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 Walter Holmes, Medford's Tree-Sitter Your Mother
Your mother is the
best of friends,
She'll stick to you through sorrow and sin, And if some of the boys today should say, "Scarey Cat," 'cause you won't disobey, Well--what do you care? So long as she lives, you are sure of a friend; So remember, my boy, as you stand in life's test, Always give your mother your best. Walter
Holmes--[grade] 6B.
"Jackson School," Medford Mail Tribune, May
11, 1930, page B4Fame and a Treat Await Medford's First Tree Sitter
By DOUGLAS H. FOX Everyone remember ol' Omar,
you know, folks--the chap who made a loaf of bread and a bottle of
Persian soda water a household phrase. At any rate, legend tells us
that he sat most of the day beneath a tree and composed philosophical
verses of life, politics and the local gladiatorial contests--or
whatever form of sports the good citizenry indulged in during those
palmy days.
A few centuries later a huge man with a brawny arm swung an anvil in the forming of a horseshoe beneath a spreading oak tree. He was caught in the act by a wandering poet, and the publicity gained thereby boosted the stock of blacksmiths, as we all know. DIFFERENT THESE DAYS
BUT the present-day manner of gaining fame digresses from the ancient
technique. It seems that the fashion is to be IN a tree. Sitting in a
tree, to be exact. Those who sit the longest are subject to having
their portraits in a "believe-it-or-not cartoon," scrawl their "John Henry" [sic] on cigarette advertisements, and in other ways attain the heights of the more or less famous.News reaches us that a youngster down in Oakland is causing a great stir in his immediate neighborhood. In fact, the lad has come in for a deal of publicity. He is now known as a "tree-sitter." This sport seems to be even more popular than the once-patronized flagpole squatting (incidentally that was a good game, too). The California boy is attempting to stay up in his tree longer than another youngster, who attained fame back in Detroit. At any rate the latest fad is to be a tree-sitter. MAY ESCAPE SCHOOL
We are wondering who will be the first Medford boy to climb into the
branches of, say, a city park elm tree, and bring himself much local
fame, ice cream, new trousers and--if he stays up long enough--escape
from the coming fall school term!The first boy who declares himself a tree-sitter will get one of the largest ice cream sodas that was ever concocted in this progressive little city! The writer's treat! Medford Daily News, July 26, 1930, page 3 Medford Lad Aspires to Tree
Sitting Record of World;
Medford's first tree sitter, Walter Holmes, 11 years old, son of
Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Holmes, 712 West Jackson Street, began sitting at 10
o'clock this forenoon in an oak tree at 1307 West Main Street. The
endurance sitting is sponsored solely by the boy's parents, who will
hoist food and other supplies to him whenever needed.Family Hoists Food Walter is enthused over the prospect of breaking all existing records and said he would only come down when he knew he had a record established or was ordered to come down by his mother. The only prize offered was a personal one, and that came from Mr. Burke, who is here on a visit from Southern California. Inspired by the boy's nerve, he was offered a $10 bill. The boy said he took up the tree sitting experiment as a result of reading press dispatches and a desire to outdo the Oakland, Calif., tree sitter, who has been up in a tree for 753 hours up until yesterday. Medford Mail Tribune, July 29, 1930, page 1 MEDFORD, Ore., July 29.--(UP)--Walter Holmes, 11, climbed into the limbs of a huge oak tree here today and became Medford's first tree-sitter. Holmes, who is a bright little chap and anxious to break all existing tree-sitting records, said that he intended to remain aloft as long as he possibly could. The youthful challenger passed an uneventful day by answering questions flung as him by passersby, reading and candy consumption. Santa Rosa Press Democrat, July 30, 1930, page 1 Bad Boys Throw Rocks at Tree
Sitter,
Otherwise It's a Great Life He Declares
Up 29 hours and still enjoying himself sitting in a tree, Walter
Holmes, 11, at 3 o'clock this afternoon was still determined to beat
all existing tree-sitting records if it took him the next three months.
He declared that he is prepared to sit in the tree, 1307 West Main
Street, until school begins, or after, if necessary.
He said he was receiving considerable company and found the only trouble in a number of boys who have been throwing rocks at him. There are no additional tree-sitters reported in Medford today. A search revealed none in any part of the city. Medford Mail Tribune, July 30, 1930, page 6 Mighty Oak Tree Becomes Home of Local Tree Sitter
By DOUGLAS H. FOX
With the stroke of midnight, Walter Holmes, youthful Medford
tree-sitter, completed yesterday his 14th hour upon the first lap of
what the young lad promises will be the longest tree-sitting fiesta
ever staged in Jackson County, or the United States for that matter.
The huge oak tree wherein Holmes is stationed at 1307 W. Main Street, upon the Gold Bond Club studio site, was the scene of visitors and much discussion. From above, the youthful and grinning tree-sitter looked down upon members of the press, visitors and passersby with mingled interest. He answered all questions with alacrity and adolescent frankness. Holmes assured everyone that he was "up there" to stay as long as he possibly could. "When I get through sitting up here, that fellow in Oakland won't have any tree-sitting record," shouted the bright little youngster, when asked how long he intended to remain in the tree. Late in the afternoon a very large ice cream soda was taken up to young Holmes, who was profuse with thanks, and assured everyone within hearing that it was the best "sodee" he had ever consumed. The tree-sitter intimated that he hoped others would follow. POSES FOR THE NEWS
Early yesterday morning, at 10 a.m. to be exact, Holmes climbed a
ladder and entered his new home, several large boxes fitted in the
gnarled branches of the mighty oak tree. Just before the ascension the
little fellow consented to have his picture taken for the Medford Daily News.Unknown to young Holmes, he will have competition, according to statements made last night by Raymond Crosby, 9, of 409 J Street. Crosby declared that he was going up at 10 a.m. this morning. He will do his tree-sitting at 431 W. 11th Street, it was reported. Rumors were that a young girl would soon follow. WRITTEN CONSENT
Holmes has written consent from his parents that he can stay in the
tree as long as he feels that he can endure it. According to P. D.
