Images of Sports:
Wrestling in Akron by Dale Pierce is a book printed by Arcadia Publishing
covering the history of both professional and amateur wrestling in Akron, Ohio
and its surrounding areas from the early 1900s up to the present day.
Arcadia is renowned for its series on local and regional history, and although
they boast more than 8500 titles, this is currently the only one featuring
local wrestling. Author Dale Pierce does not disappoint with his contribution,
as rarely does one see pro wrestling history preserved in such a positive
manner.
Following a brief introduction, Wrestling in Akron is divided up into four easy-to-read
sections: The Early Years, The Armory
Era, After the Armory, and The Amateurs.
Vintage pictures of national greats and local stars such as
Farmer Burns, Red Bastien, Lou Thesz, The Sheik, Dominic Denucci, Fred Curry,
Killer Brooks, “Maniac” Mike Gordon, Dr. Jerry Graham, Bruno Sammartino, Louie
Spicolli, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Frank Williams, Ricky Steamboat, “Hot Stuff”
Eddie Gilbert, Joe Rules, The Navajo Warrior, Brian Pillman, Ashley Nicely,
Billy Gunn, and a whole host of others are highlighted.
Although the local amateur wrestling scene is touched on
only briefly, it is included as an important piece of Akron history, popular to
this day.
Also included are pics of various key area landmarks, as
well as programs, souvenirs, and autographed index cards.
Each picture includes a short paragraph explaining its importance
to the Akron, Ohio area.
If you’re a fan of wrestling, history, or wrestling history,
you won’t want to pass on Images of
Sports: Wrestling in Akron, as it is a quick, easy read filled by Dale
Pierce with valuable information. It is
available at http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/ and other locations. More
information can be found on the book’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingInAkronTheBook
