Introduction
Lew Skymer
LEW SKYMER was born Louis A. Skymer on August 21, 1906 in Lycoming County PA, to Thomas A. and Mary Skymer. Both he and his young brother Thomas J. “Tommy” Skymer were talented boxers in the Camden area Golden Gloves amateur circuit in the 1920s and 1930s, the same circuit that had sent Camden boxer Leon Lucas to the Olympics in 1928. Lew Skymer had turned professional by 1926, and fought at least twice, both in that year, in the featherweight division. His one known loss that year listed at the Internet Boxing Records Archive was to Johnny Jadick, who would go on to become World Junior Welterweight champion in 1932. He also fought as a junior lightweight and lightweight. Lew Skymer would retire with a record of 49 wins against only 6 defeats, his only known (to this writer) defeat the 1928 loss to Jadick.
The Skymer family moved to Camden in 1912. Thomas A. Skymer worked as a laborer for a few years, and the family lived in the unit block of South 2nd Street. In 1916 Thomas A. Skymer moved his family to 330 Mickle Street, which had been the home of famous 19th Century architect Stephen Decatur Button, and was next door to the home of the late poet Walt Whitman. Shortly after the January 1920 Census the Skymer family moved again, to 1309 Broadway in Camden, where Thomas A. Skymer had opened an auto supply business. The 1930 Census lists Lew Skymer’s occupation as machinist, while brother Tommy was a painter for a sign company. A third brother, Albert, was also doing factory work.
In 1928 Lew Skymer was forced to stop boxing due to a cataract in his left eye. The cataract was removed, and he was advised never to box again. Ignoring medical advice, he fought three times in 1931, before again being forced to stop due to an eye injury. This time he had suffered a detached retina in his left eye, and the eye had to be removed to save the vision in his right eye. This stopped his active career, although he remained involved in the fight game for decades afterwards.
By 1947, married and with his boxing days were long behind him, Lew Skymer was still living at 1309 Broadway in Camden with his wife Vera. He was still operating the family business, by then known as Skymer’s Tire Service there, his father having retired in 1941. Lew Skymer was still living on Broadway as late as 1959. In later years he closed the tire business and operated a laundry on the premises.
Lew Skymer kept his interest in boxing, and was a member of the Veterans Boxing Association Ring No. 6, based in Camden, and was involved in planning and producing the annual banquet which that group held.
Lew and Vera Skymer moved to 1752 West River Drive in Pennsauken NJ in the 1960s, a home that had been previously lived in by Maurice A. Wolfe Jr., who was killed in action while serving with the Navy during World War II. Lew Skymer remained a Pennsauken resident for the rest of his years. His mother, Mary Skymer lived with him in her later years, passing in March of 1975.
Lewis Skymer passed away in October of 1980, survived by a son, Lewis Jr., his brothers Albert and Thomas, and sister-in-law Josephine “Jo” Skymer. The Jo Skymer Lighting business was established in 1950, and has been selling lamps and chandeliers on Crescent Boulevard, near the Airport Circle since 1965. Jo Skymer Lighting is still in business as of the summer of 2003.
On May 10, 1981 Lew Skymer was inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame, at a banquet held at Palumbo’s, in South Philadelphia.
Photos
Thomas & Mary Skymer — September 11, 1905
Albert, Thomas J. “Tommy” & Louis “Lew” Skymer — About 1912
Thomas A. & Mary Skymer with sons Lew, Tommy J. & Albert
Lew & Vera Skymer
Lew Skymer with Jersey Joe Walcott
330 Mickle Street
Named: 330 Mickle Street, October 1, 2005, Home of Stephen Decatur Button (1870s, 1897); Lew Skymer & Tommy Skymer (1910s, and 1920s).
Cooper B. Hatch Junior High School, 1925
Named: Cooper B. Hatch Junior High School, 1925, “9AS Graduating Class”, and Tommy Skymer, 1st row seated, 4th from left.
Skymer Tire Service, 1309 Broadway
The Skymer Family and friends in front of Skymer Tire Service — 1309 Broadway
Professional Boxing Record
Career record: 49 wins, 6 defeats (1 loss by decision, 1 no contest recorded below).
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lew Mayrs | Camden, NJ | NC / ND | 8 | |
| Mayrs won the “newspaper decision.” | ||||
| Johnny Jadick | Philadelphia, PA | L / PTS | 8 | |
| Bout held in February. | ||||
Mt. Holly Shows To Close Friday
Trenton Evening Times —
MOUNT HOLLY, September 26.— The Holly Athletic Association which has been conducting the outdoor boxing shows at the baseball park here since May will bring the open air attractions to a close on Friday night, September 26, with what Matchmakers Higgins and Carabine think will prove the best program of the summer and fall season.
The wind-up of eight rounds will be staged by Buddy Fitzgerald, of Philadelphia, and Tommie Cooney, of Atlantic City, and the fight fans who watch the Atlantic City and Philadelphia contests will tell you that this can but be a humdinger, as both fighters carry a wallop in either hand, are strong and aggressive. What more can one expect from a fighter. They meet at 135 pounds.
The semi-windup of six rounds will be staged by that old ring general Harry Larson, of Philadelphia, and he will have as his opponent Joey Rice, of Kensington. If you follow-up the fighting game you know Harry Larson and his ability, and Rice is said to be his equal in every respect.
The balance of the thirty-eight rounds of fighting will be made up as follows: Six rounds—Jackie Hindle, of Gloucester, and Kid Wallace, of Philadelphia, 122 pounds.
Six rounds—Jackie Delmont, of Camden, and Chic Emmons, of Trenton, 124 pounds.
Six rounds—“Mussy” Shinn, of Mount Holly, and Lou Skymer, of Camden. 130 pounds.
Six rounds—Lou Kid Flores, of Mount Holly, and Maxie Freeman, the champion of Camp Dix, at 146 pounds.
Frank Ferguson, of Trenton, will be the referee.
Large Crowds at Mt. Holly Bouts
Trenton Evening Times —
MOUNT HOLLY, Sept. 27.—The cool, crisp weather made no appreciable difference in the attendance at the last outdoor boxing show of the Holly Athletic Club at the baseball park last night, fully 2,000 fight fans braving the frosty atmosphere to witness the 38 rounds of boxing which the promoters offered.
Previous to the beginning of the program, State Boxing Commissioner Newton A. K. Bugbee was the guest at a testimonial dinner at the Oneida Boat Club’s quarters in Burlington, after which the party occupied ringside seats.
The banner scrap of the evening was furnished in the eight-round wind-up, in which the principals were Buddy Ferguson, of Philadelphia, and Tommie Cooney, of Atlantic City. Both men adopted the same style of fighting, and used everything but the water buckets on each other. It was easily a draw.
Harry Larson, of Philadelphia, mixed it up with Ted Samborne, also of the City of Brotherly Love, substituting for Joey Rice, who appeared with a broken nose. Larson, as usual, proved the better ring general and easily was entitled to the decision. This fight went six rounds and the men weighed in at 132 pounds.
As was to be expected when the bout was announced. Frankie Hindle, of Camden, and Kid Wallace, of Philadelphia, fighting at 122 pounds, gave the fans a battle all the way through and there were few, if any, who would venture a choice. Hindle received a bad cut over the left eye, while Wallace looked much stronger than the last time they met.
