Sgt. Ray Smith
Portrait photo — no article text to transcribe. Shows a young man in boxing stance wearing shorts, bare-chested, in a newspaper halftone photo. Likely a portrait of Ray Smith from his boxing days.
SERGEANT RAY SMITH was born Lucius Raymond Smith on July 6, 1895. Enlisting in the United States Army at 17, he served in Mexico with General Pershing’s expedition in pursuit of Pancho Villa. A combat veteran of World War I, he was wounded while serving in France during that conflict, and was awarded the Croix de Guerre with palms, presented to him personally by Field Marshal Henri Pétain.
Sergeant Ray Smith had fought at least once as a professional before the war. During that time he came to prominence as a boxer, becoming the heavyweight champion of the American Expeditionary Force.
Sergeant Ray Smith returned to professional boxing after the war. In 20 fights his record was 2 wins, 15 losses, and 3 no contest, not uncommon as in those days certain states while allowing pro boxing would not allow a winner to be declared. He fought some of the most famous boxers of his day, including eventual world heavyweight champion Gene Tunney, one-time middleweight champion Leo Houck, and heavyweight title contenders Tommy Gibbons and Bill “KO” Brennan. He fought Battling Levinsky for the Light Heavyweight Title, but lost on points.
After hanging up his gloves, he remained in boxing as a referee, and was well known for fairness and good judgment. Settling in Camden NJ, he made his home in the 1920s and early 1930s at 31 North 25th Street, and later at 212 North 27th Street. Ray Smith worked as a radio announcer and as sportswriter. Ray Smith was involved in many civic activities. He was the president of the Elks Crippled Children’s Committee for over 20 years, was a four-time commander of VFW Post 705 in Camden, three-time commander of the August F. Walters Chapter No. 4 of the Disabled American Veterans, a member of the Raymond C. Thoirs Post 47 of the American Legion, Ring No. 6 of the New Jersey Veterans Boxing Association, and was involved in many, many other civic activities. He was one of the leaders of the bonus march for World War I veterans, and was associated with Congressman Charles A. Wolverton in veterans matters.
In 1926 he ran for Republican committeeman from the Twelfth Ward with the support of Jake Schiller, but lost to Clay W. Reesman.
Sgt. Ray Smith was working for the Courier-Post on the night of June 8, 1933 when he was hurt in a car accident while en route to New York to cover the Max Baer vs. Max Schmeling fight at Yankee Stadium.
In May of 1934 he was a candidate for the Republican nomination for the New Jersey Assembly from Camden. In the fight for control of the Republican Party in Camden, he was an ally of Albert S. Woodruff.
Raymond Smith was married to Mabel, and they had one child, a son, Charles Augustus Bodine Smith, who left school to enlist in the Army in 1942. Mabel F. Smith passed away in 1944, and sadly, Private Charles A.B. Smith died while serving in Algeria later that year.
Sergeant Ray Smith moved to the Erial section of Gloucester Township NJ after World War II, where he founded and operated the Charles A.B. Smith Home for Crippled Children. He remained active in civic affairs.
In February of 1959 he addressed the New Jersey Assembly on veterans issues. On April 20, 1959 he was honored by Ring 6 of the New Jersey Veterans Boxing Association as Man of the Year.
An automobile accident in 1964 left Sgt. Ray Smith partially crippled, only able to walk with the use of braces and crutches. Refusing to give up his work on the crippled children’s charities, he was still living at his home in Erial as late as December of 1967. Raymond Smith’s later years were spent in Haddon Heights NJ. Sergeant Ray Smith passed away in February of 1979.
Sergeant Ray Smith's Boxing Record
Known Boxing Record
Sgt. Ray Smith (Lucius Raymond Smith) career boxing record — W2 (KO1) L15 (KO10) NC3. Total 20 known bouts plus one exhibition.
Bouts
| Date ↕ | Opponent ↕ | Result ↕ | Method ↕ | Rounds ↕ | Location ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1923-09-21 | Homer Smith | L | KO | 7 | Kalamazoo, MI, USA |
| 1923-08-26 | Homer Smith | W | PTS | 1 | Kalamazoo, MI, USA |
| 1922-08-08 | Harry Wills | L | PTS | 6 | Quebec, Canada |
| 1922-05-10 | Ad Stone | L | KO | 1 | Philadelphia, PA, USA |
| 1922-03-13 | Leo Houck | L | PTS | 8 | Lancaster, PA, USA |
| 1921-10-19 | Denver Ed Martin | L | KO | 3 | Arena, Milwaukee, OR, USA |
| 1921-09-08 | Battling Levinsky | L | PTS | 10 | Quebec City, Quebec, Canada |
| 1921-08-05 | Paul Samson-Körner | L | KO | 4 | |
| 1921-05-27 | Tommy Gibbons | L | KO | 2 | Youngstown, OH, USA |
| 1921-04-04 | Eddie Record | NC | NC | 2 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| 1921-03-14 | Bill (KO) Brennan | L | KO | 3 | Havana, Cuba |
| 1920-12-08 | Charley Weinert | L | KO | 1 | Newark, NJ, USA |
| 1920-11-10 | Fighting Bob Martin | L | KO | 2 | Savannah, GA, USA |
| 1920-10-22 | Gene Tunney | L | KO | 2 | Camden, NJ, USA |
| 1920-09-15 | Fighting Bob Martin | L | DQ | 2 | St. Louis, MO, USA |
| 1920-07-26 | Fighting Bob Martin | L | KO | 5 | Columbus, OH, USA |
| 1920-06-28 | Battling Levinsky | NC | ND | 10 | Cleveland, OH, USA |
| 1920-02-23 | Jack Connors | W | KO | 2 | Akron, OH, USA |
| 1920-01-26 | Fighting Bob Martin | NC | ND | 10 | Cleveland, OH, USA |
| 1917-07-04 | Jack Dillon | L | KO | 1 | Terre Haute, IN, USA |
Why Not Aid Veterans Instead of Finder of Lindbergh Baby?
Camden Courier-Post —
Why Not Aid Veterans Instead of Finder of Lindbergh Baby?
To the Editor:
Sir—Anything for publicity.
Assemblyman Frank Travaline proved that he is not half as interested in Camden county as he is in publicity for Mr. Travaline.
In Camden county there are hundreds of ex-service men, white and colored, hungry and without jobs. All they did was fight that democracy should continue. Many of them are wounded and barely able to carry on. No legislation to help them is even thought of by my good friend Frank.
Now a man goes in the bushes and accidentally finds the corpse of the Lindbergh baby without any particular effort on his part. In fact, he wasn’t even looking for the baby. Mr. Travaline introduces a bill whereas the finder will be provided for with a job by the state. And the man comes from Mercer county. Why does Frank exhibit so much interest in a man who does not even come from the county he represents? Yes, we know that the affair is national. Yet the gentleman from Mercer did not introduce any such bill.
We want more representation right here in Camden county, more constructive legislation that will help our community. If Frank needs any ideas just let him walk around our city with a couple of ex-service men.
Allen Takes Thumping But Gets Even Break
Camden Courier-Post —
Ringside Howls Greet Draw Decision in Allen-Cabana Bout
ALLEN TAKES THUMPING BUT GETS EVEN BREAK
SPEARING BEATS K.O. KID
A chorus of 1000 enraged voices raised in a discordant howling protest against the decision of a draw handed down by Referee Ray Smith at the conclusion of the eight-round principal bout between Roxie Allen and Emory Cabana at the Camden City A. C. boxing show at the Twelfth and Federal streets ball field last night filled every nook and corner of that old hall.
Frankie Mack, 126 pounds, of Camden, stopped Joe Powell, 128 pounds, of Camden, after end of first round.
Joe Kid Kelly, 126 pounds, of Camden, won referee’s decision over Freddie Brady, 126½ pounds, of Philadelphia, in six rounds.
Tommy Kid Boots, 175 pounds, of Roebling, won referee’s decision over Joe Lill, 180 pounds, of U. S. Marines, in six rounds.
Joe Spearing, 135 pounds, of Camden, won referee’s decision over Joey Michaels, 143 pounds, of Riverside, in eight rounds.
Emory Cabana, 129 pounds, of Philadelphia, fought draw with Roxie Allen, 138 pounds, of Camden, in eight rounds.
Referee—Thomas Walters (first three bouts); Sgt. Ray Smith (last two).
Timer—George Dean. Announcer—Joe Valentine.
This howling mass assembled at the local ball plant hoping to see Allen, regarded as the premier “lightweight” puncher of these parts, take a slamming from the shifty son of Maine’s woodlands around Sanford. They feasted their eyes on the unusual sight of Allen catching rights and lefts to the head and body. They saw Cabana clout his ever-moving target around the roped enclosure in four of the eight innings, losing but three, one of which was by a slim margin. They watched the popular Cabana fight to a standstill in the other frame and gloried in the scene of a reeling, leg-weary Roxie, with left eye battered, make his uncertain way toward his stool when the fight ended.
But the decision that called the affair even came like a lightning bolt from the sky and they cut loose their shrieking protest in a venomous volume that could be heard for blocks around the premises.
Cabana Gets Early Lead
Coming out of his corner with fire in his eyes and dynamite in his upholstered fists, Cabana lashed away at Allen to win the first two heats. These frames were treats to the patient patrons who have frequently flocked through the Camden Club’s turnstiles, hoping for just such a scene. Allen did better in the third session, for he earned an even break, but Cabana was right back at him in the fourth and carried that chapter, boosting his lead to almost an insurmountable edge.
Roxie heard plenty of barking when he went back to his stool at the end of the fourth and he came out a changed clouter when the gong signaled for the fifth heat. It was the real Allen fighting back, jabbing, right-crossing, and he also pecked away with a series of one-twos in the sixth, shaving a considerable chunk off Cabana’s lead. Emory decided to do some more hustling on his own hook when the seventh started, but Allen retained a slim margin when they took the next rest.
In the eighth and final round Cabana came out the stronger, although Allen tried to trim him down with long right leads and light jabs. After this resulted to Cabana’s advantage Allen shifted his tactics and bulled the former Maine mauler over the four sides of the ring. It was a furious rubbing, heeling, clinching round, with Cabana deserving the nod due to his greater aggressiveness and cleaner punches. Allen showed much of his old self in this round, but he was whipped when he ambled to his stool.
Allen in Typical Form
Barring the first two rounds it was a typical Allen fight. Taking it from start to finish it was the usual pleasing Cabana mode of battling. In the initial rounds Emory was more than the rugged, rushing slashing, two-fisted knuckler that Camden fans have seen before. He tore in from the sound of the first bell, connected well with his long right crosses and sweeping left hooks to the belt and when he feinted it was just too bad for Roxie. The latter exhibited flashes of creditable work but he was often backing and did not add to his prestige.
There might have been a few who felt that Allen deserved a draw and there might have been some in that gallery of mixed minds who may have given him the decision but if there was one person inclined toward either of those turns he or she did not let it be known to that motley, screaming mass that yelled in protest of the verdict. They looked like an enraged mob with their hands waving high and their voices pitched to the limit, seemingly aching to reach the object of their ire but held in restraint by some invisible bonds.
To the writer it is hardly conceivable how the three rounds that are granted to Allen could balance against the four frames that Cabana earned even if an allowance of any one of the latter innings could be shifted to Roxie’s credit.
Question Over Allen’s Weight
There was considerable comment heard around the ringside and back in the dressing barn as well as throughout the gallery over the weight figures.
At 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon it was announced that Cabana surprised everybody with 129 pounds while Allen’s weight was given as 138 pounds. When the fighters were brought into the ring after the first two bouts owing to threatening weather it was announced that Cabana’s poundage was 131 with Allen scaling at 138 pounds. It was frequently heard that Roxie tipped the beam at 141 yesterday afternoon and came in around 144 last night.
Since starting his comeback here several weeks ago Joe Spearing, the husky local lightweight has done some tall thumping and he added another nick in his knuckles when he beat down Joey Michaels, the Riverside knocker, in the semi-windup of last night’s bill.
Michaels took the aggressive at the start and whipped over some speedy rights and lefts, forcing Spearing to the pedal act for two rounds. The latter, however, rated as one of the strongest boxers in the local ring racket, has always been a slow starter and he didn’t get going until the third heat. But from then on the youthful blond Burlington county slugger was in plenty of trouble.
