2000. Austin Wingate Curtis Jr. is survived by his unidentified children and nephew, Marron.

Social/Historical Context of Life & Work

As previously stated, Austin Wingate Curtis was raised in an era of social and economic change. Women and African Americans were seen as inferiors to the white male. Slavery of African Americans had officially ended in 1865. However, again segregation and sexism was still alive. African Americans couldn’t vote until one hundred years later in 1965. Women’s suffrage allowed women to vote in 1920. Privilege and power of white Americans monopolized the economy. As you read, layers of Austin’s life and his experiences will paint a picture of the times.

Education

Austin Wingate Curtis, Jr. earned a degree of agriculture from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. NCAT was a predominantly African American educational institution. After slavery, segregation pervaded the country. So much so that African Americans seeking higher education were denied access to many universities and colleges across the country. In turn, they began to establish institutions such as A & T that catered to their educational hunger. A & T was known for their fruitful agricultural curriculum. Southern farmers traveled to the university to be educated on proper agricultural techniques. As stated earlier, Austin’s father, Austin Curtis Sr., was director of Agriculture at North Carolina A &T. He was nicknamed “Soybean” because of his extensive work with the plant (Vella, 2015). Austin later earned a PhD of plant physiology from Cornell University in 1932 (Whurtleff & Aoyagi, 2017, p. 1397). It was and still is an amazing accomplishment to be a graduate of an Ivy League institution as an African American. Such an achievement was extremely significant at that time in history because of segregation and injustice bestowed upon the black community especially in the south. Several books and sources noted that Austin was a graduate of Cornell which seemingly provided much credibility to his name. Cornell was one of the first universities to accept African American male and female students. However, through zealous quest there is no public documentation from the institution indicating that Austin was a graduate of Cornell University. Historian Carol Kammen studied letters, diaries, student records, newspapers and photographs of black students at Cornell as well as taught its history for 25 years (Walter, 2009). In the article, “Historian: Early black students were 'part and apart' at CU,” Kammen pointed out that the social acceptance of African Americans at Cornell and other universities was strained during the 1920s-1930s as racial prejudice and tension arose in the United States (Walter, 2009). Educational institutions mimicked the behavior of America during the Jim Crow era and the Great Depression. People were divided because of skin color and socio-economic status. Even during a time of inequality and discord, Austin advanced on a distinguished career path.

Career

Shortly after graduating from Cornell, Austin taught at NCAT just like his father (McMurry, 1981). However, history would soon change. In July of 1935, Austin received an offer from Tuskegee Institute located in Tuskegee, Alabama. He would soon work as a lab assistant to the Director of Agriculture, George Washington Carver. Tuskegee Institute, now known as Tuskegee University was an educational institution established for the enrichment of African Americans who sought higher education. This was an institute that welcomed African Americans to an educational platform that they had been denied for so many years. George Washington Carver was a pioneering chemist, botanist and inventor. His leading goal was to seek and study alternative crops to cotton that would minimize soil depletion and improve the quality of life and food sources for farmers. In search of a solution to the socio-economic status of southern farmers, Carver researched various legumes, vegetables and oils. According to author Christina Vella, of those categories, soya beans, peanuts, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and paint were examined and experimented. He researched and created over three hundred peanut-based products. Some of these products lead to the cure of poliomyelitis, assisted with the pain of rheumatism, and the production of natural beauty and cosmetic products. Various beauty consultants, physical therapists, chiropractors, physicians and more inquired about the healing qualities of a rubbing oil Carver had concocted (Vella, 2015, p. 267-8).

