Finding aid for the Huell Howser papers 2012.123.r.c
Angel Diaz
Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives, Leatherby Libraries
11/13/2014
Chapman University
One University Drive
Orange 92866
rboyd@chapman.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives, Leatherby Libraries
Title: Huell Howser papers
creator:
Howser, Huell (Burnley)
Identifier/Call Number: 2012.123.r.c
Physical Description:
47.75 Linear Feet
(32 boxes, 1 handheld video camera with case, 8 large framed items, 1 credenza, 1 display cabinet, 2 lamps, and 84 unboxed
objects)
Date (inclusive): 1913-2014
Date (bulk): bulk
Abstract: Huell Howser was a broadcast journalist and television host most widely known for his television series,
California's Gold, which ran on various California public television stations from 1991 through 2012. The collection consists of clippings,
photographs, personal and professional correspondence, press and publicity materials, ephemera, professional awards and recognition,
and memorabilia collected by Huell Howser.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Huell Howser, 2012.
Conditions Governing Use
There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the
responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Arrangement
This collection is organized into the following series:
Series 1, Correspondence, professional
Series 2, Photographs
Series 3, Personal
Series 4, Publicity and Press
Series 5, Awards and Recognition
Series 6, Ephemera, professional
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of clippings, photographs, personal and professional correspondence, press and publicity materials,
ephemera, professional awards and recognition, and memorabilia collected by Huell Howser throughout his work and travels.
Although there are some materials from Howser's time in the Marine Corps Reserve and college, the main focus of the materials
is on Howser's career, beginning in the 1970s at WSM-TV Nashville and through the early 2010s at KCET Los Angeles.
Biographical / Historical
Huell Burnley Howser (1945-2013) was an American broadcast journalist best known for
California's Gold, his travel show based in Los Angeles at KCET and aired on California public broadcast stations.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Gallatin, Tennessee, Howser received a BS in Education from the University of Tennessee,
and served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, as an aircraft mechanic. In 1971, Howser began working at WSM-TV in
Nashville, Tennessee where he developed his interviewing style. He served as their Feature Reporter and Director of Special
Projects and appeared live nightly on the six o’clock news. His assignments included the country music scene in Nashville,
politics, human interest stories, and general news. Howser also produced television series focused on human interest stories
such as
Happy Features and
The Happy World of Huell Howser.
Howser also worked in New York before moving to Los Angeles in 1981 to work as a reporter for KCBS-TV. He served as a weekend
host and correspondent for the show,
Entertainment Tonight from 1981 to 1983. In 1985 he joined the public broadcast system affiliate KCET as a producer for the show
Videolog. At KCET, Howser created
California's Gold in 1991 and
Visiting...with Huell Howser in 1993. Along with cameraman, Luis Fuerte, Howser sought untapped stories throughout the state.
By 2000, Howser's shows aired six nights a week and were watched by nearly one million viewers a week on KCET alone. In addition
to local stations, his programs could be viewed on PBS stations in Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, Tennesse, countless public access
channels, and even the Armed Forces radio and Television Service. By 2012, Howser had produced nearly 1,500 programs chronicling
the people and places of California. He announced his retirement on November 28, 2012. Howser passed away on January 7, 2013
at the age of 67 at his Palm Springs home.
Preferred Citation
[identify item and box], Huell Howser papers (2012.123.r.c.), Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives,
Chapman University, CA.
Related Materials
California's Gold Collection, 2011.114.r.c.
California's Gold Memorial Collection, 2013.011.r.c
The Huell Howser Califonia's Gold Book Collection, Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives
Subjects and Indexing Terms
California -- History.
Television personalities -- United States.
Television programs -- United States.
Public television -- California.
Television personalities -- California -- Los Angeles -- Archival resources.
Howser, Huell (Burnley)
Series 1, Correspondence, professional
1974-2012
Physical Description: 0.25 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents
Includes correspondence within WSM-TV, WCBS-TV, KCET, as well as letters from fans in Tennessee and California.
box 1, folder 16
WSM-TV
1974-1979
Scope and Contents
Memorandum regarding segment for "The Scene at Six" on Monday, October 14, 1974
Letter from Tom Griscom, Senior Vice President of Broadcasting at WSM-TV, regarding Howser's editorial remarks on air, dated
July 19, 1979
box 1, folder 17
WCBS-TV
1980
Scope and Contents
Memorandum by Jeff Schiffman, from June 23, 1980, regarding Bill O'Reilly as replacement host for Howser on WCBS show, two
copies
Farewell letter from colleagues at WSM-TV
Letter from John Jay Hooker, publisher of the Nashville Banner, to Howser regarding receipt of new press photo, dated July
3, 1980
box 1, folder 18
KCET
1995
Scope and Contents
Letter from Wells Fargo Bank, stipulating terms of sponsorship agreement between Huell Howser Productions and Wells Fargo
Bank for the show,
California's Gold.
Series 2, Photographs
circa 1945-2012
Physical Description: 4 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents
This series contains photographs of and by Howser taken throughout his life. Majority of photographs are broadcast related,
from his time at WSM-TV Nashville through to his work with KCET and Huell Howser Productions.
box 3, folder 5
Publicity photos
circa 1971-1979
Scope and Contents
2 photographs (11x14 color), oversize
box 3, folder 6
"The Scene" clipping
circa 1971-1979
Scope and Contents
Advertisement clipping on mat board (11x14 b/w), oversize
box 5, folder 1
"Rap On" series, on set photos
1970
Scope and Contents
6 photographs (3.5x5 color)
13 photographs (8x10 b/w), photographer: Bev LeCroy
box 5, folder 2
Howser publicity photos
1971
Scope and Contents
16 photographs (8x10 b/w), photographer: J. Zinn
1 photograph (3.5x4.5 color)
box 5, folder 3
Howser head shots
1971-1979
Scope and Contents
15 photographs (8x10 b/w)
1 photograph (4.5x6.5 color)
box 5, folders 4-5
Assorted publicity stills and personal appearance photos
1971-1979
Scope and Contents
85 photographs (8x10 color and b/w)
30 photographs (3.5x5 color and b/w)
17 photographs (5x7 color and b/w)
16 photographs (3.5x3.5 color)
2 photographs and negative (4x6 b/w)
8 assorted negatives
Credits include WSM-TV, Phillip's Studio, Les Leverett, and J. Clark Thomas.
