J. Willis Sayre

James Willis Sayre (December 31, 1877 – January 11, 1963) was an American theatre critic, journalist, arts promoter, and historian.

A longtime resident of Seattle, Washington, Sayre was an influential figure in writing and conserving the history of theatre in the city.

[1][2] Emulating Jules Verne's Phileas Fogg, in 1903 he set the world record for circling the earth using public transportation exclusively, completing his trip in 54 days 9 hours and 42 minutes.

[1] Sayre compiled a vast collection of publicity photographs from theatrical performers, dramatic companies, musicians, and traveling shows that played in Seattle as well as theater and musical programs.

Early in Sayre's journalistic career, he set out to recreate the journey of Jules Verne's Phileas Fogg.

Willis Sayre accomplished the feat of circumnavigating the globe in 54 days, 9 hours and 42 minutes, which was a record-breaking journey particularly considering his self-imposed limitation of using only public transport.

In fact, he turned down an opportunity to ride a chartered train funded by friends and local supporters in St. Paul, Minnesota that would have taken him directly to Seattle and instead traveled the Northern Pacific route out of Chicago, which cost him several hours.

"[1] His return to Seattle was met with a hero's welcome, and he reflected on his experience and the mistakes he made while traveling in the evening news.