Classic American West Coast Boxing

[Randyman]

Watching the old TV western "Wagon Train" starring Ward Bond on the Western Channel.

I don't get the Western channel. It wasn't included in my package. Man, I love westerns. I'm going to have to have it added. I feel like I'm missing out. :(

[Rick Farris]

Watching the old TV western "Wagon Train" starring Ward Bond on the Western Channel.

Classic Television . . .

Wagon Train is a CBS classic!
It was filmed at the CBS Studio Center in Studio City, and most of the exterior Western scenes in various San Fernando Valley movie ranches that have long given way to residential development.

The CBS lot, prior to the 50's, was Republic Studios, where so many of the B-Movie Westerns of the past were filmed.
If you were to have lunch at the CBS commisary, you'd see phtos of Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Rawhide, The Wild Wild West, The Big Valley,Gilligan's Island, My Three Sons, Seinfeld, Roseanne, Cosby, etc.

Gunsmoke filmed on CBS's stage #3. The entire Dodge City set was on stage, including the Sheriff's office and the Lone Branch Saloon (which had real beer pumped from it's tap.) I recall many years later, I brought in a young crew to pre-light a pilot for a new series, "Cybill", on stage 3. I told my young dimmer board operator that as a boy I saw the stage when it housed the Gunsmoke set. The young guy looked at me, "Gunsmoke? Never heard of it".

My wife hates walking the neighborhood with me. If we walk around the corner, and cross the bridge over the L.A. River that runs thru our neighborhood, I always point to a parking structure built in the late 90's. "That parking lot is where Gilligan's Lagoon used to be." She'll roll her eyes, having heard the story many times before. "You missed your calling. You'd should have become a tour guide."

I grew up with a grandfather whom I was very close with. As a little boy, I'd spend a lot of time with my grandfather, who would take me everywhere he went, and that meant film studios. I would walk beside him onto sound stages, even after he retired. He was well known, and I was always impressed how many artists and technicians would go out of their way to greet him. I recall I was probably around 7 or 8 when I went to the Warner Bros. lot with my grandfather. At the time he was lighting the TV series, "Maverick". I recall Jim Garner, who looked like a big man to me when I was a boy, bending forward to shake my hand when my grandfather introduced me to a man I only knew as Brett Maverick. Twenty years later I would work with Garner on The Rockford Files, and other projects. The same day, I recall we also went into the Warner's stage where they were filming the TV series, Hawiian Eye. I remember that Connie Stevens was a young contract player at Warner's, and she was a star of that series. I remember when she leaned down and gave me hug. About ten years later, Connie Stevens would sit ringside when I fought on the undercard of a Mando Ramos fight, and ten years after that I would light her in an Aaron Spelling production.

Sorry guys, I get carried away when I think of the classic TV Westerns, etc. of the 50's and 60's.
Somebody mentions "Wagon Train" and my mind goes back to a special time in TV.

Happy New Year!

[Randyman]

Watching the old TV western "Wagon Train" starring Ward Bond on the Western Channel.

Classic Television . . .

Wagon Train is a CBS classic!
It was filmed at the CBS Studio Center in Studio City, and most of the exterior Western scenes in various San Fernando Valley movie ranches that have long given way to residential development.

The CBS lot, prior to the 50's, was Republic Studios, where so many of the B-Movie Westerns of the past were filmed.
If you were to have lunch at the CBS commisary, you'd see phtos of Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Rawhide, The Wild Wild West, The Big Valley,Gilligan's Island, My Three Sons, Seinfeld, Roseanne, Cosby, etc.

Gunsmoke filmed on CBS's stage #3. The entire Dodge City set was on stage, including the Sheriff's office and the Lone Branch Saloon (which had real beer pumped from it's tap.) I recall many years later, I brought in a young crew to pre-light a pilot for a new series, "Cybill", on stage 3. I told my young dimmer board operator that as a boy I saw the stage when it housed the Gunsmoke set. The young guy looked at me, "Gunsmoke? Never heard of it".

My wife hates walking the neighborhood with me. If we walk around the corner, and cross the bridge over the L.A. River that runs thru our neighborhood, I always point to a parking structure built in the late 90's. "That parking lot is where Gilligan's Lagoon used to be." She'll roll her eyes, having heard the story many times before. "You missed your calling. You'd should have become a tour guide."

I grew up with a grandfather whom I was very close with. As a little boy, I'd spend a lot of time with my grandfather, who would take me everywhere he went, and that meant film studios. I would walk beside him onto sound stages, even after he retired. He was well known, and I was always impressed how many artists and technicians would go out of their way to greet him. I recall I was probably around 7 or 8 when I went to the Warner Bros. lot with my grandfather. At the time he was lighting the TV series, "Maverick". I recall Jim Garner, who looked like a big man to me when I was a boy, bending forward to shake my hand when my grandfather introduced me to a man I only knew as Brett Maverick. Twenty years later I would work with Garner on The Rockford Files, and other projects. The same day, I recall we also went into the Warner's stage where they were filming the TV series, Hawiian Eye. I remember that Connie Stevens was a young contract player at Warner's, and she was a star of that series. I remember when she leaned down and gave me hug. About ten years later, Connie Stevens would sit ringside when I fought on the undercard of a Mando Ramos fight, and ten years after that I would light her in an Aaron Spelling production.

Sorry guys, I get carried away when I think of the classic TV Westerns, etc. of the 50's and 60's.
Somebody mentions "Wagon Train" and my mind goes back to a special time in TV.

Happy New Year!

Rick, Happy New Year to you too!

Rick, I enjoy your stories about the old days in the movie industry. You always seem to write about the actors and actresses that I grew up watching. You seem to dislike the same ones that I do too. You take all of us on a short trip down memory lane. Keep them coming.

Randy

[kikibalt]

It looks like today is Wagon Train day, that's all that's been on the Western Channel today, I don't mind. The Western Channel showcases a B-Western star a month, I think this month its Johnny Mack Brown that will be showcase, I remember going to the Royal Theater that was on Whittier Bl. in E.L.A on Sunday's back in the late '40's to see Brown and other cowboy stars. Riding two buses round trip and the ticket to the Royal would cost me 28 cents.....

[THEHAMMER321]

My all time favorite actor is Charles Bronson, hard times and the mechanic were great, of the western actors Ben Johnson is my favorite, with his take no sh-t attitude, the one actor to me who made me laugh just to hear him talk was slim pickens, his southern drawl seemed so exaggerated, R.I.P guys

[Rick Farris]

It looks like today is Wagon Train day, that's all that's been on the Western Channel today, I don't mind. The Western Channel showcases a B-Western star a month, I think this month its Johnny Mack Brown that will be showcase, I remember going to the Royal Theater that was on Whittier Bl. in E.L.A on Sunday's back in the late '40's to see Brown and other cowboy stars. Riding two buses round trip and the ticket to the Royal would cost me 28 cents.....

Frank, around the CBS lot in Studio City the streets have kind of a "Walk of Fame" such as Hollywood Blvd. My street leads into the front gate of CBS, I live about a half block away. On the sidewalks of my street, as well as Ventura Blvd, they have stars similar to Hollywood Blvd. but these are all dedicated to past productions of the Studio that today is CBS, and was once Republic Pictures, and was originally the MAck Sennet Studios when it opened in 1927.

Most of the stars remember the Republic B-Westerns you talk about. Each star names the movie and it's stars. You'll see names such as John Wayne, Gene Autry, Johnny Mack Brown, Smiley Burnett, etc.

Back when I was a kid Warner Brothers was still run by Jack Warner, not the Time-Warner company. Studiostook care of their employess and would have an annual rodeo which would be held out in Saugus. I'd go each year with my grandparents, and this was back when Warner's had their actors under contract. Warners had a few Westerns itself, including Maverick, Sugarfoot, The Law Man, etc. All of the Warner's Western stars would make an appearance at the Rodeo on horses, such as James Garner, Will Hutchins, and the actor who starred in "Have Gun, Will Travel", Richard Boone.

Years later, working with Michael Landon and Victor French on "Little House on the Praire" I'd learn a lot of TV Western history. Vic French grew up in the Valley as the son of a Republic B-Movie actor/stuntman. Victor grew up in the business and what many don't know is that he was also a great director. After guest starring on two episodes of Gunsmoke, James Arness (who played Sheriff Matt Dillon) asked Vic if he would direct a couple of episodes, which he did. After that, Vic worked on Bonanza as a guest star, and that is where he met and befriended Landon.

