Gordon W. Norris

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

Early life[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "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. ^ a b c "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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