Jackie Delmont, of Camden, and Chic Emmons, of Trenton, gave a hammer and tongs demonstration, which was easily a draw. They weighed in at 116 pounds and went the full six rounds.
“Mussey” Shinn, of Mount Holly, and Lou Skymer, of Camden, both were so weak at the end of the third round that Referee Ferguson decided that both had enough and ended the bout.
Handbill, c. 1926
Handbill dating from around 1926
Ex-Fighters Are Set for Charity Show
Camden Courier-Post —
Jersey Joe Walcott and Roxie Allen in Feature at Civic Hall Tomorrow
Present and past greats of Camden boxing will do their all for charity tomorrow night, when they appear on a card sponsored by the United Democratic Clubs of Camden, at the Camden Convention Hall.
Fifteen bouts of three rounds each are scheduled to be held, and the entire proceeds will be used to provide Christmas baskets for Camden’s needy. The boxers and referees have generously donated their services free of charge, and are to be complimented for their willingness to aid a worthy cause.
All 15 bouts are exhibition matches as most of the principals have been out of training for several years. However, they have done their best to get in pretty fair shape during the past two weeks and a number of interesting bouts should be presented.
Jersey Joe Walcott, still in active harness in heavyweight ranks, and Roxie Allen, who 10 years ago was Camden’s leading lightweight but who retired two years ago, hold the feature spot on the card. Allen and Walcott met here about two years ago and the latter knocked out Roxie in the eighth and final round of a scheduled eight-rounder.
However, Walcott held a 25-pound pull in the weights, scaling in around 185, while Allen weighed around 160. Although Walcott eventually knocked out Allen, Roxie had the satisfaction of flooring Jersey Joe in the first round, a left hook to the jaw sending the Negro down for a count of two.
Blairs Box Each Other
Allen quit fighting at this bout, but still is in good physical shape and should be able to box a fast three rounds against Walcott.
Frankie and Mickey Blair, both of South Camden, are two fighters who made names for themselves in out-of-town fights, and are slated to box each other. Frankie, a welterweight, fought his greatest fights in New York in the past two years, while Mickey was of [sic] the best featherweights in the East about eight years ago.
Tommy Ricco, another South Camden featherweight, and Mickey and Johnny Duca, both of Paulsboro, are the other three boys who are active in the game. Ricco is due to appear against Mickey Duca, while Johnny Duca squares off against Al White, also of Paulsboro.
The veteran of the card is Battling Mack, one of the finest characters ever to enter the fight game. Mack fought the best featherweights in the East shortly after the World War. George Chaney, Benny Bass, Kid Williams, Johnny Buff, Danny Kramer and Pete Herman were some of the boys Balling [sic] met in his prime. He is slated to face Lew Skymer, another South Camdenite who was a favorite with Camden fight addicts.
Hindle Battles Chaney
Jackie Hindle and Eddie Chaney, both local reisdents [sic], are due to meet. Hindle and Chaney were among the great crop of local lightweights who flourished here in 1926, ’27 and ’28. Allen, Hindle, Chaney, Shamus MaGuire, Charley Mack, White, Lew Jackson, Paddy Lyons, Joe Spearing, and Johnny Attell were included among the group which made boxing a major attraction in this city during those years.
Charley Mack meets Young O’Connor in tomorrow night’s bouts. Jackson mingles with Lyons; Spearing battles Frankie Rapp, downtown southpaw who also fought the best featherweights in the East a few short years ago, and Attell clashes with Billy Marino.
Young Firpo, of Pennsgrove, is known to all South Jersey fightgoers. Firpo, a lightweight, packed a great left hook and his record is dotted with knockouts. He will take on Joey Allen, South Camden featherweight who never fought a slow bout and who never side-stepped a match.
Pee Wee Ross undoubtedly was the best bantamweight ever developed in this city. Ross fought ’em all 10 years ago and finished with a great record. He meets Bobby Zimmerman, another local product who also was a pleasing performer and who was known as the “buzz saw” because of his rapid-fire punching.
Nick Nichols, one of the hardest-hitting welterweights ever to hold forth here, takes on Tommy McCann, East Camdenite who had one of the best left hands in the city.
Lucas Vs. Straiges
Johnny Lucas, South Camden welterweight who still could go to the wars, faces Joey Straiges, also of South Camden, who also could compete in featherweight ranks if it were necessary for him to continue boxing. In the other bout on the card, Young Palmer and Tommy Dundee, former featherweights, clash.
Jim Braddock, former world heavyweight champion, is expected to be on hand to referee at least one bout. Others invited to referee are:
Sgt. Ray Smith, Harry Shaw, Tom Walters, Al Ettore, Joey O’Donnell, Mike DeLeece, Young Lawrence, Charley Harris, Bill McFarlane and Walter “West” Kennedy.
The committee in charge of the boxing arrangements consists of Caesar Campana, chairman, Dominic Lombardo, Daniel Gallasso, James McSparrin and Paul Daly.
Nearly 4000 Witness Old-Timers in Action
Camden Courier-Post —
Past and Present South Jersey Boxers Go Through Paces in Charity Show
NO DECISIONS RENDERED
By FRANK KOPESKY
They turned back the sporting pages last night, month after month, year after year.
And out of the staring type and paling newsprint stepped the images of youths who in their bygone day had their names blazed across the headlines for their prowess in the boxing ring.
With nearly 4000 in attendance, these old-timers and some who still are or could be active engaged in a program of exhibition bouts at Convention Hall to aid the poor this Christmas.
The affair was sponsored by the United Democratic Clubs of Camden.
Braddock Gets Big Hand
The feature attraction and a man who received a thunderous ovation from the gathering was popular James J. Braddock, former heavyweight champion of the world, who refereed the final two bouts.
Roxie Allen, of Camden, and Jersey Joe Walcott, Merchantville slugger who still is active, paired off in the windup with Braddock serving as referee.
They boxed lightly most of the way with neither connecting with any serious blows and the spectators were handed a few laughs when both boxers “picked on” Braddock in the last round.
Braddock Gets Hand
Braddock was given a great ovation when he entered the ring to referee the bout between Frankie and Mickey Blair.
Strangely the well-known brothers fought one of the hardest bouts of the night. Frankie, one of the best boxers Camden has ever produced, tagged his older brother with several stiff lefts in the first round. Mickey also got in his share of hard blows, although Frankie was the better of the two.
Lou Skymer and Battling Mack, of South Camden, continued fighting after their three-rounder ended. So Referee Joey O’Donnell scurried from the ring. Skymer had the best of the fight.
Spearing and Rapp Even
Joe Spearing and Frankie Rapp, both from South Camden, boxed lightly for three rounds on about even terms.
Johnny Lucas, of Whitman Park, who did considerably campaigning several years ago, and Joey Straiges, active South Camden lightweight, went through three fast rounds. Straiges had the better of the exhibition.
Young Joe Firpo, of Pennsgrove, and Joey Allen, of Camden, who retired from the ring not so long ago, fought a hard fight in the first round. Allen knocked himself down in the second round when he socked Referee Ray Smith in the stomach. They both pummeled the Sargeant [sic] after the final bell and the bout got a great hand.
