Who was Ellison Brown, and what were his most significant athletic achievements?

Ellison Myers Brown, widely known as Tarzan Brown, was a Native American marathoner. His most significant achievements include winning the Boston Marathon twice, in 1936 and 1939, and competing in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. He also set American men's marathon records in 1939 and 1940.

What Native American tribe did Ellison Brown belong to, and where was he born?

Ellison Brown was a citizen of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island. He was born on September 22, 1913, in the Potter Hill section of Westerly, Rhode Island.

What other nicknames were associated with Ellison Brown?

Besides his famous nickname "Tarzan," Ellison Brown was also known by the nickname "Deerfoot."

What was Ellison Brown's educational background?

Ellison Brown received minimal formal education. He attended the Tomaquag School in Alton, Rhode Island, for three years but left school by the seventh grade.

How did Ellison Brown earn the nickname 'Tarzan'?

Ellison Brown was nicknamed 'Tarzan' as a boy because he was athletic, strong, and enjoyed being outdoors. He would climb trees and swing from branches, which reminded people of Edgar Rice Burroughs' fictional character, Tarzan.

Who was Thomas 'Tippy' Salimeno, Sr., and what role did he play in Brown's running career?

Thomas 'Tippy' Salimeno, Sr. was the trainer who took Ellison Brown under his wing when Brown was 16 years old. Salimeno trained Brown, guiding him towards his successful marathon career, and emphasized winning races over setting records.

What was Ellison Brown's philosophy on racing, according to his trainer?

According to his trainer, Thomas 'Tippy' Salimeno, Sr., Ellison Brown's racing philosophy was to compete against other runners, not against the clock or numbers. Salimeno stated that Brown probably could have broken other records, but he never pushed him, as the focus in a race should be on winning.

Describe the significance of Heartbreak Hill in the Boston Marathon and its connection to Ellison Brown.

Heartbreak Hill is a challenging ascent in the Boston Marathon, located between the 20 and 21-mile marks. It is known for being the last of the Newton Hills and comes at a point where runners are likely to experience fatigue, often referred to as 'hitting the wall.' In the 1936 Boston Marathon, Ellison Brown engaged in a dramatic struggle on this hill with John A. Kelley, ultimately winning the race. Reporter Jerry Nason named the hill 'Heartbreak Hill' because Brown's victory there 'broke Kelley's heart.'

What happened between Ellison Brown and John A. Kelley during the 1936 Boston Marathon?

During the 1936 Boston Marathon, John A. Kelley caught up to Ellison Brown on Heartbreak Hill, a remarkable feat given Brown's fast pace. Kelley briefly took the lead after patting Brown on the back, but Brown regained the lead on the subsequent downhills and went on to win the race, while Kelley finished fifth.

What was Ellison Brown's experience at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin?

Ellison Brown was selected to represent the U.S. in the marathon at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. He was running in the top five for more than half the race when he experienced leg cramps. While he stopped to try and alleviate the cramps, a nurse assisted him, leading to his disqualification by Olympic officials. This event reportedly led to harsh criticism from the media upon his return to the United States.

How did Ellison Brown respond to criticism following his disqualification from the 1936 Olympics?

Later in 1936, after the Olympics, Ellison Brown won two marathons on consecutive days: the Port Chester, NY marathon and the New England Marathon Championship in Manchester, New Hampshire. He stated that these victories were intended to prove to his critics and detractors that he had not quit during the Berlin Olympics.

What distinguished Ellison Brown's 1939 Boston Marathon victory?

In the 1939 Boston Marathon, Ellison Brown achieved a significant milestone by being the first runner to break the 2-hour and 30-minute mark on the course used after 1926. He also set new records at every checkpoint after the 17-mile mark during that race.

What unusual incidents occurred involving Ellison Brown during Boston Marathon races?

Ellison Brown was known for several unconventional moments in the Boston Marathon. In 1935, just two days after his mother's death, he ran the final five miles barefoot after removing his worn-out sneakers. In 1938, during a warm race, he ran off the course to swim and cool off in Lake Cochituate before resuming the race. In 1939, he was observed eating hot dogs and drinking milkshakes shortly before the race began, explaining he had missed breakfast.

How did the media portray Ellison Brown during his running career?

During his competitive running career, some media outlets used racist language when describing Ellison Brown. He was sometimes referred to as a 'penniless redskin who would rather fish than work,' reflecting prejudiced attitudes of the time.

Besides marathon running, what other occupations did Ellison Brown pursue?

In addition to his career as a marathoner, Ellison Brown worked as a stonemason and as a fisherman, specializing in shellfish.

What was Ellison Brown's family life like, and how did he support them?

Ellison Brown married Ethel Wilcox, a Narragansett woman, and they had four children: Ellison Jr. (Sunny), Norman, Marlene, and Ethel. He often sold the medals and trophies he won from races to provide financial support for his family. Tom Derderian noted that Brown saw running as his primary means to escape poverty during the challenging economic times of the Depression.

How did Ellison Brown die, and what were the circumstances surrounding his death?

Ellison Brown died on August 23, 1975, in Westerly, Rhode Island, when he was struck and killed by a van outside a bar. The exact circumstances are varied in accounts, with some suggesting he was in the wrong place at the wrong time or that an altercation might have been occurring. Regardless of the confusion, the injuries he sustained proved fatal.

What is Ellison Brown's legacy in the running community and among his tribe?

Ellison Brown's legacy includes an annual road race named in his honor, the Mystic River road race in Mystic, Connecticut. His achievements are also commemorated to acknowledge the history of Native American runners in the Boston Marathon and the significance of running in Indigenous American cultures. In 2016, a Narragansett tribal member ran the Boston Marathon specifically to honor Brown and his legacy.

How many times did Ellison Brown win the Boston Marathon?

Ellison Brown won the Boston Marathon two times.

In which years did Ellison Brown win the Boston Marathon?

Ellison Brown won the Boston Marathon in the years 1936 and 1939.

What were Ellison Brown's winning times for the Boston Marathon?

Ellison Brown's winning times for the Boston Marathon were 2:33:40 in 1936 and 2:28:51 in 1939.

Who was the other Indigenous North American to win the Boston Marathon, and when?

The other Indigenous North American to win the Boston Marathon was Thomas Longboat, who was of Onondaga heritage from Canada. He won the marathon in 1907.

What distinction does Ellison Brown hold among Indigenous North American winners of the Boston Marathon?

Ellison Brown is the only Indigenous person to have won the Boston Marathon twice.

When was Ellison Brown inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame?

Ellison Brown was inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 1973.

What American men's marathon records did Ellison Brown set?

Ellison Brown set the American men's record for the marathon at the 1939 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:28:51. He later improved this record at the 1940 Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts marathon, finishing in 2:27:30.

What was the significance of the 'Newton Hills' in the Boston Marathon course?

The 'Newton Hills' are a series of four ascents in the Boston Marathon, beginning around the 16-mile mark. They challenge runners with late climbs after the course's general downhill trend, with Heartbreak Hill being the final and most famous of these hills.

What is the phenomenon marathoners refer to as 'hitting the wall'?

'Hitting the wall' is a term used by marathoners to describe the point in a race, typically late in the distance, where the body's muscular glycogen stores are most likely to be depleted, leading to extreme fatigue.

What was the context of the 1940 Summer Olympics that Ellison Brown qualified for?

Ellison Brown qualified for the 1940 Summer Olympics, but the games were ultimately canceled due to the outbreak of World War II, which significantly impacted global events at the time.

What was the approximate elevation change of Heartbreak Hill?

Heartbreak Hill rises approximately 88 feet (27 meters) vertically, from an elevation of 148 feet (45 meters) to 236 feet (72 meters).

What was the condition of Ellison Brown's running attire in his 1935 Boston Marathon appearance?

In the 1935 Boston Marathon, Ellison Brown wore an outfit that his sisters had sewn together from one of his mother's old dresses, and he wore sneakers that were falling apart.

How did Ellison Brown's actions in the 1935 Boston Marathon impact his perception by fans?

