In fifty years, Houston Harte guided an organization that grew from one afternoon daily to a chain of nineteen newspapers in six states, and one television station. Much of the civic activity in San Angelo, his hometown, revolved around Harte from 1930 until 1970. He knew many politicians, such as Lyndon Johnson, and was willing to ask their help. Harte's major contributions were retaining Goodfellow Air Force Base's active status, helping San Angelo College attain four-year status, and influencing General Telephone Company of the Southwest to locate its headquarters in San Angelo. His numerous other projects were of lesser magnitude. This study probes Harte's sources of power, examining why he was successful in getting the projects he wanted for his community.

Topographic map of a portion of Texas from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) project. The map includes towns, historic or notable sites, bodies of water, and other geologic features. Scale 1:24,000

Topographic map of a portion of Texas from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) project. The map includes towns, historic or notable sites, bodies of water, and other geologic features. Scale 1:24,000

Topographic map of a portion of Texas from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) project. The map includes towns, historic or notable sites, bodies of water, and other geologic features. Scale 1:24,000

Topographic map of a portion of Texas from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) project. The map includes towns, historic or notable sites, bodies of water, and other geologic features. Scale 1:24,000

Photograph of the Collyns House (located at 315 West Twohig) in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of the Eckert House (located at 503 Koberlin (A)) in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of the Eckert House (located at 503 Koberlin (B)) in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of the Tom Green County Courthouse (located at 100 West Beauregard) in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of the Midway Cemetery in Tom Green County, Texas.

Photograph of the Lee Ranch House in Tom Green County, Texas.

Photograph of the First Presbyterian Church (located at 32 North Irving) in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of the Greater Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (located at 215 West Third) in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church (located at 3 South Randolph) in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of a historic property located at 102-110 North Main in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of a historic property located at 226 North Chadbourne in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of a historic property located at 222 North Chadbourne in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of a historic property located at 202-206 North Chadbourne in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of a historic property located at 224 North Chadbourne in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of a historic property located at 230 North Chadbourne in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of a historic property located at 228 North Chadbourne in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of a historic property located at 315 North Chadbourne in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of a historic property located at 303 North Chadbourne in San Angelo, Texas.

Photograph of a historic property located at 222-228 North Chadbourne in San Angelo, Texas.