Harlan Ware

Ware was born on July 14, 1902, in Lakota, North Dakota, United States. His father was William L. Ware (1876-1968) and his mother was Laverne Belle Dice (1879-1954). His brother Darrell Ware was an Academy Award nominee for screenwriting, and his other brother, Leon Ware, was an award-winning children’s book author. Ware’s ancestor William Ware wrote the historical novel Zenobia published in 1898, and Henry Ware, acting President of Harvard in the early 19th century, published works on the subject of religion.[3] [4]

He received his education in the public schools of Winnetka, Illinois. Ware married Ruth Susan Seitz (1909-1973) in June 1935. Ruth, who was born on June 24, 1908, in Milan, Missouri, graduated from Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in June 1929. The couple's life journey continued together until Ruth's passing on May 24, 1973, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.[4]

Ware began his career as a police reporter in the city of Chicago, working for various newspapers, including the Shreveport Times and the City News Bureau.[5] Throughout his writing career, Ware showcased his talent in various mediums, leaving behind an impressive body of work. Two of his most notable contributions were his scripts for radio programs. The Bartons, which aired from 1939 to 1941, and One Man's Family, from 1944 to 1959, were among his best-known radio scripts. The latter, penned for Carlton E. Morse, earned Ware considerable acclaim and solidified his position as a masterful writer in the radio industry. In 1944, Ware started writing scripts for ‘’One Man's Family.’’ Within five years, he had taken on the responsibility of writing virtually all the scripts. He continued in this role as the series' primary writer until the series ended.[1]

His success was a result of his dedication to his artistry. His daughter, Ciji Ware, a successful writer herself, remembers his valuable advice: "Writers write. They don't make excuses, they put the seat of their pants on the chair and their hands on the keyboard and they keep typing." Such a commitment to the writing process paved the way for his achievements in the literary world.[1]

In an article featured in the Monterey Peninsula Heard, Ware was portrayed as a person "possessed of a warm, outgoing personality," with an "absorbing interest in humanity, especially in creative people for whom he carried the torch throughout all of his tirelessly creative life."[1]

In 1954, the Wares made the decision to settle in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where they established their residence at Santa Lucia Avenue and Dolores Street. Engaging with the local community, they actively participated in various aspects of community life. For over a decade, they cherished their time in Carmel until 1966 when they decided to return to Ware's hometown of Wisconsin.[1]

As per an account published on February 23, 1956 Carmel Pine Cone, Ware's fondness for the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea was evident, but he became increasingly bothered by the presence of "five unsightly signs" within the community. His hope was that by drawing attention to these signs and raising awareness, those responsible for them would become more considerate and mindful of their impact on the town's beauty. In the One Man's Family episode, Ware subtly conveyed his dissatisfaction with the signs through a dialogue involving the Barbour family, who were residents of the affluent Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco. The Barbour family comprised Mother and Father Barbour, along with their five children.[1]

Beyond the realm of radio, Ware also dabbled in the world of literature. His 1951 novel titled Come Fill the Cup found success and even made its way to the big screen, being adapted into a movie featuring James Cagney and Gig Young in leading roles. In 1964, he coauthored two books with William Hornaday, The Inner Light, and Your Aladdin's Lamp.[6][7] These achievements further cemented Ware's reputation as a versatile and accomplished storyteller.

Ware died in a Chicago hospital on May 7, 1967. Private funeral services were held in Chicago, and he was later buried in the family plot at the Evanston, Illinois Cemetery.[8][5]

Ware's legacy is preserved at the University of Oregon Libraries in Eugene, Oregon. His papers, offer valuable insights into his creative process and literary career. The collection contains correspondence including fan mail, manuscripts, memorabilia, printed material, and biographical files. 724 scripts for The Bartons are included under radio scripts. In addition to Harlan Ware's papers, the collection includes research notes, galley proofs, and memorabilia that shed light on various aspects of his life and work. Among these are the Ware family history, Barbour family scrapbooks, theater programs, a collection of photographs, and even a music manuscript co-authored by Ware and James Cagney. Furthermore, the collection encompasses articles discussing Ware and his literary accomplishments, along with biographical material that enriches our understanding of this talented writer and his enduring legacy.[2]

• Carmel Residents Association
• Harlan Ware at IMDb