The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-02-22

won ana lost ss-sl and el-62 to the /
Harlem Yankees, New York
eolored court combination.
Less than three weeks, ago, the
Industrial Recreation Association Of
Waterbury, with q twice-weekly
basketball program directed by Ed
ward T. Mc0rath, who also directs
an I. r. A. girls hoop league, trans
ferred all its games for the remain
der of the season to the armory
court from the YMCA, where seat
ing capacity Is limited for outstand-
ing attractions that more than 800
fans would wish to see. About zoo
to 500 league fans have attended
Sunday and Wednesday games a.
the arinory, with the Waterbury
Guards, winners OF 3 of their FIRST
games, having 500 to 800 fans at
each Sunday night performance.
Record -HOlder
George F. Mulligan, ST., outstand-
ing New England boxing promoter
Of IS years experience. whose S69,-
600 gross receipts for the Kaplan-
Herman fight as Brassco Park re-
mains a New England financial rec
ord since the middle l92o's has
sponsored several outstanding bouts
at the state armory; and plans to
show there again early in March,
IL he can Zine up" the main bout
that he has been after for several
weeks. Also in March. a revival OF
professional wrestling is planned al
the arInorv; Eddie Walker. former
local boxer and BROWNIE Karaban
OF Beacon Falls to be the promoters.
Regardless of what great games OF
individual performances Water
old Timers" may see in the post
war future, most Of them will never
quite erase from memory the stir.
ring games, fights and man-to-man
contests they saw al the old Audi
forum" Originally built by Jean
Jacques Of theatrical fame, because
he wanted an opera house" worthy
Of the name and patronage Of Wa
terbury people: part Of the audi
torium' was opened as the Jacques
and Fem Skating rink in Novem-
Der, 1882; was then named the Ca
sino about q year later, and, in 1885
the Peoples Theater: the physical
properties Of the building did not
satisfy Mr. Jacques. who later spent
$4,000 TO build the opera house
which stu bears his name at the
corner Of Phoenix and Abbott ave-
nues. Then, il was that Sports real
y took over in the South Main
street building. which was decorated
in rustic style. had large floor and
balcony capable Of seating 1000 OF
more people.
Great Fighters
Fights. roller polo, boxing exhibit
tons and wrestling were the prin-
cipal attractions for many years.
until the City Amateur basketball
league moved in. about 1918 Jim
Jeffries. barrel-chested heavyweight
champion OF the world who lost his
title TO Jack johnson. boxed a three
round exhibition al the South Main
street auditorium. while on tour
Then there was Packy Mcfarland
one OF the fastest boxers who ever
threw a glove: Johnny Kid Aloerts
and Joe Shugrue, Johnny Dundee.
who won the worlds lightweight
championship after he showed in
Waterbury with his "airplane
punch delivered TO an opponents
head or jaw while bouncing of the
ropes; and. later on, Charley One
Round" Nolan. now a police serg-
capt, Wild Bill" Fleming from Old
town. Maine Silent" Martin, a fine
fighter devoid of his speech. Joe
Kid Shea. and Buddy Faulkes, the
little. mild-mannered negro boy who
was a treat to the eyes Of any box
ing fan every time he entered the
ring. Shea was reputed to be a great
prospect until overtaken by illness.
Kelly and Walker
OF course. fight fans who were on
hand for most Of the Auditorium
battles. will. perhaps. never agree
as TO which fight was the greatest
ever staged there: Dut most Of them
Will not deny that the Bobby Kelly
Eddie Walker knocXdown-dragout
affair was among" the greatest
that have passed in review in this
city or anywhere else. II became so
brutal that local police. led by the
late Capt. Frank Cutting jumped in
the ring. stopped by bloody battle
and called Of all bets"
Some Of the fans" at that fight
and many others saw the ring hap
penings from the roof Of the old
Auditorium. where a purposely
broken skylight. provided perfect
vision from above Tor the few ring
side on the roof" fans who came
early and were physically able TO
hold their places.
Best Of the sports thrillers was not
confined to boxing by any means.
Roller polo, with Fred Jean. Jig