Alum of the Month December 2006

Lillian Brooks Crommett ’40

It’s nice to know that in today’s busy world some things don’t change, and memories weave a reassuring blanket to buffer the things that do change. Recently I had the great pleasure of visiting and interviewing an alumna from the class of 1940, Lillian Brooks Crommett, who graduated 67 years ago. Lillian lives in in Augusta where many photographs of her family adorn the walls. In a place of ready access near her easy chair, a copy of the 1940 Pinnacle sits on top of a stack of reading material. This sturdy, lively lady greets me with a warm hug, and I instantly know that the person I spoke to on the phone is as welcoming as her voice.

The highlight of Lillian’s high school career and her fondest memory is her athletic experience playing on the girls’ basketball team. Though Lillian is of modest height, rookie Coach Young required her to play all positions on the court during her four years on the team. Back then girls’ teams had six players instead of five. When I asked Lillian about her favorite position on the court, she replied defense, because she could be really aggressive. Games were played in the old gymnasium located where the Fine Arts department is today. Lillian said that shooting baskets was a challenge because of the low ceiling—shots were made vertically and laterally. After graduation, Lillian played basketball with the local league, the China Clippers. After Erskine, Lillian worked at various clerk jobs—12 years at Hussey’s, 12 years at Togus, and a brief stint working for the State. Lillian loves people and her volunteer work at Togus was the job she loved the most. Lillian’s two sons attended Erskine as well as her younger sister and brother-in-law, Dennis, class of 1936. Her son John “Jack” Crommett, Jr. graduated with the class of 1959. Lillian’s husband of 56 years passed away ten years ago and her younger son is no longer living. In spite of the loss over the years of her sight and several classmates and family members, Lillian’s memory serves her well. I was amazed at her clear recollection of names and dates. At the end of our visit, she proudly showed me her copy of the Pinnacle. There she was, in the front row of a surprisingly stylish 1940 basketball team. Thank you, Lillian, for sharing your history and giving the Erskine community a reason to appreciate our journeys.

Above:  The 1940 girls' basketball team with Coach Young; inset Lillian Brooks Crommett '40.