Edward Page Howe Family

In 1884, Edward P. Sr. and Ella Howe purchased land at 21st and V Streets in Poverty Ridge and constructed a beautiful Italianate style home. The front door to the residence featured a unique upside down spade window, purportedly a reference to Mr. Howe’s affinity for gambling. Back in his native Iowa, Howe co-authored a grammar book with his father titled “Howe’s Grammar” which became one of the most widely-distributed ELA textbooks in 19th century America. The Howes had one daughter, Ella, as well as three sons; Edward Page Howe, Jr., Samuel Luke Howe, and William Howe.

As an adult, Ella Howe pursued a soprano study abroad ad lived for sometime in ew York before returnig to Sacramento. She died in 1967.

Like his father, Edward Page Howe, Jr. was an educator and administrator at the Howe family’s private school. In 1890, he and his wife, Luella Slack Howe, built a Colonial Revival and Shingle style home next door to his parents at 2215 21st Street. In 1982, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Instead of pursuing careers in education like their father and their older brother, both Samuel Luke and William Howe decided to study law. Samuel eventually became a senior partner in the firm Howe, Hibbitt and Johnson. He also served as Sacramento City Attorney and later assumed ownership of 2201 21st Street, where he lived until his death in 1945. Samuel Luke Howe is featured on the historic street marker representing the Howe Family Home in the Poverty Ridge Historic District.

Featured images (in order of appearace): 1) The E.P. Sr. and Ella P. Howe home located at 2201 21st Street, adjacent to the home of their son, E.P. Howe Jr., at 2215 21st Street, 2) Portrait of E.P. Howe, Jr., 3) Portrait of Samuel Luke Howe.