Layer, Elmer
|
Lowell’s Elmer Layer was known for his athletic abilities. He was described as Extraordinary, Dominating, “A One-Man State Title,” Star, “Brilliant Track and Field Athlete, “One of the Greatest Ever Produced Here,” “The Principal Cause of Lowell’s Triumph,” “One of Lowell’s Greatest Athletes,” and Record Breaker.
Elmer Layer was born to John and Carrie Layer in the Alto area in 1912. The family moved to the Village of Lowell where his dad worked at King Milling Company. Layer went through Lowell Schools, beginning at the East Ward School. In his high school years, he worked out and added muscle to his natural abilities. The combination was unstoppable. Layer played four sports and excelled at them all. He wasn’t just a four-sport athlete, he was a four-sport star. In football he played running back, quarterback halfback, and fullback. His senior year the Lowell team had a 10-0 record. In basketball during his sophomore year, he scored 267 points in the 16-game season. In baseball Layer played third base and in his junior year he had a .421 batting average. During his time playing baseball at Lowell, they only lost two games. Though he excelled in all sports, track and field was Layer’s specialty. In 1929, Layer earned his “One Man State Title” label as Lowell won the state championship with Layer scoring 15 of the team’s 15 and a half points. Historian Bob Thaler stated that there has been only one other time when a Michigan athlete scored all the points for their team at the state championship, and that was in the 1980’s. In 1928 Layer broke the state record for his discus throw at the state championship. In 1929 Layer broke two county records for shot-put and discus and in 1931 he broke his own state discus record. Following his high school days of athletic success, Layer continued in sports and served his community. He played basketball in the YMCA Leagues and on community teams. In 1934 he played for the “Lowellites” and in an overtime thriller he scored 19 of the team’s 27 points! In 1936 a group of local young men enrolled at the citizens’ military training camp at Camp Custer, Battle Creek and completed their four-week training course. The young men were Orton and Joe Hill, George Gotfredsen, Dale Ford and Elmer Layer. In addition to military training, the boys were taught citizenship, were given a chance to learn how to command others, and the principles of sportsmanship and clean living were impressed upon them. Layer went on to serve in World War II from 1943-1946. He returned home and married Helen Rose Hill in 1949. Helen was the daughter of Art and Clara (Bergin) Hill. They lived in the house that Layer had grown up in, at 524 E. Main. Layer worked for Lowell Light and Power, the City of Lowell, and the City of Grand Rapids. Layer was very humble about his accomplishments. When asked, his common response was “you can save the stories about me until I’m gone.” Layer was remembered for loading his car with teenaged young men and taking them to Michigan State University football games back when you could get in for free at halftime. He kept a beautiful yard, so much so that it was mistaken for a park. He gave back to the community by collecting afghans and donating them to area churches. It was estimated that he had donated 200-500 afghans. He helped raise funds for a gravestone for “Flat River Jim.” In 1995 he ‘rented’ the old Drake’s Station at 526 E. Main to the Lowell Chamber of Commerce for their office for $1.00. In 2002 with the death of Elmer Layer at 90 years old, Lowell lost a good man, a phenomenal athlete, and a giving and generous community member. He was survived by his children, Cara, John, Christine, Jordan and Teresa. Images: Elmer Layer at a track and field event Elmer Layer with shot put Elmer Layer with basketball Elmer Layer in truck Elmer Layer showing muscles |
     |