Burke, head of the Gold Bond Club, the boy was permitted to sit in the
club tree as a member of the organization. H. A. Burke, brother of P.
D. Burke, stated yesterday that he would give the youthful tree habitue
$10 upon his smashing the record of the Oakland boy.Well, anyway, Medford is now in namely endurance tests, no matter what nature! Medford Daily News, July 30, 1930, page 2 Tree Sitter Worries As Bath Night
Nears;
Girl Friend Spurs Ambition
The only thing that seemed to have Walter Holmes, 11-year-old tree
sitter at 1307 West Main Street, worried this afternoon was the
question of his weekly bath. The platform, with box sides at one end,
does not include a bath tub in its furnishings and presents a problem
of which Walter had not thought much of until today. He is now
attempting to devise a ways and means of solving the puzzle. He was up
53 hours at 3 o'clock this afternoon and still determined to stay up
the tree until truant officers make him come down when school starts.
He said that he begins the day right with sitting-up exercises, including tooth washing. He did not get into his pajamas until 11:30 last night because of company beneath the tree and enjoyed a good night's rest underneath some Indian blankets. He admitted that he has a girl and that she brings flowers to him to spur him on in his endurance sit. He declared that he had a bath last Monday and believed that the bathing situation would not become a paramount worry until the first week rolls by. In the meantime, he thinks some system may be devised to take care of the ablutions. Medford Mail Tribune, July 31, 1930, page 1 Copy of the News Daily Cheers Up Local Tree Star
By DOUGLAS H. FOX
Still grinning, still ready to answer all questions, still believing
that he will be the world's best tree-sitter, Walter Holmes,
12-year-old tree habitue, last night finished his 38th hour aloft with
the passing of midnight.
Visitors were plentiful yesterday, according to reports. Despite a few street hoydens, who thought to amuse Walter by throwing stones, the day passed pleasantly enough. The little chap is eating regularly, and says that he is looking forward to endorsing toothpaste ads, signing movie contracts and in other forms causing the gods to smile down upon him. Reading and talking to visitors aided in passing time for the youngster. Young Walter's food is hoisted to him by means of a rope and small hooks. He has a tendency to lower the rope often, it is reported. The little chap, who has taken it unto himself to live in the huge oak at 1307 W. Main so long as is possible, takes his exercise by walking up and down the small platform. He reported yesterday that he slept well and declared that it "was great." READY FOR DOWNPOUR
In case of rain, a tarpaulin will be stretched across the overhead
boughs and attached to the makeshift tree-home. However, Walter says
that it will take more than rain to bring him down out of his leafy
perch.His optimism imbues everyone who comes to interview him. Naturally bright, he has a contagious manner that causes everyone to like him. Walter's sister, Lucia B. Holmes, has taken over the job of raising and lowering the foodstuffs to him. Lucia is about the same age as Walter and states that she is getting as much fun out of the venture as her ambitious brother. "My 'Sis' is a great sport, and I know that he will be with me to the last hour in this tree-sitting business," said the youngster yesterday. SLEEPS VERY WELL
Walter reported that he does not get very lonely, as he sleeps well and has plenty of company.A Medford Daily News is delivered to the lad every morning, and the smiles which brighten his small face as he reads of his exploit are a joy to watch. Medford Daily News, July 31, 1930, page 3 Roosting Lad to Read Own Bible
Lesson Sunday Morn
With the question of his weekly bath almost settled, Walter Holmes, 11,
tree sitter at 1307 West Main Street, was a bit regretful today that he
would miss Sunday school next Sunday. He has been in regular attendance
and, to make up for missing the classes, Walter plans to have his own
lesson next Sunday. He has a Bible with him in the tree.
Like yesterday, he said today he would not worry over the bath until next week. He decided to don a bathing suit and stand at one end of the small tree platform while another boy will give him a soaking with water from a garden hose. The lad has attracted quite a number of people to the tree and is still determined to remain there until all records have been broken. Medford Mail Tribune, August 1, 1930, page 1 Medford's Tree Sitter Tells How He Kills Time
By WALTER HOLMES EDITOR'S NOTE:
The following article, written by Walter Holmes, 11-year-old tree
sitter, for Douglas H. Fox, of the Daily News staff,
reveals how much the youngster is enjoying his experience in the shade
of the old oak tree on West Main, and gives an idea of the lad's
enthusiastic ambition to break all existing tree-sitting records.