Joey came out for the third much the same manner that he whaled away in the previous rounds, but a couple of Spearing jabs and two right uppercuts followed by a series of rights and lefts that contained a bundle of sting slowed him down a peg and marked the turning point of the battle. When the bell sent them to rest Michaels bled from the nose but it was merely a slight trickle that didn’t look dangerous.
After winning the first and second Michaels trailed Spearing in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth while the seventh was even. The final frame went to Michaels. It was a hard fight and Referee Smith was given a far more pleasing round of applause than that which marked his return to the ring after the Allen-Cabana tilt.
Tommy Kid Boots, that 175-pounds of handsome, bull-like fighting stock from Roebling, gave Joe Lill, a former marine, a good thumping about the head and body in the main preliminary contest. Lill scaled 180 pounds and gave Boots loads of grief for a couple of rounds, but when all was said and done there was really only one and that was the big slam and slug boy from Roebling.
Joe Kid Kelly, a slim Irish lad, gave a foe named Freddie Brady a beating in the second duel. Brady who hails from Philadelphia, likes to have his residence announced as Panama but it didn’t matter to Kelly as he was clouting O. K. and let them fly hard and often in the direction of Mr. Brady’s fizz. Joe might have put the boots to Freddie if he had worked downstairs but that’s neither here nor there, he won the decision.
Frankie Mack gashed Joe Powell in the first round of the opener and when the boys sat down Inspector Edward A. Welsh decided it might be too dangerous to allow the bout to go on. Powell had an ugly wound over his right eye and faced serious injury if the bout were permitted to go farther than it did. Noone saw a punch open Joe’s forehead and it is felt that he received the cut accidentally during a clinch.
LOCAL FIGHT RESULTS
The winners, losers and their weights in the Camden City A.C. boxing show at the Twelfth and Federal streets ball field last night follow:
Frankie Mack, 126 pounds, of Camden, stopped Joe Powell, 128 pounds, of Camden, in two rounds. Bout stopped after end of first round.
Joe Kid Kelly, 126 pounds, of Camden, won referee’s decision over Freddie Brady, 126½ pounds, of Philadelphia, in six rounds.
Tommy Kid Boots, 175 pounds, of Roebling, won referee’s decision over Joe Lill, 180 pounds, of U. S. Marines, in six rounds.
Joe Spearing, 135 pounds, of Camden, won referee’s decision over Joey Michaels, 143 pounds, of Riverside, in eight rounds.
Emory Cabana, 129 pounds, of Philadelphia, fought draw with Roxie Allen, 138 pounds, of Camden, in eight rounds.
Referee—Thomas Walters (first three bouts); Sgt. Ray Smith (last two).
Timer—George Dean. Announcer—Joe Valentine.
Fans Anticipate Stirring Bout When Mickey Blair Clashes With Joey Michaels Here Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
EVEN MONEY PREVAILS AS BOUT DRAWS NEAR
Friends of Principals Will Not Offer Odds on Convention Hall Final
BOTH BOYS CONFIDENT
Admirers of Mickey Blair, clever downtown Italian, are wagering even money that Blair will outpoint Joey Michaels, the Riverside knockout king when they clash in the feature eight-round scrap at the Convention Hall tonight. Michaels’ supporters are willing to back their man at the same price. Despite Blair’s recent broken hand injury, he has trained hard and is confident of victory.
Both Have Much at Stake
And the outcome is of the utmost importance to the principals. Blair, who is making his appearance here in several months, must win in order to regain his former place in the local fistic spotlight, while Michaels, who is fighting his first windup scrap tonight, must finish on the right side of the referee’s decision or else fall back among the lesser lights. Therefore both can be depended upon to put forth their best efforts in an attempt to gain the decision.
Mickey is one of the cleverest lads ever developed here, and until he broke a bone in his right hand in a bout with Tommy Murphy, of Trenton, in the Elks Crippled Kiddies Fund show here last fall, was regarded as the greatest little fighting machine in this end of the state. However, he was forced to undergo an operation as a result of the injury, idlying away many weeks before he was fit to fight again. His first tilt after regaining the use of his hand was with Tony Murray, of Philadelphia, at the Philadelphia Arena, which took place about five weeks ago. Murray winning the decision by a rally in the closing rounds.
Confidence Reigns in Both Camps
Blair, nevertheless, looked good for the first three rounds, but his extended layoff told on him in the final three sessions, while Murray, who was in good shape, put on added speed to win the contest.
But Mickey is in tiptop condition for tonight’s fuss. He has trained diligently for the past two weeks and will answer the gong trained to the minute. He showed his old time skill during his training period, throwing punches at his sparring partners with all the speed that he displayed when he was the king of the feathers in this locality. He, along with his manager, John “Pud” Bantivoglio, feels confident that he is capable of outsmarting his dynamite-slinging foe.
Michaels, too, is confident that he will win the decision and so is his manager, Ed Berryan. Joey and his pilot do not fear the outcome. Both firmly believe that sometime during the scrap Blair will find himself on the floor just as eight of the ten opponents that Michaels has fought here have found themselves. And those eight stayed “put,” and how.
Kayo of Hindle Made Michaels
Jackie Hindle, local lightweight, was Michaels’ latest victim. Prior to his knockout victory over Hindle, who went the voyage in the fourth round, Michaels’ showing here didn’t cause a sensation even though he had knocked out seven of his nine opponents. The fans felt that he hadn’t met a first-class foe until he faced Hindle and it was the concensus of opinion that Hindle would outpoint Joey by a fair margin.
Michaels confounded the critics by stopping Jackie in the fourth round after the latter had held his own in the first three periods. That victory boosted Michaels’ stock a hundred percent. He gained many cohorts by that win and some of the boys who thought he was due to be licked by Hindle now think that he’ll also whip Blair.
And Michaels is a dangerous lad at all times. He hits as hard with one fist as he does with the other which accounts for his many knockouts. A single sock on a vital spot from either fist has flattened most of his opponents and Blair will be in constant danger during the course of the tilt. All in all it looks like a great scrap on paper and should be just as sensational in reality.
Frank Morris, of New York, who is reported to be a 300-hitter, clashes with Jack Nelson, of Hammonton, in the eight-round semi-final. They are heavyweights and as it is the usual thing for those sort of bouts to end early, this one may result in a knockout for Nelson, who also is a pretty fair puncher.
Kid Boots, of Riverside, a stablemate of Michaels, meets Harry Woods, of Philadelphia, in the main preliminary of six rounds. Woods replaces Stanley Ketchell who informed the promoters that a sparring partner had stuck one of the thumbs in his eye and that he would not be able to go through with the bout.
Harry Buck, of National Park, who stopped his last opponent, faces Joe “Kid” Kelly, of Camden, in the second scrap, while Young Joe O’Donnell, of Barrington, mingles with Tommy Collins, of Philadelphia, in the opener. Jesse Chambers, of Manila, and Jack Haley, of Burlington, meet in the four-round novice bout.
JOEY MICHAELS
The Riverside “killer” will be sent out by his manager, Ed Berryan, to knock out Mickey Blair, clever downtown Italian, as early as possible when they clash in the main event at the Convention Hall tonight. Michaels has scored eight knockouts in ten bouts here and many fans regard him as a coming lightweight champion.
Fans Jeer As Referee Smith Gives Draw Decision in ‘Mickey’ Blair-Joey Michaels Bout
Camden Courier-Post —
BLAIR’S SKILL OFFSET MICHAELS KAYO PUNCH
Downtown Italian Wages Great Scrap in Holding Knockout King at Bay
MORRIS STOPS CURRIE
By TOM RYAN
Mickey Blair, downtown Italian, once more is the idol of Camden boxing devotees.
Displaying the best form he has shown in the past year, Blair outboxed, outpunched and outsmarted Joey Michaels, Riverside knockout artist, when they clashed in the feature eight-round set-to at the Convention Hall last night. Still, the best Blair received for his meritorious performance was a draw. Referee Sergeant Ray Smith declaring the bout even at the close of hostilities.
Mickey, in the writer’s opinion, was entitled to seven out of the eight rounds, while Michaels only could be credited with one round, the sixth, in which he landed a couple of well-directed right uppercuts to Blair’s jaw, which made Mickey a trifle “woozy” for a few seconds. However, barring that round, Blair never was in danger of being felled by one of Michaels’ lusty blows. That’s how the scrap appeared to the writer.
And the capacity crowd that witnessed the tussle evidently viewed the bout the same way, for they met Referee Smith’s decision with a concerted outburst of jeers that lasted several minutes. In fact, it was the most surprising verdict that has been rendered here since referee’s decisions have been in vogue. There wasn’t a spectator present who didn’t figure that Blair had won by a comfortable margin, consequently, Smith’s decision caused the fans to cut loose with “berries” from every part of the hall.
Four Bouts Result in Knockouts
While Smith’s decision failed to meet with the approval of the fans and also that of the writer, we sincerely believe that he gave the decision as he thought it should have been rendered. Of course, we do not know how he scored the scrap, but he must have given Michaels credit for several rounds which we thought belonged to Blair. It’s just a matter of a difference of opinion, which so frequently occurs whenever a fight of any importance is staged here. The verandah saw it one way and the fans and the writer another, but we’ll always believe that Blair should have been awarded the verdict without question.
Only one of the five bouts preceding the main event went the limit.
Frank Morris, 160, of New York, who is being groomed by Leo P. Flynn, for a whack at Mickey Walker’s middleweight crown, knocked out Willie Curry, 156, of Philadelphia, who substituted for Jack Nelson, of Hammonton, after one minute and fifty seconds of a one-sided scrapping in the semi-final. Curry went down twice from left hooks to the pit of the stomach, the last one putting him down for keeps.
Kid Boots, 174½, of Riverside, flattened Harry Woods, 172, of Philadelphia, who substituted for Stanley Ketchell, another Quaker City heavyweight, in the fast time of thirty-five seconds in the main preliminary.
Kelly Wins Over Buck
Joe “Kid” Kelly, 127, of South Camden, won the referee’s decision over Harry Buck, 129, of National Park, in the second six-rounder. It was a close fight and went the limit. Referee Walters awarding Kelly the verdict at the end of the fuss.
In the four-round novice bout, Jack Riley, 151½, of Burlington, stopped Jesse Chambers, of Mantua, after 1 minute and 53 seconds of slugging in the first round.
Tommy Collins, 116, of Philadelphia, took a “dive” in the first round of his tilt with Young Joe O’Donnell, 120, of Barrington. Incidentally, Collins’ money was held up by Deputy Boxing Commissioner Edward A. Welsh, as Collins’ act was too raw for even the most liberal minded fans to condone.
But the crowd wasn’t interested in the settos preceding the feature scrap. The fans turned out to see Blair and Michaels fight, and while Michaels’ admirers were disappointed at his showing, Blair’s cohorts were overjoyed to see Mickey display his old-time form throughout.
Blair Outslugs Michaels
Picked by many critics to hit the deck if he attempted to trade punches with Michaels, Mickey astounded the fans by standing toe-to-toe with Joey, and on many occasions he invariably made the latter either break ground or go into a clinch. Blair knew entirely too much for Michaels. He feinted Joey into leading in the early rounds and then beat him to the punch repeatedly. Then in the closing rounds Blair took the lead himself, and also packed home his punches before Joey could get off first.
Michaels, who had knocked out eight of the ten opponents he had faced here prior to last night’s fuss with Blair, fought a one-punch fight. He apparently based his hopes of victory on getting an opening to tag Mickey on the “button,” but Mickey made certain that he didn’t present that opportunity, although he never once went into a “shell” in order to avoid punishment. Joey only made Mickey look tired in one round, and that was the sixth. In that frame Joey brought up a few right uppercuts while in the clinches which sent Mickey’s head bobbing and brought a weary look to his eyes, but Blair shook them off before the round was over and finished in good shape.
