Our collection includes correspondence from Rex, photographs of him, and small watercolors. Thanks to Deborah and Melode Brasher we have several reels of film in which Rex appears. We also have a number of items made by Rex, including door knockers. Some items were donated by Cynthia Carter Ayres, including photographs from the 1939 National Geographic exhibit in Washington, D.C., original architectural drawings for the museum that was planned in Kent in the 1930s, and a unique volume of Birds and Trees of North America that Rex created for Cynthia's father, then a young boy.
Because Milton Brasher inherited the house and property from Rex, Deborah Brasher's bequest to us included all of the sculptures created by Milton. His sculptures were sought after during his lifetime, and we are fortunate to have many wooden and some metal pieces of dogs, horses, and of course birds.
We are grateful to have the file of correspondence between William Pape, publisher of the Waterbury Republican, and Rex. Mr. Pape was instrumental in persuading the Connecticut legislature to approve funds for the purchase of Rex's collection.
We obtained from Eddie Woodin of Portland, Maine, a number of photographs, Christmas cards Rex sent to friends, and several idiosyncratic drawings.
We are particularly eager to obtain correspondence from or to Rex, Marie, and Rex Brasher Associates.
Seldom has the story of a man’s life been so worth the telling. Rex Brasher was a rugged individual in every sense of that too often abused phrase. Adversity that would have floored a lesser man never even took away his sense of humor. His life comes through as a complex of adventure, struggle, frustration and success.
— Rowman and Littlefield, 1961
The Rex Brasher Association had the good fortune to meet Eddie Woodin in 2024. Mr. Woodin is the owner of Woodin and Company Store Fixtures in South Portland, Maine. He has spent the last 40 years advocating for the environment and working with conservation and preservation groups, including Scarborough Land Trust, Maine Audubon, and Friends of Casco Bay. He founded Citizens for a Green Scarborough, which helped to pass a pesticide policy. Historic New England recently honored him with its 2017 Prize for Collecting Works on Paper in recognition of Woodin’s collection of bird art and memorabilia.
Rex Brasher was known for creating whimsical holiday cards for family and friends. Those who were lucky enough to receive a holiday card from Rex knew it was something to hold on to and keep safe. We are fortunate that Eddie Woodin had these four cards safely tucked away in his collection.