Comedy Bout
The spectators sang the “Beer Barrel Polka” when Buck Fleming of the Veteran Boxing Association entered the ring. Bricks and horseshoes were dumped out of Fleming’s gloves before his bout with Joe Shannon, another V. B. A. entrant, began.
It was the comedy bout of the night, meant as such, and the fans went into near hysterics.
Tommy Ricco, active South Camden lightweight, and Al Daly, of Fairview, staged a clever boxing exhibition. Although neither landed any telling blows, the fast bout was a crowd pleaser. Ricco had the best of it.
The parade of overgrown lightweights continued when Eddie Chaney, of Whitman Park, squared off with Jackie Hindle, of South Camden. These two also got “mad” at each other in the third round and Hindle seemed to have the better of it.
Ceaser [sic] Campana, chairman of the committee, who fought as Young O’Connors years ago, paired off with Charley Mack, well known lightweight of a decade ago. After two slow rounds, they really started slugging and the bell halted a furious exchange.
Lyons’ Wind Gives Out
Kayo Palmer, of Camden, and Pat Lyons, of Gloucester, got along for two rounds, but Lyons asked for a short third session when his wind gave out. Timekeeper Dave Lambert cut the round to 30 seconds. Palmer dropped Referee Young Lawrence, who was saved by the bell.
A howl went up from the throng when Announcer Archie McNew introduced Lou Jackson, of Pennsgrove, and Al White, of Paulsboro, as former lightweights. Both massive weight lines and looked like heavyweight wrestlers. They went three rounds and received a great hand for their efforts. Jackson appeared to have the better of it.
Employing several body slams and a flying tackle to good advantage, Young Palmer bested Tommy Dundee in three rounds. Both are former local bantamweights.
Pee-Wee Ross and Bobby Zimmerman, a pair of excellent flyweights in their day, opened the show. They knocked each other “out” in the second round, Referee Joe Mangold counting 10 over the fallen pair. After rising the two Camden men resumed “fighting” much to the crowd’s amusement.
Loss of One Eye No Handicap to Ex-boxer Lew Skymer
Camden Courier-Post —
By Tom Ryan
John L. Davis, fourth ranking lightweight, the other day announced his retirement from the ring because he feared the loss of his vision.
Last December, George “Sugar” Costner, formerly of Cincinnati, but now of Camden, was barred from boxing because of a detached retina in his right eye. Davis also has a detached retina in one of his eyes.
Davis is only 24 years old and Costner is 28. Both were nearing the championship in the lightweight and welterweight divisions when they were forced to quit the ring.
Their plight calls to mind the same misfortune which overtook Lew Skymer, former Camden lightweight who now is a prominent business man.
Lew was only 22 when he was forced to stop boxing because of a detached retina. He later had to have his eye removed to save the sight of his other eye.
We happened to talk with Lew the day after Davis announced his retirement and we naturally got on the subject of boxing, and Lew, who isn’t embarrassed to talk about his misfortune, said:
Of course, it’s a tough break for anyone to lose even a part of their vision, but I think Davis and Costner don’t want sympathy.
I know I didn’t when I lost my left eye because I refused to follow the instructions of an eye specialist. I wasn’t sore at the world when I lost an eye through boxing as I enjoyed every minute I spent in the ring.
I feel the loss of one eye hasn’t handicapped me. I still can do everything I used to do except box and I’m too old for that now.
And I don’t think it will handicap Davis or Costner either if they still retain their vision in one eye.
They had to have courage when they were in the fight game and courage should carry them through the years of their lives even though they are a bit handicapped.
My trouble started when a cataract developed on my left eye. I had the cataract removed and was told not to box again as it might result in a permanent injury and the loss of vision in that eye. That was in 1928. I fought three fights in 1931, meeting Joe Ryan Sr., Tommy Cormey, and Rusty Leroy. My left eye was bloody after the Leroy fight, but I didn’t realize I had suffered a hemorrhage.
It became steadily worse until I knew I had to do something about it. So I underwent another operation and was told I had a detached retina in my left eye, and that the eye would have to be removed to save the sight in my other eye.
The doctor’s diagnosis frightened me, but I knew I had to go through with the operation as the eye was about useless at that time.
So the eye was removed in the latter part of 1931 and ever since I’ve been wearing an artificial eye.
Only about six of my intimate friends, including you, ever knew I had an artificial eye and you know I’ve never been embarrassed to talk about it with you or any of my other friends.
Even my parents to this day didn’t know about it, but of course they’ll know about it now and I’m relieved to think it won’t hurt them like it would have if they’d known about it at the time it happened.
I didn’t tell them about it because I knew it would worry them, but the shock won’t be so great now.
And I haven’t thought about it much for years, but I still read all the fight news and of course I read about the Davis and Costner cases.
I know how they feel right now as I’ve experienced what they are going through. I didn’t have as much at stake as those two as they were nearing the championships in their divisions.
But I know they’ll snap out of it just as I did.
What they need is a steady job to take their minds off their troubles. I know the two fellows like boxing, and so did I. Even after the eye was removed I took two chances boxing exhibition bouts. I boxed Johnny Lucas and Battling Mack and wasn’t any the worse for it.
But that was the last time I drew on a glove although I still like boxing better than any other sport.
I used to think that if we had more rigid physical examinations in my days perhaps I wouldn’t have suffered a detached retina.
Now I know better. With this Davis and Costner both suffering the same eye injury which I suffered over 20 years ago proves that it can happen even in these days of rigid examinations.
But if these fellows are like I was when it happened to me, they don’t want any sympathy. All they want to do is to make a living like any other person.
I knew it was my own fault when it happened to me. I had been warned beforehand, yet I liked boxing so much that I went on fighting, and it wasn’t because I needed the money.
My father had a good business, and I didn’t need to box. But you’ll remember that dozens of Camden kids were boxing in those days, and I wanted to be in the swim.
After I started, I knew it was a game I liked, although I never was particularly bloodthirsty. But it got me like it got many others and if I had my life to live over I’d do the same thing.
It must be tougher on Davis and Costner than it was on me as both those boys were close to the top when they were forced to stop boxing.
But I believe they would rather have what eyesight they have left than be a blind ex-champion. At least that’s the way I felt about it,” concluded Skymer.
Lew was a smart boxer who never was a dynamite puncher. But he won 49 out of 55 fights and still had a brilliant career ahead of him when he was forced to quit.
Older boxing fans will recall his fights against Johnny DeMarco, Artie McCann, Chick Kansik, Jackie Hindle, and Lou Mayers.
Lew was a nice kid when he was boxing. He hasn’t changed over the years. He’s still an affable chap who has a ready smile and who still doesn’t want any sympathy.
He wouldn’t have missed boxing even though it cost him an eye. He hopes both Davis and Costner feel the same way about the matter.
Ring 6 Committee Meets Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
The committee on arrangements for the third annual picnic and field day to be held by Ring No. 6, VBA, will hold a meeting tonight, at 220 Cooper Street, starting at 8 o’clock.
