Palomar Mountain News

For many decades Oliver Brown has been a “landmark” on Palomar.  I’ve often referred to him as “The Mayor of the Mountain”. He  managed the Lodge for many years, operated his Cabin Security Business, and always smiled and waved at folks as they drove by his cabin on Crestline. 

Yesterday I visited him at Palomar Continuing Care and he said “Life is better than ever!’  Born in 1918, his birthday is Saturday, September 4th.   Will you send him a card?

When I arrived, the nurse said she would help me find him because he is rarely in his room as he knows everyone there and is usually out visiting.  (Why are we not surprised?!)  The last decade or so on the Mountain, Oliver has been in a wheelchair, but at PCC, but he is now WALKING a lot, although he prefers his wheel chair since he can go faster! 

Sharp as a tack, visiting with Oliver has always been a pleasure.  Over the years I have figured out that Oliver’s favorite words are “friends, marvelous, tremendously, fun, and delighted”.  The many times I’ve stopped to visit, he has always wanted to know what is going on in my life, what is the latest on the Mountain, and what is coming up so he can pass it on to others. 

So here are some tidbits from our fun conversation yesterday: 

Since I had to start first, I shared that my latest news was that I went to my 40 High School Class Reunion last weekend.  Oliver smiled real big as he told me he had just received a letter from his high school teacher!  At this point I thought, “Ohmygoodness, Oliver is loosing it!”  But, that is not the case!  He went on to say,  “Nanny Tracy is 103 years old and lives in a Board and Care Home in Kansas City.  She marveled that I was still kicking around and causing trouble.  She said in her letter to me that she always knew I’d be successful, even if it was in getting old!”  Oliver went to high school in Springfield, MO and must have graduated about 1934.  So, Oliver’s 80th Class reunion would be coming up pretty soon and just think, I’m only at the half way point!  Oliver “enjoyed school tremendously and had marvelous teachers”.

What is Oliver’s secret in growing old?  “Most of it is liking people”, he said.  “Not too long ago, a man came over to me in the dining hall.  He was here visiting his wife and asked me if I lived on Palomar, I told him I did.  We didn’t know each other the man said, but he felt he knew me because I always waved when he drove by”. 

“Relax and enjoy getting to know people”, Oliver went on to say.  “I worked hard all my life.  I did what was available to do and made the most of it. I’m delighted that I’ve lived this long.  It has been no effort and it’s been fun!”

Oliver loves visitors and you are invited to stop by anytime.  Phone calls are great too but you may miss him since he is out and about – keep trying.

 Here is where you can send that card:

Palomar Continuing Care Center

Oliver Brown Room 17

1817 Avenida Del Diablo, Escondido CA 92029

Oliver’s Room 760 739-2217

Front Desk 760 739-2217

Happy Birthday Oliver!

Bonnie Phelps