Blair’s best rounds were the first and fourth. Both sparred for an opening in the first and spent full thirty seconds fiddling around before Blair sent a right and left to the head, Mickey then cut loose with a long right which landed flush on Michaels’ nose, the punch starting the gore trickling at once. Mickey followed up with a flurry of rights and lefts to the head and body, winding up with a hard right to the jaw which sent Joey back on his heels. Blair tore into Michaels, banging away with both hands and Joey was forced to hold. After coming out of the embrace, Joey missed a long right swing and Blair took advantage of his poor judgment by planting a right and left to the body just as the bell ended the round.
Mickey Starts Weaving
Joey took the lead at the start of the second. He clipped Mickey alongside the head with a right and left, but the punches were too high to do much damage. Blair started weaving at this stage of the fuss and Joey appeared to be at a loss as to how to meet the situation. Mickey, however, went to work then and scored with a right and left to the body. He continued his attack on Joey’s midsection and the latter took to the run for the remainder of the round.
The third was a repetition of the second, Blair piling up more points, while Joey was looking for an opening to send home a decisive wallop. In the fourth, Mickey landed almost will and it was in this round that confounded the critics by outslugging his youthful foe. He crowded Joey into the ropes and exchanged punch for punch, Michaels finally being the first one to call it quits by falling into a clinch.
Mickey also won the fifth by a fair margin. He outpunched Michaels throughout and forced the milling from start to finish of the round. Joey got in his best work in the sixth. He opened with a vicious left hook to Mickey’s head which packed enough power to make the little Italian wobble for an instant. Joey closed in and sent two lefts to the body and then got in three right uppercuts to Blair’s jaw, the last punch bringing the claret from Mickey’s lips.
Joey Rocks Mickey In Sixth
Blair looked a trifle worried when Referee Smith parted them, but took the initiative by throwing a light right into Joey’s ribs. The latter, however, sensing that he had hurt Blair, countered with a right and left to the head before they went into another clinch. Joey then made Mickey’s head bob back and forth with four or five more uppercuts shortly before the gong ended the period, Blair appearing to be pretty tired when he went to his corner.
But that was Joey’s first and last flash of the night. Mickey came out refreshed at the start of the seventh and worked fast enough to win the round with plenty to spare. The final session was the slowest one of the bout. Both boys were played out from their earlier exertion, but Michaels was wearier than Blair. Joey didn’t land a punch in the last round, and while Blair didn’t do much damage, he sent home enough light punches to gain the period.
It was a good fight, and Blair set at rest the rumors that he has slipped by fighting one of the best fights of his career. The defeat didn’t dim for Michaels for he was fighting after the old last night and the showing means that Joey gave his best and with a few more fights under his belt may give Blair a better fight when they meet again. Blair weighed 133½, while Michaels was one pound heavier.
Morris Displays Punching Power
Despite the fact that the semi-final didn’t last two minutes, Morris showed enough in that short space of time to convince the fans that he is a great hitter. He didn’t waste any time when the gong sounded, but went about his task of stowing away Currie in a business-like fashion. He jammed the Philadelphian into a neutral corner and let fly with both hands to the head and body until Curry halted his attack by grabbing him around the waist.
After the break, Morris again crowded Willie into a neutral corner and then drove his left to the stomach with such force that Currie went down like a shot. It looked like the end for Willie squirmed in pain, but he was game and regained his feet at the count of nine. Morris tore in to finish him, but Currie managed to bore his way into a clinch. But that was the last chance he got to hold. After Smith parted them, Frank planted a couple of light rights to the head and then, like a bolt from the blue, banged his left to Currie’s stomach. That was the end of the scrap.
Boots Wins an Argument
Boots made short shrift of Woods who announced before the fight that Boots wasn’t so “hot” and that he’d take him early. Boots took exception to Woods’ remark and stated that he’d knock Woods kicking in the first round. Boots won the argument. He started both hands going as soon as the gong rang and Woods hit the floor from a hard right which landed on his left eye. When he arose the blood was streaming down his face and before Boots could clout him again he dropped to his knees. He took three straightened up and was going through some hostilities, but Referee Walters took one look at the gash over his eye and halted the fuss.
The Kelly-Buck tussle was a mighty close affair but there wasn’t a thrill in the fuss. Kelly, a right-hander, beat Buck, a left-hander, to the punch because the National Park lad entered the ring with a damaged left hand. Still we gave Buck the edge for his aggressiveness. According to our score card, Buck won the second, fifth and sixth rounds. Kelly the third and fourth, while the first was even. Then again, Kelly fared in the last rounds, while Buck hadn’t suffered any damage from the right uppercuts registered by Kelly in the early rounds.
Collins Is Very Poor Actor
Collins’ “diving” act in the first bout was the crudest thing that ever has been witnessed in a local ring. O’Donnell, one of the most promising featherweights in the east, hit too hard for him, so he took the easiest way out. Joe hit him with two lefts to the head shortly after the round opened, and Tommy looked ready to quit after the second punch. He must have felt the shot was too early, for he sleep for a few seconds more. Then O’Donnell fooled around the ring and then hit him on the top of the head with a light right. That was Tommy’s cue to hit the deck. He didn’t need a prompter, too he collapsed as if he had been hit by lightning. He took the full count while lying flat on his face. It was a vile performance, but Tommy will not receive a nickel for his acting.
Leon Lucas, who won the National A.A.U. light heavyweight championship by knocking out four opponents on the layouts for the American Olympic boxing team at Boston early this week, was introduced to the ring. Lucas will represent the United States on his distances at the Olympic Games, which will be held at Amsterdam in July.
Classified Ad — Lost Wallet Items
Camden Courier-Post —
WILL the finder please return the Sergeant’s Registration card, driver’s license and police courtesy cards that were in his wallet and lost Wednesday night? Reward. Return Sergt. Ray Smith, City Hall, or 31 N. 25th St., Camden.
Injured En Route to Baer-Schmeling Fight
Camden Courier-Post —
Showing the Same Grit That Carried Him Through France
Camden Courier-Post —
Showing the same grit and determination that carried him through battle-scarred France and then on to heavyweight heights, Sergeant Ray Smith attended the Battle of the Maxies in New York last Thursday… And with a broken back… The Sergeant had to bribe an attendant in a New York hospital to get his clothes for him so that he could get to the affair… And was there, gritting his teeth to hold back the pain, cheering his old friend Jack Dempsey’s initial go as a big-time promoter…
Hundreds Honor Mrs. Ellen D. Ryan
Camden Courier-Post —
Funeral Services Will Be Held at Penn Street Home at 2:30 P.M.
Hundreds paid a final tribute last night to Mrs. Ellen Dougherty Ryan, 79, whose funeral will be held at 2.30 p. m. today at her late home, 312 Penn Street.
Floral expressions of sympathy arrived all yesterday afternoon and last night from scores of friends of the family until two rooms were banked with flowers.
The pallbearers will be William E. “Wid” Conroy, former big league baseball player, Frank “Sis” Clouser, former ball player, Maurice Holler, Police Lieutenant William “Dutch” Padgett of Haddonfield, former ball player, Henry C. Beck and Sergeant Ray Smith, Courier-Post newspapers.
Rev. Dr. George H. Hemingway, former pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, will conduct the services and burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery.
Mrs. Ryan, a widow 20 years, was the mother of Frank H. Ryan, managing editor of the Courier-Post Newspapers; Thomas H. Ryan, sports editor of the newspapers; Edward Ryan, George R. Ryan, Mrs. Mary Shivers, Miss Anna W. Ryan and Miss Esther Porter Ryan. There are also four grandchildren and two surviving sisters. Mrs. Sue Davis, of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Jane Somers, of Philadelphia.
Ray Smith Thinks Sharkey Will Win on Square Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Says All Carnera Publicity Is Ballyhoo and Ex Gob Will Lace ‘Ambling Alp’ to Avenge Death of His Pal, Ernie Schaaf
By SERGEANT RAY SMITH
Who will win tonight?
Will Sharkey retain the heavyweight crown when he and Primo Carnera meet at the Madison Square Garden Bowl in Long Island? Or will the gigantic battler from Italy, take the coveted heavyweight title to Europe for the second time in two years?
This has been the main topic of conversation along the fistic rialto for the past few days now that the title contest looms so near.
The public has lost faith in the so-called experts. The fight fan of today has come to a realization that his opinion or yours is entitled to just as much consideration as the writers labeled as experts.
The sports writers of the country have already started the ballyhoo for Carnera to win. If he doesn’t win, the contest—and then it will just be that the experts have pulled another boner, and that’s that. When I read what the New York newspapers said of the fight, I reached the decision that I hadn’t been to the same fight. So much for experts.
Some have already started the cry that the fight is in “the bag,” that Sharkey will go in the tank. Somehow this writer thinks this a lot of hooey. It is true that many strange things happen in the fight “racket” in New York.
Sharkey Won’t ‘Bag’ It
But whatever happens tonight, your informer feels sure that Sharkey will be no party to anything that is not strictly on the up and up. Sharkey was a “gob,” a sailor for Uncle Sam. On his ships around the world, thousands of Sharkey’s fellow shipmates will lay every dollar on the line that the Boston man wins.
And the writer is willing to bet all the tea in China that Sharkey will not sell them out. Logically speaking, Sharkey has well invested all the money he needs. He has a mighty fine family, as the saying goes, he’s all set. He is whole-heartedly an American. He proved that when he joined the forces of the U. S. A. for maybe a paltry $18 per month.
He is an American at heart. When he climbs through those ropes to that ring he is America’s hope tonight, we think that two thoughts will be uppermost in his mind. One—keep the crown over here; second—that the ambling fighter who he will oppose is the same man who was responsible for the death of his pal, Ernie Schaaf. There is no use telling you of his ability. Sharkey licked Schmeling twice, despite the experts’ reports to the contrary.
Camden Bout Recalled
The writer saw both contests. The first battle I was accompanied by one of the best judges of fistic tests around these parts, Tom Ryan. Sharkey had so beaten Schmeling that we were both ready to leave the park, when the low blow giving the world’s championship to Schmeling landed. I saw the second fight, too, and Sharkey won by a big margin.
One night several months ago, Carnera met a “stumble bum” at the Camden Armory. All who saw it remember the hard time the “Ambling Alp” had to keep him on the floor.
He displayed only one thing, and that, plenty of size. Of course the experts will tell you how he has come along, but you can’t fool yourself. He has been on the floor on many occasions, proving that he can be hit. And somehow, when you see a giant as big as Carnera fold up from a punch, you wonder if all these talks about his marvelous ability is just plain “bunk.”
Sharkey will be fighting not only for the country of his adoption, but to avenge the death of his pal Ernie and the writer is banking on him to come through a decisive victor tonight.
Champions I Have Known
Camden Courier-Post —
By SERGEANT RAY SMITH
Champions I Have Known: Joe Lynch
Camden Courier-Post —
Champions I Have Known
Joe Lynch
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Joe Lynch, who is considered by many to be one of the cleverest bantamweight champions the world has ever seen, was born in New York in 1898.
Lynch was a product of the East Side of New York City. He had his early training in the gymnasium in which many other great ring men of that era did their schooling.
His first ring appearance was at the age of sixteen and he developed into an outstanding boxer, being described by many critics as one of the cleverest, most scientific bantam champions of all time.
Lynch won the bantam title from Pete Herman at Madison Square Garden on December 22, 1920. In the return match, Herman won, but Lynch came back to defeat Herman a second time on July 25, 1921.
Lynch was forced to relinquish his title in 1922 because of weight difficulties. He continued to box until 1926 and was one of the most popular fighters of his era. During his career he was never stopped.
Sgt. Ray's Corner
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Corner
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Max Baer, on June 14 in Madison Square Garden Bowl, will meet Primo Carnera for the world heavyweight title. Baer, in defeating Max Schmeling by a knockout, proved that he has the goods, and that on his best days he is unbeatable.
Carnera, the giant from Italy, has held the title since he defeated Jack Sharkey on June 29 of last year. His record since then has been far from impressive.
Locatelli vs. Georgia Reed: I watched this bout at Convention Hall and it was as fine a piece of boxing as I have seen in years. Georgia Reed, the colored boy from Baltimore, gave Locatelli one of the finest exhibitions of boxing I have ever witnessed in this city.
Reed was so far ahead on points that the decision for Locatelli was received with great disapproval by the large crowd. It was one of those decisions that give boxing a black eye.
