Clarence Budington Kelland

Clarence Budington Kelland (1881–1964) was an American writer and editor best known for popular fiction published in magazines and books. Born in Portland, Maine, he became a prolific contributor to periodicals, building a wide readership through accessible storytelling and recurring characters. Kelland created the Mark Tidd stories, featuring a resourceful boy detective, and later wrote the Scattergood Baines series, centered on a plainspoken New Englander whose practical wisdom guides his community. His work reflects early twentieth-century American magazine culture, emphasizing humor, optimism, and everyday problem-solving. Kelland’s long career made him a familiar name to generations of readers.