IronMan, Vol 7, No 5, Page 12, est. Fall 1947
On the night of June 25th, ye editor left Alliance on a journey to view one of the greatest events in the lifting history of the U.S.A., the National Weightlifting Championships of 1947 which were held at the beautiful and spacious auditorium of the Lane Tech High School at Western Ave. and Addison St.
We had for long anticipated this event being one of the best, due to the great interest recently developed in our sport. We were not disappointed and came away wishing that more of you had been there to enjoy the meet. However, we are going to try to give you the story of the Championships by word and picture. Also a story of the "Mr. America" contest.
It was necessary that I leave a day early on the train due to the floods between here and Chicago which had washed out much of the track. I traveled over considerable detours and your Editor arrived in Chicago that day before the meet was to begin, or about noon on June the 27th. Mrs Rader, who usually goes to meets and helps so much, was unable to attend because of duties here at home. Therefore I was lost without her companionship.
I at once went out to the Lane High School and looked over the wonderful layout available for this meet. This school takes up several city blocks and has a tremendous and beautiful lawn in front that the contestants made good use of during the day in sun bathing and posing for the photographers who swarmed the place. I heard one fellow remark that there must have been 1,000 people on the lawn watching the contestants pose and taking photos. A record number of pictures were probably taken of this event this year. We will probably be showing some of them to you for some time. This high school, we understand, is the largest in the world and they have so many graduates each year that graduation exercises must be held on the athletic field. It is filled with all kinds of machinery and special equipment for teaching young men vocations that they might follow the life work they choose. It is our belief that if we had more such schools we would have fewer misfits in our social life and that a high school education would mean something other than just a diploma.
Mr. John Dolce, the Meet Director, and all his helpers did a wonderful job in preparing for and conducting the meet. Norbert Grubber, editor of "Chicago Bodybuilder", was in evidence at all times helping out whenever he could. Mr. Dolce as chairman of Weightlifting of the Central District had his committee busy most of the time. Too much credit can not be given them all for a difficult job well done. We believe that in many ways it was one of the best conducted meets in America.
After a look at the location of the meet I rushed back down town to hunt a room and none too soon it seems, but I finally found one at the huge YMCA Hotel which has about 3,000 rooms but is usually full. Some of the other boys who found rooms elsewhere were evicted to make room for another convention scheduled in Chicago at the same time.
The next day the meet was scheduled to start at 3 P. M. but the competitors were on hand early as were the "Mr. America" contestants who obligingly stripped and posed for the news reel men and other photographers. To help decorate the scene several models from the Patrica Stevens agency were on hand. Ordinarily these beautiful girls would be quite an attraction but it was to be noticed that when the muscle men came around, the enthusiasts crowded around them with all thought of beautiful gals gone from their mind. You will see some of these attractive young ladies in pictures illustrating this article.
Before the meet started Mr. Worttman called his committee and officials together to discuss rules and regulations for the meet as well as to discuss the World's Championships to be held in the latter part of September. This big event is coming to this country for the first time through the efforts and financial support of Bob Hoffman. Every barbell man and weight enthusiast owes it to the game, his country and Bob to put every effort behind this big meet. Talk it up. Try to get others to attend and BE SURE TO ATTEND IT YOURSELF. We'd like to see and meet all of you there.
After this meeting the weighing in of the athletes for the afternoon event took place. By the time this was over it was time for the meet to begin. [...]
Sun. JUNE 29th
Sunday was certainly a big day. A large number of the boys went to church in the morning but by noon they began to gather at the Lane Tech. High School, taking pictures, becoming acquainted and visiting. Many of the greats of the muscle world were there and such an array of might and muscle has probably never gathered in one spot before.