Carver and “Baby Carver”

Upon commencement of his fellowship with Dr. Carver in September 1935 (Vella, 2015, p. 261), Austin was to be paid $1,800 in salary from Tuskegee Institute. This was twice the salary of Dr. Carver himself (McMurry, 1981, p. 240). Justifiably, the General Board of Education (GBE) granted Tuskegee funds for the “training of assistants to the personnel, who may be prepared to carry the work forward” (McMurry, 1981, p. 240). This declaration would later come to fruition as Dr. Carver’s health declined even with the diligent assistance of Curtis. Years prior to Austin’s arrival at Tuskegee, Carver had lab assistance from Jack Sutton and Harry Abbott (Vella, 2015, p. 256). However, neither compared to Austin and the work he continued from Carver’s accomplishments. Author of George Washington Carver: A Life, Christina Vella, noted: “people took to calling Curtis “Baby Carver,” and the name stuck, so that Carver routinely referred to him as “Baby,” and Curtis was delighted to sign all his correspondence to Carver with that nickname” (2015, p. 263). Linda O. McMurry, author of George Washington Carver: Scientist and Symbol, also insisted that Austin was “both son and assistant to Carver”(1981, p. 240). Several sources support the claims of both Vella and McMurry. Throughout readings, it is very clear that the bond between Carver and Curtis is significantly strong. The strength of such an alliance led to the progression of renowned research, experimentation and products.

Contributions to S.T.E.M.

As stated by McMurry, Carver had performed years of experimentation prior to the arrival of Austin at Tuskegee. Carver suggested using peanut hulls as mulch, paper and as absorbent through experimentation. He further researched obtaining rubber and other by-products from sweet potatoes. Moreover was his experimentation with the development of vegetable dyes. He created veneer, insulated boards, black paint and wood stains from palmetto roots. He even found a way to incorporate cotton into road paving (1981, p. 234-236). Lastly, his work with peanut milk production as a substitution for cow milk interestingly was in connection to the decline in infant mortality (McMurry, 1981, p. 238-239). In agreeance with McMurry, “in many ways all of Carver’s experiments during this period were extensions of his basic ideas of diversifying the Southern economy” (p. 235). Even in the midst of the Great Depression, building wealth and security of southern farmers was indeed a running scheme throughout Carver’s legacy. He was a very humble and simple man whose ultimate purpose was to help others by way of emerging chemistry and botanical research. The arise of chemurgy, “putting chemistry and related sciences to work in the industry for the farmer (McMurry, 1981, p. 232),” in the mid-1930s was followed by the worldwide interest in consultation from Carver. By this time Carver had tested and consulted for over 1,800 samples from all over the world (McMurry, 1981, p. 239). His fame grew as he researched and found more use for crops and inexpensive natural resources. Rackham Holt, author of George Washington Carver: An American Biography, explained how if Austin were intrigued by a problem he’d ask Dr. Carver for answers. However, Carver would respond with questions leading Austin to ponder and ultimately answer his own inquiries (1943, p. 306). As an example, Carver instructed Austin to explore the laboratory upon his arrival at Tuskegee. There, Austin examined the seed of the magnolia grandiflora that contained oil, which could take the place of palm oil in soap. Austin dissected the plant and began piecing it back together (Holt, 1943, p. 306). Austin’s presence began to play a major role in the discretions and outreach of Carver by 1936. According to McMurry, Austin “relieved the professor of many routine tasks and followed up on some of Carver’s earlier ideas, such as low-cost paints from oil sludge” (1981, p. 240). Over time, Austin also developed interior paints which could be fitted into the low-cost housing or distributed through cooperatives at extremely low rates (Holt, 1943, p. 309). Though the construction of paint may sound menial, the process of experimenting and producing lasting paint was quite lengthy. Carver had previously tested unearthed pigmentation yet struggled with finding a solution to the life expectancy of paint. Nonetheless, with Austin’s assistance and the help of students providing clay and finding an oil to incorporate, a long lasting pigment (paint) was tested and proven (Holt, 1943, p. 308-309). With great diligence, Austin continued research. He investigated the possibility of making synthetic leather from pumpkins and increasing the inventory of vegetable colors (Holt, 1943, p. 307). The contributions of Carver and Curtis significantly impacted S.T.E.M. fields and the socio-economic status of many southerners. The thought of living through the Jim Crow era, Great Depression and World War II as African American men, yet researching new and natural ways to help others thrive is quite noble and humbling. Through chemurgy they offered a creative awareness of natural resources, further allowing those resources to build socio-economic status among southerners and African American farmers. According to Holt, “by 1938, the peanut could no longer be described as “lowly”; it accounted for more than $200,000,000 worth of business...By 1940 it was the second southern cash crop after cotton; and five million acres were allotted for 1942” (1943, p. 318). Their research did not stop there. Carver worked tirelessly on creating an ointment to alleviate pain that also aided in the cure in poliomyelitis (polio). Curtis worked toward the improvement of the ointment which was later discovered to relieve arthritis and rheumatism (Shurtleff & Aoyagi, p. 1398, 1578). Together, they created a personal and professional dynamic over eight years that, upon reflection, has changed the relationship of nature, chemistry and economics.

