Month: September 2025

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Joe Bonomo on a boat surrounded by men, lifting one man over his head with one arm.

Strength in the Silent Era

How does a strong man make a living? For Joe Bonomo (1901-1978), his strength opened doors for several career paths, including work as a stunt man and actor in Hollywood. Thanks to the Victor (Vic) Boff collection at the Stark Center, we can all enjoy a glimpse into Hollywood’s silent era and early “talkies” through...

September 22, 2025September 22, 2025
The cover of Joe Louis's booklet "How to Box." Red cover with photo of Joe Louis in a boxing stance with 50 cents.

How to Box

Joe Louis Barrow, known as “The Brown Bomber,” was arguably the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. His career spanned from 1934 to 1951 and he reigned as the Heavyweight Champion of the World from 1937 until his temporary retirement in 1949. During that time, he successfully defended 25 consecutive title defenses, a record for...

Cover of The Chicago Park District Weight Lifting manual from 1950. An illustration of a strongman with a bull on his shoulders in red.

Weight Lifting

The Chicago Park District Recreation Division published this Weightlifting Instruction Manual originally in 1939 and followed it up with a second printing in 1940, and then with this third printing in 1950. Norbert B. Grueber, the Editor for Body Builder Magazine, published this manual under the supervision of the Division of Recreation of the Chicago...