There was Bob Hoffman who acted as Master of Ceremonies part of the time while Joseph A. Paul acted the rest of the time. Mr. Paul is a hard worker in the Central District on all phases of the Iron Game. Dietrich Wortmann, our hard working chairman has done a great deal for our game these many years and leaves his large business a great deal that he might attend the meets and conventions of the game that is dear to his heart. He has developed a great deal of lifting talent in his Metropolitan District. There was LON, the man who supplies the magazines with the beautiful photographs. George Quaintance who does the art work for "Your Physique" and "Muscle Power". Bert Goodrich (the first "Mr. America") and his wife. Al Berger, bigger than ever (he looks like a giant) and why doesn't some one get him into competitive lifting? Chet Teegarden, associate editor for Iron Man and proprietor of "Strong Barbell Co". The great John Grimek, Steve Stanko bigger and better than ever. J.C. Hise with some new theories on body building. Alan Stephan and his wife, the former "Miss Legionaire". Alan is now quite busy with his new bodybuilding studio in Minneapolis and looks een better than he did last year when he won the title. Ray Van Cleef was there and busy with his work as associate editor of Strength and Health. Gord Venables, taking photos of everyone. I recall Gord's wonderful squat snatching of a few years ago. Leo Stern of San Diego, taking care of his boys from the west coast. Leo has a wonderful gym that he operates with his partner, Henry Fletcher in San Diego. We will have a lot to say of these boys when we write about our trip to the west coast. Harry (Bosco) Paschall and his wife were on hand as was Jack Libertore who acted as Master of Ceremonies for the "Mr. America" Contest. Charles A Ramsey that great trainer of colored lifting champions, was on hand. Mr. Ramsey spends much of his time traveling for a large Banking firm, but is now training some boys in New York. This man was once one of the world's greatest wrestlers and has wrestled every four hours in a match with the champion George Bothner. He trained on weights for many years in England with such famous athletes as Sandow, Saldo and others of like caliber. Tony Terlazzo was there and looking fine. Too bad that Tony can't lift for the U.S.A. in the coming world championships as we need a good lightweight. All these and many others were present. We regret that we do not have room to mention the names of all of them and tell you something of them but we just can't give more room to it this issue.
[...]
"Mr. America Contest"
All the posing that had been done on the huge lawn in front of the High School building had evidently been good advertising because on Sunday evening the big auditorium was nearly filled. The stage lighting had been carefully arranged by Al Urban, that Master Physique Photographer of Chicago. The muscular development of each contestant could be shown to best advantage this year.
New rules formulated by the A.A.U. were used this year in running off the event and it must be said that the entire show was smooth compared to other years. A nice platform was provided for each contestant to pose on. As Jack Libertore, the Master of Ceremonies, called the name of each contestant he came out from the wings and onto the platform under the carefully arranged lights and was allowed three poses of his own choice of 15 seconds each. In this manner the large number of contestants were quickly run through. All judges, appointed by the National Chairman Mr. Dietrich Wortmann, sat down in front where they could have an excellent view. All selections were made by points and a card system was used for the tabulations.
After the men had all posed a number were called back to pose again and two in particular who were tied, Reeves and Pedersen. Although the audience had not been told what they had tied for they had guessed that it was for the "Mr. America" title and not some of the subdivisions. Most certainly it was a problem to choose between these two magnificent physiques. Pedersen, who won the "Mr. California" title a short time ago, is a blond giant who has almost perfection of development. Earle Leiderman who was a good personal friend of Sandow, tells me that Eric greatly reminds him of the great Eugen Sandow. He has beautiful abdominal formation. His arms are unbelievable, especially that biceps which appears to be two baseballs placed one on top of the other. His deltoids and pectorals leave little to be desired. His separation is unequalled. Eric is only 18 now and has his eye on next year's contest when he plans to be better than ever.
Steve Reeves on the other hand, is a brunet with a dark tan and is somewhat taller than Eric. He has a tremendous breadth of shoulder, perhaps the widest appearing we have ever seen. His hips appear slender, although they actually are not, compared to other men, but it is his wide shoulders that make them appear so. Here is a man who looks the part in his street clothes as well as under the lights, posing. Many people are greatly impressed with the shape and development of his entire leg. He has very fine calves. His posing routine is very good. He has a pleasing smile and stage personality. The judges found it impossible to choose between these two and gave each 72 points out of a possible 75. Thus it was necessary to vote for the "Mr. America" and in the vote, Steve won. Steve also won the best back award. His back is very wide and Is superbly developed as photos we will show of him indicate. Eric Pedersen won the title "Most Muscular Man" as well as the "Most Muscular Arms". In talking to him after the show. he seemed as well pleased with these, awards as if he had won the "Mr. America" title. Score for "Most Muscular Man" title was 30 points for Pedersen and 29 for Reeves so here again they almost tied.
Joe Lauriano again won the "Best Abdominals". He certainly has a magnificent abdominal development. His rectus abdominus muscles are very thick. His external oblique muscles form great rolls of muscle around the crest of the Illum or hip bone. Joe seemed to be more massive and shapely than ever before and is a great favorite with the audience. He placed 3rd in the "Mr. America" contest.
John Farbotnik was better than ever this year, showing more muscle mass than ever and his chest seemed even deeper and more heavily muscled than last year if that were possible. Again he won the "Best Chest" award and the 4th place in the "Mr. America" event.
George Eiferman of Philadelphia, won 5th place in the "Mr. America" and probably had the heaviest pectoral development of anyone there. They look especially large when you are standing close to him. They must be 2 1/2 inches in depth.
Kimon Voyages of New York again took the "Best Legs" award. This boy who is built like a hercules all over, certainly has marvelous legs. He also placed 6th in the "Mr. America" contest. Kim has won the best legs title for many years now and we wonder just how long he can continue. He has earned it though, with all the heavy leg exercise he has performed to develop his legs. He has won this one award at the "Mr. America" contest more than anyone else has ever won the same title. Probably Lauriano comes second with his abdominals.
Russell Field of the Goodrich gym in Hollywood, has a marvelous physique. He is very massive and well proportioned, but does not have as much separation as some of the others. With more separation he would make the best of them look to their laurals.
Alex Kigas who recently won the "Mr. Chicago" title, has a wonderful upper body but rather slender legs. He is working hard to develop them to compare with his upper body. Next year he should be serious competition. Dan Bax of Niagara Falls, N. Y. is a very massive little fellow. Not very tall, he has the measurements of a heavyweight and is very impressive, although he hasn't the separation that some of the others have.
Big John McWilliams was there. He was the largest man in the "Mr. America" competition. His arms were by far the largest, being slightly over 19 inches cold. His shoulder breadth is terrific and his chest like a huge barrel. His injured leg is much improved over last year and almost the same size as the other one. Mac looks very large dressed too. Truly a man of high character, intelligence, and super physique.
After the posing and while the points were being counted, the last year's "Mr. America" Alan Stephan, came on the stage and thrilled the audience with his amazing development and magnetic personality. He and his beautiful wife both posed for the photographers. Then he and his wife and Steve Reeves posed together. Another popular athlete and the first "Mr. America" came on and displayed his fine physique in some well selected poses. Bert Goodrich still retains his fine development and gets bigger each year even though he is no longer a young man and can't devote as much time to his training as he used to. His fine gym where Pedersen, Field, Leiderman and others train, keeps him quite busy. His wife, who is a school teacher in Hollywood, was with him and they were making a trip of the country in their new car.
Another favorite "Mr. America", Steve Stanko, came up and gave a very impressive posing exhibition. Never have we seen more impressive arms on anyone. They are unbelievable. Steve has put up a great fight to develop his super physique and is to be congratulated.
The audience called for Grimek at intervals throughout the evening and finally John came to the "Mike" and explained that he preferred not to pose at "Mr. America" meets because of the hard feelings that might sometimes be caused and that he preferred to sit in the audience and enjoy the show with the rest of the boys. Too many people fail utterly to understand John's position.
Two very good balancing and dancing acts were presented after the show during the tabulation of points.