Life Work After Carver

In, 1938 Carver’s health steadily began to decline. Austin was alongside him every step of the way. According to Vella, they traveled between Chicago, New York, Tuskegee and Minneapolis hosting conferences, lectures, radio shows laboratories, and ceremonies across the country. They attended events such as the 1939 World Fair and visiting Henry and Clara Ford in Dearborn, Michigan (2015, p. 276-279). The more they traveled the longer it took Carver to recover once back at Tuskegee. Even with all of his appreciated work and accolades Carver knew that there was still work to be done, especially towards the educational and economic advancement of African Americans. Holt explains: “A Negro youth might therefore become highly proficient in his scientific field while he was at school but, even with diploma in hand, there was no place he could go to put his theoretical knowledge into practical effect. Thus the incentive to study in the sciences was removed because it would lead to nothing; he could not even make a living at it, and an incalculable amount of talent, perhaps genius, was being wasted.” With this in mind, it is further explained by Holt that, “...the remaining thirty-three thousand dollars of Dr. Carver, rescued from the depression debacle, the machinery for bringing about this devoutly wished consummation was set up in 1940 and called the George Washington Carver Foundation (1943, p. 330). Up until his very last years, Carver worked tirelessly toward for the betterment of others. By his side was Austin to assist with such humanitarian works. On March 11, 1941, After working alongside Carver to commemorate his legacy, Curtis lead the dedication of the George Washington Carver Museum in the Tuskegee library. Henry Ford also issued a keynote address for his longtime friend (Kremer, 2011, p. 173). On January 5, 1943, George Washington Carver passed away. Many of his dear and longtime friends sent their condolences to Tuskegee and Austin in the loss of such a noble scientist, pioneer and humanitarian. Carver left his legacy of the museum, foundation and tutelage at Tuskegee to his trusted assistant Austin. Within a year, Austin moved to Michigan to work at Ford Motor Company Laboratories in Dearborn. There he studied and specialized in soybean paint oil (Whurtleff & Aoyagi, 2017, p. 1006). In 1945, Austin used a rear portion of his uncle’s lot to create A. W. Curtis Laboratories where he continued much of the work he and Carver had began. It was located at 6330 30th Street in Detroit, Michigan (Whurtleff & Aoyagi, 2017, p. 1060). There he also continued the production of the Curtis Rubbing oil that Carver renamed after him (Boyd, 2014). The oil was extremely popular which helped to alleviate the pain of arthritis and rheumatism. The miracle oil created revenue for some of his other studies. He also created over 60 natural shampoos and cosmetic beauty products that were recognized by the American Health and Beauty Aids Institute (AHBAI) (Smith-Collin, 1999, p. 11). AHBAI chairman, Al Washington stated,"These pioneers [Curtis and the like] recognized a need and accepted the challenge of creating a new market" (Smith-Collin, 1999, p. 11). The laboratory employed about 40 people and later relocated to 46 Selden Street in Detroit (Whurtleff & Aoyagi, 2009; 2013; 2017).

