Clara Dorothy Brekke was born a twin into a Norwegian family on August 9th, 1900. She grew up in Ballard, graduating from Ballard High School. She loved sports of all kinds, and played basket ball during her school years. She joined the Seattle Parks Department Sails and Trails Club shortly after it was established in 1929 and remained a member for many years. Brekke worked for 20th Century Fox Film Exchange in Bell Town until her retirement at age 70.