Woodruff's Support Asked for Ray Smith
Camden Courier-Post —
Woodruff’s Support Asked for Ray Smith
Campaign workers for Sgt. Ray Smith, candidate for the Republican nomination for the New Jersey Assembly, today called on Albert S. Woodruff seeking his support in the primary.
Woodruff, who is waging a fight for control of the Camden County Republican organization, has not yet announced whether he will back Smith or any of the other Assembly candidates. Smith’s backers believe that Woodruff’s endorsement would be of great assistance in the primary.
Woodruff Faction Endorses Smith
Camden Courier-Post —
Woodruff Faction Endorses Smith
Sgt. Ray Smith, candidate for the Republican nomination for the New Jersey Assembly from Camden County, received the endorsement of the Albert S. Woodruff faction of the county Republican organization today.
The endorsement came at a meeting of the Woodruff faction’s executive committee, which voted unanimously to support Smith in the June primary. Smith, a former Courier-Post sportswriter and AEF boxing champion, has been active in veteran’s affairs and civic activities throughout Camden.
Sgt. Ray's Corner
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Corner
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Mickey Walker, the “Toy Bulldog,” is coming back. His recent performance against Eric Seelig at Madison Square Garden showed the old-time Walker, clever, aggressive, and with plenty of punch. Walker looked like the fighter of old, the one who fought Ace Hudkins, Jack Sharkey, and Tommy Loughran in their prime.
The boxing world needs a good middleweight champion. With Walker coming back, there is at least one outstanding contender for that title. His fight with Vince Dundee, scheduled for the near future, should be a real battle.
Sgt. Ray's Corner
Camden Courier-Post —
Believe it or not, down in the nation’s capitol boxing will be directed by a unique commission. Not one of the three officials has ever been affiliated with the boxing game, and only one of them is a boxing fan.
Major Lucian Vandoren, the chairman, is a lawyer, Georgetown graduate and World War veteran. He is 38 years old. Major Earnest W. Brown, superintendent of the District of Columbia police, is a member. It is required that a member of the police department be a member of the official group. Fred W. Bucholz, a wealthy hotel owner and a fight fan of long standing, is the third member of the commission.
Major Harvey L. (Heinie) Miller, former flyweight champion of the navy, one time sports editor of the Washington Herald, fight promoter, referee of college bouts and at present editor of the Coast Guard Review, is the secretary.
It is an outstanding commission. Not one member has any political tie-ups. They start without any tie-ups in the game that might bias them in any decisions that they might make. It’s a good commission and its record will be watched by commissions throughout the country.
It is said that Stanley Ketchell, the former middleweight champion of the world, used to be able tell the round in which he would knock his opponent out. Eddie McGoorty had one of the best left hooks in the business. Kid Williams was the nearest thing to a perpetual motion machine ever seen in the ring. Harry Wills was one of the most perfect heavyweights ever to trod his feet in resin. Battling Mack had an even temper in or out of the ring. Frankie Conway and Joey O’Donnell, local boys, fought several world’s champions. Still neither was fortunate enough to win the crown. Jack Dempsey, former heavyweight champion, was, in my estimation, one of the greatest fighters ever produced in the ring game. Jeff Smith was one of the quietest of ringmen. He disliked bally-hoo, and even didn’t like to have his picture in the paper. Harry Lewis and Kid McCoy were two of the smartest ringmen, and both set many traps that their opponents stepped into to bring defeat. Joe Grim and Ole Anderson are, in my estimation, two of the toughest boxers ever to answer a bell.
I once asked Sam Langford, the great colored heavyweight, how far one should bring a feint. For the uninitiated, a feint is an imaginary blow. The idea is have your opponent lower his guard. Sam scratched his head and replied: “Well, Sergeant, sometimes you bring them to with cold water.”
A great fighter, Sam! I learned more in one bout with the old tar baby than I ever dreamed could exist in the boxing game. He could punch, and I have often pondered whether Dempsey could hit any harder. He hit me on the head and I had a headache for a week.
The one fight that I think would have been among the greatest ever offered to fight fans would have been between Jack Dempsey and Jack Dillon. What a fight, and I say it would bring back the million dollar gates!
Sgt. Ray's Corner
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Corner
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Barney Ross and Jimmy McLarnin will meet in a return bout for the welterweight championship. The first bout between these two outstanding welterweights was one of the finest fights seen in years. McLarnin won the championship from Ross in a close bout, and the return is eagerly awaited.
Ross is one of the most scientific fighters in the game today. His foot work, his ability to avoid punches and his boxing skill make him a difficult man to hit. McLarnin, on the other hand, is one of the hardest punchers in the welterweight division. The bout should be a real thriller.
Sgt. Ray's Corner
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Corner
By SGT. RAY SMITH
The Golden Gate Athletic Club, under the direction of matchmaker Jim Strub, has been doing a magnificent job for boxing on the West Coast. Strub, who has been bringing the best fighters available to his club, has made it one of the outstanding fight arenas in the country.
The success of the Golden Gate Athletic Club is a lesson for promoters everywhere. By bringing in quality fighters and giving the fans an honest product, Strub has built up a following that is the envy of every promoter in the country.
Sgt. Ray's Corner
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Corner
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Joe Louis, the young Detroit heavyweight, continues to impress all who see him. His recent knockout of King Levinsky in one round at Comiskey Park in Chicago demonstrated that he is one of the most formidable punchers in the heavyweight division.
Louis is fast, hits hard with both hands, and has the killer instinct. Whether he is ready for a title shot is another matter, but there is no denying that he is the most exciting heavyweight to come along in years.
Sgt. Ray's Corner
Camden Courier-Post —
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
On Monday night at the Pennsauken Circle there will blaze in large electric lights the name “Golden Gate A. C.” It will be another venture to revive boxing hereabouts by that pudgy little chap, Lew McFarland. Failure has been Lew’s lot in the past, but he is trying again, convinced Camden and places hereabouts will support a fight club.
“There are plenty of fans around here who want fights,” said Lew. “Well, I’m going to give them real fighting shows, no sucker matches, no big names, but honest to goodness fights. That’s what the public wants and that’s what I am going to give them.”
Lew has a number of well known locals in his first show. For the wind-up he has secured Ted Borman formerly of Kensington now making his home in South Camden. Opposed to Boreman will be Calvin Reed, the Philadelphia colored battler who is rated as a mighty good lightweight.
The “killer instinct” in referring to any fighter has always made good copy. It is the same kind of copy, together with his manner in the ring, that is making Joe Louis one of the present ring sensations. That cold merciless stuff has the fans all excited, and so whenever Joe Louis is scheduled to appear, you can rest assured that the show will be a sell out.
The crowds still wonder if Joe can take it. If he continues to bowl them over as he has done in the part [sic], no one will ever know if he can take it or not. The answer is simple. He just doesn’t have to take it.
Of course in meeting Baer he will meet a real outstanding heavyweight, a man who can hit, a man who can take it, and a man whose value as a fighter has been proven. After the terrible showing in the Braddock battle many fans are already going on record and sawing [sic] that Louis will knock Baer out in jig time.
But one thing the fans can bank on. When Maxie enters the ring he will not be beaten before he starts, as have many of Joe’s opponents in the past. Maxie Baer when in condition can fight. He has proven that in the past. After his battle with Louis, the fans will be able to determine just how good Joe can fight.
It will be the turning point in the sensational career of Joe Louis. If he wins, nothing can keep him from the championship. If he loses he will be just another hope strewn along the pugilistic highway.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter
Camden Courier-Post —
If the advance interest displayed in the coming Baer-Louis fight means any thing, it surely will draw a million-dollar gate. My mail is filled with those who desire to go on record for either Baer or Louis. One interesting letter is from a lad who years ago acted as a sparring mate for Tommy Loughran, and who compiled a nice record for himself in the boxing profession under the name of Harry Grant. Harry’s right name is Harry Grinnan. He tells me he is a Jersey farmer and is located at the Echowood Farms, near Elmer.
Regarding the Louis-Baer fight, Harry says, “Baer realizes that he has lost the confidence of the boxing public because of the terrible battle he waged against Braddock. However, he is now out for vindication, and when he gets into the ring against Louis, he will be right mentally and physically, and above all his hands will be in perfect condition. You can say for me that when the smoke of battle has cleared, Maxie Baer will be the winner of the Louis bout and will again gain his heavyweight title.”
* * *
“What did you think of the fight Monday night?” Frankie Conway, the great little bantamweight boxer, asked me this question, referring to the Ettore-Haynes bout.
“It was a mnghty [sic] swell fight,” I answered.
“It was a mighty swell fight,” I Frankie [sic], “but I think that if Ettore had steadied himself a bit in the clinches and landed harder punches
he might have knocked Haynes out. The flashy work of Haynes was discounted by the effective short right-hand punches that Ettore landed in close.”
We went over the fight round by round, Frankie pointing out to me just what he saw and what Ettore had done wrong. And when I was ready to leave it was hard for me to realize that I had been talking to a blind man. But Frankie despite the fact that he lost his eyesight several years ago, still goes to fights with his pal, “Skilly,” who weighs each of the blows as they are struck and scores them. Frankie’s memory is a marvelous asset to him because he can go over the fight round by round just as though he saw the punches himself instead of having them relayed to him by a friend.
* * *
Ted Borman, a Camden lad who meets Calvin Reed in the windup, arranged by Lew McFarland, is a mighty sweet little puncher, a fighting kid who keeps coming on even after he has taken a trouncing.
Down in Wildwood several years ago at a boxing show in which this man took part. Borman was behind in the first part of the contest, but in the later rounds of the fight came back and rightfully won the decision. However, in Reed he will be meeting a smart fighter, a boy who has met the best in his class and has acquitted himself in great shape. It should be a great battle on Monday night, and it will be impossible to pick the winner until the last bell rings.
Sgt. Ray's Corner
Camden Courier-Post —
Tonight at the Pennsauken Open Air Arena, Lew McFarland offers an attractive fistic card in an effort to revive boxing hereabouts. Lew has worked hard on this show and the advance sale indicates that success will crown his efforts. Several up-and-coming boys have spots on the show, headed by Ted Borman of South Camden and Calvin Reed, classy colored lightweight from Philadelphia. The main bout is scheduled for eight rounds.
Fans attending the show will be treated to many surprises originated by the pudgy Lew.
* * *
Roxie Allen, former lightweight who fought many fine fights before Camden fight audiences, is in tip-top condition and training every day at a Philadelphia gymnasium. Roxie [continues in sgtraysmith-081935-02.jpg]
Sgt. Ray's Corner
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden wants boxing.
Fight fans who turned out to witness the bouts at the Golden Gate A. C. on Monday night proved that followers hereabouts will support real boxing shows. No outstanding names graced the card Monday, but the fans who turned out witnessed five hard-fought battles between well-matched boys. Such cards are sure to attract the real lovers of the fistic art.
Lew Skymer, one of the real classy lightweights to show here a few years back, acted as a second to one of the preliminary boxers. Lew whose eyesight was affected is now in the tire business with his brother Tommy, another good lightweight a few years back.
Joe Mancuso, fighting his first professional fight, made good with a vengeance. Joe looked mighty good and will surely be heard from in the professional ranks.
Danny McNichol, another simon pure, who fought his first professional fight possesses all the earmarks of a good fighter. If he is not pushed too rapidly, it looks as he is also destined to go places.
This fellow Joe Maloney, secretary of the New Jersey Boxing Commission, is a swell chap once you get to know him. He came down to Camden on Monday night to look over the situation. He went back to Trenton loud in his praises of just how well the show was conducted. Maloney knows the boxing game thoroughly and was here and there and everywhere looking the situation over. His main reason for being here was to see that the state received it [sic] cut. With Maloney and Luke McKenna, the local boxing commissioner on the job, we’ll say the state got none the worst of it.
Eddie (You shall not pass) Walker one of the best doormen in the United tSates [sic], collected the paste-boards of admissions. Eddie is the chap who broke One Eyed Connoly’s record in Philadelphia when he would not admit him without a ducat.
Lew McFarland put it over, and the little fellow was all smiles. It was fine work and Lew gave the fans a fine show.
