Posted on Mon, Aug. 31, 2009

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Magazine editor learned to love journalism in Kansas

BY BECCY TANNER

The Wichita Eagle

This is one in a series of vignettes celebrating Kansas history. The series' name comes from the state motto, Ad astra per aspera: "To the stars through difficulties."

For more than half a century, a Kansan helped shape what America read.

In a career spanning from the 1920s to his retirement in 1972, Ben Hibbs from Pretty Prairie served as editor-in-chief of Country Gentleman, editor of the Saturday Evening Post and editor of Reader's Digest.

He published Norman Rockwell's now-famous illustrations of the "Four Seasons," described the conditions of Dachau's concentration camp and developed a friendship with Dwight D. Eisenhower that allowed the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during World War II and former president to write articles for both the Post and Reader's Digest.

Hibbs was born July 23, 1901, in Fontana, grew up in Pretty Prairie and earned his degree in journalism from the University of Kansas in 1923. Hibbs decided he wanted to be a journalist at age 10 when a local newspaper published his story of a fourth grade picnic, according to Dave Webb, author of "399 Kansas Characters."

The Kansas State Historical Society's "A Kansas Portrait" reports that by the time Hibbs reached KU, he walked into the university's journalism department and asked "what it would take to be a good newspaper man - not a 'hack.' "

Upon graduation from KU, Hibbs taught at Fort Hays State College and while there helped found the journalism program. During the late 1920s, he edited several Kansas newspapers.

During the 1930s, Hibbs worked for Curtis Publications in Philadelphia as associate editor of Country Gentleman. He became the magazine's editor-in-chief in 1940.

Two years later, the company asked him to become editor of the Saturday Evening Post, then a faltering weekly magazine with a weak circulation.

During his 20-year tenure with the Post, Hibbs doubled the magazine's circulation to 7 million, modernized its contents and style, and helped make it one of the most read and beloved magazines of its time.

He also helped shaped America's view of suburbia, selecting covers that featured cars and homes on them.

During the Eisenhower administration, Hibbs convinced the president to write four articles a year for publication in the Post after the president left office.

Reportedly, Eisenhower was paid $30,000 for articles that dealt with civil disorder and crime and blacks in the military.

In 1962, Hibbs resigned from the Post to become editor of Reader's Digest, where he edited the works of authors such as James Michener and Upton Sinclair.

Hibbs died in 1975.

Reach Beccy Tanner at 316-268-6336 or btanner@wichitaeagle.com.

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