Collection documents Edward Howden's lifelong efforts to fight bias and end discrimination in employment, housing, and other matters by working for what he preferred to call human rights.

Edward Watson Howden articulated fair employment and fair housing laws, and non-discrimination and desegregation policies throughout his professional life. He was born in 1918 in Oakland, CA to Robert Howden, Jr. and Grace Brady Howden. He and his sisters, Jean and Elizabeth, were raised during the Depression years. Their grandfather, Robert Howden, Sr., immigrated from Galashiels, Scotland in 1882 and eventually founded Howden Tile in Oakland.

4 cartons, 2 manuscripts boxes, 2 flat boxes, 1 oversized flat box (6.5 cubic feet)

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours.