AJune 22 1927
Evening Star, Washington, District of Columbia, Wednesday, June 22, 1927
Chess Champion
FRANK B. WALKER.
D C. CHESS CHAMPION IS VETERAN AT GAME
Frank B. Walker, who has just won the District chess championship, learned the moves of the game in the newspaper office of the Cleveland, Ohio, Leader, where the men played whenever they had opportunity. His aptitude for the pastime attracted the attention of experts in the Forest City.
Walker came to Washington in 1885, but for the first few years of his residence here was not especially active in chess circles. His first local triumph came in 1893 when he finished close behind F. M. Wright and E. P. Hanna, who tied in the contest for the District title. Wright won the play-off.
Later Walker wrested the championship from Wright and defended his title against a number of formidable challengers, including Capt. Patrick O'Farrell. W. A. Gwyer, jr.; L. Tharp and others. Finally he lost the crown to E. P. Hanna, from whom he later regained it to hold it for a time. Walker several times was champion of the Washington and the Capital City Chess Clubs.
He also has proved skillful at blindfold chess, and at one time was considered for a position on the team to represent the United States in a cable match with Great Britain.
In problem solving, too. Walker has shown ability, and a few years ago he won a tournament conducted by a local paper In which he competed against a formidable field.
Correspondence play has not been overlooked by the new District titleholder. It was largely through his play that local combinations scored over the crack, Brooklyn Club team, which at the time included such players as Pittsburgh, Marshall, Napier and Helms.
