Much of the material contained in the Gallagher papers pertains either to the news and editorial operations of the Ann Arbor News or to the management and business of running the newspaper. The collection has been arranged into the following series: Ann Arbor News general correspondence and memoranda; Editorials and Editorial Subject files; Articles and Speeches; Organizational files; Miscellaneous Topical Files; and Miscellaneous.
Arthur Gallagher was born in Manistique, Michigan on May 16, 1911. While a high school student Gallagher covered school sporting events for the local paper, the South Haven Daily Tribune, during the school term and did general reporting during the summer. He became a full time employee following graduation, remaining with the paper for two years working as a reporter, sports editor, and circulation manager. In 1931 Gallagher moved to Ann Arbor where he enrolled at The University of Michigan and began working for The Ann Arbor Tribune. He attended the University until 1935 when he dropped out to go to work at the Tribune on a full time basis. He completed his studies through the University's extension program. Finally in 1976, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree.
At the Tribune, Gallagher worked as a reporter, circulation manager, and editor-manager. In 1937 Gallagher moved to the Ann Arbor News, which was a subsidiary of Booth Newspapers, Inc., where he worked at various times as the county, telegraph, and news editor.
Gallagher replaced Ralph N. Byers as editor of the News after Byers untimely death on August 10, 1954. Gallagher remained editor until his retirement on June 1, 1976.
