["Sports Program at the Fair Grounds." Anoka Union 26 Jul. 1933: Print.]
The mid-summer sports program under auspices of the American Legion at the Anoka fair grounds Tuesday evening was a decided success drawing a crowd of over 1000 people.
The horse races drew a field of runners who ran the course in record time.H. Mullenberg of Owatona was the winner in the 2:18 pace winning all three heats. His time in the first heat was 2:15&1/4, in the second heat 2:14&1/4 and in the third heat 2:15&1/4. The time was exceptionally fast but the track was in good condition. Mr. Mullenberg was driving Earl Williams. Nancy Argot, driven by B. Michaels of St. Paul, placed second in all heats while Electro Patch, driven by P. Mattson of Rochester, won two thirds and a fourth. L. Riley of Anoka was fourth and O. Lund of Anoka fifth.
In the free for all running race the outcome was not certain until shortly before the contestants crossed the finish line. They ran on even terms over the five-eighth mile course, riding neck and neck all the way. Coming down the home stretch all three riders seemed to be even up but shortly before the finish. Orenda, owned by Ed Marsh of Milaca, and ridden by Mr. Monroe, took the front with Black Cezar, another Marsh horse with Fisher, ran second and May Visco owned by Harold White of St Paul with Patton up came in third. The time was 1:04&1/4.
The first of the boxing bouts was a contest between Bob Meeham and Kid McGahn of St Paul at 126 pounds. The bout was one of the best of the evening with Meehan left jabbing McGahn all over the ring. McGahn tried to stage a comeback in the third round but the effects of the lefts were too much and he fell to clinching repeatedly.
The third battle was the best of the evening when Harold “Fat” Miller of Anoka knocked out Fighting Joe Waldoch in the second round of their three round bout. Starting like a whirlwind in the round, Miller pummeled Waldoch all over the ring hitting him at will with left hooks and right uppercuts. The pace was too fast and after two minutes of furious milling, Miller set down to steady punching bringing several right uppers to the jaw in the second round after several seconds of toe to toe slugging, Miller landed a left to the jaw, followed by a terrific right uppercut which sent Waldoch sprawling to the canvas knocked out. It was the only knockout of the evening.
Mike Gibbons, the greatest middleweight boxer of all time and Minnesota’s greatest fighter, was the referee of all the bouts and did a splendid job.
The music between the fights and races was presented by the American Legion band of Cambridge under the direction of Ray Parker a former Anoka boy.
After the program a dance given in the fair grounds dance pavilion which was well attended. The program was exceptional and enjoyed by all present. The American Legion thanks the people that came out and helped make their first offering of this kind a great success. It is hoped that there will be another like program held here soon.
Jerry Dugan, Northwest champion Golden Gloves welterweight, was present and was introduced to the crowd.
