Earning a living even as a child
Jim Brewer: The early years

 
By Steve Lackmeyer | Published: June 29, 2008    Comment on this article Leave a comment

Sitting at his southwest Oklahoma City home, Jim Brewer admits he's in declining health. He's no longer able to drive and often is dependent on a walker and the service of a home health aide to get around. Brewer, 71, suggests his long-running act is drawing to a close — and he's ready to show what's been behind the curtain all these years.

Multimedia

Videoview all videos

Jim Brewer - 'Mayor of Bricktown' thumbnail

Jim Brewer - 'Mayor of Bricktown'

Jun 27Most people know Jim Brewer as the founder of Bricktown,...

NewsOK Related Articles



Jim Brewer is held by his mother, Evelyn Brewer, outside his grandfather's home. PROVIDED by Jim Brewer

"Everybody thinks I've been rich all my life,” Brewer begins. "But I was actually born illegitimate. I didn't have any father around.”

His mother, Evelyn Brewer, took care of Brewer and his four sisters by ironing clothing and sewing quilts. They lived in meager accommodations in southeast Oklahoma City. Barely scraping by, Brewer was still in elementary school when he started working odd jobs and mowing lawns to help ends meet.

But at age 11, Brewer made the heartbreaking decision to leave his family after a new man had entered Evelyn Brewer's life and household.

"My so-called dad, the head of the household, he had four daughters with my mother,” Brewer said. "I loved them a lot. I'd be sitting at a table, eating dinner, and he'd say, ‘Where's the rake?' Well, I didn't know.

Page 1 of 2



If you prefer your thoughts to appear in The Oklahoman's Opinion section, we encourage you to submit a letter to the editor.

Ads by Yahoo!

Car Dealer Prices
Don't pay MSRP on a New Car. Get a Dealer's Lowest Price!
CarPriceSecrets.com
used cars and trucks
Find local cars & trucks online. Free automotive online classifieds.
AutoTradeMax.com

News Photo Galleriesview all