Local News

Elsbeth Robinson tries out a new broom from Fuller Brush salesman Art Pearson. The Three Tree Point resident has been buying products from Pearson for 35 years. Photo by Jerry Robinson

World's oldest Fuller Brush man to be feted in Burien

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Art Pearson of Burien - the nation's oldest Fuller Brush salesman - will be honored by his customers and family on his 90th birthday.

The celebration will be Sunday, April 20, at the Burien Elks Lodge, 14006 First Ave. S. in Burien, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Pearson was born in Seattle in 1918 to Swedish immigrant parents. He graduated from Broadway High School where he became a state track star running the mile. At the University of Washington, he ran the mile in 4 minutes, 20 seconds.

As a 20-year-old, Pearson started selling Fuller Brush products.

After World War II began, he was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps and fought on Saipan and Okinawa, earning two combat battle ribbons.

After the war, Pearson resumed selling Fuller Brush products door to door to support his wife and two sons.

He has lived and worked in the Burien area for 55 years.

At 90, Pearson is still a Fuller Brush dealer. Unable to drive, Pearson contacts his customers by telephone. His son Ken drives him around once or twice a week to make deliveries.

"My dad has such a loyal following of customers and knows each and every one of them by name," Ken Pearson said. "Art's face lights up when he sees them and with a smile asks, 'What else do you need?'

"They've become an extended family to him over the these many years. He would like to thank all his customers.

"My father has probably sold to over 10,000 customers in his career," Ken added.