box 5, folder 6
Irving Waugh publicity photos
circa 1970-1979
Scope and Contents
Two publicity portraits of Irving Waugh, former president of WSM Inc. (4x5 and 8x10 b/w)
box 9, folders 9-10
Assorted appearances and event photos
1971-1979
Scope and Contents
17 photographs (3.5x5 color)
6 photographs (4x6 color and b/w)
17 photographs (5x7 color and b/w)
62 photographs (8x10 color and b/w)
box 10, folder 4
Al and Tipper Gore photos
circa 1974-1979
Scope and Contents
Three photographs (5x7 b/w) of Howser with Al and Tipper Gore and author Erich Segal. Orginal negative also in folder.
box 10, folder 5
Louis L'Amour and Charlie Daniels photos
circa 1975-1979
Scope and Contents
Three photographs (5x7 inch color) and one photograph (8x11.5 inch color) of Howser with Louis L'Amour and Charlie Daniels.
All are duplicates of one shot.
boxes 13-14
Assorted on-location and travel photos
1971-1979
Scope and Contents
Photographs taken on various trips, including the Soviet Union, Middle East, Europe, Chicago, and New York City. Also includes
photos of an event with WSM President, Irving Waugh, and from WSM-TV news set.
269 photo transparencies (35mm color)
1,282 photo slides (35mm color)
box 5, folder 7
Assorted publicity stills for "Real Life" series and event photos
circa 1979-1981
Scope and Contents
1 photograph (3x3 color)
6 photographs (4x6 color)
6 photographs (5x7 color and b/w)
39 photographs (8x10 inch color and b/w)
Credits include WCBS-TV and Sam Siegl
box 5, folder 8
Howser head shots
circa 1980-1989
Scope and Contents
21 photographs (8x10 color and b/w) and two negatives. Credits include The Wilder Agency and Mitzi Trumbo (Los Angeles).
box 3, folder 7
Times Square photo
circa 1979-1981
Scope and Contents
Five duplicate photographs (10x14 color), oversize.
box 3, folder 8
Howser publicity photos
1981-1983
Scope and Contents
Portraits taken at home:
4 photographs (11x14 b/w), on mat board, color
1 photograph (11x14 color)
box 5, folder 9
Assorted publicity stills and event photos
1981-1989
Scope and Contents
Assorted photographs from Howser's early work in Los Angeles, at KCBS-TV and KCET:
16 photographs (3.5x5 color)
9 photographs (4x6 color)
22 photographs (5x7 color and b/w)
30 photographs (8x10 color and b/w)
box 5, folder 10
Autographed photos
1981-1994
Scope and Contents
1 photograph (4x5 color)
2 photographs (8x10 inch color and b/w), autographed by Dolly Parton and Los Angeles politician Zev Yaroslavsky.
box 15
Assorted on-location and publicity photos
1985-1995
Scope and Contents
540 color transparencies mounted on slides. On-location photographs from Videolog and Visiting series, including Bullocks-Wilshire,
Moscow, Dog Show, and Watts, as well as KCET publicity shoots.
box 5, folder 11
Videolog, Los Angeles Mayor Bradley in Berlin
circa 1984-1989
Separated Materials
41 (3.5x5 color) and three (5x7 b/w) photographs of Howser with Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley in Berlin's Olympic Stadium.
Cameraman Luis Fuerte in some photographs.
box 3, folder 9
Videolog, publicity photo
circa 1985-1990
Scope and Contents
One photograph (11x14 inch color) of
Videolog logo on monitor and video tape deck, oversize.
box 6, folder 1
Videolog, assorted photo slides (35 mm color)
circa 1985-1990
box 6, folder 2
Videolog, "David Hockney"
circa 1986-1989
Scope and Contents
5 photographs (8x10 color)
5 photographs (5x7 color)
12 photographs (3.5x5 color)
box 6, folder 3
Videolog, "The Elephant Man"
1988
Scope and Contents
Four (3x5 color) and three (8.5x11 color) photographs of Howser with Charlie Franks and Nita the Elephant.
box 6, folder 4
Videolog, "Tales from the Golden Empire" and "Rapids in Canoe"
circa 1988-1990
Scope and Contents
Howser in Kern County:
6 photographs (3x5 color, with negatives)
1 photograph (4x6 color)
2 photographs (5x7 color and b/w)
7 photographs (8x10 b/w)
Howser rafting on rapids:
2 photographs (3.5x5 color)
4 photographs (4x6 b/w)
4 photographs (5x7 color)
1 photographs (8x10 color)
box 6, folder 5
California's Gold, publicity stills
1991
Scope and Contents
11 (8x10 b/w) photographs of stills from episodes: 201 "Living History," 206 "L.A. Adventures," 207 "Preserving the Past,"
and 212 "Lost Sierra."
box 6, folder 6
California's Gold, photos
1991-1992
Scope and Contents
129 photographs (3.5x5 color) and 13 photographs (4x6 color) from the following episodes: 204 "Head for the Borders," 205
"Santa Cruz," 210 "Ships," and 305 "Blossom Trail."
box 6, folder 7
California's Gold, photos and publicity stills
1992
Separated Materials
Episodes, 307 "Buildings," 308 "Tale of Two Cities," 310 "Bodie," and 311 "Mono Lake"
87 photographs (4x6 color)
2 photographs (5x7 b/w)
7 photographs (8x10 b/w)
box 7, folder 1, box 6, folders 8-9
California's Gold, photos and publicity stills
1993
Scope and Contents
Episodes, 403 "Islands," 404 "Joshua Tree," 405 "Our State's Front Yard," 406 "Mariachi," 407 "Golden Gate Bridge," 411 "Hard
to Get To"
49 photographs (3.5x5 color)
25 photographs (3.5x6 color)
10 photographs (4x6 color)
31 photographs (8x10 color and b/w)
120 color transparencies (35mm)
box 7, folder 2
California's Gold and Visiting, photos
1994
Scope and Contents
138 photographs (4x6 color) from
California's Gold episodes: 505 "California's State Parks," 506 "California Florwers," and 507 "San Luis Obispo Train;" and from
Visiting episodes: 209 "World Cup Preview," 217 "Colombian World Cup," and 231"Historic Theaters."