Vic and I used to attend fights at both the Forum and the Country Club in the Valley. When I would go to his home, in the hills above Studio City, Vic's place was covered with classic Hollywood memorabelia, such as cowboy boots worn by Hoot Gibson, a musket rifle used by another famous western star whose name escapes me. He had one of the largest collections of Wesern Movie posters and Lobby cards. Today Vic's collection can be foundin the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum located right by the Griffith PArk Zoo. Ironically, it was at that Museum where Vic thru a party for all of his friends in lieu of a funeral when he passed in June, 1989. I wish Vic was still here. He would be attending the CBHOF & WBHOF events every year. He would be inviting Frank, Randy, Brian and our gang to his house after the CBHOF, to show his collection, and maybe run a classic Western in his screening room. Vic loved boxers, and he was a Western Movie historian. He grew up in the business. We had a lot in common.

[Rick Farris]

My all time favorite actor is Charles Bronson, hard times and the mechanic were great, of the western actors Ben Johnson is my favorite, with his take no sh-t attitude, the one actor to me who made me laugh just to hear him talk was slim pickens, his southern drawl seemed so exaggerated, R.I.P guys

Paul . . . Bronson was one of my favorites too. When he did "Hard Times" he played a fighter very well, I thought.
I never worked with Bronson, but heard from others that he was a very private man. And Ben Johnson!!!!

Ben Johnson was a REAL Cowboy!. In 1992, the creator of Bonanza attempted to create a second-generation version of the original. The entire cast was all dead (except for Pernell Roberts who had left the show early on) and the producer had us shoot a pilot up at the Bonanza Ranch at Lake Tahoe. The production had Michael Landon Jr. playing the son of Little Joe (who was supposedly killed in the Spanish-American war), Dirk Blocker (Dan's son) playing the son of Hoss, and Ben Johnson playing the boy's uncle, the brother of Ben Cartwright. The crew used was what remained of Michael Landon crew that worked on Little House and Highway to Heaven. Had the pilot been a success, we'd have filmed the series on location in Prescott, Arizona. The pilot was never picked up or even aired on TV, however I got to work with Ben Johnson, a great actor and equally great man. As we filmed ascene up in Tahoe, it was mid-january and there was 3 feet of snow on the ground.
I recall that the 74-year-old Johnson actually roped a steer in one shot. Ben Johnson was abig man, and he spoke softly, just like you'd expect from a cowboy. A few years later he passed away.

(A little Bonanza trivia. On the north Shore of Lake Tahoe you'll find a ranch that is said to be Bonanza's Ponderosa Ranch. It's a tourist attraction that claims to be a regular filming location for the series. Not true. Mike Landon told us that Bonanza was never filmed at the Lake Tahoe location, except for the original shot of Ben and the three son's riding toward the camera on horse's for the opening credits to the sound of the Bonanza theme song) Aside from that, the ranch was reproduced from the set of Bonanaza, which originally was filmed at Paramount Studios and later at Warner Brothers. Most of the exterior scenes for Bonanza was filmed at the Paramount Ranch facility in Calabasas.)

[Rick Farris]

Go get him, Louie.

Louie Burke and Jesse Reid

Great photo! Your cousin was a helluva fighter, Randy. And that's a great shot. Thanks, Bennie.

[Randyman]

My all time favorite actor is Charles Bronson, hard times and the mechanic were great, of the western actors Ben Johnson is my favorite, with his take no sh-t attitude, the one actor to me who made me laugh just to hear him talk was slim pickens, his southern drawl seemed so exaggerated, R.I.P guys

Paul . . . Bronson was one of my favorites too. When he did "Hard Times" he played a fighter very well, I thought.
I never worked with Bronson, but heard from others that he was a very private man. And Ben Johnson!!!!

Ben Johnson was a REAL Cowboy!. In 1992, the creator of Bonanza attempted to create a second-generation version of the original. The entire cast was all dead (except for Pernell Roberts who had left the show early on) and the producer had us shoot a pilot up at the Bonanza Ranch at Lake Tahoe. The production had Michael Landon Jr. playing the son of Little Joe (who was supposedly killed in the Spanish-American war), Dirk Blocker (Dan's son) playing the son of Hoss, and Ben Johnson playing the boy's uncle, the brother of Ben Cartwright. The crew used was what remained of Michael Landon crew that worked on Little House and Highway to Heaven. Had the pilot been a success, we'd have filmed the series on location in Prescott, Arizona. The pilot was never picked up or even aired on TV, however I got to work with Ben Johnson, a great actor and equally great man. As we filmed ascene up in Tahoe, it was mid-january and there was 3 feet of snow on the ground.
I recall that the 74-year-old Johnson actually roped a steer in one shot. Ben Johnson was abig man, and he spoke softly, just like you'd expect from a cowboy. A few years later he passed away.

