Gordon W. Norris

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Gordon William Norris (died December 17, 1961) was an American poet who served as California Poet Laureate from 1953 until his death.

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Early life

Norris was born in Redlands, California. His father Matthew Tyler Norris was born within the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel in San Gabriel. [1] His mother Ann Wolliscroft was born in Worth County, Iowa. He had a brother named Lorain D. Norris. [2]

Norris was educated at schools in the Imperial Valley and Big Creek. [1]

Writing career

In 1949, Norris released a book called Golden Empire to celebrate the centennial of California. It was the inspiration for a float by the Native Daughters and Native Sons of the Golden West in the 1954 Rose Parade. Norris himself was present on the float. [3]

Due to his publication of Golden Empire, [4] Norris was appointed California Poet Laureate on 9 June, 1953. [5] He published only two books of poetry during his life. [6]

Personal life

Norris was married to a woman named Ellen M., and had two stepchildren. [6]

Norris was arrested in April 1959 on drugs charges, after being found in possession of a large numbers of pills while driving. He stated that the pills were the result of a heart attack he suffered after visiting the Grand Canyon, but was released with a $500 bail for driving under the influence of drugs. [7] Norris pleaded not guilty to the charge, [8] and was later fined $100 for the incident as a misdemeanour. [9]

Norris died on December 17, 1961, in a car crash near Blythe. He was buried on December 22 at Inglewood Park Cemetery. [6] The poet laureate position remained empty for several years after his death. [10]

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References

  1. 1 2 "Gordon Norris Boomed for Poet Laureate Post". The Los Angeles Times. February 24, 1952. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Mrs. Ann H. Norris". The Los Angeles Times. August 9, 1961. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  3. ↑ Goodhue, Norma H. (January 2, 1954). "Golden Empire Float Theme". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  4. ↑ "Poet Laureate of State Given Bid to Testimonial". The Los Angeles Times. August 4, 1953. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  5. ↑ "Poet Laureate to be Honored". The Los Angeles Times. September 13, 1953. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  6. 1 2 3 "Poet Laureate Rites Sunday". The Los Angeles Times. December 20, 1961. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  7. ↑ "Poet Released on Writ in Drug Arrest". The Los Angeles Times. April 7, 1959. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  8. ↑ "Poet Laureate Asks Jury Trial". The Los Angeles Times. April 11, 1959. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  9. ↑ "California's Poet Laureate Fined $100". The Los Angeles Times. June 2, 1959. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  10. ↑ Brouhard, Milt (July 29, 1965). "Rhymers Irked Because State Stalls Replacing its Laureate". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
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