Here's his own story:
----
"Well, this tree-sitting isn't so bad, once you get started. Of course,
once in a while I feel like I would like to play ball. But then I am
looking forward to the $20 my father will give me if I stay up until
the opening of school. And Mr. Burke, the man from California, I mean,
says that he will give me $10, so I guess that maybe I can afford not
to play ball for that much money."What do I think about? Oh, lots of things. The people who come to see me, mostly. Some of them ask funny questions, others just stare at me. Last night I didn't get to bed until late, there were so many of them. I heard somebody say today that another boy had been up around 600 hours. Thass pretty good, but I'll be able to beat that, if the truant officer doesn't come up here after me. Guess, though, there is not much danger of that. LIKES TO WRITE
"I get a kick out of writing these articles for the Medford Daily News. I
can think of all kinds of things to write. I think when I go back to
school, I'm in the 6-A, you know, that I shall have a lot of fun
tellin' the kids about my time up here. But then, if everything goes
all right, I might be up here long after the other fellows are at
school."Today the milkman from the Swiss Dairy brought me a bottle of milk, it was sure swell, what I mean. Nice and cool. The milkman gave it to me free, too. I guess he has a couple of kids himself. "My sister is an awfully nice girl. She says that she gets a big 'kick' out of putting the stuff in a box and watching me haul it up here. I watched a man trying to put a dog into the box today. He was trying to send it up to me, but the dog would not get into the box. I laughed about it. It was funny. DENIES HE WAS DOWN
"Somebody said that I was down out of the tree last night. That is not
true, 'cuz I went to bed just as soon as everybody went home. I would
be a fine tree-sitter to climb down in the middle of the night. That
would not be honest, anyway."Well, I'll write some more tomorrow. Thass about all I can think of right now. Signing off." NOTE: These stories will be written daily by Walter Holmes, Medford's original and only tree-sitter. He will write all articles for the Medford Daily News EXCLUSIVELY. Medford Daily News, August 1, 1930, page 3 Walter Still Up at Eighty Hours and Going Strong
By WALTER HOLMES
Well, everybody, I'm still up in my oak tree at the Gold Bond Studio.
It is now 7 p.m., August 1, 1930. At this time, I have spent my 80th
hour aloft.
I don't get lonesome up here in my tree home, but I like to have people come to see me. You know, it cheers a fellow up when people take an interest in what he is doing. My visitors start arriving early every morning. First the paper boy comes and drops my copy of the Daily News in my box. I am always awake and waiting for it. I always want to read the news before my Sis comes by with my breakfast. When she gets here, we have plenty to talk about. Mother sure knows what tree sitters like to eat. Gee, when she cooks my meals, they sure hit the spot. Lucia Belle brings all my meals to me. She's two years older than I am. My second visitor is the Swiss Dairy milk man. He gives me a nice fresh bottle of milk every morning, say, but it tastes good early in the morning that way. While I am drinking my milk the people start going by to work, in their cars. Lots of them stop to say, "Good morning," and ask me if I'm coming down today. I like to have all these people stop and see me, but they don't need to worry about me coming down today or any day for a long time. I am going to write to all of the boys who are "tree sitting." Maybe they will write to me, then I can tell you what they have to say. I heard that the boys at Bremerton, Washington, are going to stay up in the air until everyone else is down. They don't know what a long sit they have ahead of them, if they mean that. I enjoy my electric light and the colored lights that the Electric Wiring Company on South Grape put up in my Oak Tree Lodge, and I want to thank everyone for their kindness. I have lots of subscription blanks to be filled out for the Daily News. If anyone wants the news of the world with their breakfast, tell them to come and see me, and I will fix them right up. All the members of the Gold Bond Club who haven't renewed their subscriptions to Children's Magazine can bring them to me. I am always at home in my tree to earn these commissions and win this contest. But Dad is the real source of my money. He has bet me $20 that I won't stay up until school starts, but he is afraid already that he'll lose his money. That's all for today, thanks, but you will find an exclusive note from me every morning in the Daily News. Medford Daily News, August 2, 1930, page 3 LOCAL TREE BOY BY 110-HR. MARK
Up 110 hours at midnight, Walter Holmes, 11, Medford's first and only
tree sitter, was continuing to enjoy the experience when the clock
tolled 12. He has lost none of his enthusiasm and is looking
forward to
the time when he will be able to come down out of the tree, acclaimed
as the champion. His health is in perfect condition, encouraged by
regular diet and sitting-up exercises each morning.
An eastern newspaperman, passing through Medford, called on Walter yesterday, asked quite a number of questions and told him if he became champion to furnish him with a picture as quickly as possible. Tree sitting has its profits, Walter has learned. Paul Horner cleaned and pressed some clothes for him during the week and promised he would do it again. Medford Mail Tribune, August 3, 1930, page 7 Regular Routine Fills Long Day for Tree Sitter
By WALTER HOLMES (Written Exclusively for the News) Note: Here is the third of a series now running in the Medford Daily News of
exclusive writing of Walter Holmes, 11-year-old tree habitue, who is
bent on breaking the world's tree-sitting record. These writings are of
Walter's own pen and are published as written. Walter Holmes completed
his 105th hour aloft yesterday at 6 p.m.
----
"Everyone seems to want to know what I do with my time while up in my
tree. I really have very little spare time anymore for reading, so am
going to keep track of my time and what I do with it."6:30 a.m. (Saturday)--"Here is my Medford Daily News, so up comes my box." 7:30--"Just finished my exercise. It takes me about 15 minutes, and here is Mr. Burke with water for my morning plunge." 8:00--"Here comes Lucia Belle, my sister, with my breakfast. I've ordered hot biscuits and your [omission] along with my fruit. But the best part of all is the news from home." 9:30--"So many have stopped to talk, I haven't had much chance to write. Just had a special delivery air-mail letter from my aunt in McMinnville, she's positive I'll stay put and as she is my only aunt I couldn't disappoint her even if I wanted to come down." READS SCRIPTURES
10:15--"Just found a little time to read my Bible."10:30--"Hurrah! A lady in Los Angeles wants to keep up my tree sitting, so there goes my first subscription to the Medford Daily News. 1:15 p.m .--"Just finished my lunch and strawberry shortcake, so will forgive Sis for being so late. So many here didn't have time to eat anyway. 2:30 p.m.--"So many callers but one very interesting visit. Another subscription to the Medford Daily News. Forgot to tell you yesterday Paul Horn of the Medford Cash and Carry Cleaners took my pants and cleaned and pressed them for me, and now they look just like new. A BUSY LIFE
5:30 p.m.--"Such a busy life! I didn't know there were so many people
in Medford. Mrs. Martin, of the Summit Grocery, just sent me a
lollipop. Well, here comes Mr. Fox for my story. Goodbye for today."
