Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Rick Farris]

Charley, is this the record store where Dempsey's Restaurant was located?

"The Artists & Writers Club, as its label indicates, was origin­ally organized to gather certain members of the literary and art sets for occasional dinners and chatter, though often outsiders were admitted to our esoteric clan. Usually, we congregated in the up­stairs dining room of "21."

Sports columnist Grantland Rice, one of the original organ­izers, was president. After his death, cartoonist Rube Goldberg succeeded him. Goldberg usually was the master of ceremonies at our gatherings.

An account of just one meeting may convey some idea of what took place at these sessions. This one took place on December 7, 1944, and, of course, since December 7 was a memorable date in our history, there were solemn toasts to our fighting lads.

Then we turned to lighter subjects. Artist James Montgomery Flagg revealed his minor problems when he began painting that famous and much-discussed mural of the Dempsey-Willard fight that was to be hung in Jack Dempsey's restaurant.

"I didn't even know how sensitive some folks could be," he lamented. "Why, this fight was held back in 1919, and I painted in some folks who never were at that fight simply because Jack thought they were important and should be included. Do you know something? Some of them, and I'm not kidding, actually squawked because they didn't like the seats I put them in! And my friend Damon Runyon told me he wasn't too sure he even liked the people I put next to him in that painting."

Runyon was sitting at the fight between Hype Igoe and Tad Dorgan

KI

Sorry Wasnt on in a few days. Yes thats the one. Dempseys rest. was on the ground floor. The picture dosnt show it but the corner Street sign says " Dempseys Corner".
The Brill Bldg in which this bldg is known is famous for music writers. Neil Diamond, Paul Simon and other greats all have or had offices in here and is known as the spot which turned out more musical hits than anywhere else. Also, The Brill Bldg is named after the Brill Bros Clothing empire back in 1930's. The original builder Alan Lefcourt had a bust of his son,Abraham, placed above the main door ,you can see in the picture, after his son was killed in an auto accident. Google "Brill Bldg" for more.

Charlie . . . Thanks for the history of the Brill Bldg. and Dempsey. Great info.

[Rick Farris]

Alan Swyer - Director/Producer
(Latino Boxing Documentary)

As a filmmaker, Alan has worked as a writer, director, and/or producer on projects ranging from HBO's award-winning, Rebound, starring Don Cheadle, Forrest Whitaker, and James Earl Jones; to, The Buddy Holly Story; Alfred Hitchcock Presents; and his current award-winning documentary, The Spiritual Revolution. He has recently finished two new documentaries, including Leimert Park, about a black cultural mecca in Los Angeles and Beisbol, the definitive look at Latin baseball, with narration by Andy Garcia. Beisbol recently won the Imagen Award for best feature-length documentary. Alan has also directed numerous music videos, commercials and is an esteemed academician and activist.

-From "The Hollywood Reporter" (Dec. '09)

[raylawpc]

Charley, is this the record store where Dempsey's Restaurant was located?

"The Artists & Writers Club, as its label indicates, was origin­ally organized to gather certain members of the literary and art sets for occasional dinners and chatter, though often outsiders were admitted to our esoteric clan. Usually, we congregated in the up­stairs dining room of "21."

Sports columnist Grantland Rice, one of the original organ­izers, was president. After his death, cartoonist Rube Goldberg succeeded him. Goldberg usually was the master of ceremonies at our gatherings.

An account of just one meeting may convey some idea of what took place at these sessions. This one took place on December 7, 1944, and, of course, since December 7 was a memorable date in our history, there were solemn toasts to our fighting lads.

Then we turned to lighter subjects. Artist James Montgomery Flagg revealed his minor problems when he began painting that famous and much-discussed mural of the Dempsey-Willard fight that was to be hung in Jack Dempsey's restaurant.

"I didn't even know how sensitive some folks could be," he lamented. "Why, this fight was held back in 1919, and I painted in some folks who never were at that fight simply because Jack thought they were important and should be included. Do you know something? Some of them, and I'm not kidding, actually squawked because they didn't like the seats I put them in! And my friend Damon Runyon told me he wasn't too sure he even liked the people I put next to him in that painting."