Lew Skymer and Joe Spearing co-chairmen, request the presence of all members of the committee, which includes Vic Righter, Ed Adams, Frankie Youker, Larry Hildebrand, Frank DiSalvio, A. Gartland, Bob Kavanaugh, Tom Reitzes, Patsy Carlo, Peewee Ross, Al Ambrosino. Also W. DiPaolo, K.O. Riley, John Knowles, Tommie Saul, Eddie Chaney, Bobby Zimmer, Tony Tilman, Tommy Carr, George Ealer, and William Jeffries.
13th Annual Banquet Program
Veteran Boxers Association Ring No. 6 —
Veteran Boxers Association
Ring No. 6
13th Annual Banquet
Honoring
“Man of the Year - 1961”
Sunday Evening, May 7, 1961
Moffa’s Farm
Blenheim, N. J.
“One For All - All For One !”
Picnic Grove
Open Sundays - 1 to 12 P. M.
Moffa’s Farm
Banquet Center
Cocktail Lounge - Dinners - Parties
DINNER RESERVATIONS - CAnal 7-0400
ALMONESSON ROAD
BLENHEIM, BLACKWOOD, N. J.
New Jersey Veteran Boxers Association
Ring No. 6 - Camden, New Jersey
Officers
JOE (Kid) MURPHY, President
LES CRANMER, Vice President
NEIL McLAUGHLIN, Recording Secretary
AL DALY, Financial Secretary
FRANKIE RAPP, Treasurer
PEE WEE ROSS, Sergeant-at-Arms
CHARLES BAUERS, Sergeant-at-Arms
Golden Glove Members
FRANKIE CONWAY, Sgt. RAY SMITH, LEON LUCAS, NEIL McLAUGHLIN, ANGELO MALANDRA, EDWARD C. GARRITY, JOE CERVINO, JOE (Kid) MURPHY, LEW SKYMER
Lifetime Members
JOE MORAN, JOE SPEARING, PEE WEE ROSS, Sheriff MARTY SEGAL, Commissioner FRANK (Chick) ABBOTT, Congressman WILLIAM T. CAHILL
Counsellor - FRANK M. LARIO, Esq.
Welfare - LEW SKYMER
Good Will Ambassador - DAVE MOORE
Congratulations and Best Wishes
Compliments of
LADIES AUXILIARY - RING NO. 6
Veteran Boxers Association
Officers for 1961
ANNA MAZZILLI, President
MARIAN MARTIN, Vice President
DAISY MARCHESE, Secretary
MARY L. VITARELLI, Treasurer
MARY ROSSI, Financial Secretary
NETTIE ANGELASTRO, Sergeant-at-Arms
Past Presidents
MARIE FARRIES, MIRIAM GLEASON, STELLA PIETRAFESA
Members at Large
MARY ROSSI, MARGARET PELLE, MARIAN MARTIN, PEARL SEUM, ELAINE CRESCENZO, GILDA DI SALVIA, SHIRLEY MANCINI, ROSE BALLENTINE, MARY VITARELLI, LENA ROSELLI, IDA PELLE, IDA HURT, MARGARET PIZZUTO
GREETINGS
In behalf of Veteran Boxers Association - Ring No. 6, I wish to extend our thanks and appreciation for the help and cooperation we have received through the years. We are celebrating our 13th Annual Banquet and it is gratifying to know that we are progressing steadily forward, for the Veteran Boxers and for the good of our city in which we live.
We are a non-profit organization, our past and present is a matter of record, we have worked and our contribution was greatly appreciated by the Drop-a-Buck Club; we sponsor a team in the Morgan Village Little League; last year we fared four buses of boys over to the Phillies ball park; we take care of our own when they are down, and work to curb juvenile delinquency, for our motto is “One For All - All For One”.
Tonight we are doing honor to one of our own - a Camden boy - Frankie Conway.
I wish to thank the chairman of this banquet, Lew Skymer and two co-chairmen, Frankie Rapp and Pee Wee Ross and the rest of the committee for a job well-done.
I also like to thank our advertisers, patrons, boosters and everyone that has lent their assistance to make this affair a success.
So let us break bread, have joy and merriment, and hope you all have a happy time, and that we may all look forward to meeting again in the future.
Thanks to you all from all of us,
JOE (Kid) MURPHY
President, Ring No. 6
“OUR MAN OF THE YEAR”
Our Guest of Honor, Frankie Conway was born in Camden on November 3, 1900 and in his pre-teen days when he wasn’t selling newspapers down at the Pennsylvania Ferry, he was either playing on one of the city playgrounds, or boxing with the neighborhood kids in some back yard, or in the street. At the age of fifteen, after having a dozen or so amateur bouts, Frankie boxed his first professional bout with Kid Dougherty at the Douglas A. C. in Philadelphia and after six tough rounds he received the handsome sum of $5.00. Now Frankie thought that was better and much quicker than selling papers. He sometimes didn’t earn that much in a week standing outside in all kinds of weather.
So Frankie embarked on a boxing career that took him from one town to another meeting the top contenders in both the bantamweight and featherweight classes. Among some of his bouts were the rough and tough Whitey Fitzgerald, Benny Valger, Harry “Kid” Brown, Bennie Kauffman, Battling Murray, Frankie Jerome, Maxie Williamson and the Gloucester blacksmith, K. O. Joe O’Donnell (a few of these old timers are here tonight).
After almost ten years of boxing and close to 200 bouts and in the early part of 1924, Frankie was not yet 24 years old, when he had the misfortune of losing the sight in his left eye, and shortly after, the same happened to his right eye. Several operations by the best eye specialists in New York proved futile. But Frankie didn’t give up . . . being young and ambitious, he tried his hand in the cafe and night club business and today he is the proud owner of the 11 O’Clock Club at 18 West Cuthbert Boulevard in Westmont.
The petite gal that you see with him constantly is his lifetime manager, trainer and wife who before she became Mrs. Conway, was the former Maude B. Stiles.
Also here tonight are his two sisters, Mrs. Louise Ricciardelli of Westmont and Mrs. Della Uhorchek of Trenton and brother Tony, also of Westmont.
And this in brief, is the story of our Honorary President, the Champion of Champions. Yes, we of V. B. A. - Ring No. 6, are indeed proud and greatly gratified to have you Frankie Conway as “OUR MAN OF THE YEAR - 1961”.
God Bless You!
