Hightower, L. (Lawrence), 1946-

Larry Hightower had been a cowpuncher in Ellensburg, WA until about the summer of 1946. He decided to make a "goodwill" tour for Washington State that would take him all over the United States, Mexico and Canada. He was going to push a wheelbarrow throughout the trip. He carried the seal of Washington State with him as a promotion of the State. He would send letters and memorabilia to Earl Coe, Washington's Secretary of State. Larry Hightower completed a 20,000 mile trip by wheelbarrow in 1948.

Earl Coe was born in 1892 in Minneapolis, MN. He spent his childhood in Minneapolis before moving to Bingen, Klickitat County, WA in 1913 to start a career in the apple, shipping and lumber business. Coe's involvement in politics began in the early 1930's. He was elected and lost several positions throughout the State. He held the office of Secretary of State from 1947 until 1957. Earl Coe passed away in Olympia, WA in 1964.

From the description of Larry Hightower's collection from "goodwill" tour of the United States given to Earl Coe, Washington Secretary of State, 1946-1948. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 122264951