12-Year-Old Louis Brooks Packs Up and Leaves Home, Feb. 4, 1923

Had “Surprise” for Family But Ran Away

By The Associated Press

Greensboro, N.C., Feb. 3—Saying that he had a “surprise” for his family, Louis V. Brooks, 12-year-old son of R.H. Brooks, prominent Greensboro business man, sent members of his family out of his room this morning, packed his suitcase, slipped out of the house with about $10 in his pocket and disappeared. Search by the family and the police has revealed no trace of him. His father thinks Louis had been stirred by stories of adventure and wanted to try an adventure of his own.

From the front page of the Durham Morning Herald, Sunday, Feb. 4, 1923

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Youth Surprises Family by Leaving His Home

Greensboro, Feb. 1—Saying that he had a “surprise” for his family, Louis V. Brooks, 12-year-old son of R.H. Brooks, prominent Greensboro business man, sent members of his family out of his room this morning, packed his suitcase, slipped out of the house with about $15 in his pocket and disappeared. Search by the family and the police has revealed no trace of him. His father thinks Louis had been stirred by stories of adventure and wanted to try an adventure of his own.

From the front page of the Raleigh News and Observer, Sunday, Feb. 4, 1923