Former world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey finds himself flanked by prominent Tacomans in this July 25, 1930, photograph taken on the veranda of the Tacoma Hotel. L-R Mike Lavelle, former Pantages manager and current Tacoma Hotel manager Jack Calvert, TNT sports writer Elliott Metcalf, Mr. Dempsey, Mayor Melvin G. Tennent, unidentified, and J. Frank Hickey, president of the elegant Tacoma Hotel. Mr. Dempsey was in town to referee the Tod Morgan - Joey Coffman match at the Greenwich Colliseum that evening. The bout was sponsored by the Kay Street Athletic Club. Mr. Dempsey was clearly the favorite attraction that night with cheers shaking the Colliseum's rafters. A record-breaking crowd was so loud in cheering him that he could not be heard in the ring. (TNT 7-25-30, p. 17-article; TNT 7-26-30, p. 4-article) G67.1-178

Dempsey, Jack, 1895-1983; Boxers (Sports); Hickey, J. Frank; Metcalf, Elliott; Tennent, Melvin Green; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lavelle, Mike; Calvert, Jack; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma);

Aberdeen boxer Leo Lomski stopped in Tacoma for a brief visit along with his wife and son, George Jr., in late February of 1928. The Lomskis are in the center of the group in front of Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Engine #10250, on February 26, 1928. This was an electric bipolar Class EP2 locomotive. G44.1-081 (TNT3-2-28, p. 18)

Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Co. (Tacoma); Railroad locomotives--Tacoma; Railroad cars--Tacoma; Railroads--Tacoma; Lomski, Leo; Lomski, Leo--Family; Boxers (Sports)--1920-1930;

This is the mighty right forearm of "Young Jack" Dempsey, rugged fighter out of Puyallup, as pictured on September 14, 1925. His clenched fist, popping veins, and muscular biceps are an indication of the power he unleashes in his bouts, having knocked out his last two foes. Dempsey had been training for an upcoming battle with Everett's Kid Kober in which he would emerge victorious. G53.1-129 (TNT 9-16-25, p. 26)

Dempsey, Jack; Boxers (Sports); Arms (Anatomy);

There was more than one Jack Dempsey in the world of boxing. Although he shared the name of the famous boxer, "Jar 'em Jack" or "Young Jack" Dempsey was from Puyallup and would be facing Kid Kober of Everett in a six-rounder on September 17th of 1925; a bout that the light heavyweight would win by a knockout. This photo of the bare-chested Jack Dempsey with clenched fists and an intent look was taken in September of 1925 at an unidentified gym. G67.1-179 (TDL 9-14-25, p. 6-article; TNT 9-16-25, p. 26)

Dempsey, Jack; Boxers (Sports);

Boys receiving instruction in self defense; offered by the Athletic Program at the WPA gym at So. 13th and Pacific Ave. The program was supervised by Frankie Britt who was assisted by Homer Amundsen (standing far right) and George Dixon. The boxing instruction program was offered every day at the gym to any boy who cared to participate. (T. Times 11/17/1938, pg. 20)

Boxing--Tacoma--1930-1940; Boxers (Sports); Amundsen, Homer;