Medford Daily News, August 3, 1930, page 3
TREE SITTER ON KMED TUESDAY
There is a big
surprise in store for every child, as well as parents, if they are
listening in at 10 a.m. Tuesday on KMED.
This time on the air comes to the radio listeners of the Rogue River Valley through the courtesy of Ed Vallier, local manager of the Texas Oil Company, "Chet" Leonard of the Texaco Super Service Station, and Mr. Stewart of the Texaco Service Station of Ashland. Here is a little advance information about the big surprise. It will be the voice of the most persistent and determined boy in the world. Medford Mail Tribune, August 4, 1930, page 8 Hundreds Visit Tree Sitter Who Now Has 'Phone
By WALTER HOLMES (Medford's Tree-Sitter) (Written Exclusively for the News) My Dear Friends:
So much has taken place since my last writing. Saturday night was a busy one, so many people out to see me. My folks left at 10 p.m., so I could go to sleep, and came back a little after 11 p.m. to see that I was O.K. and found me still entertaining. I bet Hoover isn't any busier. Sunday morning passed in the usual way--wash, exercise and breakfast. Then I got to watch all the folks go by dolled up for Sunday school and church, a great many I knew and lots stopped to talk as they went home. Then Sunday dinner, a whole Porterhouse steak to myself, and as they don't let me have much meat felt like it was my birthday. Right after lunch my callers started, in fact I visited during lunch hour. Albert J. Hall from Eagle Point came and brought me some fine apples. There were five of them; I didn't feel very hungry then, so only ate four of them. Then Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, old friends from Ashland, came to see me. Some Roseburg folks read about me in the Medford Daily News and came down to see me. That makes a fellow feel good. Mr. Jack Fowler called and brought me a can of coffee. I don't drink coffee, but I appreciated it. GETS A SUBSCRIPTION
Mr. A. H. Banwell came, and say, he's a nice man, gave me a subscription to the Medford Daily News. One
nice lady with three children and her mother walked up from S. Holly
Street to see me. The lady said she got up and made a rush for the News every morning to see if I was still up. She'll get the habit of getting up early before I come down.Then there were many, many people who didn't give their names; wish I had a big book so they could all write their names when they came. Monday--Two subscriptions to the Gold Bond Magazine and the folks went down and bought one of the pictures McGill's have on sale. And say folks, I have a telephone, could anything be nicer outside of story books. E. A. Vallier, county agent for the Texaco company, and Chet Leonard, who operates the Texaco Super-Service station, are responsible for it. MISS RADIO STARS
I miss hearing Amos and Andy say "Ain't that sumptin'," but not enough
to come down for. Some more good news was the hearing of Earl C.
Bradfish's offer. He said that he will give me a 15-jewel watch if I
break the tree-sitting record. That ought to be something to shoot at.Well, tomorrow I'll broadcast over KMED at 2 p.m. I'll tell you some more about tree-sitting then. Here comes the reporter for my story. Medford Daily News, August 5, 1930, page 2
Several fathers of boy tree-sitters throughout the nation have exercised their parental rights and spanked the young heroes, and others have gone aloft so they can get a square meal too. Arthur Perry, "Ye Smudge Pot," Medford Mail Tribune, August 6, 1930, page 8 Busy Days Fly as Tree Sitter Nears 200 Hours
By WALTER HOLMES (Written Exclusively for the Medford Daily News)
6:30 p.m. Monday: Well, Mr. Fox was just here for my news. You know,
anyone can tell he is a newspaper reporter the way he talks…Ha Hah.
9 p.m. Well, for goodness sakes, here it is nine o'clock and I haven't written a word since six. The time sure flies when I have so many visitors. Dad said he had a cup of coffee from the pound of S&W coffee that Mr. Jack Fowler of 34 Vancouver Avenue gave me. He is the local representative of the Sussman-Wormser Company of San Francisco. Dad said it was as good a cup of coffee as he ever drank, and he sure knows his coffee. It is now 9:30 p.m., so I will say good night. 8 a.m. Tuesday: The morning details are completed except my bucket of wash water. You know, Oregon must agree with that Mr. Burke from California. I have been waiting for him 30 minutes. There he is now, and here comes Sis with my breakfast. The Daily News is here too, and believe me, I do enjoy reading that snappy newspaper. 9 a.m. My audience was light this morning. There was only about half a dozen here to watch me eat. A BUSY FELLOW
2 p.m .Whew! Talk about a busy man. At 10 p.m. I broadcast a few
remarks with Uncle Jack on the Texaco Motorist Musical Moments with the
help of the telephone installed by Chet Leonard and Mr. Vallier of the
Texaco Super Service Station located on the corner of Jackson and
Riverside. At noon today Mr. Shangle of Shangle Studios was here and
took a refuel picture of my sister and me for the Medford Daily News.There goes that telephone again. That was Mrs. Harry Hosler of Ashland called, and said that she listened in and heard my vow on the Texaco half-hour this morning. I don't know which is working the hardest, the 'phone or me. Lieutenant O. O. Nelson, his wife, and two other state traffic officers were here today. Well, I don't see any show for writing, so I will call this a day. So long, I'll see you tomorrow. GOING STRONG
