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Emmett Gowen Scrapbook Collection

Dates

Bulk 1940s – 1960s

Creator

Gowen, Emmett

Summary/Abstract

The Emmett Gowen Scrapbook Collection consists of three scrapbooks composed of articles written by and pertaining to Emmett Gowen, an avid outdoorsman, journalist and novelist. Specifically, the scrapbooks relate to hunting and fishing, both locally and globally. Gowen’s articles were published in both local newspapers like The Tennessean and national magazines like Sports Illustrated and Field & Stream. This collection is particularly useful for research in outdoor recreation, Middle Tennessee journalism, world traveling, and national sports journalism.

Quantity/Physical Description

3 linear feet

Language(s)

English

Repository

Albert Gore Research Center, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, (615) 898-2632

Restrictions on Access

None

Copyright

It is presumed that corporate and individual copyrights in manuscripts, photographs, and other materials have been retained by the copyright owners. Copyright restrictions apply. Users of materials should seek necessary permissions from the copyright hol

Preferred Citation

(Box Number, Folder Number), Collection Name, Albert Gore Research Center, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Acquisition

James Francis, January 2006

Processed By

Original processor undetermined.

Arrangement

The Gowen Collection contains three scrapbooks, each of which is associated with a different outdoor pursuit—hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing. Each of the collection’s three boxes contains one scrapbook. Articles within scrapbooks are

Biographical Note

Gowen, a native of Davidson County, was a prominent figure in the outdoors life community throughout the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. A self-made man, Gowen used his field expertise from the Tennessee forests and lakes to command expeditions in Mexico, Africa, and Central America. These experiences translated well into a journalism career, as he contributed heavily to magazines such as Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, True, Argosy, Sports Illustrated, Outdoor Life, Field and Stream, and Sports Afield. The high-spirited adventurer practiced his remarkable editorial skills for the Fourth Estate (now Editor and Publisher), composed scenarios for the Hollywood film industry, and reported for many notable newspapers, including the Nashville Tennessean. Ultimately, his story-telling skills and colorful life experiences culminated into a livelihood as a novelist, and he penned several tales of mild to wide literary acclaim. Honored in local publications as “one of the best writers in the business,” Gowen will be forever remembered as the embodiment of the cunning, adventurous Tennessee outdoorsman.

Scope and Content

A vast majority of the collection consists of articles composed by Gowen spanning the 1940s to the 1960s and subsequently published in outdoor magazines. The scrapbooks also contain a few articles by fellow outdoorsmen which directly quote Gowen. One Gowen article about the Jack Daniels Distillery, an expose on Gowen’s perceived “comeback,” a couple of brief biographical magazine pieces on Gowen, a hand-drawn map of the Central American coast by Gowen, and Gowen’s obituary complete the compilation. A more complete inventory of articles is available upon request.