Women’s History Month: Who was Karen Howard?

How much do you know about the history of women in Rockford?

In celebration and recognition of Women's History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with Midway Village Museum to bring readers a local women's history fact of the day.

Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of March to read about the women who played significant roles in Rockford history.

In 1972, Karen Howard, along with her husband, Bill, and friend Stephen Powers, founded legendary performing arts showcase Charlotte’s Web in Rockford.

The Web quickly became known as a hot spot for folk, blues and rock music, and hundreds of acts performed there over the ensuing decades.

The prominent performers who came to Rockford to perform at Howard’s venue included Timothy Leary, Joan Jett, Steve Goodman, and Corky Siegel.

The notoriety of Charlotte’s Web was so significant in the music scene that when Howard was asked how she attracted performers, she replied, “I just answer the phone.”

Want to learn more about Karen Howard? Visit Midway Village Museum online at midwayvillage.com or in person at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Women’s History Month: Who was Karen Howard?