In the 1935 Boston Marathon, Ellison Brown famously removed his sneakers around the 21-mile mark and ran the remaining five miles barefoot. This unusual act, coupled with his thirteenth-place finish, endeared him to Boston Marathon fans and etched him into their memories.

By what year had Ellison Brown become a fan favorite in the Boston Marathon?

By 1938, Ellison Brown had officially become a fan favorite, recognized as one of the most exciting, unorthodox, and colorful characters in the history of the Boston Marathon.

Who won the 1938 Boston Marathon, and what was his relationship to Ellison Brown?

The 1938 Boston Marathon was won by Les Pawson, who was from Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Pawson was noted as one of Ellison Brown's top rivals and friends.

What were Ellison Brown's parents' names and their tribal affiliation?

Ellison Brown's parents were Byron Otis Brown (1879–1943) and Grace Ethel (Babcock) Brown (1882–1935). They were both of Narragansett heritage.

What was the economic context that influenced Ellison Brown's running career?

Ellison Brown's running career was significantly influenced by the economic hardships of the Great Depression. As noted by Tom Derderian, the economy provided little for most Americans and even less for Native Americans, who were often marginalized. Brown viewed running as his only viable path out of poverty.

What is the significance of the Mystic River road race named in Ellison Brown's honor?

The annual Mystic River road race in Mystic, Connecticut, is named in honor of Ellison Brown. It is held each fall as part of a conference that commemorates past Native American runners of the Boston Marathon and acknowledges the historical importance of running in many Indigenous American cultures.

Who represented Ellison Brown's family and the Narragansett tribe at the 2016 Boston Marathon?

At the 2016 Boston Marathon, Mikki Wosencroft, a Narragansett tribal member, ran the course as an acknowledged representative of Ellison Brown's family and the Narragansett tribe to honor his legacy.

What other notable Native American runner won the Boston Marathon, and in what year?

Thomas Longboat, an Onondaga runner from Canada, won the Boston Marathon in 1907.

What were Ellison Brown's birth and death dates?

Ellison Brown was born on September 22, 1913, and died on August 23, 1975.

What was Ellison Brown's age at the time of his death?

Ellison Brown was 61 years old when he died.

What is the approximate distance of the Heartbreak Hill ascent in the Boston Marathon?

Heartbreak Hill is an ascent of approximately 0.4 miles (600 meters).

What is the elevation difference between the start and end of Heartbreak Hill?

Heartbreak Hill rises about 88 feet (27 meters) in elevation, from 148 feet (45 meters) to 236 feet (72 meters).

What other races did Ellison Brown win in 1936 besides the Boston Marathon?

In 1936, besides winning the Boston Marathon, Ellison Brown also won the Port Chester, NY marathon and the New England Marathon Championship in Manchester, New Hampshire.

What was the significance of the 1939 Boston Marathon course in relation to record-breaking times?

The 1939 Boston Marathon course was significant because it was the standard course used after 1926, and Ellison Brown was the first runner to break the 2:30 mark on this specific course. While earlier winners achieved times under 2:30, they ran on courses known to be shorter than the official IAAF marathon distance.

What were Ellison Brown's siblings' names?

Ellison Brown had three sisters named Myra, Alice (also known as Nina), and Grace, and three brothers named Franklin, Elwin, and Clifford.

What is the meaning of the term 'Weltpolitik'?

The term 'Weltpolitik' translates to 'world politics' and refers to a foreign policy adopted by the German Empire after Bismarck's resignation, characterized by an aggressive stance.

What was the context of the 1936 road race in Dedham, Massachusetts, mentioned in the image caption?

The image caption refers to the start of a 1936 road race in Oakdale Square, Dedham, Massachusetts, which is part of the history of Dedham, Massachusetts, during the 1930s. Ellison Brown is visible in the photo wearing bib number 22.

What other running championships did Ellison Brown win according to the provided navboxes?

According to the provided navboxes, Ellison Brown won the USA Championship in the 15K run in 1939. He also won the USA Championship in the 20K run in 1935, 1938, and from 1939-1940. Additionally, he won the USA Championship in the 25K run in 1935, 1938, and 1940.