box 7, folder 3
California's Gold and Visiting, photos
1994-1995
Scope and Contents
45 (3x5 inch color) photographs and 113 (4x6 inch color and black and white) photographs from
California's Gold episodes: 102 "California Schools," 503 "California Companies," 507 "San Luis Obispo Train," 510 "Kelp," 602 "Huts and Hangars,"
and 609 "Oil;" and from
Visiting episodes: 225 "Hollywood Ladies," and 320 "CHP."
box 7, folder 4
California's Gold, Visiting, and The Bench, photos and publicity stills
1994-1997
Scope and Contents
21 photographs (4x6 color), five photographs (4x7 color), and six photographs (5x7 color) from
California's Gold episodes: 506 "California Flowers," 606 "Life in Death Valley," and 702 "California Pools;" from
Visting episodes: 423 "Mud People" and 502 "29 Palms Murals;" and
The Bench episode: 011 "Union Station."
box 7, folder 5
Visiting, photos
1996
Scope and Contents
17 photographs (4x6 color) and one photograph (8.5x11 color) taken by Katie Anderson during shooting for Visiting episode,
425 "Long Beach Naval Station."
box 7, folder 6
The Bench, publicity photos
1996
Scope and Contents
72 photo slides (35mm color) and the August 1996 KCET magazine with publicity for
The Bench series.
box 7, folder 7
Palm Springs Week, publicity photos
1999
Scope and Contents
79 photographic slides (35mm color) and a contact sheet for the Palm Springs Weeks series.
box 8, folders 1-4, box 7, folders 8-10
Assorted photos and publicity stills
1991-2002
Scope and Contents
Assorted photographs, photographic transparencies, and negatives from the series,
California's Gold and
Visiting.
box 8, folder 5
Assorted photos
2002-2012
Scope and Contents
19 photographs (4x6 inch color), four photographs (5x7 color), and 36 photographic transparencies (35mm color) from
California's Gold episode 10010 "Randsburg;"
Visiting episodes 1021 "Coastal Cactus Garden" and 1023 "Abalone Farm;" and
Road Trip episodes 115 "Central Coast" and 118 "Placerville."
box 8, folder 6
Assorted photos and publicity stills
2002-2012
Scope and Contents
2 photographs (3.5x5 color)
7 photographs (4x6 color)
3 photographs (5x7 color)
3 photographs (8x10 color)
box 8, folders 7-8
Howser head shots
1991-1999
Scope and Contents
3 photographs (5x7 b/w)
9 photographs (8x10 b/w)
178 photo slides (35mm b/w)
box 8, folder 9
Los Angeles Times, publicity photos
1990-2009
Scope and Contents
1 photographs (5x7 b/w)
4 photographs (4x6 color)
23 photographs (8.5x11 color and b/w)
box 8, folder 10
Appearances, Carlsbad Flower Fields
1994
Scope and Contents
1 photographs (3.5x5 color)
6 photographs (4x6 color)
1 photographs (5x7 color)
2 photographs (8x10 color)
box 9, folder 1
Appearances, 1996 Olympics torch relay photos
1996
Scope and Contents
Los Angeles leg of 1996 Summer Olympocs torch relay:
2 photographs (3.5x5 color)
2 photographs (4x6 color)
10 photographs (8x10 color)
65 photo slides (35mm color)
box 9, folders 2-4
Appearances, 1998 Tournament of Roses photos
1997 December 29-1998 January 1
Scope and Contents
194 photographs (4x6 color) from the 1998 Tournament of Roses Parade festivities in Pasadena, CA.
box 9, folder 5
Appearances, Mervyn's event photos
1998
Scope and Contents
Seven photographs (4x6 color) from speaking event at the California State Capitol, sponsored by Mervyn's.
box 9, folder 6
Appearances, Huntington Library photos
1999
Scope and Contents
Three photographs (5x7 color) from event at the Huntington Library.
box 9, folder 7
Appearances, Fire Station 27 photos
1999
Scope and Contents
7 photographs (5x7 color)
3 photographs (8x10 color)
box 9, folder 8
Appearances, Anti-Defamation League photos
2000 March 19
Scope and Contents
Two photographs (4x6 color) from the Anti-Defamation League gala, Howser was the master of ceremonies.
box 9, folder 11
Assorted appearances and event photos
circa 1981-1989
Scope and Contents
Assorted events throughout California:
31 photographs (3.5 color)
16 photographs (4x6 color)
4 photographs (5x7 color)
13 photographs (8x10 color and b/w)
box 9, folder 12, box 10, folder 1
Assorted appearances and event photos
circa 1990-1999
Scope and Contents
Assorted events throughout California:
4 photographs (3.5x5 color)
106 photographs (4x6 color)
48 photographs (5x7 color and b/w)
16 photographs (8x10 color and b/w)
box 10, folder 2
Assorted appearances and event photos
circa 1994-2005
Scope and Contents
3 polaroid photographs
26 photographs (3.5x5 color)
46 photographs (4x6 color and b/w)
13 photographs (5x7 color and b/w)
8 photographs (8x10 color)
box 10, folder 3
Assorted appearances and event photos
circa 2000-2005
Scope and Contents
Assorted events and locations:
47 photographs (4x6 color)
13 photographs (5x7 color)
10 photographs (8x10 color)
box 11, folder 1
Del Rubio Triplets photos
1987
Scope and Contents
One photograph (3.5x5 color) and two photographs (8x10 color and b/w) of Howser with the Del Rubio Triplets.
box 11, folder 2
Vincent Price photos
1989
Scope and Contents
One photograph (3.5x5 color) and one photograph (8x10 b/w) of Howser with actor Vincent Price.
box 11, folder 3
California Governor Pete Wilson photos
circa 1996
Scope and Contents
Four duplicate photographs (8x10 color and b/w) of Howser with California Governor Wilson.
