Brashler, William (1947-) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Author, William Brashler, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on 11 August 1947. Brashler attended Calvin College and was staff on the Calvin Chimes. He graduated from Calvin in 1968.  Brashler became a reporter for the Lerner Newspaper in Chicago, Illinois from 1971-1973. In 1972 Brashler started working as a freelance writer in Chicago. Brashler eventually made literary fame with his book “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings.” The book was chosen as a Book of the Month Club selection in 1973 and made into a movie in 1976. Among writing several other books, Brashler was also a regular columnist for Chicago’s Esquire magazine.

Together with wife, Cindy, they have two children–Bobby and Cathy. Today they still live in the Chicago area.