Sgt. Ray's Corner — In Defense of 'Punch-Drunk' Fighters
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Corner
“Punch-drunk” is a term applied to members of the boxing profession who have during their service as a “knight of the padded mitts” absorbed a wee bit more than their share of punishment which causes them to lag in their gate and become incoherent in their speech. But in defense of those who are labeled “punch-drunk” I would say a word. The stigma placed against the names of many former fistic warriors by persons whose mentality does not itself rate very high often causes an erroneous idea to be formed of the person involved.
While Boxing Commissions protect the boxing public as well as the fighter, there is very little possibility of a boxer’s becoming “punch-drunk.” No bout under the supervision of a commission would permit a boy to be beaten so badly that his mentality would become affected. In the second place a thorough physical examination by a competent physician named by the commission prevents a boy entering into a boxing bout without being in superb physical condition.
Under proper supervision such as boxing has enjoyed for the past 10 years, there are very few fighters whose health or mind has been affected by punishment absorbed in the ring. True, a few of the old-timers are walking on their heels as a result of terrific beatings absorbed in battles before the day of the commissions.
But today with the protection offered by state boards it is very unlikely that a boxer will become punch-drunk as the result of beating absorbed while in the squared circle.
Jealousy is often responsible for persons whose education does not extend beyond the third grade, passing along information that this fighter or that one is punch-drunk, when the truth is that the person making the remarks would have some difficulty in passing a third grade grammar school education.
The late Will Rogers, a grand fellow and a real friend of the writer’s once said that many of the so-called elite thought the word “ain’t” had no place in the vocabulary of any American. Will’s come-back which squelched the so-called “wise guys” was:
“Wal all I know is that a lotta people who ain’t sayin’ ‘ain’t’—ain’t eatin’!”
And so this might be sort of a warning against people who do not rate so high themselves, making remarks behind the backs of ex-fighters who are their mental and physical superiors.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
The Louis-Baer fight is shaping up as one of the great heavyweight title bouts in years. Joe Louis, the “Brown Bomber,” has been knocking out everyone in his path and is the clear favorite. But Max Baer, the champion, is a dangerous puncher and should not be underestimated. I predict Louis will win, but it will not be easy.
Elks to Stage Camden Rodeo
Camden Courier-Post —
Elks to Stage Camden Rodeo
The Camden Elks Lodge is planning a special rodeo event to benefit the Crippled Kiddies committee. Sgt. Ray Smith, chairman of the crippled children’s committee, announced the details of the upcoming event at Clementon Park.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter
Camden Courier-Post —
Boxers who serve an apprenticeship in the amateur ranks turn to professional boxing like a duck takes to water. This was exemplified on Monday night when the fans had the opportunity of sizing up the ability of two boxers who were fighting their first professional bouts. One was Danny McNichol who carved out a clean-cut victory over Jimmy Lynch. The other was Joe Mancuso, who looked like a potential champion in the workmanlike manner in which he knocked out Joe Frabbrizio.
The experience they both gained as amateurs helped them to conduct themselves like veterans instead of the novices that one would expect of fighters who were fighting their first fight. There is plenty of room for both amateur programs and professional boxing. The one needs the other, the amateur bouts give the boys the seasoning necessary to embark on a professional career.
Much credit is due Dr. Ethan A. Lang, president and chairman of the registration committee of the Middle Atlantic Association, and a student of the sport. Al C. Dr. Lang started the amateur contests that have met with such appeal to boxing fans. They are held each Friday night at the outdoor arena in Wenonah. Dr. Lang has taken hold of the amateur situation with an experienced hand. He has made many fine, even matches, and this has assured the patrons of boxing a fine night’s entertainment. Many of the boys first mentioned by Dr. Lang may be the champions of the world a few years hence.
* * *
Once again the experts are claiming that Tommy Loughran is through, this because on Thursday night Tommy was held to a draw by Al Delaney. The bout at Buffalo. Delaney is described by sport writers as a young hard-hitting lad who tips the beam at 185 pounds. But the fact that Tommy was unable to get a draw is in my opinion a fine example of the ability of Tommy to gauge himself even in a short bout. The bout was of six rounds, while Tommy’s best work is done over the longer routes. Reports say the youngster got the jump on the veteran and he had to fight mighty hard to overcome the lead piled up by Delaney in the first part of the battle.
Sheer strength, and age are a big factor in winning short bouts, but its knowledge born out of experience and real class will tell. So instead of saying that Tommy is through I reserve judgment until these two meet over the longer route. Then one can really tell. The years have been and years have treated Tommy, one of the cleverest, finest fighters who ever trod his feet in resin.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
The Golden Gate Athletic Club has concluded a highly successful season. The Veterans Boxing Association, Ring 6, continues to be one of the most active boxing organizations in South Jersey.
Sgt. Ray's Corner — Dempsey Picks Baer Over Louis
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Corner
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Jack Dempsey, the former heavyweight champion, picks Max Baer to defeat Joe Louis in their upcoming title bout at Yankee Stadium. Dempsey, who knows a thing or two about heavyweight boxing, believes that Baer’s punching power will be the deciding factor.
I disagree with the former champion. Louis is too fast, too good, and hits too hard. He will be the next heavyweight champion of the world.
'Pepper' Martin and Elks Krippled Kiddies Rodeo
Camden Courier-Post —
“Pepper” Martin and Elks Krippled Kiddies Rodeo
Pepper Martin, the colorful St. Louis Cardinals outfielder, will be a special guest at the Elks Krippled Kiddies Rodeo at Clementon Park. Sgt. Ray Smith, chairman of the Camden Elks Crippled Children’s Committee, announced the event which will feature a real rodeo with cowboys, cowgirls, and bucking broncos.
Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the crippled children in the Camden area. The Elks have been supporting crippled children in this area for many years, and the rodeo promises to be the biggest event of the year.
Sgt. Ray's Corner — Is Loughran Through?
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Corner
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Is Tommy Loughran through? That is the question being asked in boxing circles after his recent performances. Loughran, who was one of the greatest light heavyweight champions of all time, has not looked like himself in his recent bouts.
Loughran, at his best, was a master boxer. His footwork, his ability to avoid punches, and his ring generalship were unsurpassed. But age catches up with all fighters, and at 33, Loughran may be finding the going tougher. I hope he still has something left, for he is one of the finest sportsmen boxing has ever produced.
Carlton Rowand and Elks Crippled Children's Committee
Camden Courier-Post —
Carlton W. Rowand, secretary of the Elks Crippled Children’s Committee, with his cats Amos and Andy, February 1936. Rowand worked closely with Sgt. Ray Smith on the committee for many years.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — Braddock vs. Schmeling
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
The coming heavyweight championship battle between James J. Braddock, the titleholder, and Max Schmeling, the German ex-champion, has stirred many debates among fistic followers on the outcome of their battle in September.
Past performance means little at present in the game of fisticuffs. That fact was demonstrated in the last heavyweight battle between Max and Joe Louis. One point for comparison was the battles in which both ring gladiators had met the old man of the ring wars, Paulino Uzcudun. Schmeling had battled the tough man from Spain on two occasions; he drew once, 12 rounds and later won the decision in 12 heats. To form followers it looked very much as though Paulino would give the Brown Bomber plenty of trouble. To the contrary, the bout was just a workout for Louis, who knocked Paulino out in four rounds. This is mentioned in passing just to prove that form does not always count.
Those who saw the battle in which Schmeling won the heavyweight title from Jack Sharkey back in 1930, when he was on the floor and was awarded the decision on a foul, and those who saw the college boxer, Steve Hamas, pound out a decision over the Teuton in Philadelphia in 1934, were surely not impressed with the German’s ring powers.
It is to be regretted that the ring glamor that surrounded Joe Louis cannot be heaped upon Schmeling. But it works out that the fans, instead of regarding Schmeling as a superman, just regard Louis as a much overrated boxer who was built up with publicity and just couldn’t take it.
Many ring followers are looking upon James J. as an old man. The truth to tell, Braddock is just three months younger than Schmeling. Braddock has the much more impressive ring record, is a smart boxer and has a telling right smash that can send any man to the canvas when it connects. All these facts indicate James J. will still be champion after the battle in New York in September.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — Louis vs. Sharkey
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Joe Louis will meet former heavyweight champion Jack Sharkey. Sharkey, who held the title from 1932 to 1933, is coming out of retirement for this bout. Louis should handle Sharkey without too much difficulty, but the old champion still knows all the tricks of the trade.
Sgt. Ray's Corner — Louis vs. Brescia
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Corner
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Joe Louis meets Jorge Brescia of Argentina in a non-title bout tonight. Brescia is a capable heavyweight, but Louis is in a different class. The Brown Bomber’s march toward the heavyweight title continues.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — A History of Middleweight Champions
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
The history of the middleweight championship is one of the most colorful in boxing. From the days of Jack Dempsey (not the heavyweight, but the “Nonpareil”) through Bob Fitzsimmons, Tommy Ryan, Stanley Ketchel, Billy Papke, Frank Klaus, George Chip, Al McCoy, Mike O’Dowd, Johnny Wilson, Harry Greb, Mickey Walker, Gorilla Jones, Ben Jeby, Lou Brouillard, Vince Dundee, Teddy Yarosz, Babe Risko, and Freddie Steele, the middleweight title has been one of the most hotly contested in boxing.
Each generation has produced its champion. The division has given boxing some of its finest moments, and the current titleholder, Freddie Steele, is a worthy successor to the great champions who preceded him.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — Camden Needs Boxing
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Camden needs boxing. The city had some of the finest fight cards in the region during the 1920s and early 1930s. In those days, Camden fans could see the best fighters in the country at Convention Hall and at the various athletic clubs in the area.
There is no reason why Camden cannot have good boxing again. There are talented young fighters in this area who need the opportunity to show their abilities. The fans are here. What is needed is a promoter with the courage to put on quality shows.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — Ettore vs. Dorazio Preview
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Al Ettore and Gus Dorazio are scheduled to meet at the Arena in Philadelphia. This bout raises many questions about both fighters. Ettore has been one of Philadelphia’s most prominent heavyweights for several years, while Dorazio is a young and hungry challenger. It should be an interesting fight.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — Braddock-Farr and Apostoli
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
James J. Braddock will meet Tommy Farr in a non-title bout. Braddock, who gave Joe Louis one of his toughest fights when Louis took the heavyweight title, is still a dangerous fighter. Fred Apostoli continues to impress in the middleweight division.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — Boxing Memories
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter, January 18, 1938. By SGT. RAY SMITH. Boxing memories from the early years of the sport in the Camden area.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — Braddock vs. Farr Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Tonight is the night for the Braddock-Farr bout. Both men are in fine shape and it should be a good fight. Braddock is one of the gamest fighters in the heavyweight division, and Farr, the Welshman who gave Joe Louis a great fight for the title, is no pushover.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — Ettore vs. Dorazio
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
With 1938 still in swaddling clothes, many interesting boxing contests are already slated. One of local importance is the battle scheduled at the Arena, in Philadelphia, on January 10.
It will present Al Ettore and Gus Dorazio, and raises many questions. Can Gus, who is comparatively a novice, so far as experience is concerned, match wits and blows with the more experienced Ettore? Will the fact that Ettore gave Joe Louis a fine battle for four rounds, or the fact that on two occasions, he whipped Leroy Haynes, give Dorazio an inferiority complex if the going becomes tough?
Ettore has never impressed me as a great fighter. But he has one quality (and a necessary one at that) in his courage. He has never lost a fight going away. Always, he meets his opponent in the middle of the ring, and gives as good as he receives, as long as he is able. He displayed that in his battle with Louis. On the other hand, against Tommy Loughran, the old master, he looked like a comparative novice, and could not apparently, in the vernacular of the game, hit Tom with a handfull of rice.
After watching Dorazio in action, I regard him as a “plodder,” a man, who offers no spectacular wealth of ring generalship, or ability, but keeps on going, hitting at every opportunity, with one thing in mind—victory.
If Dorazio were to pit his ring ability against a veteran, who possessed ring finesse, I would have no hesitancy in picking the veteran as the winner. But in meeting Ettore, Gus will not be called upon to meet a man who has the skill of a Loughran nor the punch of a Dempsey. He will be meeting just an ordinary fighter, who has plenty of “moxie.” And, on that basis, I pick Dorazio to win.