Runyon was sitting at the fight between Hype Igoe and Tad Dorgan

KI

Sorry Wasnt on in a few days. Yes thats the one. Dempseys rest. was on the ground floor. The picture dosnt show it but the corner Street sign says " Dempseys Corner".
The Brill Bldg in which this bldg is known is famous for music writers. Neil Diamond, Paul Simon and other greats all have or had offices in here and is known as the spot which turned out more musical hits than anywhere else. Also, The Brill Bldg is named after the Brill Bros Clothing empire back in 1930's. The original builder Alan Lefcourt had a bust of his son,Abraham, placed above the main door ,you can see in the picture, after his son was killed in an auto accident. Google "Brill Bldg" for more.

Thanks!!

[kikibalt]

Donna Hansen: Everyone needs a good laugh this morning......Took my Dog to sign up for Welfare. The Clerk said Dogs aren't eligible. I said why not, he's unemployed, Lazy, Can't Speak English and don't know who his Dad is...........

[Rick Farris]

Betty White . . .

Anybody who had a chance to see Betty White (nearly 89-years-old) host Saturday Night Live this past weekend got a real treat. This is a woman I've never worked with, but one that I met thru a girlfriend who was her make-up artist a few years back on "Golden Girls".
Suddenly Betty White is cool, which reflects a hint of common sense among today's population.
What a gift to the world this lady is. My opinion.

[Rick Farris]

Bob Arum, B.S. & Sour Grapes . . .

This past Saturday, while being interviewed for a documentary film on Latino boxers, I was asked my opinion of comments made by promoter Bob Arum, and his matchmaker, Bruce Trampler, relating to Oscar De La Hoya and Fernando Vargas.

Both Arum and Trampler claim to have "made" Oscar De La Hoya thru creative matchmaking, promotion, etc.
I'll give them that, Oscar was definitly brought up properly.

They also said that De La Hoya was no better than Fernando Vargas, and that if they had brought up Vargas the same way they did De La Hoya, he would have the same success as Oscar. I was asked my opinion.

I had to disagree. I voiced my opinion, that comparing Oscar to Fernando was like comparing a Cadillac to a Chevy.
Whether one like's or hates Oscar De La Hoya, even the blind can see a big difference in class, talent, heart and looks.
Seems like Arum is going to take his digs whenever he can. I guess that's just the nature of the game. But lets not get stupid.


-Rick Farris

[THEHAMMER321]

Bob Arum, B.S. & Sour Grapes . . .

This past Saturday, while being interviewed for a documentary film on Latino boxers, I was asked my opinion of comments made by promoter Bob Arum, and his matchmaker, Bruce Trampler, relating to Oscar De La Hoya and Fernando Vargas.

Both Arum and Trampler claim to have "made" Oscar De La Hoya thru creative matchmaking, promotion, etc.
I'll give them that, Oscar was definitly brought up properly.

They also said that De La Hoya was no better than Fernando Vargas, and that if they had brought up Vargas the same way they did De La Hoya, he would have the same success as Oscar. I was asked my opinion.

I had to disagree. I voiced my opinion, that comparing Oscar to Fernando was like comparing a Cadillac to a Chevy.
Whether one like's or hates Oscar De La Hoya, even the blind can see a big difference in class, talent, heart and looks.
Seems like Arum is going to take his digs whenever he can. I guess that's just the nature of the game. But lets not get stupid.


-Rick Farris

I agree with you on this 100%, there are only a few fighters that have that certain quality, and Oscar Delahoya had ''it'', charisma or whatever you want to call it, on the other hand a guy like Mayweather could go unbeaten for the next 10 years and he could never reach the appeal of Oscar or Sugar Ray Leonard, you either got ''it'' or you don't

[THEHAMMER321]

Frank what's up you been quiet lately, lets hear some more ''Simmons brickyard stories''

[kikibalt]

My Brother-in-Law, Willie

One day in in the early 1970’s, my brother-in-law Willie and I were riding our motorcycles east on Valley Blvd. at a pretty good rate of speed, we made a left turn on California Ave, one block up was a stop sign, as we stopped I saw a red light on my mirror, I turn to Willie and said.
“Willie, stop there’s a cop behind us”
We cross Nelson Ave and Willie pulls over to the curb and I kept going, got home and grabbed me a beer and waited for Willie to arrive from his meeting with the cop.
Soon Willie arrives hotter than a firecracker.
‘Stop! Stop!’ Willie yell’s at me.
“What’s wrong Willie?”
“The cop said he wanted you for loud pipes, but since I stop he said he would give me the ticket”
Up to the day he died in 1982 every time he would see me he would yell at me “Stop! Stop!”

