Gotch Statue In Humboldt A Reality

Friday, December 2nd, 2011 | Newspaper, Wrestling | No Comments

The dream of erecting a statue of former world heavyweight wrestling champion Frank Gotch has become a reality.

After 15 months of planning, which included a tireless fundraising effort, the committee has raised enough funds to hire a sculptor to begin the project.

The Frank Gotch Statue Committee has signed a contract to hire sculptor Jeff Adams of Oregon, Illinois, to create a bronze statue of Gotch, to be placed at Bicknell Park in Humboldt, the historic training site for Frank Gotch in the early 1900s.

The eight-foot tall bronze statue of Gotch will be placed on a three-foot base. The project is expected to be completed by next summer, with a final date and unveiling ceremony yet to be determined.

The committee has raised enough money to begin the project, but there are still bricks available to any person or groups wanting to have their name on a brick that will be part of the landscaping around the museum. Among those who have purchased bricks are three Olympians and several former professional wrestling champions.

Read on to find out how to be a part…

Tags: Frank Gotch, Humboldt

Iowa History Journal Volume 3, Issue 5 Now Available

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 | Iowa History Journal | No Comments

Meredith Willson marched his way into immortality (with 76 trombones leading the way) with his hit play and movie “The Music Man”. Willson grew up in Mason City, Iowa, and used his hometown as the backdrop for the fictional town of River City, Iowa, in the play. The movie debuted in Mason City on June 9, 1962, and today the city has returned the favor with the Music Man Square in downtown Mason City. Willson was a major success in the entertainment world for decades and John Skipper, noted Mason City journalist, has written a riveting story for the current issue of Iowa History Journal. There are several powerful photographs that tell the story of Meredith Willson’s impact on his beloved hometown.

Readers will also be treated to feature stories on the fabulous Salisbury House, a castle in the heart of Des Moines; the restored Orpheum Theater in Marshalltown; the Kinze Manufacturing Company near Interstate 80, west of Williamsburg, and how Gene Baker of Davenport made his mark with the Chicago Cubs in the 1950s. Also included in this issue:

• Samuel Kirkwood became Iowa governor in 1860 just as Abraham Lincoln took over as President, and then was talked into serving again despite his own reluctance
• How the city of Mitchellville came by its name
• Review of a book called the Quiet Hero, about Kenny Ploen and his role in leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to their Rose Bowl victory in 1957
• The Iowa History Quiz
• Columns by our regulars – Arvid Huisman, John McNeer and Mike Chapman

…and much more!

Read more to see what’s inside this issue…

Tags: Gene Baker, Kinze Manufacturing, Mason City, Meredith Willson, Mitchellville, Orpheum Theater, Salisbury House, Samuel Kirkwood, The Music Man

Speaking Testimonials

Monday, August 29th, 2011 | Speaking | No Comments

Mike has been busy this year giving speeches all across the state. If you’re looking for a speaker for your event, consider bringing Mike in to talk about a number of topics covered in the Speaking section of the site. Here are some testimonials that have come in over the past year:

“Mike Chapman presented our club with a lively, laugh-filled, eye-opening review of famous Iowans, from Nile Kinnick to Dan Gable and everyone in between. Plus, he offered an unforgettable travelogue about his long-sought visit to the Plain of Troy. He is perfect for all kinds of organizations because his style and material are fresh, funny and a delight to hear!”

Kathie Swift, President,
The Friendship Force of Greater Des Moines

“Mike Chapman…is undoubtedly one of the best speakers I have heard for a long, long time. The whole group felt that way and lined up to visit with him after the meeting. His great wife Bev also came with him.”

Nancy Johns,
Program chair, Northwest Rotary, Urbandale, Iowa

Click to view more testimonials…

A Conversation on Nile Kinnick

Friday, August 19th, 2011 | Speaking | No Comments

Mike will be one of the featured speakers at an event this weekend to raise money for a Nile Kinnick Museum in Adel. The event starts at 7 pm in Adel and will also feature comments from Jim Zabel, via teleconference, and host Jim Miller.

A kick-off event is scheduled for Saturday, August 20th, at 7:00 p.m. at the ADM High School Auditorium for the Nile Kinnick Institute & Museum project. “A Conversation on Nile Kinnick, with Jim Zabel, Mike Chapman & Jon Miller” will be an informative and entertaining evening featuring three of Iowa’s most noted sports broadcasters and journalists. It will also be an opportunity for people to learn more about this exciting project for Adel.

Click for more information and to buy tickets…

Tags: Jim Zabel, Nile Kinnick