We almost forgot to mention that J. C. Hise followed Grimek on the stage and taking off his shirt he displayed his massiveness. There was no doubt but what he has the widest back there that night. As Joe says, "I haven't the shape of the other boys. but I sure got size and mass". Joe weighed about 275 which is some poundage at his height of 5 feet 10 inches.
After the event was officially over, many still remained while the news reel men and photographers exposed a great deal of film on the competitors and the Patrica Stevens models. These girls are to be commended for their patience and charm. They sat on the big stage throughout the entire event and then posed for photographers until almost midnight when everyone left happy and joyous at having seen one of the greatest shows of strength and physical perfection ever presented.
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Judges
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| 1 | Steve Reeves | Oakland, Cal | 72 |
| 2 | Eric Pedersen | Hollywood | 72 |
| 3 | Joe Lauriano | York | 70 |
| 4 | John Forbotnik | Philadelphia | 69 |
| 5 | George Eifferman | Philadelphia | 68 |
| 6 | Kimon Voyages | N.Y.C. | 68 |
| 7 | Ed SImon | Dallas | 65 |
| 8 | Alex Kigas | Chicago | 64 |
| 9 | Russ Fields | Hollywood | 63 |
| 10 | Keevil Daly | Harlem | 63 |
| 11 | Valerio Pasqua | N.Y.C. | 61 |
| 12 | Joseph Thaler | N.Y.C. | 61 |
| 13 | Kenneth Graham | 60 | |
| 14 | Joe Shaw | 59 | |
| 15 | Bruno Markunas | Chicago | 59 |
| 16 | Moss McCray | Cinn. | 59 |
| 17 | Gene Jantzen | Bartelso | 58 |
| 18 | John McWilliams | Columbus | 58 |
| 19 | Mike Dubel | Detroit | 57 |
| 20 | John Morley | Cheshire | 57 |
| 21 | Lyle Fox | Kansas City | 57 |
| 22 | Bill Custer | Chicago | 57 |
| 23 | Ricardo Fernandez | Cuba | 56 |
| 24 | Yas Kuzuhara | Chicago | 55 |
| 25 | Gene Gohatey | Chicago | 55 |
| 26 | Ed Banaszewski | Kenosha | 55 |
| 27 | Al Pasqua | 53 | |
| 28 | Frank Troha | Barbarton | 53 |
| 29 | George Labausky | Easton | 53 |
| 30 | Dan Bax | Niagara Falls | 52 |
| 31 | Mario Anosky | Chicago | 52 |
| 32 | Ed Francis | 50 | |
| 33 | John Ford | 45 | |
| 34 | Ray Miller | 45 | |
| 35 | John Apostol | 40 | |
| 36 | Russ Carrol | Chicago | 39 |
- Here is a group of the contestants in the "Mr. America" contest gathered outside the Lane High School building. Posing with them are models from the Patrica Stevens model school. We do not have a record of the names of all those in this photo but will name a few. Starting from the left we have Farbotnik, a model, Eifferman, Kigas, Reeves, a model, unidentified, Russ Field, Voyages, next three unidentified. Photo by Douglas.
- We have a very interesting photo here. Steve Reeves in the center with his "Mr. America" trophy and to the right is Alan Stephan, last years "Mr. America". On the left, Alan's Beautiful wife the former "Miss Legionaire". Isn't that a magnificent group of perfect physiques? Photo by Ryan of Chicago.
- GEORGE EIFERMAN who recently won the "Mr. Philadelphia" title has a marvelous development and particular heavy pectorals. Photo by Ryan of Chicago.
- ERIC PEDERSEN showing his super physique to good advantage. Photo by Ryan of Chicago.
- It is easily seen why Farbotnik won the best chest award again this year. Doesn't he have great depth of chest? Photo by Ken Ryan.
- KIMON VOYAGES who again won the "best legs" award here shows his massive physique to advantage. Photo by Ryan of Chicago.
- JOE LAURIANO who won the "Best Abdominals" award seemed bigger and more shapely than ever. Ryan photo.
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