In the early sixties I was hired as an eighteen year old art student to be the arts and crafts instructor at the Portland Boys Club. That began a twenty-two year career for me working at the Boys and Girls Clubs. During that time I started a number of group clubs that were designed to teach boys civic duty and team work. These clubs were centered around natural friendship groups. The boys chose their own name for their group. They elected officers, learned how to run group meetings by “Roberts Rules of Order,” and they raised money that they could choose, as a group, how to spend.
There were a number of group clubs, “the Golden Eagles,” “the Rebels,” “the J-Birds,” “the Shields,” and “The Mohawks.” Each group had their own characteristics and objectives. They were all successful at raising money and they had fun deciding how to spend it. The Mohawks stood out as the most successful at raising money. The Mohawks organized a teen dance every Friday night in the basement of the Boys Club. They had a DJ (Paul Hayse) who kept the room hoping with rock and roll. The money from admission accumulated quickly and afforded the Mohawks their own sweat shirts, basketball uniforms and field trips to places like Chicago.
The Mohawks, and many of the other club members, grew up to be productive, successful men who had families of their own, raised children and contributed to the common good. The Mohawks remained friends throughout their adult lives. They still gather occasionally for lunch together to enjoy catching up and reliving the glory days of their club.
On Thursday 12/11/25, a few Mohawks gathered once again at The Table restaurant, their favorite place for reunions. In the photo from left to right are William (Buster) Hart, Curtis (Squeaky) White, Mike Chapman, myself Gordon Brown, and Jack O’Neal. A few Mohawks were missing. We hope to see them at the next reunion.
For me, this was an emotional and happy experience because I am so proud of these friends. Seeing them during the holiday season made the meeting even more special. And, I, too, love The Table and its extraordinary mission. This whole experience is indicative of the wonderful community called Portland, full of nice people with deep compassion for others.
Hope you had a Merry Christmas. All the best for the New Year!
Loving Portland, Gordon
