A few years ago I came upon a find of a lifetime. 200+ photos of pro wrestling from the 1950's. Also included was a scrapbook with newspaper and magazine articles. What's most amazing about these photos are that a few actually appear in some of the scrapbook newspaper clippings. After showing these to some other wrestling collectors it was confirmed Shirle Montgomery was a staff photographer for some of the wrestling publications.
Also included in the box were damp, musty negatives which stuck together like glue. Unfortunately they were beyond repair so these photos may be the only remaining copies of this chapter in wrestling history.
These images are fantastic reminders of an era where skill was more important than storyline. I've selected several of my favorites and have posted them here. If you know the identity of any of the unknown please drop me a line.
NOTE: Some of these photos are also done by K.L. McKindsey who's contribution to wrestling photography is also greatly appreciated.
Jesus Anaya
Gino and Leo Garibaldi
Wladek "Killer" Kowalski
Lou Thesz
Unknown Person
March of Dimes
Ed 'Strangler' Lewis
Frank Jares vs Lars Peterson
Leo Nomellini
He also played professional football for the San Fransisco 49ers.
Antonino Rocca
Kids
Kaye Bell
Gorgeous George
Roland Meeker
Hombre Montana
These brothers were tag team champions on the West coast (And yes Iron Mike Sharpe is the son of one of these men.) Not only were there action and posed images but also family shots. She must have been a good family friend to get so close to this wrestling clan. The image of the baby with the wrestling boots is priceless!
Ben Sharp
Mike Sharp
Together
Gene Stanley & Partner
Tosh and Great Togo
Great Togo
Real Name: George Kazuo Okamura
Born: Oregon, USA 1911
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Okamura represented the U.S. in wrestling in the L.A. Olympics of 1932 but didn't bring home a medal. He entered pro wrestling in 1933 and teamed with Sakata from 1949 through most of the 50s. He died in 1973 at the age of 62.
Tosh Togo
Real Name: Harold Toshiyuki Sakata
Born: Hawaii, USA 1920
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Sakata was a real life strongman who built his brutal strength in his youth working in the cane fields of Hawaii. He represented the U.S. in weightlifting in the London Olympics of 1948 and brought home a silver medal. He entered pro wrestling in 1949. In the 1960s he was cast as Oddjob in the classic Bond movie "Goldfinger". He used that name until he retired from pro wrestling in the 1970s. He died in the late 70s.
Unknown Action
Unknown Wrestlers
Unknown Wrestler 2 identified as Whipper Billy Watson
WRESTLING PROGRAMS
Al Karasick's Spotlight on Sports
Sept. 30 - Oct. 1 1944 Honolulu, Hawii
(Image seven is being rescanned and will be added back later.)
The Ringside
Civic Auditorium Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1976
