Rogers60

What on Earth was a lawyer with a degree from Princeton University doing living and practicing law in Hillyard? I wish I had found out. All I know is that George Elmer Brown, attorney at law/real estate (as his shingle announced) had an office on a corner in downtown Hillyard. He and his wife, Gretchen, didn't have any kids of their own as far as I know, but he was one of those kind of men that they make movies about, movies such as Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life," because of the theme that the kindest, most wonderful, inspirational, caring, compassionate people imaginable can and do exist. 

 

Known professionally as "George Elmer Brown," he was known by hundreds, maybe thousands of boys, as just "George." Remember, this was a time when it was considered inappropriate to refer to adults by their first names unless there was affection, as with an uncle, such as "Uncle Bob." (E.d. Still like that in the South) 

 

He had nothing to do with Rogers directly, but his influence was enormous to a number of boys over many years who attended the high school of Hillyard. In the "times were tough" days of The Great Depression, juvenile crime was serious, especially in Hillyard, a community that was always and probably still is one of the roughest parts of Spokane. To assist in bringing some peace and order, he began a club for boys--"The Hillyard Booster Club." Any boy could join, as long as he subscribed to "The Three Cardinal Principles: clean living, community service, crime prevention." 

 

The club met weekly, on Wednesday evenings, as I recall, above the Hillyard fire station. In the room was a shuffle board and pool table. Around the room were old theatre seats. A big heavy, brown table was where the officers presided during meetings. Officers (president, vice president, secretary and sergeant at arms) were elected for one-year terms. No second terms for the same office, but the most dedicated members, such as Ken Kelling, often served in all four positions over a four-year period. We could get into the club anytime by just going into the fire station and asking for the key. There was never a problem with vandalism or disorder. 

 

George had connections. Every year after elections newly elected officers had their picture in the Spokesman Review. Every year a local physician, Dr. Rieke, would come and give us the much-anticipated "sex talk." It was, for most of us, our only formal sex education. Every year there was a candy selling contest, the four highest salesmen getting a free trip to Los Angeles for the Rose Bowl, (fifty yard line seats for all four plus two chaperones, provided by Bing Crosby) and a visit with photo op with Bing on a set. Disneyland. Knott's Berry Farm...the usual tourist sites, and what an experience for a bunch of guys who came from homes generally unable to afford such a trip.