The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., June 8, 1951, page 1
MEMORIAL HALL AT BOYS TOWN TO HONOR KOREAN WAR SOLDIER
FROM DEATH – NEW LIVES
Sergeant Jerry Capwell, a quiet, kind boy with a nice smile who had no family
back home in Mississippi, died in Korea last December. But Jerry's memory will
live for many years because of his dream to help boys.
Just before they went overseas, Jerry and two buddies
visited friends in the small town of White Salmon, Washington, not far from
their embarkation point. Thinking of their not-too-happy boyhoods, the trio
became thrilled with possibilities for a boys’ town at White Salmon. Excited
about their idea, the three made out their service insurance policies to the
Blake and Columbia Boys Association, Inc.
Jerry left his fund in the trust of Major F. H. Blake,
ex-Y.M.C.A. secretary and a World War I veteran, and a governing board. When
notified of Jerry's death, the board started its program to supplement Jerry's
money with public donations.
Under construction now is Jerry Capwell Memorial Hall,
a dormitory on the camp’s 80 acres. Six boys from broken homes and Major and
Mrs. Blake have already moved into a large house nearby. After the dorm will
come recreation halls, other buildings, and farm animals to produce food. The
association is working toward a self-governing and largely self-sustaining camp
for around 200 boys.
In death Jerry Capwell is making new life possible for
these lonely, unwanted lads. -- Frances Holley, Portland, Ore. (reprinted from
family Circle magazine)