If it weren't for the bullies of northern White Center, young Earl Cruzen might not have become the fastest kid on Webster Street.

Earl was a smallish lad who would rather write than fight. He learned to high-tail it away from bigger boys bent on "pantsing" him or doing him harm.

White Center was a labor town in the 1930s, too blue collar for a bright young son of W.E. Cruzen (well known Seattle auto parts king for many years).

Earl grew up in Highland Park, just off 12th S.W. near the top of Boeing Hill. Through grade school he gained his fleet feet while selling magazine subscriptions to residents and businesses in downtown White Center.
Earl was too small for sports.

"I saw how big those guys were," he said, so he turned to writing about the athletes. He didn't golf but admitted that he and friends once snuck onto the 9th green of the old Garrett Lake (Hick's Lake) golf course before he was shooed away by local players.

By high school Earl began writing for the West Seattle High Chinook (school newspaper) eventually getting some stories published in the West Seattle Herald. A budding journalist he wasn't. His heart was in the company biz.

In 1939 Earl had already been working for his dad at the auto parts store, selling Ansco wipers among other things. Trade was good. His graduation that year led to college and with the war came a stint in the Merchant Marines. After the war he returned to the auto parts industry making friends and keeping service stations and garages stocked with all the parts they needed.

It wasn't enough to just run a good business. He is a beloved long-term benefactor to White Center and West Seattle institutions like our local community college. He always has a twinkle in his eye and is ready with a bon mot.

Earl can take credit for many murals around town and the now famous "Children Walking On Logs" sculpture along the Fauntleroy freeway. Earl had been taking care of the landscaping until recently when age and a trip to the hospital limited his ability to negotiate the grassy hillside. At 91 this September he deserves a break.

He is in recovery from recent health issues but we found him this week trimming shrubbery at his condo overlooking Alki Beach. Maybe the fastest kid on Webster Street is slowing down a bit. He is the same age as I, at 91 but could probably beat me in a 50-yard dash.