Ellison Brown Wiki: The Unyielding Spirit: Ellison Brown's Marathon Legacy

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Introduction

A Champion's Identity

Ellison Myers Brown (September 22, 1913 – August 23, 1975), widely celebrated as Tarzan Brown, was a distinguished Native American marathoner. He proudly represented the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island and achieved renown as a two-time victor of the prestigious Boston Marathon in 1936 and 1939. His athletic prowess also earned him a place on the U.S. Olympic team for the 1936 Summer Games in Berlin.

Indigenous Excellence

Brown stands as one of only two Indigenous North Americans to have won the Boston Marathon, the other being Thomas Longboat of the Onondaga people. Brown's unique achievement is being the sole Indigenous athlete to claim this victory twice. His contributions to athletics were formally recognized with his induction into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 1973.

Setting Records

Beyond his major victories, Brown set significant American records. He achieved the men's marathon record at the 1939 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:28:51. He further improved this mark at the 1940 Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts marathon, clocking in at 2:27:30, showcasing his consistent dedication and peak performance.

Early Life and Education

Roots in Rhode Island

Born on September 22, 1913, in the Potter Hill area of Westerly, Rhode Island, Ellison Myers Brown was the son of Byron Otis Brown and Grace Ethel (Babcock) Brown, both members of the Narragansett Tribe. He was one of seven children, having three sisters and three brothers.

Limited Formal Schooling

Brown's formal education was minimal. He attended the Tomaquag School in Alton for three years but left school by the seventh grade. Despite this, his upbringing fostered a deep connection with the outdoors and physical activity.

The "Tarzan" Nickname

As a boy, Ellison earned the enduring nickname "Tarzan." His athletic build, strength, and agility, particularly his penchant for climbing trees and swinging between branches, reminded observers of Edgar Rice Burroughs' famous fictional hero. This nickname would become synonymous with his powerful running style.

Athletic Training

Discovery of Talent

Brown's remarkable running talent was first recognized when he was just 12 years old. While training for an upcoming race, trainer Thomas "Tippy" Salimeno, Sr. observed the young Brown effortlessly keeping pace with the accomplished runner Horatio "Chief" Stanton. This chance observation marked the beginning of a significant mentorship.

Mentorship and Philosophy

Salimeno took the young athlete under his wing when Brown turned 16. Salimeno's training approach emphasized winning over record-breaking: "Tarzan ran against people, not against numbers. He probably could have broke other records, but I never pushed him. When you're in a race you don't go out for records, you go out to win." This philosophy shaped Brown's competitive spirit and contributed to his success in major marathons.

Career Highlights

Heartbreak Hill & 1936 Victory

The 1936 Boston Marathon is famed for the legendary "Heartbreak Hill." It was here that John A. Kelley, another prominent runner, caught up to Brown, who had started at an exceptionally fast pace. After a dramatic duel on the hills, Brown surged ahead to win. Kelley, who had patted Brown on the back during the chase, faded to fifth. This intense battle inspired the naming of the hill, symbolizing Brown's triumph over Kelley.

1936 Olympic Games

Brown was selected for the U.S. Olympic team competing in Berlin in 1936, alongside the legendary Jesse Owens. During the Olympic marathon, Brown was running strongly in the top five when he was struck by severe leg cramps. While attempting to manage the cramps, he received assistance from a spectator, which led to his disqualification by Olympic officials. This event drew harsh criticism from the media upon his return to the United States.

The circumstances surrounding Brown's disqualification at the 1936 Olympics remain a point of discussion. Reports indicate that after experiencing debilitating leg cramps, he received assistance from a nurse who emerged from the crowd to help him. Olympic officials deemed this assistance grounds for disqualification. This incident reportedly fueled Brown's determination to prove his critics wrong, leading him to win two marathons the very next day after returning to the US.

Breaking Barriers in 1939

In the 1939 Boston Marathon, Brown achieved another significant milestone by becoming the first runner to break the 2:30 mark on the course as defined after 1926. He shattered every checkpoint record after the 17-mile mark, demonstrating exceptional speed and endurance. This victory solidified his status as a premier marathoner of his era.

