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Maples from the Fifties

Exhibit of editorial cartoons
from the pen of Harold Maples

Click on the pictures to see a larger version.

Special Collections showcases the talent of Harold Maples, editorial cartoonist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for nearly 30 years, with an online exhibit. From 1954 until his death in 1982, Maples entertained Texans each week with his wit, wisdom and pen as he drew more than 7,000 cartoons for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram editorial page. He was recognized nationally as a cartoonist of stature with his skillfully executed drawings, each with a distinct Texas flavor.

The Maples Cartoon Collection from the Fifties was given to the Mary Couts Burnett Library from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in 1982. A craftsman at the drawing table with a gift of spotting and revealing the ridiculous, Maples covered a wide variety of subjects.This cartoon collection is of Maples early work in the 1950s - he addressed the beginning of a new school year; threats to world peace; impending drought; auto safety; or the perennial Texas weather, with equal humor, skill and imagination. No subject was too mundane or too important for Maples.

For many, this one-of-a-kind cartoon collection will bring back memories, for others, it's simply a quick laugh and pure enjoyment. See for yourself on the Special Collections website. Click on "Web Exhibits."