Howard "Howie"'s Obituary
Howard “Howie” Clark, 85, of Brookston, Indiana, died at home on April 29, 2026, leaving behind his wife, Kathryn Haugh Clark, and his sister, Hyla Clark.
Howie was a beloved musician, performer, humorist, and great storyteller whose banjo playing and old-time music brought joy to friends and audiences for many years. He was also a longtime leader in the Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering with the annual festival each June in Battleground, IN., helping to preserve and celebrate traditional music. Howie, along with Bill Salyer and Dave Alm, was a founder of the Brookston Music Jam. He was very active in the Indiana Fiddlers' Gathering. Also taught clawhammer banjo to young people through the Tippecanoe Arts Federation’s youth program.
He was an excellent clawhammer banjo player and his presence at the Brookston Music Jam was always a great addition. He played with a many other musicians, and was a member of the Hot Club of Colfax and the Hazelnuts. The Hazelnuts played in many venues for years and at the Indiana State Fair every summer. Howie also participated with the WLS Barn Dance recreation annually at the State Fair.
Howie helped start the well known Brookston Apple & Popcorn Festival and was on the committee for many years. He often emceed events on the stage and helped line up entertainment for the festival.
Beyond music, Howie made lasting contributions to hand papermaking in America as a co-founder of Twinrocker Handmade Paper, a craft studio that helped shape the modern revival of hand papermaking in this country. It continues to make fine watercolor and limited edition book papers as well as elegant invitations under the leadership Travis Becker. Howard was a graduate of Purdue University’s School of Mechanical Engineering, and Wayne State University’s Industrial Design Program. His work reflected both creativity and fine craftsmanship. He designed and built all of the necessary equipment for Twinrocker as well as Papermaking equipment for many institutions and individuals. He and his wife, Kathryn were honored with an Outstanding Alumni Award from Wayne State University and the John Corey Arts Leadership Award in Lafayette, IN. In 2008. In 1990, a documentary movie was made about Twinrocker by Chicago filmmaker David McGowan, titled “The Mark of the Maker”. It was nominated for an Academy Award and now can be easily seen on YouTube by searching the title.
Howard also served his country in the Army through the Corp of Engineers, as a Captain in Germany as the Vietnam War was beginning.
A celebration of Howie’s life will be held in and around the stone shelter at the Tippecanoe Battlefield in Battleground, IN on May 31st beginning at 2:00pm. Friends are invited to bring food, drink, service, chairs, with musical instruments, and sing their hearts out to honor and remember Howie in the way he would have appreciated most. Instead of sending flowers to Kathy, please donate to the Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering, P.O. Box 49 Battle Ground, In 47920.
