Jerry Summers: Clarence L. Brown – UTKs Movie Producer And Director Monday, June 7, 2021 - by Jerry Summers
Jerry Summers
One of the most famous personalities in Hollywood but relatively unknown in Tennessee is the late gentleman by the name of Clarence Leon Brown (1890-1987). Until recently he was also the largest financial contributor to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville having left a $12 million bequest at his death in 1987, contingent on the death of his fourth wife, Marian Spies.
Brown was born in Clinton, Massachusetts and at the age of 12 moved to Knoxville. After graduating from UTK with degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering, he initially worked for the Stevens-Duryea Automotive Company before forming the Brown Motor Car Company in Alabama. He then traveled to Fort Lee, New Jersey to serve as an assistant in the motion picture industry to French director Maurice Tourneur at the Peerless Studio in 1913.
The Knoxville junior class continues its after prom fundraising, with two ways to get involved still available. A trivia night will be held at the Knoxville Armory later this month. Abby Wadle provides some details on this event.
“This is a pretty general activity they’ve done for fundraising the last couple of years. Tony Roozeboom is emceeing this year. It will be at the Armory on March 27th.”
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with table reservations available. More information on this event can be found at KNIAKRLS.com.
Online donations can be made at GiveButter.com and by searching for Knoxville After Prom. Find more information on Knoxville’s After Prom here.