Remembering Ellison “Tarzan” Brown On A Spring Walk In Charlestown
The following letter was submitted to local newspapers and is shared with us here by the author Lynn Varadian. Lynn Varadian is a member of the Charlestown Parks and Recreation Commission and an organizer of the April 9 walk of a proposed trail to honor Ellison “Tarzan” Brown
Saturday, April 9 was a great day to enjoy spring in New England – about 25 enthusiastic walkers, a couple of leashed dogs, lots of bird song, clear views of the Pawcatuck River and sun, were enjoyed. A landscape of typical New England hardwood forest, one half mile of river frontage with portage, large grassland meadow (wonderful for wildflowers in season), a virgin white pine forest with trees of breathtaking size, and sand plains, all part of this beautiful 3 mile trail in the Frances C. Carter Preserve.
The walk was to introduce an initiative of Charlestown’s Parks and Recreation Commission of a trail in commemoration of Ellison “Tarzan” Brown. The public and Brown family members were invited to attend. The Preserve is part of the Rhode Island Nature Conservancy which is a National and International network of lands protected in perpetuity for all people to visit and enjoy.
Today began the process of honoring one of our own Charlestown members with a trail dedicated in his name. Ellison Tarzan Brown grew up and ran through all of the trails and roads right here in Charlestown. He won two Boston Marathons and competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
Tarzan has a devoted family who have kept his legacy and memory alive for over 50 years. The stories they tell are heartwarming, serious, poignant and often funny. Today Anna Brown Jackson graciously shared some of those stories with enthusiastic hikers.
In honoring Tarzan Brown, the trail through these ancient Charlestown lands where the river, fields and beautiful pine forest with ancient rocks, mosses and hidden ponds reminded the hikers of times long ago when indigenous men, women and children lived, hunted, danced and sang to their beautiful music in peace.
A future dedication will be announced once a plaque is placed.
Lynn C. Varadian, Charlestown Parks and Recreation Commissioner
April 18, 2022 @ 2:40 pm
My wife and I attended the walk and it was truly a great activity, wonderful location and interesting people in attendance. I support the idea of making it an annual event…
Thanks to all the people who made it happen.
April 16, 2022 @ 8:08 am
It was a lovely event so many thanks to all who organized, helped and participated. I like Mr Chambers suggestion of it being an annual event … especially in mid April as winter is ending and spring is beginning.
April 11, 2022 @ 9:28 am
Will this be an annual event? It seems like just the right activity to commemorate one of Charlestown’s most noted citizens on an annual basis.