Gordon Merritt Meacham

Quoting his own words, Gordon Merritt Meacham "was born the last day of summer in 1922" near Lapwai, Idaho. Being the fifth child in the family of Sylvia (Doak) and Merritt Meacham, he joined three brothers: Hulburd/Harry, George, and Howard/Bud; and one sister, Irma/Meachie See. Two more brothers, David and Gene, later completed the Meacham clan of nine. Gordon, as well as his siblings, spent the majority of his growing up years being that of a farmer's son. Growing grain and hay, as well as tending chickens, pigs, cattle and horses filled his daily life; skills which would later prove useful in his own adult life. When the daily chores were done, school work and lessons needed finishing. However, in the summer with school out, the Meacham children would often ride their horses, racing against the neighbors' horses, or visit the nearby strawberry and/or melon patches for delicious after supper snacks.