The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., June 8, 1951, page 1

MEMORIAL HALL AT BOYS TOWN TO HONOR KOREAN 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 a 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-to-happy boyhoods, the trio became thrilled with the 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 World War I veteran, and the 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 the Major and Mrs. Blake have already moved into a larger 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 a new life possible for these lonely, unwanted lads. - Frances Holley, Portland, Ore. (reprinted from Family Circle Magazine.)

[HOME]
©  Jeffrey L. Elmer