Memorable Moments

Early Race Resilience

In his 1935 Boston Marathon debut, just two days after his mother's passing, Brown competed in an outfit fashioned from his mother's old dress and worn-out sneakers. Around the 21-mile mark, he famously removed his sneakers and ran the remaining five miles barefoot, finishing thirteenth. This act of profound resilience deeply resonated with spectators.

The Lake Cochituate Incident

During the unseasonably warm 1938 Boston Marathon, Brown, who was leading, ran off the course near Lake Cochituate, waved to the crowd, and jumped into the water to cool off. Although he eventually returned to the race, other competitors had long since passed him. This unconventional act cemented his reputation as a colorful and unpredictable character in the marathon's history.

Media Portrayal

Brown's unconventional behavior, such as eating hot dogs and milkshakes just before the 1939 race, and his background, sometimes led to harsh media coverage. Some sports writers used derogatory and racist language, describing him as a "penniless redskin who would rather fish than work," highlighting the societal prejudices of the time.

Personal Life

Beyond the Track

In addition to his athletic career, Brown worked diligently as a stonemason and a shellfish fisherman to support his family. The economic hardships of the Great Depression significantly impacted his community, and running often represented his primary means of escaping poverty.

Supporting His Family

Brown often sold the medals and trophies he won in races to provide for his wife, Ethel Wilcox, and their four children: Ellison Jr. (Sunny), Norman, Marlene, and Ethel. This underscores the financial challenges faced by many athletes, particularly Indigenous athletes, during that era.

A Gift for Storytelling

Family members fondly remember Ellison Brown not only for his athletic achievements but also for his skill as a storyteller. His narratives likely reflected his rich experiences, cultural heritage, and the challenges he overcame throughout his life.

Death and Legacy

A Sudden End

Ellison Brown's life was tragically cut short on August 23, 1975. While the exact circumstances remain subject to various accounts, he died in Westerly, Rhode Island, after being struck by a van outside a local bar. The incident occurred amidst confusion, with some suggesting he was waiting for a ride or that an altercation may have been involved.

Honoring His Memory

Brown's enduring legacy is honored through the annual Mystic River road race held in Mystic, Connecticut. This event commemorates past Native American runners of the Boston Marathon and celebrates the historical significance of running within Indigenous American cultures. In 2016, a Narragansett tribal member ran the Boston Marathon as a representative of Brown's family, further cementing his place in history.

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Ellison Brown's Marathon Legacy

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

🏅 A Champion's Identity

heritage Indigenous Excellence

⏱️ Setting Records

Early Life and Education 📜

🏡 Roots in Rhode Island

📚 Limited Formal Schooling

🐒 The "Tarzan" Nickname

Athletic Training 🏋️

👀 Discovery of Talent

🤝 Mentorship and Philosophy

Career Highlights 🏆

⛰️ Heartbreak Hill & 1936 Victory

🇩🇪 1936 Olympic Games

🚀 Breaking Barriers in 1939

Memorable Moments 🌟

💔 Early Race Resilience

🏊‍♂️ The Lake Cochituate Incident

📰 Media Portrayal

Personal Life 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🛠️ Beyond the Track

💰 Supporting His Family

🗣️ A Gift for Storytelling

Death and Legacy 🕊️

tragically A Sudden End

🎗️ Honoring His Memory

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Champion's Identity

Indigenous Excellence

Setting Records

Early Life and Education

Roots in Rhode Island

Limited Formal Schooling

The "Tarzan" Nickname

Athletic Training

Discovery of Talent

Mentorship and Philosophy

Career Highlights

Heartbreak Hill & 1936 Victory

1936 Olympic Games

Breaking Barriers in 1939

Memorable Moments

Early Race Resilience

The Lake Cochituate Incident

Media Portrayal

Personal Life

Beyond the Track

Supporting His Family

A Gift for Storytelling

Death and Legacy

A Sudden End

Honoring His Memory

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice