The Lowell Clark Pratt Collection, 1959-1963 (bulk 1960-1962) contains personal correspondence written (typed) by Lowell Clark Pratt to his daughter Lucia Gilbertson and her family, a few family photographs and news clippings, and includes excerpts from these letters complied by his grandson, Allan Gilbertson. Lowell C. Pratt, an experienced journalist, editor, and part-owner of the Selma Enterprise newspaper (CA), came to San Jose State College in 1947 where he served as a Director of Public Relations and as an Assistant Professor of Journalism. Pratt later served as the Publications Manager and as faculty advisor to the Theta Xi fraternity. This small collection of personal letters cover a wide range of subjects. The contents relate ordinary life events, accounts of local and national news, and news regarding college life at San Jose State and the interpersonal politics of the SJSC staff. Pratt retired from SJSC in 1965 at the age of 70.

Lowell C. Pratt, (1894-1979) was born in Pomona, California, where he became a "cub" reporter in 1913 and later attended Pomona College. He served in World War I and in 1920 he graduated from the School of Journalism at Columbia University. Pratt began his career in Springfield, Massachusetts, but returned to Pomona, California where he accepted the position as city editor of the Pomona Progress and between 1923-1926 he worked for the Pasadena Star News. In 1926 Pratt bought the Selma Enterprise , which he and his partner sold in 1947. While living in Selma, Pratt was a active member of the community, serving as a president of the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, and the Community Club. He and his wife, Dorothy Louise Pratt, were members in the First Methodist Church. Pratt was a valued faculty member at SJSC, serving in a variety of postions including the Publications Manager and as faculty advisor to the Theta Xi fraternity. In 1965, after 18 years of service, he retried at the age of 70.

1 box, .88 linear feet

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