[kikibalt]

Frank what's up you been quiet lately, lets hear some more ''Simmons brickyard stories''

Paul, I need to get my ass in gear write'em...

[Rick Farris]

My Brother-Law, Willie

One day in in the early 1970’s, my brother-law Willie and I were riding our motorcycles east on Valley Blvd. at a pretty good rate of speed, we made a left turn on California Ave, one block up was a stop sign, as we stopped I saw a red light on my mirror, I turn to Willie and said.
“Willie, stop there’s a cop behind us”
We cross Nelson Ave and Willie pulls over to the curb and I kept going, got home and grabbed me a beer and waited for Willie to arrive from his meeting with the cop.
Soon Willie arrives hotter than a firecracker.
‘Stop! Stop!’ Willie yell’s at me.
“What’s wrong Willie?"
“The cop said he wanted you for loud pips, but since I stop he said he would give me the ticket”
Up to the day he died in 1982 every time he would see he would yell at me “Stop! Stop!”

[Rick Farris]

Frank what's up you been quiet lately, lets hear some more ''Simmons brickyard stories''

Paul, I need to get my ass in gear write'em...

The Brick Yard . . .

I was happy to see them logged into your blog.
Classic stories of L.A. thru your eyes.
Last week, I was on the Golden State Fwy (5) around the old Royal Tire factory location.
When I got to Washington, I began to think that Simons Brick Yard must have been close by?
I remember where you said it was, but didn't have the exact coordinates.

About the time you and the boys were raising hell in your barrio, my friend Karl Nelson, who was 18 years older than you, was roaming the San Gabriel Valley with light-heavy Fitzie Fitzpatrick. Although Karl wasn't from the Brick Yard, he knew of these places, and I wish he was here today just to be a part of our forum. He'd have been at home here.

Keep 'em coming, Frank. You have a built in audience and we enjoy them.


-Rick

[raylawpc]

Frank what's up you been quiet lately, lets hear some more ''Simmons brickyard stories''

Paul, I need to get my ass in gear write'em...

Then get it in gear!!

To quote Oliver Twist: "Please, sir, I want some more."

[kikibalt]

Frank what's up you been quiet lately, lets hear some more ''Simmons brickyard stories''

Paul, I need to get my ass in gear write'em...

Then get it in gear!!

To quote Oliver Twist: "Please, sir, I want some more."

Got the ass in gear, but now the damn clutch got stuck, gotta work on it....

[kikibalt]

May 10, 1910: Jack Johnson starts training for his Fourth of July fight with Jim Jeffries by going 12 miles in the morning and an additional five in the afternoon.

“Newspaper men present at the taking of pictures of Jack Johnson today had their first opportunity of seeing the champion stripped to his fighting trunks and there were no adverse criticisms of his condition. If anything, sporting experts thought Johnson might safely carry more weight than he possesses in view of the time he has in which to train. Naturally, there is some extra weight about the stomach, but not as much as expected,” The Times says.

[raylawpc]

Paul, I need to get my ass in gear write'em...

Then get it in gear!!

To quote Oliver Twist: "Please, sir, I want some more."

Got the ass in gear, but now the damn clutch got stuck, gotta work on it....

[Rick Farris]

Then get it in gear!!

To quote Oliver Twist: "Please, sir, I want some more."

Got the ass in gear, but now the damn clutch got stuck, gotta work on it....

Frank, your in demand today. People love what you write, what you know and have done.
Give them what they want, what only you can share. Stories, interviews . . . today they want you.
Tomorrow? Maybe not. Your legend is established and growing in boxing.

[Randyman]

As of this afternoon, UAW Local 148 is on strike.The Boeing Company, since their takeover of McDonnell Douglas back in 1996 has been dismantling the company and trying their best to bust the union. Enough is enough. I'll be walking the line starting on Wednesday afternoon.



Randy

[Randyman]

Got the ass in gear, but now the damn clutch got stuck, gotta work on it....

Frank, your in demand today. People love what you write, what you know and have done.
Give them what they want, what only you can share. Stories, interviews . . . today they want you.
Tomorrow? Maybe not. Your legend is established and growing in boxing.

[kikibalt]

Frank what's up you been quiet lately, lets hear some more ''Simmons brickyard stories''

Paul, I need to get my ass in gear write'em...

The Brick Yard . . .

I was happy to see them logged into your blog.
Classic stories of L.A. thru your eyes.
Last week, I was on the Golden State Fwy (5) around the old Royal Tire factory location.
When I got to Washington, I began to think that Simons Brick Yard must have been close by?
I remember where you said it was, but didn't have the exact coordinates.