P.S.: At 6 p.m. o'clock tonight, August 5, 1930, I have been in the air
176 hours and am going strong. The Swiss Dairy milkman just left me a
quart of fuel. Mrs. E. D. Elwood donated 50 cents to my bank account
today. I appreciate it very much.Oh, yes, and La Verne Belle Vallier played "Under a Shady Tree" during the radio program. I almost forgot to mention that. Medford Daily News, August 6, 1930, page 2
Tree Sitter Gets Bugle, but Music Career Is Brief
By WALTER HOLMES (Written Exclusively for the Daily News) My Dear Friends:
Well, lots of company last night. The Wiley boy and Darby O'Tool came up from Ashland, then a bunch from Wagner Creek. Eight high school boys rattled up in an old Ford. They are a fine bunch, and I hope they come again and tell me who they are. Mrs. Crow came and brought me a chocolate bar. Folks turned out my lights at 11 o'clock so I had to call it a day. Wednesday morning started off just right--a good wash, exercise and breakfast, then Uncle Jack brought me out the grandest old army bugle to practice on. First one I ever tried to play but decided to join the band as soon as I get down. But Mother came by and spoiled it all; she felt so sorry for the neighbors I had to send it back to the house, too, for I do love good music. GRATEFUL FOR FAVORS
Chet Leonard came out and brought me an orangeade. He is mighty good to
me. Everyone is good to me, for that matter. Carol J. Parker sent me a
big jar of Salad Aid, and as salad is on the bill of fare every day
now, I'll eat that myself.Carl Tengwald always honks his horn and waves to me when he passes. Dr. Kresse was out to see me. Paul Horn, of the Medford Cash and Carry Cleaners, brought my trousers back from their second pressing. My job is hard on pants! Sixty more discount cards, so another Gold Bond from McGill's. That's the second one since I took the air. Mrs. Bailey, 745 W. Jackson, just gave me a Gold Bond from the Service Stores. It is a good thing for other members that I am not trying for the $25 prize. EARNS PAY IN TREE
I've actually earned $3 in the last week taking subscriptions for the Medford Daily News and Gold Bond magazine, so tree-sitting has its advantages. Bet I couldn't make that much on the ground.6:00 p.m. Here comes friend Fox; have now been up exactly 200 hours, goodbye for today. Medford Daily News, August 7, 1930, page 2 TREE SITTER EYES FLAGPOLE HONOR
If his tree-sitting endurance venture is a success, Walter Holmes, 11,
who completed 245 hours in an oak tree on West Main Street this
afternoon at 3, would enjoy flagpole sitting, he said this afternoon,
if he could gain the consent of his elders. He is still enthusiastic to
break the world's record but seemed to appear a little tired this
afternoon.
A telephone has been installed on the platform, and he receives quite a number of calls from well-wishers. Medford Mail Tribune, August 8, 1930, page 4 Barber Visits Tree Sitter, Uses Shears on Lad's Head
By WALTER HOLMES (Written Exclusively for the News) Hello, everybody!
Whew, it sure was hot yesterday. Sitting up in this tree with that ol' sun pouring down on a fellow is no joke. But the leaves of this tree sure helped a lot. And I managed to use lots of cold water, so it wasn't so bad. Wonder how those fellows down south are making out. I got it easy beside them. Well, along about 3 p.m. Ray Tucker, president of the local barbers' union, came up to give me a haircut. Tucker, who is from Roseborough's Barber Shop on South Central, sure gave me the finest haircut I ever had. I had a visit from William J. McPherson, from San Francisco, who is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Jarmin. Louis W. Duchter was also up to see me. He lives in Oakland. I almost forgot. When Tucker was here, he had rather a hard time getting up the tree, but he finally made it. I was glad that I did not have to hang my head over this platform, for I might have had an ear clipped, or something. But Tucker knew what he was doing, all right. It sure felt great (the haircut) when he got through. I haven't had so many visitors today because the packing season keeps them busy. Had a number of telephone calls though. It keeps me busy answering them. Did some reading today, and wrote a couple of letters. The circulation man, Mr. Art La Dieu, from the Daily News, was up to see me and collected the subscriptions I have been getting for the paper. He is a good fellow, too. I have been looking for him for the last couple of days. This fellow Fox had better bring me up something nice and cold the next time he comes. Well, here he is and he hasn't got anything. Well, I'll take on a couple of milkshakes tomorrow. I have now been up 227 hours (this is 9 p.m. Thursday night). I hear the record is 519 hours. I guess I can get past that all right. More tomorrow, folks. Medford Daily News, August 8, 1930, page 3
TREE SITTER ENJOYS HIS DAYS HIGH UP
By WALTER HOLMES (Exclusively for the Medford Daily News)
Hello, everybody! Here I am again. Lola Gilmore and La Verne Ramsey
brought me some ice cream last night and it sure was good. You know it
was pretty hot yesterday, and pretty near anything cool would go over
big with me. I can't help but think what a tough time those
tree-sitters down in Arizona and those southern places must have. I got
a snap alongside of 'em, I think.
