ORU_Ax424.xml Guide to the Bill Brown Papers 1936-1972 Brown (Bill) Papers Finding aid prepared by processing staff Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives 2006
1299 University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1299 spcarref@uoregon.edu http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2020-12-22. Finding aid is in English. Finding aid based on DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard), 2nd Edition. University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
1299 University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1299 spcarref@uoregon.edu http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll
Bill Brown papers Brown, Bill, 1910-1964 Ax 424 2.5 linear feet 3 containers 1936-1972 William Louis Brown (1910-1964) was a teacher, editor, reporter, ranger, and author of books and short stories for young people. The collection includes manuscripts, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia relating to Brown's interest in writing adventure stories drawn from his own life experiences. English .

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 Brown, Bill, 1910-1964 Adventure stories, American Children's literature, American Authors, American--20th century Children and Youth Publishers and publishing Literature Correspondence

William L. Brown was born on April 5, 1910, in Myrtle Point, Oregon. He was the son of Louis E. Brown, a life insurance representative, and Viola May (Davis) Brown. He married Gertrude E. (Rosalie) Moore, an author, on June 30, 1942. They had three children, Deborah Ann, Celia Jeanne, and Camas Eve. Brown was educated at the University of Oregon from 1930-1931, and Mexico City College in 1950.

Brown first worked as a reporter for the Coos Bay World in Coos Bay, Oregon, from 1934-1938. During this time, from 1936-1937, he participated in a small boat voyage to the South Seas. He then worked as an editor of the 300 Magazine in San Francisco, California, from 1940-1942. In 1942 he joined the U.S. Army Air Forces, 301st Service Group, 319th Service Squadron, where he served until 1944, becoming a sergeant. During his years of service he was stationed in India and Burma. In 1953 he joined the California Division of Beaches and Parks in Lagunitas as a ranger, remaining there until 1964. From 1960-1962, he was a member of the Fairfax City Park Commission. He also spent some time teaching creative writing in an adult education program in Marin County and Sonoma County, California.

Brown used his experiences in the South Seas, India, and Burma to furnish ideas for adventure stories. Under the name Bill Brown, he wrote four books: Roaring River (1953), which won the Commonwealth Club of California's silver medal for Best Juvenile Book; Uncharted Voyage (1955); People of the Many Islands (1958); and The Rain Forest (1962). With his wife Rosalie Brown, under the name William L. Brown, he wrote seven lighter, more humorous books: Forest Firemen (1954); Whistle Punk (1956); The Boy Who Got Mailed (1957); Big Rig (1959); The Department Store Ghost (1961); Tickly and the Fox (1962); and The Hippopotamus That Wanted to be a Baby (1963).

William L. Brown died on September 28, 1964.

The William Louis Brown Papers consist of the manuscripts of two books and fifteen short stories or articles. The correspondence includes letters from Brown in 1936-1937 on his South Seas voyage; wartime letters during the years 1942-1945 from Fort Dix, New Jersey; India; and Burma; and correspondence with literary agents and publishers. There is a file of the publication The Gremlin, of which Brown served as editor. Copies of his published works are also included.

 Guide to the Bill Brown Papers

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