The Maurer collection documents Wesley H. Maurer's career as a journalist and as a teacher of journalism. The collection has been arranged into the following series: Personal; Department of Journalism Administration; Michigan Federation of Teachers; Papers and Speeches; and Teaching.
Wesley Henry Maurer, Sr. was born on January 19, 1897 in Bunker Hill, Illinois. He married Margaret E. Weber in 1944. They had three children: Margaret, Wesley H. Jr., and Marilyn.
Maurer was educated at the University of Missouri, earning his A.B. degree in economics in 1921, his B.S. degree in Public and Business Administration in 1922, and his B.J. degree in journalism in 1923. He served as an editor on various papers before becoming an instructor at the University of Michigan from 1924 to 1925. He was an assistant professor of journalism at Ohio University from 1925 to 1928.
Maurer re-joined the University of Michigan faculty in 1928, as an instructor. He became an associate professor in 1932, and a professor in 1948. Maurer became chair of the journalism department in 1949 and served in that capacity until 1966, when he retired.
As a professor, Maurer emphasized the importance of practical experience. He was instrumental in improving the fellowship and internship programs of the Department of Journalism. He also established the Michigan Journalist, an experimental newspaper written by students that was circulated to publishers, editors, and teachers of journalism. Maurer bought several newspapers, including the Harbor Light, and the Mackinac Island Town Crier, which employed mostly students. Maurer also owned and operated the St. Ignace News and the Cedarville Weekly Wave (which later folded into the St. Ignace News).
While he was teaching at the University of Michigan, Maurer lead an adult education discussion group called "American Affairs and World Events." It met once a week in Detroit. During each session, the group discussed a controversial topic, based on the abstract of a book prepared by one of the members. Maurer began the class in 1929 and continued until 1967. At the time, it was the oldest discussion group of its kind in the country.
After his retirement, Maurer continued operating the St. Ignace weekly paper and the summer weekly paper the Town Crier on Mackinac Island, functioning as editor and publisher, until his death in 1995 at the age of 98.