Miss Gilmore and Miss Ramsey work at the Lithia Hotel down in Ashland and read of my tree-sitting through the Medford Daily News. I sure hope they come again. Sis just got here with my breakfast, you know, I couldn't get along without her. There isn't much company these days, except at nights. But I don't care much, because I know that when I win the championship tree-sitting contest, I'll have plenty of company, then. Just had a letter from Mrs. C. W. Blakeslee, in Oakland, California. Also received a letter from Dale Flowers, in San Francisco. I want to thank both of these people for their letters, and hope they will write again. Since I have had my bugle taken away from me, I feel kinda lost without music. I heard that some tree-sitters down in California had a radio put into their tree-home. I guess that helps to pass away the hours. However, I have been reading a great deal these last few days, and I guess there is nothing better for a fellow than a lot of reading. Will have to get some more books at the library pretty soon, though. Just been thinking of the food I have been eating lately. Mother sure knows how to fix things for me. Eating is half of tree-sitting, I think. Get the right eats and you can stand the hot weather and all the rest of it, I think. I sure appreciate the Medford Daily News coming up here every morning. Early in the morning is sure great up here. The air is swell and I get lots of it. Mrs. D. A. Bower brought me up some Pudding Powder, so I guess I'll be having some pudding now for a change. Well, I have now been up for 251 hours (9 p.m. last night) and still going strong. That's all for today! Medford Daily News, August 9, 1930, page 3 Christmas Dinner in Tree Is Aim of Local Sitter
By WALTER HOLMES (Exclusively for the Medford Daily News) Hello, everybody!
This morning at 10 a.m. I shall have been up in the air for 288 hours. That's a pretty good start--over a fourth of my time done unless those Eugene boys stick and I'm bound to out-stay them if I have to eat Christmas dinner up here. If I do, I'm sure of having a tree, anyway! Lucile Beswick from Rosemary Inn, Port Angeles, Wash., wrote me a letter which was signed: "Yours for Bigger and Better Tree Sitting." My tree is a big one and I'm putting in about 24 hours per day, and that is about all one fellow can do. I'm not wishing you folks any bad luck, but I hope that your subscriptions for the Medford Daily News run out before time for me to come down, and if they do I'm always glad to renew them, you know. And I want to tell the man who stepped across the street Friday night and refused to bring one of the ladies over to see me, saying: "If anyone is fool enough to sit in a tree, I won't be fool enough to cross the street to look at the kid!" that even if I am fool enough to sit in a tree, Mister, I'm too much of a gentleman to use the language you used before those ladies. Mr. Fox would not dare print what you said. Anyway, it takes a little willpower to win any kind of an endurance test. ASHLAND VISITORS
Ashland kids were up to see me last night and quite a few others. A
reporter brought me some candy, gum and salted peanuts. I'm kinda
laying off sodas for a while.Fire Chief Elliott was out today. He must like kids; he brought me an Eskimo Pie and one for my "trainer," Lucia Belle (sister). My twin sister comes up to see me often now, or did you folks know I came in two pieces? My 'phone makes it much easier up here for me, now. I want to thank everyone for being so good to me and folks have sure treated me fine. VISIT FROM MAYOR
Mayor A. T. Norris, of Jacksonville, brought me some marshmallows. The
mayor promises me a five-pound box of chocolates when I come down, so
if I get thin up here (which I am NOT doing)…it won't take me long to fatten up again!Well, see you all Tuesday! Medford Daily News, August 10, 1930, page 5 MAYOR PIPES FAVORS BAN ON TREE
SITTING
City Executive Deplores Publicity Stunt As Bad for Children's Health and Productive of No Good--Favors Invoking Law.
"I have no objection to the application of human endurance within
reason or in certain instances even beyond a reasonable degree if it is
for the advancement of science and civilization," Mayor A. W. Pipes
stated this morning regarding the practice of "tree-sitting" into which
a member of the younger generation of Medford and boys of other cities
of the United States are branching out. "But I am squarely against some
of these idiosyncrasies now indulged in by the youth, such as
tree-sitting, or roosting upon a flagpole; the riding of a bicycle
until the youth falls prostrate from exhaustion, etc.
"For such indulgences in no way contribute to the helpfulness of body or mind and certainly lend nothing to progress. Rather such a phenomenon as tree sitting gives evidence of Darwin's theory and should be frowned upon by all right-thinking parents. "The daily newspapers of Florida," Mayor Pipes continued, "recently declared by resolution that they would print no further news concerning tree-sitters and the malady immediately subsided in Florida. In other sections of the country the police and humane authorities have intervened. We should like to see the newspapers of Oregon and especially of Medford follow the example set in Florida in preference to the invoking of police powers," he concluded. Medford Mail Tribune, August 11, 1930, page 1 WHY THE TREE-SITTING CRAZE IS
DOOMED
Judging by the protests which have been flooding this office for a week
past, the tree-sitting stunt is not popular in Medford.
Well, tree-sitting doesn't appeal to us either, but we have been unable to share some of the sentiments expressed, regarding the young man who decided to give Medford an entry in this nationwide endurance contest. After all, he is hardly to blame. Boys elsewhere have been doing it, and their elders many years ago started the performance. There have been pie-eating contests, dancing marathons, flagpole sitting, bullfrog jumping, whisker growing, and "what have you?" for many years past. The entire rigmarole has always appeared foolish to us, but until now we have never heard a clearly defined public protest. Perhaps the dear people are at last awaking to the folly of it all. We hope so. For, in spite of a very general impression to the contrary, the newspapers have not been entirely responsible. Newspapers do influence public opinion but they seldom create it. And if anyone doubts this they have only to follow this tree-sitting business for a little while and be convinced. For this tree-sitting intermezzo is over. Not because the newspapers in Florida and elsewhere have decided to give it no more publicity, but because public opinion is against it. And without the support of public opinion these crazy stunts collapse of their own weight. Try as they will, the American league of tree sitters can't, and won't, carry on much longer. They may get newspaper support here and there, but their dream of fame and fortune is over. The people will have none of it. And when the people will have none of it the newspapers sooner or later--usually SOONER--fall in line. Tree sitting essentially is no more ridiculous than a dancing marathon or a cross-country bunion derby, or trying to set a new record for eating doughnuts. But tree sitting just happened to come in too late and happened to involve children--a COMBINATION THAT FORMED THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMEL'S BACK. We are just a little sorry for the tree sitters. As before stated, they are not to blame. After seeing what other stunters got away with, they were undoubtedly justified in trying to get a bit of easy money and publicity for themselves. They are in something the same boat as the man who bought a corset factory ten years ago, or entered the New York stock market for the first time last October. Nothing intrinsically wrong--countless others had done likewise. They merely happened to do it at the WRONG TIME. The worm had turned and they didn't know it. So their misfortune comes under the rather cheerless heading of "just too bad." Medford Mail Tribune, August 12, 1930, page 8 Let Little Walter Alone.
