Stewart F. Hicks graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1927 and worked as an engineer for the Michigan State Highway Department on bridge construction projects. The Stewart F. Hicks papers primarily document Hicks's work as a bridge project engineer during the construction of the Manistee Memorial Bridge as well as academic pursuits and early professional work.
The Stewart F. Hicks papers document Hicks' professional career as an engineer. The collection includes some materials related to his academic pursuits and early professional work, but the bulk of the collection relates to Hicks' work as a bridge project engineer on the Manistee Memorial Bridge. Materials relating to the Manistee Memorial Bridge project include correspondence to and from Hicks, daily reports prepared by Hicks, and project files including proposals, charts, blueprints, reports, and news regarding the bridge's dedication.