Guide to the Paul Howe Papers and Photographs 1902-2005
- Repository
- Heinz History Center
- Title
- Paul Howe Papers and Photographs
- Creator
- Howe, Paul
- Collection Number
- MSS 0734
- Extent
- 1.0 linear feet (1 box)
- Date
- 1902-2005
- Date
- 1917-1973
- Abstract
- Paul Howe served in the U.S. Army during World War I and World War II. This collection includes photographs and correspondence along with other materials documenting his service as well as his life between and after the wars.
- Language
- The material in this collection is in English, German, and French.
- Sponsor
- This collection has been made accessible as part of an NHPRC-funded Basic Processing grant.
- Publisher
- Heinz History Center
- Address
- 1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org
History
Paul Howe was born in Bradford, Pa., on July 2, 1893 to John and Luella Howe. Several years later the family moved to Freedom, Pa., where Paul attended Freedom High School. Upon graduation Howe attended the University of Pittsburgh before joining the military. From 1915 through 1916, Howe fought with the British Army as a 1st Lieutenant before becoming attached to the U.S. Army's Rainbow Division, Fighting 59th, after the U.S. entered World War I in 1917. Upon returning home in 1920, Howe began a career selling housewares for a New York-based firm Beh and Co. He married Emily Mohr, a local preacher's daughter, in 1923. Between the wars, Howe remained in the Army Reserves and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He reentered active service in 1942 and served as a battalion commander with the Second Army Corps in North Africa from 1943 through 1944, before receiving a medical discharge. Shortly before the war, Howe was made Vice President of Beh and Co, a position which he resigned in 1952 to start his own housewares firm, Howe and Co. Howe was an active member in the community entering into many charitable pursuits. He was an active member of the American Legion and the NAACP. Paul Howe died of cancer June 21, 1975 and is buried in Beaver Cemetery.
Scope and Content Notes
The Paul Howe Papers and Photographs consists of correspondence, photographs, military documents, news clippings, scrapbooks, and books. The materials mainly pertain to Howe's military service in both World Wars. Two scrapbooks contain numerous photographs, postcards, newsclippings, and other printed materials illustrating various elements of life during World War I. Included in these items are a few printed materials in French and German. Of particular note are several photographs depicting life in the trenches and early tanks used in the war effort. Three additional scrapbooks primarily contain correspondence between Howe and his parents and sisters during his service in WWI. The collection also contains Howe's military record and discharge certificate for World War I, newsclippings regarding Paul Howe and his service in World War II, and correspondence between Howe and his wife and children during World War II.
Conditions Governing Access
None
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift from Janis Moravec in 2012.
Archives accession # 2012.0036
Preferred Citation
Paul Howe Papers and Photographs, 1902-2005, MSS 734 , Library and Archives Division, Senator John Heinz History Center
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Stephanie Johnson on 02/21/2012.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Separated Materials
To the museum: Paul Howe dog tags and patch
Subjects
- Howe, Paul
- World War, 1939-1945--Africa
- World War, 1939-1945 -- France