Harris H. Mullen papers, 1972-1990, bulk 1977-1982
Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Mullen, Harris H. (1924-2008)
- Extent:
- 5.89 Linear Feet
- 9 boxes
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
Harris H. Mullen Papers, USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
Background
- Scope and content:
The collection primarily consists of materials related to Mullen's ownership of the Florida Trend magazine and the Ybor Square development. These materials include correspondence, speeches, photos, newspaper clippings, and scrapbooks. Most correspondence from 1977-1982 details the development of the Ybor City district in Tampa, Florida and Ybor Square.
- Biographical / historical:
Harris H. Mullen (1924-2008) was born in September of 1924 in Tampa and graduated from Plant High School in 1942. He graduated from Duke University with a degree in Naval Science in 1946 and briefly served in the Navy. He then attended the University Of Florida College of Journalism for a short period before returning to Tampa to work for the Tampa Tribune. For two years he worked as a reporter before leaving the newspaper to work for his father's printing company, which included the farm monthly magazine "Florida Grower and Rancher." He married Katherine Hoag in 1949 and they had four children. His father died soon after and Mullen took over the company at the age of 26.
Sensing the need for a Florida business magazine, he founded Florida Trend in 1958. It soon gained a reputation for its straight, oftentimes ponderous discussion of Florida business. Mullen included a oftentimes anecdotal article on the back page of the Trend, giving out-of-state readers a native viewpoint. With the success of Florida Trend, Mullen also found The South Magazine, another business themed publication.
In 1972, Mullen bought the V. M. Ybor Cigar Factory in Ybor City. A longtime admirer of the rich history of the area, Mullen planned to renovate the building and turn it into a mixed use building, with shops and offices. The one and a half acre site was renamed Ybor Square at a time when few investors saw any future in Ybor City after the effects of urban renewal.
In 1980, Mullen sold Florida Trend to the St. Petersburg Times to focus all his attentions on Ybor Square. In retirement he published numerous books on the Civil War and local history. He has also received many honors for his work in the rejuvenation of Ybor City. He passed away at the age of 84 in 2008 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
"Harris Mullen gave Florida readers 'Trend,' his mind,"St. Petersburg Times. Times Pub: Petersburg, Fla; Co, 2008 December 12. Print.
"Harris Mullen Govers America's No. 1 Game," The Floridian. Tampa, Fla.: 1974 March 24. Print.
Note written by Joe Tamargo, 2011
- Acquisition information:
- Donation
- Arrangement:
The collection is arranged in three series and folders are in alphabetical order by content.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Terms of access:
None. The contents of the collection may be subject to copyright. Visit the United States Copyright Office's website at http://www.copyright.gov/ for more information.
- Preferred citation:
Harris H. Mullen Papers, USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
- Location of this collection:
-
The University of South Florida, Tampa Campus4202 East Fowler Ave. LIB122TampaFL33620-5400USA
