Charlie grew up in Hamilton, IL, which is due north of St. Louis, MO, where the program was founded. He was a teacher in Washington, IA for much of his adult working career. He is now retired. Charlie has a son Mike (Little Echo), and a daughter Cara, with a son (Charlie’s grandson). He and his son Mike were in the Indian Guides program for a number of years in Washington, IA. Charlie played trumpet and later a drummer for the Ray Alburn Orchestra. He also had his own Dixieland band, The River City Jazz Band for many years. His son Mike carries on that tradition as a professional drummer. Sometimes his stories have included glimpses into the living history of the program. One such story is when Ojibway Indian Joe Friday (co-founder, who passed away in 1955) would be visiting in St. Louis and Joe being a tall 6’ 4” man would pick up the young boy and Joe would seem like such a giant to him. He also relates remembering the many hours spent sitting around the campfire in the northern woods of Wisconsin (at grandpa Harold’s cabin) being caught up in the wonderful ways of the Indian. All of this through the many stories told by grandpa. We are truly fortunate Charlie is willing to share these stories, and his own with us.
Charlie himself is a devout Christian, much like his grandfather was. He has been a licensed short wave (ham) radio operator years and currently has his own Christian ministry show.