The papers of John C. Manning (3.5 linear feet; 1907-1973; bulk 1955-1964)consist of correspondence, speeches, topical files, photographs, and writings relating to his newspaper career, his interest in Detroit, Michigan, and his involvement with various Catholic organizations and affairs. The papers are arranged in five main series: Personal, Correspondence, Speeches, Topical Files, Writings and Photographs.
John Charles Manning (Jack) was born November 4, 1892 of Irish- American parents in Detroit. After graduating from the University of Detroit, Manning worked as a reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Advised that working for a smaller paper would allow him to try his hand at different aspects of journalism, Manning left Detroit to work for the Duluth News Tribune, the Minneapolis Tribune, and the Chicago Tribune. He returned to Detroit in the early 1920ts and became a sportswriter for the Detroit News. When the Hearst paper, the Detroit Times, opened in 1923, Manning was hired as a reporter and then as city editor. In 1932 he rose to managing editor and became the editor-in-chief by 1938. He remained with the Detroit Times until November 1960 when the paper closed. At that time Manning vent back to the newspaper that had given him his first job, the Detroit Free Press. There he had his own column until his death in 1967.
In his work as a newspaperman and especially in his later years as a columnist, Manning was keenly interested in everything having to do with Detroit. He was particularly aware of the need to preserve Detroit's history. In addition, he was involved in various Catholic layman and ecumenical activities, including an active membership in the Detroit Round Table of Catholics, Jews and Protestants.