box 11, folder 4
Boy Scouts and flag photos
circa 1987-1995
Scope and Contents
27 slides (35mm color)
box 11, folder 5
Gaylord Carter photos
1990-1998
Scope and Contents
Two (4x6 color) photographs of Howser with composer Gaylord Carter.
box 11, folder 6
Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn photos
circa 2001-2005
Scope and Contents
Five photographs (5x7 color) and 1 photographs (8.5x11 color) of Howser with Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn.
box 3, folder 4
Baby portrait
circa 1945-1948
Scope and Contents
(11x14 b/w), oversize
box 11, folder 7
Young Howser photos
circa 1950-1959
Scope and Contents
Howser and family throughout his early childhood:
6 photographs (2.5x3.5 b/w)
1 photographs (4x4 b/w)
3 photographs (5x7 b/w)
4 photographs (8x10 b/w)
box 4
Candid family photos
circa 1960-1962
Scope and Contents
10 photo transparencies (2.75x2.75 color)
box 4
Family Christmas photos
circa 1960-1962
Scope and Contents
11 photo transparencies (2.75x2.75 color)
box 11, folder 8
Assorted photos
circa 1960-1969
Scope and Contents
Howser as teen and young adult, including class photos, travel, with friends, at social events, and during his time in the
Marine Corps Reserve:
6 photographs (2.5x3.5 b/w)
29 photographs (3.5x3.5 color and b/w)
9 photographs (3.5x5 color and b/w)
5 photographs (5x7 color and b/w)
17 photographs (8x10 b/w)
box 11, folder 9
Assorted photos
circa 1970-1979
Scope and Contents
Howser in Nashville, during his time at WSM-TV, including family, candid photos with friends, at events, and travel:
6 photographs (3.5x3.5 color)
10 photographs (3.5x5 color and b/w)
2 photographs (4x6 color and b/w)
9 photographs (5x7 color and b/w)
12 photographs (8x10 b/w)
2 contact sheets
box 3
Library of Congress Page reunion contact sheet
circa 1971-1979
box 16
Assorted travel photos
circa 1970-1991
Scope and Contents
554 photo slides (35mm color) and 27 color negative strips of personal travels, including a beach location and Japan.
box 11, folder 10
Assorted photos
circa 1980-1989
Scope and Contents
Howser in New York and Los Angeles, including with friends, at events, and travels:
52 photographs (3.5x5 color and b/w)
53 photographs (4x6 color and b/w)
6 photographs (5x7 color and b/w)
4 photographs (8x10 b/w)
box 11, folder 11
On-location photos
circa 1986-1996
Scope and Contents
Del Rubio Triplets, at a Dodgers game, and other locations:
1 polaroid photograph
52 photographs (3.5x5 color)
1 photographs (4x6 color)
box 12, folders 1-3, box 11, folder 12
Assorted photos
circa 1990-2000
Scope and Contents
Howser in Los Angeles and on location, including travels in Cuba and Switzerland, at a Los Angeles marathon, and at home:
160 photographs (4x6 color)
11 photographs (5x7 color)
2 photographs (8x10 color and b/w)
box 12, folder 4
Home photos
circa 1990-1999
Scope and Contents
Howser's home and found art collection:
88 photographs (4x6 color)
4 photographs (8x10 color)
box 12, folder 5
Assorted event and on-location photos
circa 2000-2008
Scope and Contents
12 photographs (4x6 color)
4 photographs (8x10 color)
Series 3, Personal
circa 1910-2014
Physical Description: 38 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents
This series contains objects, trophies, plaques, ephemera, audiovisual materials, clothing, and other material collected by
Howser since childhood, with the majority of items collected since the 1980s in California. It also includes personal clippings
of his work in high school and on college newspapers, clippings featuring Howser from college, and correspondence.
Arrangement
This series is organized by material type and then by object number. Numbers were assigned as items were received by donor.
Some of the items in this series are currently on display in the California's Gold Exhibit.
box 1, folder 34
Correspondence
1979-1981
Scope and Contents
Letter from Howser's mother, Jewell, May 7, 1981
Newsletter from Summer County Humane Society, written by Jewell Howser
Telegrams to Howser in New York from friends in Tennessee.
object 125, box 32, folder 2
Photo of Howser with three men, black and white
circa 1974-1983
box 19, object 26
Photograph negatives
1981
box 30, object 163
"Apartment Living Is Great," photo series, by Lesley Marlene Siegel
1993
object 119
Los Angeles Police Department Motor Centennial photograph, framed
2009 October
object 229
Howser skydiving with U.S. Army Golden Knights photograph
2009
box 19, object 21
"Album of Views-San Francisco California Postcards"
undated
box 26, object 132
Oakley's Barbershop photo, framed
undated
box 30, object 171
"Young Angel Ponders Life" photograph by Benette Rottman
undated
object 122
Outdoor photo, with inscription, "In appreciation to Huell Howser for showcasing Shasta Land Trust for the people of California"
undated
object 238
Marine Corps Bulldog photograph, framed
undated
box 19, object 31
LP record, "Harold, Jewell, Huell, and Harriett"
1953
box 4
Home movies
circa 1960-1962
Scope and Contents
Home movies on 6mm Kodachrome film rolls (8 total).
box 19, object 28
Audiocassette tape, "Mr. Huell Howser Supremely Important"
1994 September 6
box 19, object 29
Audiocassette tape, "Baby It's Cold Outside" and "Making Whopee"
undated
box 19, object 30
Audiocassette tape, "Huell Howser"
undated
box 21, object 63
Two McGinnis Camera Departmentt Nashville film canisters
undated
box 21, object 64
Two Ed's Camera Shop film canisters
undated
box 21, object 68
8mm automatic film splicer
undated
box 25, object 109
Sony video Hi8 Handycam camera, In Tamrac case, Howser's personal camera
undated
box 26, object 131
Two blank compact discs
undated
object 218
Bell and Howell 8 mm camera, with leather case
undated
box 19, object 20
VHS tape, "Howser Home Movies"
undated
Separated Materials
Item is located B11B 7/1/4
box 19, object 27
Audiocassette tape, untitled
undated
University of Tennessee records
box 1, folders 28-29
UT Daily Beacon
1967-1971
Scope and Contents
Student newspaper of the University of Tennessee, various editions with articles by Howser.
