Josephy Center Presents; "Walter Brennan Days"

Walter Brennan Days
 
The Josephy Center will honor long-time Wallowa County rancher and Hollywood actor Walter Brennan with a three-day celebration April 28-30. It kicks off with a showing of “The Westerners,” for which Brennan’s portrayal of Hanging Judge Roy Bean won an Oscar—one of three!—for Best Supporting Actor, on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. On Friday night Brennan Biographer Carl Rollyson will talk about Brennan and his recently published biography. Books will be for sale and signing. That event is also at 7:00 at the Josephy Center.
 
Finally, at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, La Grande actor Kevin Cahill will portray Brennan in a one-man play constructed by Rollyson from interviews and writings by the man many will remember as Grandpa McCoy on television. This is the only ticketed event of the celebration; tickets are $5 at the door. 
 
From his arrival in Wallowa County in the 1940s until his passing in 1974, Walter Brennan was an important citizen of Wallowa County. He made movies and TV shows well into his 70s, but also took the time to help run the Lightning Creek Ranch, build a motel and theater in his adopted hometown of Joseph, and play a role in the early development of Chief Joseph Days. Brennan thought there should be a marching band in the Chief Joseph Days Parade, so he formed one, the “Chesnimnus International Marching Band.” Brennan himself served as drum major. In 1969, he served as Grand Marshall.
 
Walter Brennan passed away in 1974, but his son, Mike, two grandchildren, and a few great grandchildren continue to live in Wallowa County. Relatives will be here for the events, and some of their memorabilia of the actor, stuntman, Elks member, Chief Joseph Days supporter, rancher, and motel and movie theater owner will be on display. Other friends and community members who have Brennan material to share are welcome to do so.
 
The cowboy hat on the famous Norman Rockwell painting of Brennan was his favorite, and the Josephy Center and Brennan family invite the community to dig out favorite old hats and wear them in his honor. We’ll vote on movie night and play night for the best hat, and give away a copy of Rollyson’s book.  
 
Sponsors for the event include The Bank of Eastern Oregon, Umpqua Bank, Community Bank, Mount Joseph Family Foods, and Timberline Realty.  Please contact Cheryl or Rich at 503-432-0505, or come by the Josephy Center, 403 N. Main Street in Joseph for details.