FRANKIE CONWAY
HONORARY PRESIDENT
RING NO. 6
Banquet Committee
LEW SKYMER, Chairman
FRANKIE RAPP, Co-Chairman
PEE WEE ROSS, Ad Chairman
JOE (Kid) MURPHY, AL DALY, CHARLEY BAUERS, LES CRANMER, TOM RYAN, SHAMUS McGUIRE, EDDIE CHANEY, TOMMY DUNDEE, FRANKIE DELMONT, JOE VITARELLI, DANNY DI MONA, DAVE FERRIS, NEIL McLAUGHLIN
BOOSTERS & MEMBERS OF Frankie Conway’s 11 O’Clock Club
Max Goldsmith, Frank Mihalick, Robert Taylor, Edward Lynn, Ralph T. Moyer, Walter E. Guenther, Vincent Colangelo, Billy Logan, Barney Kelly, Frank Fannelli, Charlie Kaplan, Trenton Beverage, Jay Stanger, Oscar R. Pabst, Bill Starr, Edward Quinlan, Ed Weisbrot, Dan Iacovone, Angelo Cocozza, Lew Skymer, Frank M. Lario, Frank V. Blanco, Charles E. Burroughs, E. R. Plasket, Joe Maker, B. Fitzgerald, Guy Clokey, Eleanor Pfannenstein, Erv. Pfannenstein, Ray Bencroft, Jack F. Smith, Murry Hirshorne, Adolph, Joseph Rapp, Emil Schlosser, Jr., Harry Wright, Almond Glass Co., Inc., Gus P. Jacobs, John Parker, Joe Berger, Frank Schuler, Sid Luber, Jack Atkinson, Norman Rose, Johnny Attell, Tommy Skymer, Vincent the Barber, Joe Joy, Anthony Pontifino, Terry Di Fronzo, Robert Devone, William Haines, Fred Di Piero, Joe (Kid) Murphy, Shamus Maguire, Frank Valenti, Skilly, Joseph Pacelli, Tony Ricciardelli, Tony Conway, Frankie Rapp
Best Wishes to a Grand Lad - Frankie Conway
FROM
RENE
AND THE
SARGE
Sgt. RAY SMITH
RING NO. 6 FIRST PRESIDENT
1959 Man of the Year
1958 - Vice President - Ring No. 6
Mr. & Mrs. Lou Ragone, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Gorman, Charlie Urban, Ray Ford, Frank Clark, Al Long, Alec Meloni, Walt Bishop, Jack Cassidy, Bill Sheffer, Chuck Guest, John Blourne, Frank & Peg Pers, Tom Lillie, Norman Steffen, Bill Johnson, Harry Ames, Jack Kelley, Miriam Gleason, George Esler, Pee Wee Ross
COMPLIMENTS OF
Italian Organization Association
President, GUIDO MASSO
1st Vice President, FRANK BILOTTA
2nd Vice President, FIORE C. ROSSI
Secretary, DOMINICK GREGORIO
Treasurer, JOSEPH DENTINO
Fin. Secretary, WILLIAM POLIDORA
Sgt.-at-Arms, FRANK CAPALBO
My Compliments to Frankie
From “Willie”
Windsor - Fifth Avenue, Inc.
APPLIANCES
11th Street and Wright Avenue
Camden 3, New Jersey
CHUBBY’S 1 1/2 TAVERN
FEATURING ALL CHARCOAL COOKING
Steaks - Lobster - Shrimp
ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTLY
VISIT OUR WISHING WELL
Watch Your Steak Being Cooked on Our Giant Old Brick Open Charcoal Hearth
Black Horse Pike at Collings Ave.
West Collingswood, N. J.
Boosters of Pee Wee Ross
Buck Mucci, Lew Skymer, Joe MacDonald, Elmer Herritt, Frank Annibale, Ed Patterson, James Bunker, Chester Willhem, Al Corbett, Skilli, Joseph Dentino, Nicholas Iacovelli, Frank Bilotta, Louis Day, William Polidora, Nunzio Viggiano, Nick Acciola, Gabe, Tom McCann, Al Maiorano, Aarry [sic] Featheer, Arnold Canzanese, Jim McFadden, Joseph Di Paolo, Pat Vitarelli, Pat Ambrosino, Tony Abiuso, H. G. Skilton, Joseph J. Iatorola, Joe Di Martine, Pee Wee Ross, Jr., Mike and Rox, Danny (Kid) Paolino, Pete Rabbit, Vic Righter, Googie Vit, Chas. Bauers, Ray Savidge, Woody Sherman, Jim Talucci, Frank Padulla, Frank Devone, Don Padulla, Tony Pietrafesa, Don Pearson, Bobby Zimmerman, Caesar Campana, Sr., Frankie Conway, Les Cranmer, Elwood Weeks, Doris A. Braun, Ernest J. D’Antonio, Joseph Affrunti, Rudolph Masso, Frank R. Di Maio, Dan Nasuti, Guido Masso, Skip, Tony Gresk, John Fargnoli, Wes Kenworthy, Joseph Ferri, Joe Labbs, Skinny, Grab, Nicholas J. Navarra, Lou Ambrosino, Bruno Ferretti, Ferdinando Senese, John Opfer, Bon Bon, Angelo, Patsy Carlo, Tony Ottaviano, Bill Bill, Jack Gleason, Ray Mulcahy, John Vit, Andy Corey, Al Pitner, Da Da Palmer, Nick Salerno, John Mazola, Danny Galasso, Al Martin, Al Daly, Harry Powers, Caesar Campana, Jr., Joey Powell
We Remember When . . .
Your names are on our Clubhouse wall under the word “Deceased”. At every meeting your names are read aloud while we stand in a moment of silence to your memory.
You were a paid up member when you retired from this life.
You may be the fellow who said we couldn’t last.
The one who paid his dues faithfully, whose job would not permit him to attend our meetings.
The chap with all the ideas, who, was too busy to serve on any committee.
The quiet fellow with the pipe, who was always willing to help.
Or the guy who was sure to jump up and say, “I’m against it, it won’t work!” but he put forth every effort to make sure it did work, because it was for the good of the organization.
The member who always promised to do it, but didn’t always get around to it.
You may have been the champ or the preliminary boy. The good member, faithful in attendance and always ready to help. The lax one who would come around once in a while.
Big man in the community, small fish in a big pond but we who remain standing say . . .
May You Rest In Peace
CHARLES HUMES, WALTER WEST, CHARLES COYLE, EARL HIBBS, HENRY McATEER, FRANK RYAN, PHILIP (Nick) RAY, LITTLE (Ray) SMITH, FRED SMITH, ARCHIE McNEW, ED HEPPELEIN, ANDY MARTIN, TOMMY REITZES, WALTER VECANDER, BENNY KRAMER, BOBBIE O’DONALD, HARRY RASMUSSEN
Veteran Boxers Association OF NEW YORK, INC. - RING 8
Clubrooms: 300 West 55th Street - New York
Incorporated 1953
Founder and First President - JACK GREBELSKI
BUSHY GRAHAM, President
FRANKIE JACOBS, 1st Vice President
PHILLY GILLESPIE, 2nd Vice Pres.
IRV SILVERMAN, Secretary
ABE WOLINSKY, Fin. Secretary
BENNY NABERS, Treasurer
JIMMY GRAY, Sergeant-at-Arms
WALTER UNGER, Sergeant-at-Arms
WOodlawn 6-0021
FREE DELIVERY
MY FRIENDS (Ray & Frances)
Formerly of 5th and Mickle Streets
NEW JERSEY’S MOST BEAUTIFUL DRIVE-IN SELF SERVICE
Liquor Supermarket and Bar
500 CASES - ICE COLD BEER
2643 Mt. Ephraim Avenue
Camden, New Jersey
Finest Food Anywhere
Air Conditioned Bar and Dining Room
Package Goods Sold at Regular Retail Store Prices
SEAFOOD : STEAKS : CHOPS : FRIED CHICKEN
Johnny Capone at the Piano - Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights
FIFTH & MICKLE STREETS
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
NOrmandy 5-3008
Jewelry and Novelties - Cards by Hallmark
Joan’s Card & Gift Shoppe
GIFTS OF DISTINCTION
6231 WESTFIELD AVENUE
PENNSAUKEN, NEW JERSEY
WOodlawn 3-2040 - 3-2041
WAlnut 5-1228
Marchisello Bros., Inc.
