Howarth, mayor of Springfield in the 1950's and 1960's, discusses the city of Springfield, his family, early education, playing basketball, dating, growing up in the 1920's, attending the University of Illinois and law school, Depression, employment with Prudential Insurance Company, and marriage. He also recalls his WWII navy service in the Pacific Theater: basic training, combat experiences, and Japan. Also discusses post-WWII Springfield: law practice, battling vice, corruption, and prostitution, race discrimination, African-Americans, the Lincoln Home, his years as mayor and accomplishments.

10 tapes, 900 mins. Interview by Joe Fechter, 1987 RESTRICTED: Material may not be quoted, cited or published without Howarth's permission. See collateral file: interviewer's notes, photocopies of photos, and partial unrevised transcript.

See also: H837 Howarth; MC77 Nelson O. Howarth Papers