The bout is indeed a natural. Ettore since the retirement of Loughran, has loomed as Philadelphia’s Number One ring representative. Dorazio is a youngster who has strength and the desire to annex the honors that have been Ettore’s. Al is just a bit washed up. The lickings he absorbed in his battles with Louis and Galento have done him no good. A veteran of the ring game, Ettore will have to be at his very best to meet the onslaughts of the coming youngster. It should be a fine battle.
In the semi-final, Jersey Joe Walcott finds himself at the crossroads of the fight game. This is Joe’s first fight before local fans for quite a few moons. However, he has mopped up many an ambitious heavy in out-of-town rings. Upon this fight depends Joe’s future, for he must win and in a decisive fashion to warrant the boost of home-town fans.
Joe’s opponent will be Freddy Fiducia, who is rated a pretty fair mittman. But Joe, one of the best punchers in the heavyweight division, is in the best possible shape for the encounter, according to “Bill” Brooks, his manager. I look for Joe to win by a knockout.
The other matches present Johnny Hutchinson and Tony Fernandez; Tony Ciaccio and Young Buffalo, while the opener will present Billy Maher and Billy Arnold.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — February 15, 1938
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
I was discussing the fighters of today and those of other years with Babe Wolf at his place in Atco. “Yes sir,” said Babe, “Yi Yi Erne, what a fighter. Erne, Kid Beebe, Willie Fitzgerald, Grover Hayes, Billie Willis and I used to train down in Smith’s Gym at Eleventh and Washington avenue in Philadelphia. I used to work with Erne, and I’m telling you the lightweights of today would be duck soup for Erne. And Wilfie Fitzgerald was one of the hardest hitters of the welterweight division. You remember Grover Hayes? He was a grand fighter and that goes for Willis, too.
“But I also want to pass along a puff for my friend Kid Beebe. He was one of the busiest fighters I ever knew. Why, sometimes he would fight, and I mean they would be hard fights, three and four times a week. I still think his mark of over six hundred fights remains the record for any one man.”
“But while the type of fighters has changed, the manner in which a fighter prepares for a battle has also changed,” Babe said. “In those days we boxed six rounds, but that meant that you had to keep going, and going fast for the entire eighteen minutes. And how we trained. Every morning we would go out on the road, through Grays’ Ferry road, to the old race track, past the oil works for a six-mile tramp. Then in the afternoon we would work for a solid hour in the gym.”
“Yes sir,” concluded Wolf, “everything has changed, maybe its for the better, you trained hard for a six-round battle and received maybe if you were lucky a hundred bucks. Now you train very lightly, work eight or ten rounds, and collect anything from $5000 up. Yep, things have changed.”
Tony Galento has cancelled his engagement in Philadelphia on February 28. This must be good news for Willie Reddish, for he was the one named to exchange punches with the Newark “night stick.” Tony really has hurt his hand, according to word from his manager, Joe Jacobs, and will be unable to fulfill the contract made with Pete Moran, representing the Herman Taylor interests.
Moran announced he will substitute lightweights for the date. One of the battlers will be Pedro Montanez.
A letter from Jack Kearns, manager of Jimmy Adamick, the Michigan “killer,” says that Adamick looks better than Jack Dempsey at the same stage of his career. The youngster will show his ability to New Yorkers on Friday night when he meets Harry Thomas. If he’s only nearly as good as Dempsey, we are willing to vote him a champion in the making.
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — February 17, 1938
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
“Doc” Harris, a modest little fellow who can be placed in the category of a “small business man,” was a pretty good mittman while doing duty “over there” with the 78th Division. He told me one of his experiences the other day at the Elks Club.
“I only weighed about 132,” said Doc, “and I was considered the company’s representative in the light-weight class. We were homeward bound on the S.S. Luckenbach, and I was without a sou. Now the Navy had a lightweight on board who was considered very, very good. And it was suggested I take on this lad in a ten-round battle, I was to represent the Army and he was to uphold the colors of the Navy. It so happened that after the match was made it became the talk of the ship. Bets were made and it looked as though I would land in New York with some money in my pocket instead of stone broke. I looked up my opponent and suggested he and I make a good fight. Nobody would get hurt and maybe we could stage another bout before we hit land. We had had an accident and drifted several days, and it looked as though we would have plenty of time.
“I talked to the lad, but he turned me down cold. ‘If I can knock you out, I’m going to do it,’ he said. Well, that was O. K. with me, so everything went along until the day of the match.
“The ring was pitched fore and the crew, plus the troops, ranged around the ring to see the battle. Incidentally the officers had taken up a large size collection and as the purse was to be divided 60-40, I knew I would get some funds out of the fight.
“I was considered pretty shifty and a fairly good puncher. But as soon as the bell rang for the first round I knew I would be called upon to do my best to keep from being knocked out. This sailor was good. He fought in a crouch, put his neck between his shoulders and just kept throwing punches. He kept crowding me and I had to step to keep from being annihilated.
“From the first round to the finish of the tenth, it was a biff bang affair with both of us trying every kind of punch we knew to knock the other fellow out. At the finish the cheers of the sailors and soldiers must have been heard back in France, and then the decision—the referee called it a draw—and also announced all bets were off. My opponent was a mighty good boy and he and I both felt the decision was a fair one, and none of the boys lost any money through any technicalities.
“The payoff came when we divided the purse. It amounted to exactly $560, and I’ll tell you $280 for a soldier who was broke was nothing to be sneered at.”
“Why didn’t you keep up boxing?” I asked him.
“It’s too tough a racket,” answered Harris. “I have managed a few boys, and box a little bit once in a while, but as for boxing as a career, I’m much better off with my little cigar store.”
Sgt. Ray's Chatter — Louis Will KO Schmeling
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray’s Chatter
By SGT. RAY SMITH
Sergeant Ray’s Predictions for the June 22, 1939 Joe Louis–Max Schmeling World Heavyweight Title Fight. Louis will win by knockout.
Boosts Iron Lung Movement
Camden Courier-Post —
Joey Powell and Sgt. Ray Smith, January 11, 1939. Article: Boosts Iron Lung Movement.
Ex-Fighters Are Set for Charity Show
Camden Courier-Post —
Ex-Fighters Are Set for Charity Show
More than a score of former Camden boxers have agreed to put on an exhibition show to benefit a local charity, it was announced today. The show, which will feature former professional fighters, will be staged at Convention Hall.
Among those scheduled to appear are several members of the Camden Veterans Boxing Association, Ring 6. Sgt. Ray Smith and Joe Spearing are among those involved in organizing the event.
Nearly 4,000 Witness Old-Timers in Action
Camden Courier-Post —
Nearly 4,000 Witness Old-Timers in Action
Nearly 4,000 fans turned out at Convention Hall to witness the charity boxing show featuring Camden’s old-time fighters. The event raised substantial funds for the sponsoring charity. Frank Kopesky and other veterans of the local ring trade gave fine exhibitions of their skills.
Early Donor in Aluminum Drive
Camden Courier-Post —
Early Donor in Aluminum Drive
Sgt. Ray Smith was among the early donors in the Camden area aluminum scrap drive in support of the war effort, July 22, 1941.
Vets Launch Drive to Save Ambulance
Camden Courier-Post —
Vets Launch Drive to Save Ambulance
Sgt. Ray Smith announced that veterans organizations have launched a drive to save the Camden veterans’ ambulance from being discontinued due to lack of funds. The ambulance provides essential transportation for disabled veterans.
Ambulance Head Denies Removal
Camden Courier-Post —
Ambulance Head Denies Removal
The head of the ambulance committee denied reports that the Camden veterans’ ambulance was to be removed from service. Sgt. Ray Smith continued to press for permanent funding for the ambulance service, July 30, 1941.
Sgt. Smith and Russell Stoddard
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray Smith and Russell Stoddard, August 21, 1941.
Ray Smith's Wife Dies in Hospital
Camden Courier-Post — circa 1944
Ray Smith’s Wife Dies in Hospital
Mrs. Mabel Nash Smith, wife of Sgt. Ray Smith, newspaperman and boxing inspector, died yesterday in West Jersey hospital from a complication of diseases.
Their son, Pvt. Charles A. B. Smith, stationed at Fort Dix with the military police, was called to her bedside and arrived a few minutes before his mother died.
Mrs. Smith, a graduate nurse, met the former AEF light heavyweight champion when Smith returned to this country for treatment of wounds at the close of World War I. She was the sergeant’s attending nurse at Greenhut’s hospital, New York, and they were married shortly after his convalescence.
Shortly after coming to Camden with her husband, Mrs. Smith joined the Camden County Humane Society and became prominently identified with its activities. She was widely known throughout the East Side for her kindness to animals. During Winters she fed hundreds of birds which daily visited her yard.
Mrs. Smith took an active interest in her husband’s work as chairman of the Elks Crippled Kiddies committee, wrapping and preparing packages for the children. At the time of her death she was preparing to assist in the Crippled Kiddies Easter seal sale which opens tomorrow.
Surviving besides her husband and son are two brothers, Irwin and H. Walter Nash, Newark, and two sisters, Mrs. Mildred Clark, Haddon Heights and Mrs. Stella Gattman, Solvay, N. Y.
Funeral services will be held in St. Joseph’s church, Twenty-ninth and Westfield avenue, Saturday morning at a time to be announced. Friends may call tomorrow night at the home, 212 North Twenty-seventh street.
VFW Post Accepts Son of Sgt. Smith
Camden Courier-Post — circa 1944
VFW Post Accepts Son of Sgt. Smith
Pvt. Charles A. B. Smith, son of Sgt. Ray Smith, was accepted as a member of VFW Post 705. The younger Smith had enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and was serving with the Military Police.
Portrait of Pvt. Charles A. B. Smith
Camden Courier-Post
Pvt. Charles A. B. Smith, son of Sgt. Ray Smith, who was killed in action in Algeria during World War II.
Military Rites Set Friday for Cpl. Charles Smith
Camden Courier-Post — circa late 1944
Military Rites Set Friday for Cpl. Charles Smith
The youth’s father is living at the Charles A. B. Smith Home for Crippled Children at Erial, which he founded after the death of his son.
Corporal Smith’s father is the youth’s only immediate survivor. His mother, Mrs. Mabel F. Smith, died on March 8, 1944.
The Army youth was a former pupil in Camden High school. He enlisted at the age of 17 and joined a Military Police unit.
Corporal Smith received his early training at New York and Ft. Dix. He was sent overseas shortly after the death of his mother.
His father, who enlisted in the Army before he was 18 years of age, served with General Pershing on the Mexican border and was among the first 50,000 American soldiers to sail for France in War I. He became the AEF heavyweight boxing champion while overseas. He later was wounded in three engagements and won the Croix de Guerre with palm, which was presented personally by Marshal Petain.
Grave Markers — Mabel F. Smith and Charles A.B. Smith
Grave markers for Mabel F., wife of Sgt. Ray Smith (1891–1944), and Charles A. B. Smith.
Life Hereabouts — Down Memory Lane
Camden Courier-Post —
Life Hereabouts — Down Memory Lane
By CHARLEY HUMES
The days of boxing in Camden . . . great days they were . . . the fights in the Armory on Haddon avenue . . . for One, Two and Three . . . tax included . . . the days of John Smith . . . whose son, Lee, became one of our great friends . . . the days when Philly came to Camden to see the best fighters in the land . . .
AND THEN DOWN through the years with Lou McFarland . . . Higgins and Kaplan . . . Tommy James . . . the man named Doyle who always gave us a smile when we called him “Mister” because he was so kind . . . When Sergeant Ray Smith became a referee . . . “Pose” Robinson . . . the days of Willie Davis . . . Harry Smith . . . Jim Kelly
Fights in the ball park at Twelfth and Federal streets . . . at the Fairview Ball Park . . . in the Temple Theatre . . . the Star Theatre . . . . Newt Blanchard, the only promoter who gave us MORE money than we asked for . . . . The Broadway Theatre . . . the early days of Convention Hall . . .
THE TIME they opened the Plaza Hotel Gym and all the fine lads on the program . . . with the late Mayor Stewart in the audience . . . and many other dignitaries . . . and being “dared” into a match with Ray Smith, because his opponent failed to show . . . . the same guy who fought Tunney . . . Mike Brennan . . . Gibbons . . . Martin . . . Dempsey . . . Loughran . . . and seeing the Sergeant’s body covered with blood in the second round . . . our very own blood . . .
THE YEARS when Gloucester city was the fightenest town in the nation . . .
The days of K. O. Joey O’Donnell . . . who fought them all. . . . Of Frankie Conway . . . who never took a backward step . . . and still has the same courage today. . . . Of Willie Spencer . . . who headlined show after show. . . . Charlie Daggert . . . now a referee in Philly. . . . Jimmy Rafferty . . . Eddie (Kid) Wagner . . . Young Sherlock . . . Abe Wustbond, later an instructor of boxing at Herman’s gym in Philly . . . Eddie Forrest . . . and his brother, who fought Battling Nelson . . . the crowd-pleasing Willie Fuller . . . Joey O’Connor.
Back when “Chick” Hunt fought under the name of Eddie Melson . . . and later, in professional ranks, the night he fought Joe “Kid” Fisher at the Apollo theatre in Gloucester. . . . Chick is our friend today . . . but we don’t believe he ever will forgive us for that night when we yelled at Joe to . . . well, we yelled at Joe; . . . The days of Harry “Dick” Donohue, trainer and manager of Nick Nichols.
AND THE BEST, learning the business under the incomparable Eddie Prince . . . who knows how to condition fighters . . . then and now . . . with the best in the nation. . . . The days when they called Mister Georgano “Lemons” . . . but affectionately . . . not because he was ever sour.
When Johnny Sapio . . . who only days ago was honored at a banquet at Weber’s Hof Brau by so many people the walls bulged . . . fought under the name of Young Joe Grim.
HOW MANY will remember when our own Eddie Garrity, now the sedate deputy director of public safety in Our Town, was a boxer . . . with plenty on the ball? . . . When George Murphy boxed around here . . . and the Tighe brothers, Eddie and Jimmy. . . . Remember Richie Hoehner? . . . . Jimmie Jordan? . . . Eddie Douglas? . . . Bobby Graham, then a soldier stationed in Gloucester? . . . . Steve Jackson? . . . Frankie McLaughlin (whose brother Neil WAS on Retreat with us, Mrs. McLaughlin, and gave us much of this information)?
Recall Johnny “Homo” Bryan? . . . Duncan Carswell, Jimmy and Jack Dean, referees, all three? . . . Theo Ellick, the matchmaker. . . . And who could forget Joe Spearing, afraid of nobody then and now . . . he fought our boy Fisher three times to our knowledge . . . once in Atlantic City . . . another at one of the ball parks here and the third (the windup, no less) in Gloucester. . . . Who won . . . who cares?
THE DAYS when a Cook was a promoter . . . and a Politician(?) got the gravy. . . . The time “Red” Haines fought Roxey Allen over top the old Standard movies at Second and Vine streets . . . amateur against a near-champ . . . and what a battle . . . when Everett Joslin and Johnny Taylor were on the First district wagon and backed it up to the door leading to the second floor, and all the people gathering around because they thought it was a raid . . . and all they came to see was a round or two of the fights.
Back when Joey Powell had an iron fist . . . and Soldier Freedman an iron jaw. . . . When Mayor Victor King was always in the front row at the bouts . . . when Augie Oswald “worked” the river in his boat for shad and other fish . . . when a dollar was a dollar and not 27 cents . . . when the downtown fight gym was operated by Charley Mack . . . whose brother Battling Mack was a great drawing card and a great fighter . . . and Charley was no softie, either.
THE SUMMER BOUTS in the ball park when you could get a swell bleacher seat for half a buck—and be closer to the bouts than $50 seats at some of the big clubs now . . . and see better fights, too. When Camden had growing pains . . . and its people started moving to the suburbs . . . when a guy who made 40 slugs a week was a “big executive.” . . . When copy boys on the papers got $4 a week . . . and had enough left over from their salary to lend money to reporters who made the tremendous sum of $25 a week. . . . Great days, say you . . . great days, say us. . . . Nostalgia.
Ayres Asks Public To Aid Easter Shield Drive
Camden Courier-Post —
Ayres Asks Public To Aid Easter Shield Drive
Former Judge Rudolph S. Ayres, retiring exalted ruler of Camden lodge 293, BPOE, today urged South Jersey residents to support the Easter Shield campaign of the lodge’s crippled children’s committee.
Ayres, who is serving his second term as head of the Camden lodge, said: “The job of looking after needy, crippled children in this area is of great importance to all members of our lodge. This year, the crippled children’s committee plans to establish its own Elks’ Central palsy clinic. The estimated cost of the clinic will be approximately $25,000, which will include expenses of renovating a building to house the clinic.
“Throughout the years, our lodge has endeavored to aid crippled children. But public support urgently is needed now more than ever. I urge everyone to send their contributions to the Elks home, 807 Cooper street.”
Carlton W. Rowand, secretary of the crippled children’s committee, said an additional $2500 was needed this year for the purchase of braces, corsets and other aids for crippled children. In the past these have been bought by the State Crippled Children’s Commission, he added, but that agency is without funds until July 1.
Sgt. Ray Smith, the committee’s executive director, said: “The problems of cerebral palsy victims are ones which merit our most serious consideration. Statistics prove that only one out of every 100 children today receives the proper treatment. In this area there are more than 300 children suffering from cerebral palsy.
“At the clinic conducted by Dr. Winthrop Phelps it is possible to examine only 10 or 12 children each day. Due to the need in this area, Dr. Phelps is in Camden four days each week instead of two.
“The need for a permanent cerebral palsy clinic in this area is urgent. A clinic that will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. We want to care for the children suffering from cerebral palsy, but we need the help of South Jersey residents.”
The committee in charge of the Easter Shield drive includes: Dr. Irvin E. Deibert, president; John F. Knebleton, treasurer; Mrs. Florence A. Lovett, executive secretary; Supreme Court Justice Burling; James H. Barker; Samuel A. Cahn; Dr. Walter A. Crist; William Cassell; William J. Carberry; William A. Davis; Supervisor Dewey Eldridge; Warren L. Fogg; Edward J. Griffith; Robert Galvin; U. S. Senator Hendrickson; William F. Huff; Herman Hurtle; Julius Krivos; Daniel A. McKim; John L. Morrisey; James O’Connell; Herbert Richardson; Harry G. Robinson; C. Guy Ross; John Robertson; I. Grant Scott; David L. Visor; Lawrence V. White and Congressman Wolverton.
Sgt. Ray Smith Installed by DAV
Camden Courier-Post —
Sgt. Ray Smith Installed by DAV
Sgt. Ray Smith, former newspaperman, was elected and installed commander of the August F. Walters chapter 4, Disabled American Veterans, at a meeting Friday night in headquarters at Broadway and Benson street.
Sergeant Smith, who had been senior vice commander, was unanimously elected to head the organization after Robert Skutta resigned as commander because of his business hours. Sgt. Smith was installed by Albert Stewart, past commander. George Gkuhn was elected senior vice commander to succeed Smith.
James Duffield, who recently was hospitalized in Richmond, Va., spoke on paralyzed veterans of Wars I and II, declaring modern science had made great progress since the first war.
Named delegates to the DAV state convention at Wildwood June 22 to 24 were Smith, Gkuhn, Skutta, Stewart, Duffield, John Tachjiawn, Hamilton Batten, Stephen Kirby, junior vice commander; and Michael Sushak, chaplain.
Crippled Children Guests of DAV at Christmas Party
Camden Courier-Post —
Crippled Children Guests of DAV at Christmas Party
Twenty-five crippled children were guests of the August F. Walters Chapter 4, Disabled American War Veterans, at a Christmas party in the chapter headquarters, 310 Broadway, Friday.
The children assembled at city hall, where holiday greetings were given by Mayor Brunner. They were then taken to the chapter home for a turkey dinner, according to Sgt. Ray Smith, commander, who said entertainment for the children was headed by Charlie Ventura, saxophone player.
Miss Sandra Lack, daughter of Albert Lack, of Magnolia, a War II veteran, distributed gifts. In addition the children received candy, novelties and fruit. Kathleen Walsh sang.
The chapter met after the party, Smith said, and made Lack a member.
Sponsors Invited For Children at Elks Annual Fete
Camden Courier-Post —
Sponsors Invited For Children at Elks Annual Fete
The chance to play “Dad” to a handicapped child will be the privilege of every Camden County man on Tuesday evening.
That’s the time for the annual birthday dinner in honor of Sgt. Ray Smith, held by the Elk’s Crippled Children’s Committee, at Clementon Park.
Each person subscribing to the dinner will have the opportunity to entertain a handicapped child as his guest. He will meet his “son” at the Chicken Barn at Silver Lake Inn at 5 p.m., and at 7:15 will be served dinner with him at the birthday party.
Frank H. Ryan, editor of The Courier-Post, will be toastmaster at the dinner, held in honor of the former Courier-Post reporter who was a hero of World War I and gave his only son in War II.
Persons wishing to entertain children for the night should send payment of $5 for self and child to Mrs. Florence A. Lovett, 807 Cooper st., Camden.
Sgt. Smith, who was injured in action in France, was light-heavyweight champion of the American Expeditionary Forces overseas before returning home.
Eddie Roecker, of Merchantville, singer and television personality, will be a guest at the dinner. Smith announced he has received word from Vice President Richard M. Nixon that he will be unable to attend because of duties in Washington.
Elks to Open Drive to Aid Youngsters
Camden Courier-Post —
Elks to Open Drive to Aid Youngsters
The Elks Easter Shield fund drive will open officially Thursday with a luncheon in the Elks Home, 807 Cooper st., at 12.15 p. m.
William H. Heiser, president of the Elks’ Crippled Children’s Committee, Inc., of Camden Lodge of Elks 293, heads the fund raising committee.
“This year the Crippled Children’s Committee will conduct its own Easter Shield fund-raising drive,” said Heiser. “We are in no way connected with any other lodge or lodges and all returns will be used to aid crippled children in the area. The area which we service includes Camden County and parts of Burlington and Gloucester Counties.”
According to Mrs. Florence A. Lovett, executive secretary, there are 275 crippled children on the committee’s active list. An average of more than 400 children are aided by the committee each year.
Through the fund drive the committee also buys approximately 150 pairs of orthopedic shoes annually for needy youngsters.
“No money is ever expended by the committee,” said Mrs. Lovett, “until all aspects of a case have been completely investigated.”
Sgt. Ray Smith, past president of the committee, is in charge of the luncheon assisted by John Robertson and Allie Barr.
“Each guest will pay for his own lunch,” explained Smith. “No money taken in on the drive will be used to buy food.”
The Shield will be in the mail next week. All contributions may be sent to the Elks Crippled Children’s Committee, BPOE, 293, 807 Cooper st., Camden.
Boxing Show Slated to Aid Drop-A-Buck
Camden Courier-Post —
Boxing Show Slated to Aid Drop-A-Buck
More than 500 members of boys clubs and Little League teams in the area will be guests at a special amateur boxing show Tuesday night at Convention Hall from which proceeds will benefit the Frank H. Ryan Drop-A-Buck Club.
Sponsors for the young guests are being solicited now by a committee headed by Police Insp. Anthony Skolski.
The show will be staged by the Camden Police Athletic League and sponsored by Camden Local 35, New Jersey Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.
Ten three-round bouts will present boxers from the Philadelphia Police Athletic League and some Middle Atlantic AAU champions will be on the card.
Among sponsors of one or more children already signed are Deputy Public Safety Director Willard C. Schriver; Police Chief Gustav Koerner, Skolski, Municipal Judge Anthony Marino, Dets. Joseph Mardino and Ernie Santaniello, Art Sharp, Andy Fanelli, Nick Tedeschi, Anthony Galiozzi, the Hub Steak House, Rt. 38, Maple Shade; Hill Clothing store, 2636 Westfield ave.; Roma Cafe, 3rd and Royden sts., and Local 35, NJSPBA. Persons, organizations or business establishments wishing to become sponsors are urged to contact Skolski at the city police department. Assisting are Anthony Moffa, co-chairman; George MacKenzie, Charles Kocher, Mario Ferrari, Peter Paul, Edward Yeager, Walter Busko, Thomas Kelly and Douglas Holmes.