PAPER MILL SUPPLIES - U. S. STEEL BALE TIES
317-25 PINE STREET
CAMDEN 3, NEW JERSEY
Office - WOodlawn 4-6385
Home - WOodlawn 4-4049
Chestnut Coal and Fuel Oil Co.
425-27 CHESTNUT STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
To My Good Friend “Frankie” - From
Sheriff Martin Segal
LIFETIME MEMBER - RING 6
WOodlawn 3-1300
CHRISTIAN WEBER, Prop. - Member of I[?]
Federal Oil Company of New Jersey
ESSO AGENT
RIVER ROAD AT FEDERAL STREET
CAMDEN, NEW J[ERSEY]
FREE PARKING FOR OVER 5,000 CARS
Merchantville Market and Auction
A CITY OF BARGAIN SHOPPING . . . UNDER ONE HUGE R[OOF]
ON CUTHBERT ROAD - Between Routes 38 and 70
SOUTH MERCHANTVILLE
1/2 Mile from Garden State Race Track
COMPLIMENTS OF
Billy Logan
OF MAPLE SHADE
Member of V. B. A. Ring No. 6
Menu
Fresh Fruit Cup
Minestrone Soup
Radishes, Celery, Olives
Spaghetti
Roast Sirloin of Beef
Pan Baked Potatoes, Green Peas
Farm Fresh Salad, Rolls and Butter
Spumoni, Coffee
Mints, Nuts
Honored Guests and Speakers
INVOCATION
Rev. Father CHARLES KEISER, Pastor of St. Agnes and St. Jude Churches, Blackwood Area
TOASTMASTER
FRANK M. LARIO, Esq., Counsellor - Ring No. 6
Honorable WILLIAM T. CAHILL, Congressman, First District, N. J. - “Man of the Year, 1960”
MARTIN SEGAL, Sheriff of Camden County - “Man of the Year, 1957”
Sgt. RAY SMITH, Ring No. 6 First President - “Man of the Year, 1959”
JOE SWEENEY, President, Ring No. 1 - Philadelphia, Pa.
JOE (Kid) MURPHY, President, Ring No. 6
BUSHY GRAHAM, President, Ring No. 8 - New York City
ODIN DUDRICH, President, Ring No. 9 - Garfield, N. J.
JAMES O’NEIL, Executive Editor - Courier-Post
TOM RYAN, Sports Editor - Courier-Post
PETE LATZO, Former World’s Welterweight Champion
Corporal IZZY SCHWARTZ, Former World’s Flyweight Champion
JOHNNY JADICK, Former Junior Welterweight Champion
BATTLING MACK, Camden’s Leading Featherweight Contender in the 1920s
K. O. JOE O’DONNELL, Gloucester City, N. J.
EDWARD KNIGHT, Garden State Park Official
JOE McCAULEY, Radio Announcer - Station WIP
Best Wishes to Our Good Friend, Frankie Conway
Mike Bolletino and Sons
FORMER BOXER - MIKE DALY
MEMBER - RING NO. 6
WOodlawn 4-7349
Low Cost - Automobile and Truck Painting
Clarkey’s
AUTO BODY and FENDER REPAIRS
814 LANSDOWNE AVENUE
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
COMPLIMENTS OF
V. F. W. Post No. 2685
FIFTH & PINE STREETS
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
Camden - WOodlawn 4-7787
Philadelphia - MArket 7-3821
Diane Furs
PAT and JERRY
208 SOUTH BROADWAY
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
John Burns, Inc.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NEW JERSEY
Wholesalers
SCHLITZ - RHEINGOLD - HEINEKEN BEERS
LA BATTS ALE
Congratulations Frankie . . . On Your Day . . . From
Mike Hayes’ Sport Shop
A COMPLETE LINE OF ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT
Largest Display of Trophies in South Jersey
LIncoln 7-0020 - LIncoln 7-777[?]
256 WHITE HORSE PIKE
AUDUBON 6, NEW JE[RSEY]
NOrmandy 5-1025
Thomas W. Baker, Jr.,
Baker Lanes
52 AIR CONDITIONED ALLEYS - WITH UNDERLANE RETURN
Open Bowling 10 A. M. to 2 A. M. - 7 Days
CUTHBERT ROAD - Between Routes 70 and 38
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP[, CHERRY HILL, N. J.]
Martella’s Motor Freight
NICK MARTELLA - Member, Ring 6
854 CHELTON AVENUE
CAMDEN, NEW JE[RSEY]
WOodlawn 3-4917
SKILLFUL FITTING
RAPP’S - Regular & Orthopedic Shoes
SPECIALIZING IN MEN’S LARGE SIZES - 13, 14 & 15
517 BROADWAY - CAMDEN 3, N. J.
Treasurer - Ring No. 6
LO 1-9604
Mickey Mouse Bar and Grill
JIM and HELEN PENROSE
BLACK HORSE PIKE
FOLSOM, NEW JERSEY
WOodlawn 3-9530
WHERE GOOD FRIENDS MEET
Germino’s Victory Cafe, Inc.
DARTS - SHUFFLEBOARD - YEAR AROUND ACTIVITIES
NORRIS & DECATUR STREETS
CAMDEN 4, NEW JERSEY
EMerson 5-4020
WAlnut 5-7734
William Bryen Co.
WHOLESALE MEATS, POULTRY & PROVISIONS
Serving Restaurants, Hotels and Institutions
1230-36 SOUTH SECOND STREET
CAMDEN 4, NEW JERSEY
FIGHTERS OF YESTERYEAR
Members - Ring No. 6
TOMMY DUNDEE
CAESAR CAMPA[NA] (Young O’Connors)
FRANKIE DELMONT
BEST WISHES
Joseph P. “Joe” De Luca
Frank J. Leonard
FUNERAL HOMES
10 WHITE HORSE PIKE
HADDON HEIGHTS, N. J.
1451 BROADWAY
CAMDEN, N. J.
COMPLIMENTS OF
Leon Lucas and Family
Golden Glove Member and Past President - Ring No. 6
HADDON AVENUE AT LIBERTY STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
GOD SPEED “FRANKIE”
Pipecoverers - Phila. Navy Yard
Reds Williams - Joe Garraty - Jack Driver - Bill Donahue - George Watts, Jr. - Ed Coigne - Ed Kaminski - Bruce Levering - Mickey Shannon - Pee Wee Ross
Boilermakers Lodge No. 801
AFL - CIO
2332 BROADWAY - CAMDEN 4, NEW JERSEY
William Powell, President
Toby Caprarola, Vice President
Philip Mueller, Rec. Se[cretary]
Joseph La France, Treasurer
Leon Johnson, Executive Secretary
GOD BLESS YOU “FRANKIE”
Anthony Marino
Sherman’s Cafe, Inc.