To
the Editor:Say, let little Walter alone, can't you. He's all right. He can't help it if his folks are the type that think tree-sitting is good training for a youngster--especially in this kind of weather. Think of all the lawn mowing little Walter is getting out of. Think of all the strenuous tennis he doesn't have to play. Think of all the terrible swimming parties that little Walter doesn't have to attend. Think of all the abominable picnics that he is escaping from. This is fine training for him. He is probably planning to specialize in the sitting line. No stupid football; no tiresome baseball; no disgusting marble games will take little Walter's mind from his life work. For little Walter surely will be so proud when he wins his tree-sitting championship that he will go right on toward bigger and better things--that is, he will try for the pole-sitting championship. No need of any more school then. No need of athletics. No need of movies. No need of legs even, for he will just be a sitter all his life. The valiant knight who now holds the championship for pole-sitting was doubtless the champion tree-sitter in his boyhood and the champion thumb-sucker in his babyhood. Think of it! Champion three times, and all because his parents knew what was best for him. True, there have been some tree-sitters recently who have come to grief--sunstroke, lack of publicity, and in a few instances a fall resulting in a broken head. But then, what use has a tree-sitter for a head, anyway. M.B.G.
"Communications," Medford Mail Tribune,
August 13, 1930, page 7(Name on file.) LITTLE WALTER TELLS MAYOR HE'LL STAY UP
By WALTER HOLMES (Written Exclusively for the Daily News)
Dear Friends--and I seem to have loads of them and everyone urging me
to stay up in spite of the article Mr. Pipes had in the paper last
night. I've always been taught to fear God and respect the law, but
didn't know there was any law against tree-sitting, but from what he
said over the phone I may have a special one made just for me. Till
then I'll be right here. Would hate mighty bad to come down just when
I'm getting such a good start.
As far as it being foolish as friend Pipes seems to think, well, maybe it would be if I was a man instead of an eleven-year-old boy. As it is I'm making enough to buy my Scout suit in Sept. when I'm old enough to join, and have hopes of getting that paper route I've wanted so long. This is no self-torture like bicycle riding, and I have enough room to walk around, take my exercise every morning and would rather break all records and come down than be "chased out of my tree" like Darwin thought our ancestors were. Haven't read Darwin, but do know what Gen. 1, 24-8 teaches. My folks were not too keen about me coming up but are standing back of me loyally now, like everyone else. Medford Daily News, August 13, 1930, page 6
Tree-Sitter Defies Mayor of
Medford
MEDFORD, Oregon, Aug. 12.--(UP)--Walter Holmes, Medford's young tree
sitter, with 325 hours to his credit, today told Mayor A. W. Pipes over
the telephone line run to the tree that no ordinance the mayor could
call forth would remove him from his perch.Santa Rosa Press Democrat, August 13, 1930, page 2 LOCAL TREE SQUAT ENTRY VICTIM OF
PRACTICAL JOKER
Walter Holmes, Medford's 11-year-old tree sitter, was not only up a
tree but several of his friends and supporters as well yesterday when
he received a telephone call that was purported to come from Mayor A.
W. Pipes, ordering him to come out of the tree by a certain time
yesterday afternoon. If at that time he was still in the tree, Chief of
Police McCredie was to come and pull him down, the hoax call said.However, immediate investigation disclosed that Mayor Pipes had never made such a call and the voice at the other end must have been a practical joker, and Walter continues to sit in the tree, nearing the 500-hour mark and hopeful that he will be the tree sitting champ. The identity of the voice has not been learned. Medford Mail Tribune, August 17, 1930, page 8 TREE SITTER ENJOYS VISIT OF ADMIRERS
By WALTER HOLMES (Medford's Only Tree-Sitter) (Written Exclusively for the Medford Daily News)
With 576 hours aloft, registered today at 10 a.m., Walter Holmes,
11-year-old tree habitue of this city, clung to his goal, the record
reported by the United Press as 720 hours.
Two Eugene youths, who descended early this week, climbed down from their lofty perch with 600 hours behind them. Walter's story for today: ----
Well, everybody, I am sure looking forward to smashing that
tree-sitting record. When I get through sitting, there are a lot of
young fellows who will know that I have SAT!Lots of company, and aplenty of encouragement these days. Mrs. Kerby and Mrs. Edsel, both from Ashland, were up to visit me. There seems to be a great many from Ashland, you know, they have no tree-sitter down there. The ladies, both of whom were very, very nice, asked me a lot of questions and talked to me for a long while. I sure enjoyed their visit. Mrs. Kale Walters, who is also from Ashland, brought Mrs. George Holland, of Houston, Texas to see me. They, too, were very nice. Had some California visitors, also. Mrs. Gardner, of Claremont, and Mr. and Mrs. Murray, of Petaluma, California, came out. They seemed to get a "big kick" out of the tree-sitting business. Well, it won't be long now…see you all tomorrow! Medford Daily News, August 22, 1930, page 4
TREE SITTER HEARS MANY LAUD VALLEY
By WALTER HOLMES (Medford's Only Tree-Sitter) (Written Exclusively for the Medford Daily News) Hello, everyone!
Yesterday was a great day for me, as it started out with hot biscuits and jam. I had a very interesting visitor last night, a Mr. McDaniels, of Grants Pass. He told me that he had seen the Eugene tree-sitter. His dad made him come down out of the tree, after he had been up for 600 hours. Kinda tough on him, after sticking that long, I think. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Powell, of Houston, Texas, visited me. They said they came to Oregon to see Crater Lake and me! I guess he was joking, but they are awfully nice people. So many tourists from all parts, can't remember all their names. GETS INVITATION
A man wrote to me from Portland and invited me to come and see him when
I came down. He signed his name, "An Admirer." Don't know if I will go
to Portland, but if I didn't, wouldn't I have a wonderful time finding
him?The longer I stay up here talking to tourists the more I think from what they say that that this is the greatest country on earth. So many of them rave over Crater Lake that I have a desire to see it myself once more. Miss Webb, of Portland, came out to see me, and I didn't have enough nerve to ask her if she was any relation to Ruddy. NO HURRY TO QUIT
Thought that I would have passed the world record Saturday night with
610 hours, but it is now 729, I hear. Well, I'm not in any hurry to
come down yet. I want to hit the 1000-hour mark if possible.I sure hope they start school after the fair, as it will come in the middle of school week on the fall term, anyway. See you all tomorrow! Medford Daily News, August 23, 1930, page 3 Tree Sitter to Come Down Today to
Attend School
MEDFORD, Aug. 19.--(UP)--Just as the whistles blow the hour of noon
tomorrow, little Walter Holmes, Medford's tree sitter, will climb down
from his leafy perch after spending 772 hours aloft.Walter had planned to stay up until the truant officer came after him, but on second thought decided he had better get ready for school, which starts here on Tuesday. Medford Mail Tribune, August 30, 1930, page 1 LITTLE WALTER TO LEAVE HIS PERCH TODAY
Today, just as the whistle signal high noon, Walter Holmes, Medford's
only tree-sitter, will descend from his leafy home, where he has
resided for the past 772 hours.
Although Holmes will come down to be welcomed by his many friends through the city, it is not of his own accord. He said last night, when interviewed: "I guess I kinda started a little too late, but maybe I shall have a crack at the record next year!" The 11-year-old tree habitue will descend today with the Pacific Coast tree-sitting championship. As far as can be determined Walter is second only to a lad in Kansas, who has already been aloft over 1000 hours. Commenting upon his long stay, Walter said last night that it was "a glorious lark and a lot of fun. "I have made some money up here. Bought a keen Scout outfit, earned a trip to Crater Lake, one airplane ride, read a lot of books, received a lot of letters, presents, and must say that the Gold Bond club and the Medford Daily News have been good to me!" Although there were several rumors set in motion about two weeks ago as to banning Holmes' further sitting, nothing ever came of it, as the people of Medford have lavished their praise upon the stout little youngster. Walter's only lament is the fact that school is opening, which causes his untimely descent. So, when the clock strikes midday, Walter Holmes, Medford's first and only tree-sitter, with the Pacific Coast championship for endurance tucked beneath his youthful bosom, will once more touch upon terra firma. Three cheers for our Walter! Medford Daily News, August 30, 1930, page 6
MASTER HOLMES DOWN FROM TREE
Medford's 11-year-old tree sitter, Walter Holmes, after holding forth
in an oak tree on West Main Street for 777 hours, or five weeks, next
Tuesday, came down to earth yesterday, claimant of the Pacific Coast
record for tree sitting. He came out of the tree at 7:00 o'clock and
was becoming acquainted with things on earth last night. He was intent
on gaining a national record, but the proximity of school opening made
it impossible to pass the 1,007-hour record held by a boy in Kansas.Medford Mail Tribune, August 31, 1930, page 3 Walter C. Holmes
LOS ANGELES--Cremation for Walter C. Holmes, 66, will be held under the direction of the Neptune Society of Los Angeles.
Mr. Holmes died Thursday. He was born in Oregon and had lived in Fresno for 25 years before moving to West Los Angeles about five years ago. Surviving are four sons, Robert of Saugus, Jerry of Iowa, Sam of Mississippi and Richard of Fresno, and one daughter, Shari Bethke of Fresno. Fresno Bee, January 12, 1985, page 24 Brief Life History of Walter Collins Holmes When Walter Collins Holmes was born on 2 December 1918, in Kern, California, United States, his father, Walter Baird Holmes, was 26 and his mother, Lena Lovella Collins, was 30. He died on 10 January 1985, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States, at the age of 66. familysearch.org Lucia Belle Rowland, 71, Glendale homemaker, died June 18. Survived by daughters Glenda Sine, Dennise Rowland, Kate Pendergast; two sisters; brother; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. Services 11 a.m. Wednesday, First Assembly of God, 13613 N. Cave Creek Road. Chapel of the Chimes, Glendale. Arizona Republic, Phoenix, June 20, 1988, page 14 Brief Life History of Lucia Belle Holmes When Lucia Belle Holmes was born on 27 January 1916, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States, her father, Walter Baird Holmes, was 23 and her mother, Lena Lovella Collins, was 27. She married Robert Glenn Rowland on 12 June 1933, in Florence, Pinal, Arizona, United States. She lived in Supervisorial District 3, Maricopa, Arizona, United States in 1940. She died on 18 June 1988, in Glendale, Maricopa, Arizona, United States, at the age of 72, and was buried in Tempe, Maricopa, Arizona, United States. familysearch.org |
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