Romance

The year, 1936, marking Carver’s fortieth anniversary at Tuskegee was momentous. Tuskegee hosted ceremony, speeches and readings to celebrate the scientific pioneer. Vella notes how Austin was Carver’s unofficial spokesperson so his absence was felt by Carver as he needed him to maintain the outpour of journalists and correspondence that swarmed Tuskegee in celebration of the pioneer’s anniversary. However, Austin could not be in attendance because his wife, Belle Curtis, was ill at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. Belle later died and Austin temporarily stayed in New York and briefly spared Carver of the news. (2015, p. 265). In 1938, Austin remarried to Oreta Adams. Together they had three children, two daughters and one son. Oreta Adams Curtis died on April 8, 1991 at the age of 85 (Manning, 2015). There was no detailed record found on the marriage to Belle Curtis or the three children. At the click of a button, there are numerous publications insisting that Carver was homosexual and that he had an intimate relationship with Austin. Yet, there has been no recorded proof of such accusations. Nonetheless, Carver and Curtis did share a uniquely dynamic bond. A skewed view accompanied by minimal information can leave anything to be assumed. Intimacy and kinship was interpreted from their relationship whilst digesting the readings of authors such as Linda O. McMurry, Rackham Holt, Christina Vella and Lawrence Elliot. It is believed that there was a deep connection between the two scientists. How deep that connection was is only up to the imagination due to the lack of recorded detail of their personal romantic affairs. Most importantly, their work supersedes any of that information. As interesting as those details may or may not be, the work they did as African American men in the S.T.E.M. fields has left a greater impact.

Learning so much about George Washington Carver from his efforts like reverse soil depletion to helping southern farmers produce several streams of income has been quite an interesting journey. Most riveting, however, has been the research of the man who stood by his side as an assistant, colleague and fictively kindred son. The life Dr. Curtis has been an intricate role in the succession of chemistry, botany, chemurgy and nutritional science. Though living in the midsts of segregation, financial depression and war, Dr. Curtis humbly served, vigorously researched, and provided resources for African Americans to succeed much like his mentor Dr. Carver. Dr. Austin Wingate Curtis, Jr. passed away on November 5, 2004 in Culver City, California at the age of 93 (Manning, 2015). No word account can ever fully elaborate the scientific maturation of such a brilliant mind. Both he and Carver gave hope to many in their simple efforts to build wealth, wisdom and equality for all. They initiated the research that eventually led to hundreds of applications of the peanut, sweet potato, pigmentation, and oil. Additionally, this led to the creation peanut butter, alternatives to cow milk (soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk), synthetic plant-based leathers, paints, cooking and using oils as multipurpose lubricants. If one didn’t know who Dr. Austin Wingate Curtis Jr. was, it is anticipated that his legacy has been fluently expressed.

Bibliography

Atwater, M., Russell, M., & Butler, M. (2014). Multicultural Science Education : Preparing Teachers for Equity and Social Justice. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

Boyd, H. (2014, October 09). Dr. Austin Curtis, who assisted Dr. George Washington Carver. New York Amsterdam News, p. 28. Boyd, H. (2014, Oct). Dr. austin curtis, who assisted dr. george washington carver. New York Amsterdam News Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.wmich.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1625911163?accountid=15099

Manning, J. H. (2015, November 14). Alice & Austin Curtis, Institute, West Virginia. Retrieved November 17, 2017, from https://morningsonmaplestreet.com/2015/01/18/austin-alice-curtis/

Progressive Era. (2010). Dictionary of American Government and Politics.

Smith-Colin, M. (1999, December 09). AHBAI honors health, beauty trailblazers. Chicago Defender, p. 11.

Vella, C. (2015). George Washington Carver: A Life. Louisiana State University Press.

Walter, Marcus. “Cornell Chronicle.” Historian: Early black students were part and apart at CU, 23 Oct. 2009, news.cornell.edu/stories/2009/10/part-and-apart-blacks-cornell-1856-1945.

Shurtleff, W., & Aoyagi, A. (2009). History of soybeans and soyfoods in Africa (1857-2009): Extensively annotated bibliography and sourcebook. Lafayette, CA: Soyinfo Center.

Shurtleff, W., & Aoyagi, A. (2013). History of Soymilk and Other Non-Dairy Milks (1226-2013): Including Infant Formulas, Calf Milk Replacers, Soy Creamers, Soy Shakes, Soy Smoothies, Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Peanut Milk, Rice Milk, Sesame Milk, etc. Lafayette, CA: Soyinfo Center.

Shurtleff, W., & Aoyagi, A. (2017). History of Industrial Uses of Soybeans (Nonfood, Nonfeed) (660 CE-2017): Extensively Annotated Bibliography and Sourcebook. Lafayette, CA: Soyinfo Center.