The dentist and toastmaster Dr. Millard Holbrook is the only member of the Committee who as Oregonian from cradle to the grave. He was born September 1, 1876 to Philo and Hannah (Wilson) Holbrook. His father Philo was a seafaring man from Connecticut and came to Oregon the long way, by way of Cape Horn around the southern tip of South America. Phile then settled in the Dalles and became the first registered pilot on the upper Columbia. A pilot is a specially trained sailor, who captains the ship through shallow, dangerous, or congested waters. My grandfather William T. Shea was trained as harbor pilot in the Philippines and would be called out to skipper in Destroyers and Aircraft Carriers into the Docks. Hannah, Millard's mother, was born in the great plains while her parents were en route to Oregon by wagon train in 1849. Millard would have grown up in what appears a stable home in Stumptown, graduating from Portland High School in 1895 and going on the University of Oregon and then Philadelphia Dental College, before returning to Oregon to start his practice.. Dr. Millard C. Holbrook also played football for M.A.A.C. team just like James C. Conville. He played fullback and punter, and considered one of the stars in the M.A.A.C. One of their greatest victories against the University of Oregon teams. He also served briefly in Company H of the Oregon National Guard for drills based out of the Armory building constructed in 1891. He played fullback and punter, and considered one of the stars in the M.A.A.C. One of the more thrilling victories came against the University of Oregon teams. What's interesting is that in 1900, the year of this game a touchdown was worth 5 points! The missed the extra point after running in the only touchdown in the second half. Dr. Millard C. Holbrook played football at PDC and then for M.A.A.C. team just like James C. Conville. He played fullback and punter, and considered one of the stars in the M.A.A.C. One of their greatest victories against the University of Oregon teams. One of the more thrilling victories came against the University of Oregon teams. What's interesting is that in 1900, the year of this game a touchdown was worth 5 points! The missed the extra point after running in the only touchdown in the second half. I hoped to find a photo of Holbrook and the M.A.A.C. football team from his playing days 1900-1905. Perhaps there are more photos in the Multnomah Athletic Club archives, since I came up blank online. In the "Legend of the 26" I did find one reference to Mrs. Millard C. Holbrook as members of the Ladies Annex Fencing team. I think those heart emblazoned blouses would be quite a hit with the hipster culture of modern Portland. Before college Millard served in Company H of the Oregon National Guard for drills based out of the Armory building constructed in 1891. I found a newspaper article about the 25th reunion held at the Holbrook farm (probably the farm inherited from his wife's father) in which there were barbeque and games managed by Holbrook himself. Baseball is listed separately, so my guess is the games were likely tug-of-war, and perhaps some track and field type events and plenty of refreshments. What about his Golf game?Millard may have been a star athlete, though almost every published record of his golf game showed rounds that he was a high handicapper (shooting 126 in Portland G.C championship). It's worth noting in the photos of the foursome both Millard and Victor are not shown with golf clubs. He and Victor Johnson would have been able to give themselves a decent match, though Victor might have the upper hand and Ms. Johnson would have taken them both to the cleaners. Why the "Toastmaster"?Dr. Holbrook was first noted for giving a toast for Portland High School. Either he was a natural or just loved giving a rousing speech, because thereafter he is mentioned as either the "toastmaster" for a great many events, both at Portland Golf Club, Columbia Edgewater, where he was a founding member and the Oregon Dental Association which he served as President. I assembled a collection of these articles for your pleasure. I can only imagine the glorious and memorable toast that Dr. Millard Holbrook would have offered to mark the grand opening of our sporty Eastmoreland municipal links. Toast for Job Well DoneThe effort Paul J Keyser by to build this municipal links has deeply impressed myself and the entire Golf Committee. Paul J. Keyser had to follow in the giant lumbering footsteps of James "Dad" Conville. As a fullback my entire career I understand the grit required to take the ball and follow Dad's lead as he blocks up field. Once Dad was called to patriotic duty last fall, Paul carried the load. He built vision of the Olympic champion Chandler Egan. (applause) What a good sport! And what a sporty links! We here in Portland may not have been the first city to build a municipal links, by golly, we built the best! (loud applause + cheering) This links even on it's opening day is equal to my own Portland Golf Club, and if I may say, quite and easier walk for a old gridiron man with these rickety knees. (laughter) Paul came in early, left late, and listen to an absurd number of change orders with an insane deadline. Now that we've accomplished some great work, I can say this: Paul your only job now is to enjoy a toast to your success.... and be the keeper of the coins for the very first foursome and match between T. Morris Dunne for the Winged M and Portland Golf Club against Victor Johnson and Rabbi Jonah Wise a representing Waverley and Tualatin. Nickel game gentlemen? 5 in the front/5 on the back/5 overall. Victor Johnson - automatic presses with 2 down Rabbi Weise - agreed Morrie - amateurs should play for sport alone. Millbrook - lighten up Morrie - it's for nickels! and Keyser make sure no wooden ones are thrown in that hat! (Laughter and cheering) Paul Keyser - Gentleman - I should note, gambling is illegal in PP&R according to the CIty of Portland laws Millbrook - and so is the consumption of alcohol - which is why I brought along a flask of Single Malt Scottish Hair Tonic (laughter erupts) Millbrook lights up a pipe or cigar and takes another swig Victor Johnson - wait 'til the day they make smoking illegal on parks too. |
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