(A little Bonanza trivia. On the north Shore of Lake Tahoe you'll find a ranch that is said to be Bonanza's Ponderosa Ranch. It's a tourist attraction that claims to be a regular filming location for the series. Not true. Mike Landon told us that Bonanza was never filmed at the Lake Tahoe location, except for the original shot of Ben and the three son's riding toward the camera on horse's for the opening credits to the sound of the Bonanza theme song) Aside from that, the ranch was reproduced from the set of Bonanaza, which originally was filmed at Paramount Studios and later at Warner Brothers. Most of the exterior scenes for Bonanza was filmed at the Paramount Ranch facility in Calabasas.)

In 1962 there was a new store opening up on the corner of Washington Blvd & Rosemead Blvd in Pico Rivera, I think it was a Serv-Mart, it eventually went through several different names and eventually became a KMart and that's what it was for years.

Anyways, for the grand opening the Cartwright home from the Pondarosa was brought in and placed on the parking lot. It was just my mother and I. She went into the store and I stayed in the parking lot. I went inside the home. As an eight year old kid I was in awe. We watched Bonanza at home on a regular basis. The Chair and sofa, the fireplace and my favorite piece of Cartwright furniture, the coffee table, were all there just as in Bonanza. I waked up the stairs to take a look at the bedrooms but the steps led to a wall that couldn't be seen on TV.

After I looked at every inch of the house I went inside the store to look for my mother. As soon as I turned the corner into the main aisle I ran into the Three Stooges, Moe, Larry and Curly Joe DeRita (both Shemp and Curley has already passed). The guy that hosted the Three Stooges show on TV was there too but I don't remember his name. I walked up to them and shook their hands and spoke with them for a few minutes before I went looking for my mother. They were extremely nice to me. I still enjoy watching their reruns.

As for Charles Bronson, I am a huge fan. "Hard Times" is my favorite Bronson movie. It's also the first movie that Jeri and I saw together. It was at a drive in theater in Ontario, 1975. I must have seen it a hundred times since.

Ben Johnson? Among the best when it comes to character actors, especially in westerns.

Randy

[Rick Farris]

Instead of Wagon Train . . .

I'm replaying "The Gil Cadilli Story", a documentary by Gil Cadilli Jr.
There is so much old school, Los Angeles boxing history in this simple film.
Although filmed not too long ago, some of those interviewed are gone.
Many of those involved, I've met, just guys who were a part of the boxing world I knew.
Gil Jr. did his dad proud with a nice memory, one that I truly appreciate.
I knew a lot of what was covered, but I also learned a lot of things I didn't know.
Just seeing a lot of old faces that I grew up with brings back some great memories

[Rick Farris]

A Michael Landon story . . .

I used to love coming to work on Little House or Highway 2 Heaven, because Michael always arrived on the set with a smile on his face. He'd tell a joke, usually something corny that he'd make better using facial expressions. In other words, we started the day laughing or smiling. He didn't get uptight or upset, he was in control, and man did he know what he was doing! It was usually one take and move on. We'd finish in less hours than other productions, and he would pay us more.
He would write the show, produce it, direct it, help with the editing, and of course, he was the star.
With great affection we referred to him as "The Dude".

We were a close knit crew, a true professional family. We were loyal beyond loyal, and many of the crew dated back to Bonanza and Little House. I hooked up with the crew before the last season of Little House. I was recommended as a replacement by the original lighting gaffer from Bonanza who, instead of retiring, was encouraged by Landon to remain a part of the production. I was already gaining a rep as a lighting director who could use both hard and soft lite. I guess you could say I was well schooled by a few lighting legends who had learned from my grandad. Mike liked that. After talking with me about my background for five minutes, Landon stood, extended his hand to me and welcomed me to his company. I had a choice at that part of my career, should I go on to light major eature films, as my cousin would, or would I remain in TV and work for Landon. I chose Landon, and despite his early deatjh, I have never regretted being a part of that commardarie. He paid us better than anybody else in town, and worked us fewer hours. The hours we worked were all productive and prefessional, and a helluva lot of fun. Exactly six months from this New Year's day (July 1, 2011) will mark the 20th anniversary of Michael Landon's death. I miss him, and Vic, and a legendary cinematographer Ted Voitlander who taught me things you can't learn at USC or any film school. I've worked many major feature films, some big ones, but nothing has been as gratifying, educational and fun as working with "The Dude".

[Randyman]

A Michael Landon story . . .

I used to love coming to work on Little House or Highway 2 Heaven, because Michael always arrived on the set with a smile on his face. He'd tell a joke, usually something corny that he'd make better using facial expressions. In other words, we started the day laughing or smiling. He didn't get uptight or upset, he was in control, and man did he know what he was doing! It was usually one take and move on. We'd finish in less hours than other productions, and he would pay us more.
He would write the show, produce it, direct it, help with the editing, and of course, he was the star.
With great affection we referred to him as "The Dude".

We were a close knit crew, a true professional family. We were loyal beyond loyal, and many of the crew dated back to Bonanza and Little House. I hooked up with the crew before the last season of Little House. I was recommended as a replacement by the original lighting gaffer from Bonanza who, instead of retiring, was encouraged by Landon to remain a part of the production. I was already gaining a rep as a lighting director who could use both hard and soft lite. I guess you could say I was well schooled by a few lighting legends who had learned from my grandad. Mike liked that. After talking with me about my background for five minutes, Landon stood, extended his hand to me and welcomed me to his company. I had a choice at that part of my career, should I go on to light major eature films, as my cousin would, or would I remain in TV and work for Landon. I chose Landon, and despite his early deatjh, I have never regretted being a part of that commardarie. He paid us better than anybody else in town, and worked us fewer hours. The hours we worked were all productive and prefessional, and a helluva lot of fun. Exactly six months from this New Year's day (July 1, 2011) will mark the 20th anniversary of Michael Landon's death. I miss him, and Vic, and a legendary cinematographer Ted Voitlander who taught me things you can't learn at USC or any film school. I've worked many major feature films, some big ones, but nothing has been as gratifying, educational and fun as working with "The Dude".

Rick, that type of learning comes under the heading of real life experience. You can't buy that type of schooling, there's only one way to learn it and that's true in any occupation; the movie industry, boxing or aerospace. I admire loyalty too, it ranks right up there with heart. The right kind of loyalty usually pays off, though that's not the reason for true loyalty. You made the right choices Rick. Your life reflects that.

Randy

[kikibalt]

Western Museum in Lone Pine, Ca.



This small western museum has a good amount of western memorabilia. The Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, Ca. were
the site of many B-Western movies starting in the 1930's.

[Rick Farris]

Western Museum in Lone Pine, Ca.



This small western museum has a good amount of western memorabilia. The Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, Ca. were
the site of many B-Western movies starting in the 1930's.

If I pass thru there I'll stop in, Frank.
I have a friend, Luster Bayliss, who was John Wayne's wardrobe man for years.
Today Luster no longer works on film sets, but owns a good sized costume rental huse used by the film industry.
In the 90's, he helped a girlfriend of mine get into the Costumer's union, and she started out by working for him in his costume rental house.
When I took her to the business to meet Luster, he showed his office, which had a little museum in its own right in the back.
He showed us John Wayne's wardrobe, all marked with a name label sewed in the garment. The hat he wore in True Grit, etc.
Interesting stuff. Luster was very loyal to John Wayne, as were all who worked for The Duke. He treated his people well, I've known his stunt-double, make-up artist and all said the same thing.

[kikibalt]

Western Museum in Lone Pine, Ca.



This small western museum has a good amount of western memorabilia. The Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, Ca. were
the site of many B-Western movies starting in the 1930's.

If I pass thru there I'll stop in, Frank.
I have a friend, Luster Bayliss, who was John Wayne's wardrobe man for years.
Today Luster no longer works on film sets, but owns a good sized costume rental huse used by the film industry.
In the 90's, he helped a girlfriend of mine get into the Costumer's union, and she started out by working for him in his costume rental house.
When I took her to the business to meet Luster, he showed his office, which had a little museum in its own right in the back.
He showed us John Wayne's wardrobe, all marked with a name label sewed in the garment. The hat he wore in True Grit, etc.
Interesting stuff. Luster was very loyal to John Wayne, as were all who worked for The Duke. He treated his people well, I've known his stunt-double, make-up artist and all said the same thing.

Sometimes on our fishing trips we stay at a motel next door to the Lone Pine museum. There is in Lone Pine a cafe that we go to for breakfast that is wall to wall with pictures of the cowboy stars that filmed in the Alabama Hills. Lone Pine is a nice little town..

[Rick Farris]

Western Museum in Lone Pine, Ca.



This small western museum has a good amount of western memorabilia. The Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, Ca. were
the site of many B-Western movies starting in the 1930's.

If I pass thru there I'll stop in, Frank.
I have a friend, Luster Bayliss, who was John Wayne's wardrobe man for years.
Today Luster no longer works on film sets, but owns a good sized costume rental huse used by the film industry.
In the 90's, he helped a girlfriend of mine get into the Costumer's union, and she started out by working for him in his costume rental house.
When I took her to the business to meet Luster, he showed his office, which had a little museum in its own right in the back.
He showed us John Wayne's wardrobe, all marked with a name label sewed in the garment. The hat he wore in True Grit, etc.
Interesting stuff. Luster was very loyal to John Wayne, as were all who worked for The Duke. He treated his people well, I've known his stunt-double, make-up artist and all said the same thing.

Sometimes on our fishing trips we stay at a motel next door to the Lone Pine museum. There this in Lone Pine a cafe that we go to for breakfast that is wall to wall with pictures of the cowboy stars that filmed in the Alabama Hills. Lone Pine is a nice little town..

Frank, the only time I can remember being in Lone Pine was when I was a kid with my grandparents.
It was a place my Grandfather seemed to know well. It seems every place we went he had filmed there, maybe Lone Pine too?

[Rick Farris]

Bennie Briscoe funeral info

Monday, January 10, 2011
Deliverance Evangelistic Church
2001 West Lehigh Avenue (site of the old Connie Mack Stadium)
Philadelphia, PA 19132
phone: 215-226-7600
Viewing 9-11am
Service begins at 11am.

[kikibalt]

Coffee is ready....

[kikibalt]

From Wikipedia

Alabama Hills

A local attraction is the Beverly and Jim Rogers Museum of Lone Pine Film History which exposes the area's frequent appearances in Hollywood feature films. The Alabama Hills, west of town, are frequently used as a filming location for Westerns and other movies. The Whitney Portal road was used in the 1941 film High Sierra with Humphrey Bogart, which culminated with a shoot-out between Bogart's character (Roy Earle) and the police, at the foot of Mount Whitney. Also, there is The Forum Theater, a theater-cafe that hosts live music, theater, and films on the weekends. The Lone Pine Film Festival has been held every year since 1990 to celebrate the rich heritage that film makers have brought to the area over the years.

The Alabama Hills Recreation Area is directed by the Bureau of Land Management for public recreation.

Rick, maybe some day you will go to the Lone Pine Film Festival.....

[kikibalt]

I feel so bad that I told Connie "I have some clear suits hanging, you can pick one out to to bury me in", she said, "No, those are the boys", I said, "Yeah! the fornicator's will probably wear them to my funeral and bury me in a t-shirt".....

[kikibalt]

I showed Connie the above post and she said to me, "can't we ever have a conversation without you writing about it on your boxing site?, don't talk to me anymore!!".....

[kikibalt]

For Vegas Paulie

http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-mob ... 1473.story

Bugsy Siegel's Las Vegas

[kikibalt]

http://www.lonepinechamber.org/events/events.html

Lone Pine Film Festival dates for 2011 will be on October, 9, 10, & 11.

[Rick Farris]

I showed Connie the above post and she said to me, "can't we ever have a conversation without you writing about it on your boxing site?, don't talk to me anymore!!".....

They just don't get it, do they?

[Rick Farris]

For Vegas Paulie

http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-mob ... 1473.story

Bugsy Siegel's Las Vegas

There is a group that spoke with Armando Muniz about including a boxing museum as part of the Mob Museum planned for Las Vegas.
They were hoping to have the idea co-signed by the WBHOF.
I think a boxing museum might be nice, but it's something that nobody has a strong interest in.
I guess you could "relate" boxing with the mob due to the history of organized crime's involvment in boxing.
Aside from that, why?

When I first became involved with the WBHOF, I was all for a plan to create a boxing museum,
However, after I sat down with a pen and paper, and realized what would be necessary to establsih, maintain and continually upgrade and update the inventory and attractions, I realized it would be a hard to keep going.
People are not going to go to far out of their way to visit a boxing museum while in Vegas, unless it's right in a Casino.