box 4, object 239
UT Daily Beacon clipping, framed
1969 October 16
box 32, folder 1, object 121
University of Tennessee diploma, Bachelor of Science in Education
1976 June 11
Scope and Contents
Two copies, oversize. One is framed. Unframed diploma was purchased by the Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections
and Archives from the University of Tennesse in 2014.
box 1, folder 37
University of Tennessee transcripts
2014
Scope and Contents
This item was purchased by the Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives from the University of Tennessee
in 2014.
box 19, object 23
Assorted postcards
circa 1907-1919
box 3, folder 3
Contract with Jewell Howser
1957 March 4
Scope and Contents
Oversize
box 19, object 19
Handbook for Boys, Boy Scouts of America
1957
box 2, folders 1-2
"Happy Travelers" travelogues
circa 1960-1969
Scope and Contents
Travelogues, with maps, costs, and trail guides, created as promotional materials from the KCTLA television series, "The Happy
Wanderers." Missing cover page.
box 1, folder 33
Interview drafts and other work
circa 1965-1979
box 1, folder 27
The Paw Print
1967
Scope and Contents
October 1962 and November 1962 editions of the
Paw Print, newspaper for the Peabody Demonstration School, of which Howser was the Feature Editor.
box 32 - oversize, object 136
Scrapbook, "From Music City to the Big Apple," oversize
1979
Scope and Contents
Features clippings regarding Howser's suspension from WSM-TV Nashvillle and move to WCBS New York. Inscription reads, "From
Susan... to Huell, Merry Christmas 1979." Oversize.
box 3, folder 10, object 225
Original comic drawing, portraying Howser and Stan Lee, by John Romita
1980
box 1, folder 35
Los Angeles Times editorial
1993 July 19
Scope and Contents
Howser's editorial piece on lack of funding for Los Angeles County libraries.
box 19, object 18
Back Roads of California by Earl Thollander
1994
box 2, folders 3-4
Long Beach Naval Shipyard Historic and Archeological Resources Protection Plan
1995 March
Scope and Contents
Protection plan for the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, utilized by Howser in his effort to save the shipyard from demolition.
object 220
"Grandma and H.H.," poem by Walter Stormont, framed
1996 November 22
object 210
Leather bound journal, includes entries from Howser's trip to Australia
2007 November 29-2007 December 21
object 248
Folding book of calligraphy, Society of Calligraphy
2008
box 2, folder 5
Frederick Thomas Perris album
2009 January 31
Scope and Contents
A commemorative album presented to Huell Howser by Christina Alanne Perris, the great-great grandaughter of the city of Perris'
namesake.
object 236
The Simpsons production script, "Oh Brother, Where Bart Thou"
2009
Scope and Contents
Howser was a guest star on the episode. It is episode 8, from season 21.
object 237
The Simpsons production script, "Oh Brother, Where Bart Thou," signed
2009
Scope and Contents
Signed by The Simpsons cast members
Huell Howser military personnel records
2015
Scope and Contents
Huell Howser's military personnel records.
box 1, folder 36
Home management notes
undated
Scope and Contents
Information about utilities and household maintenance for Howser's residences, including El Royale apartment, Palms Springs
house, and 29 Palms house.
box 30, object 170
Deed of Land to the State of California
undated
object 183
Yellow notepad, with Howser's handwritten notes
undated
object 214
"I Love You, California" sheet music
undated
box 27, object 138
Baseball cap, "California's Water"
circa 2006-2012
box 24, object 106
Baseball cap, embroidered with "That's Amazing! California's Golden Fairs"
circa 2010-2011
box 26, object 135
T-shirt, "That's Amazing 2011"
2011
object 124
Shirt, Tommy Bahama, men's, yellow
undated
Scope and Contents
Shirt was worn by Howser on California's Golden Parks episode 132 "Carrizo Plain."
Contained in box #
object 241
Shirt, Tommy Bahama, men’s, yellow with woven relief pattern
undated
object 242
Shirt, Tommy Bahama, men’s, blue with tropical print
undated
object 243
Shirt, Tommy Bahama, men's, powder blue
undated
object 244
Shirt, Tommy Bahama, men's, crème with woven relief pattern
undated
object 245
Shirt, Tommy Bahama, men's, blue with woven relief pattern
undated
object 246
Slacks, Tommy Bahama, men's, tan corduroy
undated
object 247
Slacks, Tommy Bahama, men's, green corduroy
undated
box 24, object 105
Baseball cap, embroidered with "California's Gold"
undated
box 22, object 87
Academic hood, red, white and black
undated
object 120
California State emblem embroidered piece
undated
box 27, object 137
Hat, Barmah Australia
undated
box 27, object 139
Hat, straw, Builder's Supply
undated
object 209
Chess piece paperweight, metal
undated
box 21, object 71
Round ceramic paperweight
undated
box 21, object 67
United States Senator Howard Baker paperweight
undated
box 21, object 60
Southwestern University Los Angeles paperweight
undated
box 20, object 49
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter First Chips commemorative paperweight
2003 November 10
box 20, object 50
Los Angeles World Airport paperweight
undated
box 20, object 51
Meeting Professionals International-CMP commemorative paperweight, 1972-1997
circa 1997
box 20, object 52
Bowling pin cube paperweight
undated
box 20, object 53
KCET, "A Night To Remember" paperweight
1991 May 02
box 20, object 53A
KCBS-TV Los Angeles paperweight
1984 April 02
box 17, object 8
Vanderbuilt University, 1933 50th reunion commemorative paperweight
undated
box 19, object 161
El Camino Real Mission bell, 9 inch, circa 1910-1960
circa 1910-1960
object 199
George W. Adair Newsmens Tournament trophy for Inman Gray - Atlanta Journal
1913 November 14
object 221
El Camino Real Mission bell, 9 inch
circa 1914-1955
object 230
Original rivet from Golden Gate Bridge
circa 1930-1940
object 108
"Huell Howser WSM-TV" camera bag
circa 1971-1979
object 215
Charlie Frank's elephant hook, from Videolog's "Elephant"
1975
box 17, object 5
Kentucky Derby silver cup
1977
object 219
Snow White wall clock, gift of Adriana Caselotti
1988
object 217
University of Tennessee Nyland Stadium turf, framed
1993 November 27
object 226
