Broder, David S.

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Article from the Washington Post reflecting on the legacy of Brooks Hays David S. Broder The Spirit of Brooks Hays Brooks Hays of Arkansas was a wispy, balding man who was a presence in Washington for almost half of his 83 years-a favorite character, a beloved storyteller and a moral force of al-most unequaled dimension, from his election to the House in 1942 until his death last month. His is an appropriate story for Thanksgiving week, because it is an authentically American tale of high good humor and remarkable cour-age. He was born in London- "London, Hope County, Arkansas," as Sen. Dale Bumpers of Arkansas reminded the Senate in his eulogy. He became that familiar American character, the small-town lawyer and Southern Baptist deacon. He came to Congress at the age of 44 and left it in defeat at age 60 to take up a second career as a White House aide, teacher, writer and leader of his church. When he died, there were only 20 members in the House who had served with him. But listening to the tales told of him when the House memorialized him earlier this month, it was clear that Brooks Hays had become one of the enduring and even mythical figures of the Congress which, like all institutions, craves its heroes and legends. Much of the legend is based on his storytell-ing, his way with an anecdote. Congress is a body of raconteurs, but few have been able to do with a story what...

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Brooks Hays Materials

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University of Arkansas