601 SOUTH FOURTH STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JE[RSEY]
A GREAT GUY “FRANKIE”
Ang Malandra
Don’s Delicatessen - Luncheonette
204 SOUTH FIFTH STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
WOodlawn 4-7512
Residence - NOrmandy 2-8920
Lucy’s Sportswear
SKIRTS - BLOUSES - SEPARATES - ETC.
TOMMY DUNDEE, Member of Ring 6
2624 FEDERAL STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
COMPLIMENTS OF
“REDS” - Proprietor
THIRD & ROYDEN STREETS
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
MY BEST WISHES TO MY PAL - FRANKIE CONWAY
From
Bob Kerr
NEW YORK CITY
COMPLIMENTS OF
Dottie and Al Chapman
WOodlawn 4-0246
Fountain Supplies - Soft D[rinks]
Jacob Denbo and Son
WHOLESALE CANDY and TOBACCO
701-703 CHESTNUT STREET
CAMDEN 3, NEW JE[RSEY]
Fred Gelber Opens Store
834 NORTH SECOND STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JE[RSEY]
FURNITURE : HOT POINT APPLIANCES
Zenith TV - Radio
Custom Living Room Suites to Order
Clothing - Jewel[ry]
WOodlawn 6-6900
Cash or Credit - Bank Financing Available
NOrmandy 3-8135
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday [Nights]
Hair Styling by Mr. Joseph
COMB and CURL
3913 MARLTON PIKE
PENNSAUKEN, NEW JE[RSEY]
BEST WISHES TO FRANKIE CONWAY
Polish-American Citizen Club
WARSAW & LOWELL STREETS
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
EMerson 5-1488
Alan’s Automatic Car Wash, Inc.
WALT MAGANN, President
60 NEWTON AVENUE
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
EMerson 5-9505
Chris Columbus Bar
IRENE ROBINSON, Prop.
2nd and York Streets
Camden, N. J.
GLenview 6-9891
Weez’s Jumbo Sandwiches
1st Stop on Black Horse Pike off Walt Whitman Bridge
West Collingswood Hts., N. J.
CAnal 7-3936
The Gondola Restaurant
THE FINEST IN ITALIAN FOOD
Served to the Sounds of Strolling Mandolins at Your Table
Black Horse Pike
Blackwood, N. J.
BEST OF LUCK TO A GREAT GUY AND A GOOD SPARRING PARTNER
Pee Wee Ross
WOodlawn 4-7157
EMerson 5-[?]
Ralph Cataudo
Wholesale Boneless Beef Cuts, Beef, Veal, Lamb, Pork and Provisions
1317 and 1318 SOUTH MERRIMAC ROAD
CAMDEN 4, NEW JE[RSEY]
WOodlawn 3-0736
Myron W. Miller Electric Company
CONTRACTING ENGINEERS
407 ARCH STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JE[RSEY]
SERVICE WITH A SMILE
George and Marty’s Jackson Cafe
Broadway & Jackson Street
Camden, N. J.
WOodlawn 3-9569
Steve’s Tavern
CHOICE WINE - LIQUOR & BEE[R]
Hot and Cold Sandwiches
6th & Pine Streets
Camden,
Standard Quality Over 30 Years
Millside Farms
VISIT OUR MODERN DAIRY BAR
U. S. Route 130
Riverside, N. J.
HObart 1-0046
EMerson 5-9632
Camden Liquor Corp.
YOUR FRIENDLY LIQUOR DEALE[R]
306 Broadway
Camden,
COMPLIMENTS OF
Walter H. MacNamara
IT’S ME FRANKIE
YOUR OLD FRIEND
“Young Lawrence”
LAWRENCE G. ALEMI
Syl Malandro’s Tavern
Newton and Trenton Avenues
Camden, New Jersey
COMPLIMENTS OF
A Friend
F. P. C. B.
COMPLIMENTS OF
Bill’s Bar
600 CAFE
6th & Royden Streets
Camden, N. J.
COMPLIMENTS OF
A Friend
COMPLIMENTS OF
Tony’s Grill
6th & Clinton Streets
Camden, N. J.
COMPLIMENTS OF
Garden State Restaurant
224 North Broadway
Camden, N. J.
COMPLIMENTS OF
Ray Savidge
MEMBER OF RING NO. 6
WOodlawn 4-2820
Member, R[ing No. 6]
Danny’s Flower Shoppe
CREATIONS THAT ARE DIFFEREN[T]
717 South 4th Street
Camden,
WOodlawn 3-0600
F. N. Bruno
REALTOR - INSURANCE
Mortgage Service - Rentals
2628 Federal Street
Camden 5, N. J.
EMerson 5-[?]
Prompt Service
Quality Cleaners
SUITS & DRESSES DRY CLEANED
Slip Covers - Blankets - Drapes
1406 Collings Road
Camden, N. J.
WOodlawn 3-9581
Tasty Sandwiches
LEN TON, Inc.
Color TV
Shuffleboard
4th & Arch Streets
Camden, New Jersey
EMerson 5-9495
Free Pick-up & Del[ivery]
Pat Rovere’s Gulf Statio[n]
TUNE-UP
LUBRICATION
Brake Service - Open 24 Hours
Broadway & Mechanic St.
Camden,
WOodlawn 4-3975
M. La Sala & Company
EXCLUSIVE TAILORING
516 Broadway
Camden, New Jersey
WOodlawn 4-1367
Camden Bar & Restaurant Supplies Co., Inc.
FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT
N. W. Cor. 4th & Kaighn Ave.
Camden, N. J.
HAzel 8-4555
Oil Burners Installed
Arman Mignogna
Registered
PLUMBING and HEATING
173 Grant Avenue
Erlton, New Jersey
EMerson 5-4555
WOodlawn 3-[?]
Penn Fish Company
WHOLESALE and RETAIL
1223 Broadway
Camden, New J[ersey]
COMPLIMENTS OF
Anthony (Tony) Georgette
GLenview 6-3630
Heim’s Pure Foods
POTATO CHIPS - PICKLES - PRETZELS
422 Hudson Street
Gloucester City, N. J.
EM 5-9802
Tomato Pies - Package Goods
THE BEST IN DRINKS & FINE FOODS
To Greet You - Sam Lennox
12 Hudson Street
Camden, New Jersey
Rear of High Speed Line
NOrmandy 2-4955
Free Parking & Del[ivery]
Mazie’s Liquor Store
LIQUOR - WINE and BEER
4709 Westfield Avenue
Pennsauken, N. J.
EMerson 5-2963
Package Goods
Massi’s Pine Grill Bar
SPECIALIZING IN ITALIAN FOOD
Air Conditioned
5th & Pine Streets
Camden, N. J.
WOodlawn 4-1955
WOodlawn 4-1957
Rocco Fanelle’s Sons
PAPER STOCK - SCRAP IRON - METALS
Andrew R. Fanelle
217 Line Street
Camden, New Jersey
Crystal Cleaners & Dyers, Inc.
WE OPERATE OUR OWN DRY CLEANING PLANT
1012 Broadway
Camden, New Jersey
Grand Bar
JOHN CRANE - MATT POWERS, Pr[ops.]
2nd and Federal Sts.