Embroidery piece, "California's Gold," by Genson
1996
object 227
1996 Summer Olympics torch, held by Howser in Los Angeles leg of torch relay
1996
box 22, object 83
Ceramic tile, signed by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Mulholland Fountain construction and engineering crew members
1996 November 14
object 198
Grubstake Days Grand Marshall trophy
2001
box 18, object 16
Town and Gown of the University of Southen California commemorative clock
2007 April 17
object 212
"Off to Work" diorama, made by fan
2009
object 185
Soundgraph of Howser's words, "California's Gold," by Michael Garber, framed
undated
object 206
Black notepad case, with engraving
undated
object 118
Illustrated map of California, featuring historical events, landmarks, and resources, framed
undated
box 19, object 22
Painting of church, framed (5.5x7.5)
undated
object 189
Glass bottle of oil, Petrolia, California
undated
object 208
Broguiere's Dairy milk bottle, glass
undated
object 213
Metal nameplate, "Howser"
undated
object 216
Large Fosselman's cow, with caption, "Favorite Visitor" and image of Howser
undated
object 223
See's Candy toy mobile candy shop
undated
object 228
Carved wooden bear
undated
object 231
Bullocks Wilshire Tea Room commemorative cup
undated
object 190
Small teacup, porcelain
undated
object 191
Small vase, blue glass
undated
object 192
Pen holder souvenir from Durango, Mexico, with preserved scorpion
undated
object 193
United Way of Greater Los Angeles commemorative clock
undated
object 194
Magnifying glass on stand, Bombay company
undated
object 196
Wooden minecarts, "California's Gold" label, Mundt Woodworking
undated
object 197
Small vase, porcelain
undated
object 200
Rusty metal cylinder
undated
object 201
Display shelf, mid-century modern style
undated
Scope and Contents
35" length x 18" width x 36" height
object 203
Shell souvenir, with "Huell Howser" engraving
undated
object 204
Yosemite Chapel souvenir
undated
object 207
Los Angeles Fireboat 2 model, Ralph S. Scott
undated
object 211
Brown desk lamp, metal, mid-century modern style
undated
Scope and Contents
13" height
object 186
Glass plate with Golden Poppy design
undated
object 188
Soap Kitchen California's Gold soap
undated
object 110
Rusted copper floater
undated
object 111
Rusted metal disk
undated
object 112
Three wood slices, stiched at cracks
undated
object 113
Rusted metal, possibly segment of fence
undated
object 113A
White jagged rock with orange coloring
undated
object 114
White discolored and porous plasture
undated
object 115
Gray porous plaster or concrete
undated
object 116
Craft piece, tulips made of egg shells
undated
object 117
Green metal cylinder
undated
box 26, object 127
Three California's Gold watches
undated
box 26, object 128
Two piece spinning top, wooden
undated
box 26, object 129
Miniature glass bottle, holding specs of gold
undated
box 26, object 130
Small glass bottle, filled with red sand
undated
box 26, object 134
Book-shaped box, empty
undated
box 29, object 158
Three rusted metal containers
undated
object 179
Rusted copper floater
undated
object 180
Desk lamp, medium, mid-century modern style
undated
Scope and Contents
23" height
object 181
Credenza, small, mid-century modern style
undated
Scope and Contents
24" length x 17.5" width x 29" height
box 22, object 85
Folger Adam Co., Joliet, Illinois key
undated
box 23, object 89
Mikhail Gorbachev Matryoshka doll
undated
box 23, object 90
Mikhail Gorbachev mask
undated
box 23, object 91
Joseph Stalin mask
undated
box 23, object 92
Assorted Russian Communist themed brooches
undated
box 23, object 93
Small Californian State flag
undated
box 23, object 94
Small ceramic plate, painted with a USSR theme
undated
box 23, object 96
United States Air Force B-2 Bomber model, with plastic stand
undated
box 23, object 98
Russian toy with chicken figurines
undated
box 23, object 99
Black tie, embroidered with Russian letters
undated
box 23, object 100
Olive green tie, embroidered with Russian letters
undated
box 24, object 104
Plastic water bottle, liquid stained
undated
box 24, object 102
San Gabriel Mission commemorative spoon
undated
box 20, object 43
Glass bee figurine
undated
box 20, object 44
Five small porcelain bowls, Japanese
undated
box 20, object 45
Four small goblets, wooden
undated
box 20, object 46
Glass top hat, blue
undated
box 20, object 48
Small cocktail shaker
undated
box 20, object 74
Candle holder, Hotel Eden Roma
undated
box 21, object 57
Three wooden masks
undated
box 21, object 58
Two glass bottles
undated
box 21, object 59
"I Love California" pin
undated
box 21, object 65
"Home Sweet Home" sign, wooden
undated
box 21, object 66
"Temple of Isis" figurine
undated
box 21, object 69
Velvet box, holding miniature pop gun and amo
undated
box 21, object 70
Popeye Spinach can, unopened
undated
box 21, object 73
Desktop alarm clock
undated
box 21, object 75
Bontenello Sanitary Dairy milk bottle
undated
box 22, object 77
Minature wooden rocking chair with woven seat
undated
box 22, object 79
Men's butler, wooden
undated
box 17, object 4
"The Apartment Cat" silver cup
undated
box 17, object 11
Bottle, containing unknown liquid
undated
box 19, object 25
California Gold Centennial three-cent stamps, framed (5x7)
undated
box 20, object 32
Three porcelain saucers
undated
box 20, object 33
Two porcelain tea cups
undated
box 20, object 35
Small wooden canoe
undated
box 20, object 36
Two small porcelain mugs
undated
box 20, object 37
Elephant wooden figurine
undated
box 20, object 40
Two small saucers
undated
box 20, object 41
Pioneer Mothers of the Covered Wagons statuette
undated
box 20, object 42
Five small porcelain bowls
undated
box 19, object 123
United States Marine Corps ceramic keepsake box, undated
Scope and Contents
This ceramic keepsake box contains 9 collector pins, one Army National Training Center medal, and $6.80 in loose change.
box 1, folder 30
Clippings, Congressional work
1965-1966
Scope and Contents
Two clippings and photographs describing Howser's work as staff for Senator Howard Baker.
box 1, folder 32
Clippings, miscellaneous
1968
box 1, folder 31
Clippings, University of Tennessee activities
1965-1969
Scope and Contents
Newspaper clippings referencing Howser.
