Rotary member Becky Marrer presented a fascinating slideshow about her third cousin, Jim Thorpe, one of America's greatest athletes. Becky shared that both she and Jim are members of the Potawatomi Nation.
Jim Thorpe is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time, earning the title of "Athlete of the Century" for his extraordinary accomplishments in the Olympic Games, as well as in professional football, baseball, and lacrosse.
Becky also shared a personal family connection to an important chapter of Native American history. Her grandfather, along with Jim Thorpe, was taken from the reservation and sent to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where Native American children were separated from their families and culture to learn trades such as carpentry, auto mechanics, and plumbing. While attending Carlisle, Jim Thorpe developed his remarkable athletic talents and played football under the legendary coach Glenn "Pop" Warner.
Despite his athletic achievements, Jim Thorpe's later years were marked by hardship. After his death, his third wife arranged for his burial in the Pennsylvania town that adopted his name, now known as Jim Thorpe PA. Although his grandchildren have worked for many years to have his remains returned to his birthplace in Kansas, their efforts have not yet been successful.
Becky's presentation offered a compelling look at the life of an extraordinary athlete while also highlighting the personal and cultural challenges faced by many Native Americans during that era. It was both an educational and thought-provoking program that was greatly appreciated by those in attendance.
A picture of Becky's grandfather at the Carlisle School (first boy on the left)
Goodyear, AZ 85395
United States of America