Camden, New J[ersey]
Gloria Food Market
Specializing in ROAST BEEF IN ONE LB. PACKAGES
Free Gravy
1101 South 4th Street
Camden, New Jersey
EMerson 5-0575
A. Pietrafesa,
Valeriani Bottling Co.
DISTRIBUTORS OF CAMDEN BEE[R]
Member of Ring 6
414 Pine Street
Camden, New J[ersey]
WOodlawn 3-9849
George’s Luncheonette
MEMBER - RING NO. 6
500 Haddon Avenue
Camden, New Jersey
ULysses 4-4470
Thos. Aj[...]
Franklin Cleaners, Inc.
3016 Mt. Ephraim Avenue
West Collingswood, N. J.
COMPLIMENTS OF
John Daly’s Grill
2898 Mt. Ephraim Avenue
West Collingswood, N. J.
WOodlawn 3-5900
Louis Di Fronzo
FLORIST
Flowers For All Occasions
835 South 4th Street
Camden, New [Jersey]
To My Buddy - Frankie Conway
FROM
YOUR PAL
GENE AUSTIN
Recorded “My Blue Heaven”
SOLD 7 MILLION RECORDS
WOodlawn 6-0325
EDDIE CHANEY, Prop. - Member of Ring 6
Chaney’s . . . The Friendly Bar
SANDWICHES : SHRIMP : HARD SHELL CRABS
MT. EPHRAIM AVE. & MECHANIC STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
OUR BEST WISHES TO FRANKIE CONWAY - FROM
O’Donnell’s Family Restaurant
K. O. JOE O’DONNELL
GLenview 6-9814
401 NORTH BROADWAY
GLOUCESTER CITY, NEW JERSEY
Joey Powell
“Youth Must Be Served - We Are Hap[py]
To Assist” - V. B. A. Ring 6 Member[s]
COMPLIMENTS OF
Morgan Village Little League
HOME FIELD - 9th & MORGAN ST[REETS]
Behind No. 10 Fire House
COMPLIMENTS OF
1701 Ferry Avenue
Camden, New Jersey
To You Frankie - My Best Wis[hes]
YOUR FRIEND
Congressman Bill Cahill
RING NO. 6 - MAN OF THE YEAR,
WOodlawn 4-7150
Garden State Liquor Store
LIQUORS - WINES & BEER
234 North Broadway
Camden, N. J.
AUTOGRAPHS
Printed by Diamanti Commercial Printing - 6924 Westfield Ave., Pennsauken, N. J. - NO 3-6939
Best Wishes to Frankie Conway and Ring No. 6
FROM
Schillig’s BLACK HORSE FARMS
VISIT
THE ALPINE ROOM
SEATS 500 PERSONS
Black Horse Pike
Mt. Ephraim, New Jersey
Everyone’s calling for - the Beer with the MILLION DOLLAR COLLAR
its Fabulous Foam means Flavor!
6-PACKS | QUARTS
CASES | DRAUGHT
Spearing Heads Ring 6 Again
Camden Courier-Post —
Joe Spearing will be installed for the second time as Ring 6, Veterans Boxers Association, president, Saturday night.
Thomas Maguire, Pennsauken mayor, will be the installing officer as the new officials are seated in the association’s clubhouse, 868 Mt. Ephraim Avenue. Andy McMahon will be master of ceremonies.
Other officers, all “swept into office” for the second year, include Lew Skymer, vice president; Frankie Rapp, treasurer; Lou Pelle, recording secretary; Joe Vitarelli, financial secretary and Pee Wee Ross, sgt. at arms. Jack Kelly succeeds Frank Valante as Ross’ “assistant.”
Ryan Honored At Special Fete
Camden Courier-Post —
More than a score [sic] sportsmen from the Camden area attended a surprise 75th birthday party to Tom Ryan, retired sports editor of the Courier-Post, in Kenney’s Camden last night.
Sheriff Martin Segal, Sergeant Ray Smith, former AEF heavyweight champion, and a number of other former boxers who have known Ryan for 40 years attended.
Other guests included: Stephen O’Keefe, chief copy editor of the Courier-Post; Joe (Kid) Murphy, former Camden Ring 6 president; Joe Spearing, Ring 6 president; Roxie Allen, Tom Kenney Sr., Battling Mack and Eddie Prince. Anthony Georgette was toastmaster and Lew Skymer chairman. All paid tribute to Ryan.
Camden Boxers, February 27, 1960
Camden Boxers — Kenney’s Suburban House — — This appears to be from a Veteran’s Boxing Association Ring No. 6 Banquet. At far right, seated, is Arnold “Jersey Joe Walcott” Cream, standing behind him wearing glasses is Neil McLaughlin. On the left side of the table, unknown, Tommy Skymer, Lew Skymer, unknown, and Les Cranmer.
Camden Boxing Elite
CAMDEN BOXING ELITE — At one of the many gatherings of Camden’s Ring 6, Veteran Boxers’ Association, Tony Georgette (right) enjoys company of Sgt. Ray Smith (seated), Lew Skymer (left) and Frankie Rapp
Name Spearing For VBA Prexy
Camden Courier-Post —
Joe Spearing, former lightweight, last night was nominated to become president of Ring No. 6, Veteran Boxers Association.
Other nominations were: Lew Skymer, vice president; Frankie Rapp, treasurer; Joe Vitarelli, financial secretary; Lou Pelle, recording secretary and Pee Wee Ross and Frank Valenti, sergeants at arms.
Veterans Boxing Association Ring One Banquet, May 10, 1981
DECEASED CATEGORY
Lew Skymer, one of our inductees in The Boxing Hall of Fame, was born in Williamsport PA, later he and his family moved to Philadelphia. After a few years in South Philly, they finally moved across the river in Camden. Incidentally, they were the last family to live in the home of the famous poet Walt Whitman, before the home was taken over by the Historical Society of New Jersey.*
Lew was a great prospect. He had a good winning record against some outstanding fighters including Johnny Jadick, George Amblard, the French lightweight champion, Hubert Gillis champion of Belgium, Mickey Blair, Roxie Allen, Jackie Hindle, Joe Wilton, Ernie Glaser and many other good young boxers of that period.
Poor eyesight forced his premature retirement at the early age of 21.
However, boxing was not the only reason for the committee to select Lew Skymer to the Hall of Fame, character and class were.
* This is a great story, but not supported by documentary evidence. The Skymer family DID live next door, at 330 Mickle Street, home of architect Stephen Decatur Button.
Remembered by Andy Tally
I grew up at 543 Mechanic Street, just around the corner from Lew. His son Lew Jr. “Brubby” Skymer and I grew up together and Lew taught us to box. This came in handy since both of us became police officers! When I was growing up Lew operated a laundry at the address on Broadway and the family lived upstairs. He had rows of machines in the store and he had an employee who would operate them, no self-service.
I left Camden in 1967 when I got drafted into the Army, but I believe the laundry was still in operation at that time.
Andy Tally, February 2004
Lew Skymer is fondly remembered by Bob Lucas, of Donkey’s Place, 1223 Haddon Avenue in Camden NJ; and Andy Tally, who grew up at 543 Mechanic Street in the 50s and 60s.
Thanks to Jo Ann Skymer Hirsch for her help in creating this page, and for providing images seen here.