Series 4, Publicity and press
1970-2013
Physical Description: 0.25 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents
Includes newspaper clippings and promotional materials related to Huell's broadcast work, from his time at WSM-TV in Nashville
through his work at KCET in Los Angeles.
box 1, folder 2
Published work
1973
Scope and Contents
Articles written by Howser- "Huell & Education,"
The Collegiate Guidepost (Summer 1973); "People-Power: Europe's Secret,"
The Nashville Banner (September 14, 1973)
box 1, folder 5
Press releases, WSM-TV
circa 1975-1979
Scope and Contents
Three copies of short Howser biography released by WSM-TV Nashvile.
box 1, folder 1
Clippings, WSM-TV
1970-1979
Scope and Contents
Original newspaper clippings and color copies of articles from various Nashville-area publications that mention Howser's work
on WSM-TV. Publications include
Nashville! Magazine,
Take One Magazine, The Nashville Banner, The Tennessean, and the
Kentucky New Era.
box 1, folder 3
Clippings and publicity, "Opryland in the U.S.S.R."
1974-1975
Scope and Contents
Includes materials related to Howser's 1974 trip to Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) as part of a cultural exchange program
with Opryland U.S.A. and the U.S. Department of State. WSM-TV press release, article draft by Howser,
Country Music magazine (February 1975), Russian programs, and newspaper clippings.
box 1, folder 4
Clippings, personal appearances
1974-1977
Scope and Contents
Newspaper clippings featuring Howser's public appearances at events.
box 1, folder 6
Clippings, WSM-TV suspension
1979
Scope and Contents
Original newspaper clippings and color copies of articles describing Howser's suspension from WSM-TV and move to WCBS-TV New
York.
box 1, folder 7
Clippings and publicity, WCBS-TV
1979-1980
Scope and Contents
2 copies of press releases about the WCBS-TV New York show, "Real Life!" hosted by Howser
3 copies of short Howser biography released by WCBS
2 copies of promotional flyer
Assorted original and photocopied clippings about the show
box 1, folder 8
Clippings and publicity, CNN
1980-1981
Scope and Contents
Cable channel programming guide about Howser working as a reporter for CNN in Los Angeles
2 promotional photographs (5x7 color)
Newspaper clippings
Press releases
box 1, folder 9
Clippings and publicity, "Wedding Day"
1981
Scope and Contents
Promotional materials and press related to the television show, "Wedding Day," co-hosted by Howser. Includes a press biography
of Howser, show description, six promotional photographs (8x10 color), press announcements, and various clippings about the
show.
box 1, folder 10
Clippings and publicity, KCBS
1981-1982
Scope and Contents
Press biography released by KCSBS-TV Los Angeles
Nashville newspaper clippings about Howser's work in Los Angeles
box 1, folder 11
Clippings and publicity, KCET
1990-2002
Scope and Contents
Promotional photograph and a press release for the series,
California's Gold. Assorted newspaper clippings about Howser and the series.
box 1, folder 12
Clippings, personal appearances
2003-2010
Scope and Contents
Clippings about Howser's appearances at events throughout Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
box 1, folder 13
Clippings and publicity, KCET
2004-2009
Scope and Contents
Clippings from assorted publications about Howser and his KCET series.
box 1, folder 14
Clippings, home and found art
1991-2002
Scope and Contents
Articles featuring Howser's homes and found art collection:
Angeles Magazine (October 19991)
Los Angeles Times (June 20, 1996)
Echoes Magazine (September 2001)
Landscape Architecture (April 2002)
Los Angeles Times Magazine (September 15, 2002)
box 1, folder 15
Clippings, miscellaneous
1978-1991
Series 5, Awards and recognition
1976-2010
Physical Description: 2.5 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents
This series contains awards and certificates given to Howser by various organizations. Additional awards and recognition objects
in Series 7, Memorabilia.
box 3, folder 11, object 235
State of Tennessee Recognition, Special Ambassador to New York
1979 September 14
box 3, folder 10
State of Tennessee Senate Joint Resolution No. 223
1980 January 14
box 22, object 82
Victorville Glass Manufacturing Plant Dedication commemorative plaque
1987 November 10
box 30, object 159
The Adoption Guild of Los Angeles, "The Dodge City Stampede" Celebrity Chairman commemorative plaque
1988 March 05
object 187
Delta Society, Media award
1990 October 12
box 32, object 155
L. Magnin California Artisan Award, oversize
1991 October 2
Scope and Contents
Oversize
box 28, object 142
California Academic Decathlon, master of ceremonies commemorative plaque
1991
box 30, object 160
California Governor's Conference on Tourism award
1991
box 12, folder 6
Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor certificate
1992 March 12
box 30, object 161
Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, 1992 John Anson Ford Human Relations award
1992 October 08
box 30, object 162
Native Daughters of the Golden West, California Image award
1992
box 22, object 81
Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge commemorative coin, honoring Howser
1992
box 28, object 143
Hollywood Coordinating Council's Third Century Individual award
1993
box 30, object 164
California Library Association, President's Award
1993
box 31, object 172
California Department of Parks and Recreation, Outstanding Volunteer Stewardship of California's Precious and Irreplaceable
Natural and Cultural Resources award
1993
box 17, object 6
Hollywood Arts Council Media Arts award
1994 January 28
box 30, object 166
County of Los Angeles Public Library, The Citizen's Award
1994 April 20
box 30, object 165
California Geographical Society Annual Meeting, keynote speaker commemorative plaque
1994 April 29
box 28, object 145
Los Angeles County Federation of Republican Women, guest speaker commemorative plaque
1994 November 30
box 17, object 7
San Diego Museum of Art, Excellence in Support of California's Museums award
1994
box 28, object 144
Special Olympics California, 1994 Summer Olympics, Apprecation of Huell Howser of California's Gold plaque
1994
box 28, object 146
Los Angeles County "Hearts at Work" award, presented by Fourth District Supervisor Deane Dana
1994
box 20, object 55
Central City Association "Treasure of LA" award
1995 May 25
box 28, object 147
National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers Communications award
1995 September
box 31, object 173
American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Chapter, Community Service award
1995 October 17
box 12, folder 7
California Gold Discovery to Statehood Sesquicentennial Commission membership certificate
1996 January 31
box 31, object 174
Blue Angels V.I.P. Flight in the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet commemorative certificate
1996 March 01
box 20, object 54
Santa Clarita Valley Teacher Tribute, Keynote Speaker award
1996 May 08
box 28, object 149
Native Sons of the Golden West Resolution plaque, honoring Howser
1996 June 14
box 24, object 107
California Tourism Hall of Fame plaque
1996
box 28, object 150
California Highway Patrol "C.H.P. Day '96" commemorative plaque
1996
box 28, object 148
National Philantropy Day commemorative print, framed
1996
object 182
United Nations Association, United Nations Day Chairman commemorative plaque
1996
box 30, object 167
Park Rangers Association of California, Honorary Lifetime Membership plaque
1997 March
box 30, object 168
Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award
1997 June 21
box 23, object 88
Friends of the Pasadena Public Library Jack Smith Friends of the Library award
1998 June 06
box 28, object 152
Los Angeles Historical Society's David G. Cameron History Memorial award
1998 December 10
box 23, object 97
Heading East bronze medallion, Orange Country Sesquicentennial Association at the Irvine Barclay theatre
1999 March 5
box 21, object 72
University of Southern California Retired Faculty Association award
1999 September
box 31, object 175
Greater Los Angeles Chapter National Safety Council, Ambassador for Safety
1999
object 240
Ship's wheel, U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII - S.S. Lane Vicotry Honorary Membership
2000 September
box 17, object 12
Inertia Systems "Salt of the Earth" award
2001 January
box 31, object 176
Peabody Demonstration School University School of Nashville, Distinguished Alumnus Award
2002
box 23, object 95
California State Parks Foundation's Golden Poppy award
2003 May 10
box 17, object 9
Cal State University, Fullerton Distinguished Communicator award
2004
box 18, object 17
South Coast Air Quality Management District Clean Air Awards master of ceremonies commemorative award
2004
box 12, folder 8
Association of Fundraising Professionals lifetime honorary membership
2005 November 16
box 18, object 13
KCET Women's Council award
2005
box 18, object 15
Young Presidents Association of Los Angeles keynote speaker commemorative pyramid
2006 September 26
box 22, object 76
Peace Officer & Public Safety Appreciation Day Honorary Chairman commemorative plaque
2006 November 21
object 126, box 32
Oak Glen Apple Growers Association Citizen of the Year award
2006
box 28, object 153
Santa Ana River Project Group, Santa Ana River Mainstem Project appreciation, framed
2007 March 15
box 17, object 10
Association of Environmental Professionals "Gold-Father" award
2007
box 28, object 151
Sierra Club Angeles Chapter award
2007
box 17, object 3
Stella Select Symposium award
2009 January 17
box 22, object 78
Copper Mountain College Foundation award
2009 October 24
box 31, object 177
Irvine Valley College diploma, Honorary Associate in Arts History
2009 December 02
object 123
Pepperdine University framed diploma, Doctor of Humane Letters
2010 May 1
box 31, object 178
Pepperdine University 2010 honorary degree photograph book
2010 May 01
object 234
KVEI Honorary Control award
2010 May 14
object 232
Order of E Clampus Vitus recognition, Estanislao chapter 58
2010 July 31
box 18, object 14
California Tourism Association, Tourism Champion of the Year award
2010
box 30, object 169
American Society of Civil Engineers, Excellence in Journalism award
2010
box 12, folder 9
Chapman University Huell Howser Mass Communication Faculty Office commemoration certificate
2012 October 18
box 29, object 157
Encino Chamber of Commerce, The Justice Armand Arabian Leaders in Public Service Award
2012 October 25
box 28, object 154
Chapman University diploma, Honorary Doctor of Arts
2013 February
object 233
Placerville Hardware 160th Anniversary award, in shape of Gold Pan
undated
box 26, object 156
Braille Institute appreciation of Howser and "Videolog Listens" plaque
undated
box 28, object 155
Nisei Week Japanese Festival commemorative plaque
undated
box 22, object 86
Northrop Grumman Management Club plaque, with piece of composite trim from left-hand duet assembly of the F-35A A-1 vehicle,
the first fire system development and demonstration joint strike fighter aircraft
undated
Series 6, Ephemera, professional
1971-1999
Physical Description: 0.25 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents
Ephemeral items including postcards, WSM-TV buttons, business cards, drawings, and other small items collected throughout
Howser's broadcasting career.
box 1, folder 22
WSM-TV
1971-1979
Scope and Contents
Promotional materials for WSM-TV and Howser's shows, including one sticker, three postcards, one placard, and multiple flyers.
Also includes three fan-made drawings.
box 1, folder 23
Buttons
circa 1971-1979
Scope and Contents
Bag of "Huell has Happy Features Buttons"
1 "Huell Howser WSM 4" button
1 1972 Country Music Fan Fair button
box 1, folder 24
Membership cards and pass
1974-1980
Scope and Contents
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels membership card, 1974
Lifetime membership card to the Society for the Preservation of Early American Art
Guest pass to the 1980 Democratic National Convention.
box 1, folder 25
Business cards
1980-1983
Scope and Contents
Howser's business cards for WCBS-TV, New York and CNN, Los Angeles.
box 3, folders 1-2, box 1, folder 26
Miscellaneous
1990-1999
Scope and Contents
Russian ribbon
Gold Nugget Days station envelope
Card with poppy flower
11 postcards with separate letter
2 fruit crate labels, one is oversize
La Fiesta de Los Angeles official program, oversize