About the time you and the boys were raising hell in your barrio, my friend Karl Nelson, who was 18 years older than you, was roaming the San Gabriel Valley with light-heavy Fitzie Fitzpatrick. Although Karl wasn't from the Brick Yard, he knew of these places, and I wish he was here today just to be a part of our forum. He'd have been at home here.

Keep 'em coming, Frank. You have a built in audience and we enjoy them.


-Rick

Rick, the brickyard was about 8 miles or less east of the Royal Tire factory, btw my uncle, my dad's brother worked at the Royal Tire factory soon after he got home from World War II, he is now 90 years old.

[Randyman]

Bob Arum, B.S. & Sour Grapes . . .

This past Saturday, while being interviewed for a documentary film on Latino boxers, I was asked my opinion of comments made by promoter Bob Arum, and his matchmaker, Bruce Trampler, relating to Oscar De La Hoya and Fernando Vargas.

Both Arum and Trampler claim to have "made" Oscar De La Hoya thru creative matchmaking, promotion, etc.
I'll give them that, Oscar was definitly brought up properly.

They also said that De La Hoya was no better than Fernando Vargas, and that if they had brought up Vargas the same way they did De La Hoya, he would have the same success as Oscar. I was asked my opinion.

I had to disagree. I voiced my opinion, that comparing Oscar to Fernando was like comparing a Cadillac to a Chevy.
Whether one like's or hates Oscar De La Hoya, even the blind can see a big difference in class, talent, heart and looks.
Seems like Arum is going to take his digs whenever he can. I guess that's just the nature of the game. But lets not get stupid.


-Rick Farris

Whatever Arum was smoking must have been some really good sh*t!! It reminds of the time when he was called on a lie (I forget what it was) He said, "Well, yesterday I was lying but today I'm telling the truth". He was dead serious!

Randy

[kikibalt]

As of this afternoon, UAW Local 148 is on strike.The Boeing Company, since their takeover of McDonnell Douglas back in 1996 has been dismantling the company and trying their best to bust the union. Enough is enough. I'll be walking the line starting on Wednesday afternoon.

Randy

[Randyman]

As of this afternoon, UAW Local 148 is on strike.The Boeing Company, since their takeover of McDonnell Douglas back in 1996 has been dismantling the company and trying their best to bust the union. Enough is enough. I'll be walking the line starting on Wednesday afternoon.

Randy

Everybody is in a fighting mood so I'm hoping for the best. F*ck'em!!

Randy

[Rick Farris]

As of this afternoon, UAW Local 148 is on strike.The Boeing Company, since their takeover of McDonnell Douglas back in 1996 has been dismantling the company and trying their best to bust the union. Enough is enough. I'll be walking the line starting on Wednesday afternoon.



Randy

Randy . . . I am a Union brother, just a different union.
I fully support you and the brothers & sisters of your Union.
In the old days the unions would kick ass. Sadly, no mas?
Stand strong. Get a mean.

[Rick Farris]

Paul, I need to get my ass in gear write'em...

The Brick Yard . . .

I was happy to see them logged into your blog.
Classic stories of L.A. thru your eyes.
Last week, I was on the Golden State Fwy (5) around the old Royal Tire factory location.
When I got to Washington, I began to think that Simons Brick Yard must have been close by?
I remember where you said it was, but didn't have the exact coordinates.

About the time you and the boys were raising hell in your barrio, my friend Karl Nelson, who was 18 years older than you, was roaming the San Gabriel Valley with light-heavy Fitzie Fitzpatrick. Although Karl wasn't from the Brick Yard, he knew of these places, and I wish he was here today just to be a part of our forum. He'd have been at home here.

Keep 'em coming, Frank. You have a built in audience and we enjoy them.


-Rick

Rick, the brickyard was about 8 miles or less east of the Royal Tire factory, btw my uncle, my dad's brother worked at the Royal Tire factory soon after he got home from World War II, he is now 90 years old.

I remember as a kid driving up the freeway from Orange County, thru L.A. to the Valley with my parents.
We'd always pass by the Royal Tire Plant with it's unique, castle-like architecture.

I think a discount clothing mall occupies the spot today.
It's right down the road from the Commerce Casino.

Yeah Frank, I looked east from that point, figuring Simons was somewhere between me and the Eastside?