Butler Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0984

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Forms part of the Houston Jewish History Archive. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center and requires 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Content Description

One box of programs, event materials, and family history materials, including a digitized memoir and news clippings, document the Butler family between 1924 to 1987.

Dates

Creation: 1924 - 1987

Conditions Governing Access

Materials open for research.

Stored off-site at the Library Service Center and requires 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Butler Family Papers must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

Jacob “Jake” H. Butler was born in Buffalo, Texas, on March 7, 1893, to Louis Butler and his wife whose name is unknown because Jake’s mother died when he was quite young. He was one of 6 children: Jacob, Libbie, Leo, Sidney, Myron, and Nathan. Jake, his brother Leo, and his sister Libbie were sent to the Jewish Orphan Home in New Orleans, as his father could not take care of all the children. In 1902 Jake was able to rejoin his family in Houston; his father remarried Augusta Asher Butler, who had three children of her own. Jacob only attended school up to his middle school years, and got a job with the Houston Chronicle sweeping and taking calls after hours. He worked through the ranks to become the Manager of the Classified Department of the Houston Chronicle, and later was promoted to Business Manager of the Houston Chronicle, and eventually to Vice President.

Jacob was married to Della Lazarus Butler in 1917. They had one son, Myron Jack Butler, who was drafted by the professional hockey team Chicago Blackhawks after high school, but instead chose to attend Northwestern University and went into journalism. Jack worked at the Houston Chronicle like his father, and worked up to become Business Manager. Jack married Melanie Jones Butler in 1942 and they had two daughters, Pam and Jan.

Jacob Butler died June 20, 1973 after a long illness.

Extent

.25 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

One box of programs, news clippings, event materials, and family history materials, including a digitized memoir and news clippings, document the Butler family between 1924 to 1987.