![]() ![]() This was just the beginning of his problems with the law. ![]() Willey refused to pay and in return the court ordered his land sold at a sheriff’s auction and Willey to serve jail time. He became involved in a dispute with a nephew over his property, his nephew suing him for $141.70. Spokane area newspapers began paying special attention to Willey because of his appearances in court wearing only khaki shorts and a long beard. In all weather he stuck to this uniform only adding a green sun visor in the summer and rubber boots in the winter. Whatever the reason, Willey stopped wearing traditional clothing in favor of khaki shorts. Some say it was the death of his mother, others claim it was a dispute with his church, still others claim a failed romance. ![]() There are many stories about why Willie stopped wearing clothes. This ordinary life changed to extraordinary shortly after his move. In 1920 Willey purchased a forty acre plot of land just east of Hillyard to be his permanent home and sanctuary. As a young twenty year-old man he worked odd jobs to support himself including farming, hunting, and fishing. Born in 1884, Willis (Willie) Willey grew up in Iowa but moved to Spokane in 1905. Short on clothes but long on intrigue, Willie Willey and his choice in dress (or lack thereof) made an impression on twentieth century Spokane. Tour navigation: Previous | Tour Info Text ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |