Chester M. Howell papers, circa 1910-1990 (majority within 1950-1980)

Summary

Creator:

Howell, Chester M., 1883-1965

Abstract:

Saginaw and Chesaning, Michigan newspaperman; member of the Michigan Legislature; founder of the Chesaning Showboat, an important Michigan tourist attraction. Biographical material; correspondence, 1941-1990, including letters about Howell written after his death; travel diaries, 1923-1952; Chesaning Showboat file; newspaper clippings; and photographs.

Extent:

0.25 linear feet

Language:

English

Call Number:

90162 Aa 2

Authors:

Finding aid created by Melissa Johnson, June 1990

Background

Scope and Content:

The Papers of Chester M. Howell measure .25 linear feet and are contained in three series: Papers, Newspaper Clippings, and Photographs.

The Papers series is comprised o Biographical Material, Correspondence, travel Diaries, and Chesaning Showboat files. The Correspondence (1941-1990) file includes some letters written after Chester M. Howell's death that recount his life and activities.

The Newspaper Clippings series contains articles by and about Howell, especially relating to the Chesaning Showboat and the Chesaning Argus newspaper.

The Photographs series includes images of Saginaw, Michigan and of Howell's newspaper activities in Saginaw and Chesaning; photographs taken while a state legislator; photos of Mackinac Bridge; and miscellaneous personal photos.

Researchers should note that other than the photographs there is not much material relating to Howell's political life. The material predominantly relates to the Chesaning Showboat and the Chesaning Argus.

Biographical / Historical:

Chester M. Howell (1883-1965) was born in Muskegon, Michigan. During his lifetime Howell was extremely active in both business and politics in Michigan. A Republican, he served in the Michigan state legislature from 1923 to 1927, and in the Michigan Senate from 1927 to 1933, and 1939 to 1945. Howell started newspaper work in Muskegon as a free- lance correspondent for various newspapers, then worked for The Detroit News. In 1909 he moved to Saginaw and began working for the Saginaw News as a working newspaper man and correspondent. From 1926 to 1960 Howell was editor and owner of the Chesaning Argus newspaper. In 1960 his son, Tom Howell, took over for him. In 1938 Howell was the president of the Michigan Press Association.

Howell founded the Chesaning Showboat in 1941. The showboat became the town's major tourist, cultural and community attraction. Howell's role in this capacity reflected his great love of community and Michigan.

In 1910 Howell married Clara Emma Bricker of Saginaw, Michigan. They had four children: Catherine Belle, Sally Ann, John Welsh, and Thomas Wesley.

Acquisition Information:

The collection (Donor No. 7804 ) was received from Mrs. Catherine Howell Glas, May 1990.

Accruals:

No further additions to the papers expected.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

Click on terms below to find any related finding aids on this site.

Subjects:

Journalists -- Michigan -- Chesaning.
Journalists -- Michigan -- Saginaw.
American newspapers -- Michigan -- Chesaning.
American newspapers -- Michigan -- Saginaw.
Dwellings -- Michigan -- Saginaw.
Journalists -- Michigan -- Chesaning.
Journalists -- Michigan -- Saginaw.
Newspaper industry -- Michigan -- Chesaning.
Newspaper industry -- Michigan -- Saginaw.
Political elections.
Dwellings -- Michigan -- Saginaw.
Streets -- Michigan -- Saginaw.

Formats:

Diaries.
Photographs.
Photographs.

Names:

Showboat (Chesaning, Mich.)
Michigan. Legislature.
Howell, Chester M., 1883-1965.

Places:

Chesaning (Mich.)
Chesaning (Mich.)
Mackinac Bridge (Mich.)
Michigan -- Politics and government -- 1929-1938.
Michigan -- Politics and government -- 1837-1950.