Amateur Boxing Matches To Aid Drop-A-Buck Club
Camden Courier-Post —
Amateur Boxing Matches To Aid Drop-A-Buck Club
Ten Bouts Scheduled to Be Held Tuesday Night at Convention Hall
Amateur boxing makes its reappearance tomorrow night in Camden, at the Convention Hall, after a lapse of many years.
Sponsored by NJSPBA Local No. 35, Camden, and sanctioned by the Middle Atlantic AAU, 10 three-round bouts will be held, the first bout to start at 8 o’clock.
The proceeds of the show will be donated to the Frank H. Ryan Memorial Drop-A-Buck Christmas Fund.
Six guest referees will officiate as many bouts, while an AAU referee will handle the four other bouts.
The guest referees are: William Stretch, general manager of the Courier-Post; Jersey Joe Walcott, former world heavyweight champion; Joe Webster, popular restaurateur and former manager of record for Walcott; Mayor Weber, of Delaware Twp.; Sgt. Ray Smith, erstwhile AEF light heavyweight champion, and Frank Guetherman, Camden police sergeant who fought under the name of Tip Gorman.
Ten three-round matches, each round limited to two minutes, will be presented.
Seven of the 20 boxers to appear are Middle Atlantic AAU champions. They are: Cyril Woodland, Richard Beasley, Woody Marcus, Richard Brown, Willard Roberts, Leslie Smith and Rudy Davis.
Others due to appear are: Thomas Sharkey, Frank Murtha, Richard Ferraro, Edward Kiernan, William Floyd, Patrick Nutt, Stanley Hinneryk, Clarence Collins and James King.
Inspector Tony Skolski is chairman of the boxing committee and Anthony Moffa and George Mackenzie are co-chairmen.
11th Annual Banquet — Veterans Boxers Association, Ring 6
“ONE FOR ALL … ALL FOR ONE!”
11th Annual Banquet — Veteran Boxers Association, Ring 6 — Monday Evening • April 20 • 1959 — Moffa’s Farm
Honored Guests and Speakers
Toastmaster Hon. Francis J. Werner, Member of the New Jersey Assembly — Invocation Rt. Rev. Father George Sharkey, Pastor of the Church of the Blessed Virgin, Atco, N. J. — Address of Welcome Hon. Robert Yost, Mayor of Gloucester Township
Jersey Joe Walcott, Former World’s Heavyweight Champion — Tommy Loughran, Retired Undefeated World’s Light Heavyweight Champion — Pete Latzo, Former World’s Welterweight Titleholder, Conqueror of the great Mickey Walker — Corp. Izzy Schwartz, Former World’s Flyweight Champion — Hon. William Cahill, Member of Congress Representing Camden, Gloucester and Salem Counties — Hon. Edward J. Patton, Secretary of State, New Jersey — Hon. Anthony (Tony) Mitchell — Hon. Oscar Moore, Director, Board of Freeholders, Camden County — Hon. Martin Segal, Sheriff, Camden County — Hon. E. George Aaron, Commissioner, City of Camden — Hon. Frank (Chick) Abbott, Commissioner, City of Camden — Hon. Edward C. Garrity, Commissioner, City of Camden — James O’Neill, Executive Editor, Courier-Post Newspapers — Tom Ryan, Sports Editor, Courier-Post Newspapers
Alexander Feinberg, Member of the Stadium Committee — Gustav Koerner, Chief of Police, Camden — Francis (Pat) McCann, Executive Secretary, Boilermakers Union No. 801, CIO-AFL for the entire eastern seacoast — Joseph Guinan, Perennial President, Ring No. 1—Mother of all other Rings — Joe (Kid) Murphy, Six times president of Ring No. 6 — Frankie Conway, Honorary President, Ring No. 6 — Carlton W. Rowand, Secretary and Past Exalted Ruler of Camden B. P. O. E. No. 293 — Godfrey C. Misus, Past Exalted Ruler, Camden B. P. O. E. No. 293 — Jack Larkin, Ring No. 9, Garfield, N. J. — Jack Grebelski, Ring No. 8, New York City, N. Y. — Freddy Yale, Ring No. 12, Atlantic City, N. J. — Rosario DeLuca (Kid Locke), Veteran of 300 ring battles—never KOed — Stanley Ciechanowski, Former Freeholder — Joseph Cervino, Nationally Prominent Timekeeper
The Committee welcomes the following Mayors: Wilbur Richards — Clementon; Michael Piazzi — Pine Hill; C. Glenn Seelhorst — Stratford; Joseph Gaisor — Hi-Nella
Our Man of the Year
“Our guest of honor was born in Camden back on July 6, 1895 as Lucius Raymond Smith … in his 64 years on this earth, the man who is known to thousands over the face of the globe as Sgt. Ray Smith has endeared himself to all in this area for his unselfish interest and aid to crippled children … he has served as president of the Elks Crippled Childrens Committee for more than 20 years … at present, with Assemblymen Francis Werner and Frank Meloni, aided by Steve Kirby and George Ewing, he is fighting for a bonus for World War II Veterans and those who served in Korea. His talk before the N. J. Assembly, two months ago, was a masterpiece . . . he was one of the leaders of the bonus march for World War I Vets and with the aid of Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, established Anacosta … he has served the V. F. W. Post No. 705 four times as commander … he likewise has served three terms as Commander of the Disabled American Veterans — August F. Walters Chapter No. 4 … past commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, South Jersey Chapter No. 26 … past president of the Veterans Voting League . . . member of Thoirs Post No. 47, American Legion . . . past president of the Gloucester Township Democrat Club . . . past president of the Erial Civic Association. Space will not permit to list any more of the accomplishments of this old soldier . . suffice to say he served his country with distinction in World War I, was decorated, and wounded on three occasions. His only son was killed in World War II.”
“We, the membership of Ring No. 6 are indeed proud to have our first president as our ‘Man of the Year’ . . . Sgt. Ray Smith . . . fighter for the underprivileged . . . fighter in ring wars . . . fighter on the battlefields of Europe . . . champion of crippled children . . . and so Sarge, your comrades of Ring 6 join with your many friends and say a long and healthy life.”
“LADIES & GENTLEMEN! HONORED GUESTS! TONIGHTS MAIN EVENT — SGT. RAY SMITH & FRIENDS” . . . the ring announcer would say at a boxing arena. “The feature attraction and testimonial sponsored by the Veteran Boxers Ring No. 6 Commission, Joe (Kid) Murphy, president. The principal, Sgt. Ray Smith, heavyweight boxer years ago, tonight honored as ‘Man of the Year’.”
To the host of friends Ray needs no introduction, for he has excelled in many fields — sports, charity, newspaper columnist, radio broadcaster, politics, public relations and understanding. In sports, he was an outstanding heavyweight boxer, winning top honors while in the Marine Corps.
As a referee in boxing, his ability, good judgment, fair decisions were never questioned.
In charitable work he has, on behalf of the Elk’s Club, performed a magnificent task for the crippled children. His many good deeds and kind words for his fellow man bestows upon him the title, “Big Man, Big Heart and the Man of the Year.”
Testimonial . . . Judges, host of friends present and elsewhere. Timekeepers . . . Ending festivities, Moffa Bros. Referee and Toastmaster . . . Frank Werner, N. J. Assemblyman. Referee’s Instructions . . . Friends, sportsmanship sometimes is better than a “Victory.” “Gong”!!! There goes the bell, festivities proceed.
There is no question, Sgt. Ray Smith welcomes his many friends, and appreciates your coming to honor him. We all agree that Sgt. Ray’s heart is not big enough, and words could not express his gratitude to his many friends for paying him this tribute, “Gong”!!! There goes the bell again, and final decision. Ladies, Gentlemen, Honored Guests and Advertisers, the Veteran Boxers Association, Ring No. 6 remains exceedingly grateful and sincerely appreciates your support and patronage in honoring “OUR MAN OF THE YEAR.”
Thank You … Good Night … Best of Health! — Arrangement Committee: Joseph Powell, Les Cranmer
VBA Ring 6 Well-Wishers
Veterans Boxers Association Ring 6 — 11th Annual Banquet,
Joey Powell’s Well-Wishers also extend best wishes to Sergeant Ray Smith.
Joey Powell, 1931, 127 lbs. Managers: Dick Graminga, Charles Humes, and Tony Georgette. Trainers: Eddie Prince, Lew Sparks, and Jack Blackburn.
Joseph Grochowski — Al Bunker — Ed Kaszycki — Andy Friday — John Skiba — John Dombrowski — Walter Szalanski — Nick Pawlak — Wm. O’Brien — Bill Neil — Wm. Schultz — Tom Scarduzio — Peter Paull — Barney Tracey — Dave Hainsworth — Walter Zimolong — Edward Shapiro — Thomas McLaughlin — John Opfer
Vallie Francesconi — Tom Ryan — Leon Lucas — Jesse Urban — Bobbie Zimmerman — Joe (Kid) Murphy — Pee Wee Wilson — Jackie Gleason — Joe Vitarelli — Al Daley — Frankie Youker — Joe McEvoy — Frank Valenti — Jim McFadden — Charles Bauer — George Ballantine — James O’Neill — Dorothy Dougherty — Agnes McHenry — Vicky Dangler — Francis Souders — Loretta and Reds — Bart — Roger Cotton — Leon McCarthy — Kenneth Geitz — Joe Daubman — Norman Jacobson — Nick Colofrancisco — Chris Rago — Charles Myers — Ray Cohand — Paul Harduk — Charles Wells — Carl Stolinski — Walter Wilson — Steve Straub — Charley Kmiec — Jimmy Tyler — Joe Dorfy — William Vogel — John Campbell — Steve O’Keefe — Sam Laird — Ed Rickter — Don Cragin — John Odorisio — Michael Przywara — Walter Paleszewski — Watson Burdalski — Stanley Snajkowski — Frank Drabik — John P. Kawczak — Frank Kulesa — Steve Kirby — James R. Asher — Polack Tony — Stephen Yakopczyna — Helen and Chick — Don Wilson — James Monaghan — George Carr — Bill Jentsch — John Greenan — Charles Galasso — Don’s Barber Shop — Joe Shaw — Ben Gutowski — Tom Bristow — Joseph Stelmach — Leon Hood — George Saunders — Mike Borman — Anthony Cirelli — Bob Hardy — Frank Hardy — Benny DePalma — Frank Padulla — Mike Yack — Stanley Powell — George Kroecker — A Friend — The Fox — Tom Fish
Flag Day Ceremonies Conducted by Elks
Camden Courier-Post —
Flag Day Ceremonies Conducted by Elks
Flag Day ceremonies were conducted Sunday in the Camden Elks Home, 807 Cooper st.
George I. Shaw and Godfrey C. Misus, both past exalted rulers, gave the history of the American Flag. Franklin P. Kramer, past exalted ruler, and officers, conducted the altar services. Clair V. Cathers, exalted ruler, conducted lodge services, which terminated with a formation of red, white and blue flower bouquets.
David W. Nichols Jr. headed the committee in charge. He was assisted by John Robertson, Sgt. Ray Smith, co-chairman, Shaw, Edwin H. Bishop, William S. Gibson, Joseph R. Mulligan, James A. MacMillan, William H. Jackle, C. Hobart Corson and Wilfred Benoit.
Ryan Honored At Special Fete
Camden Courier-Post —
Ryan Honored At Special Fete
More than a score 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.
Crippled Children's Party Tomorrow
Camden Courier-Post —
41st Annual Affair
The Crippled Children’s Committee of Camden Elks Lodge 293 will sponsor its 41st annual party for crippled children tomorrow.
S.S. Norcross 3rd, exalted ruler of the lodge, and Edward J. Griffith, president of the Crippled Children’s Committee, said the children will board buses at 10:30 AM at the Elks’ home, 807 Cooper Street.
First stop will be Sergeant Ray Smith’s home on Lake Renee, where the children will have their annual picnic lunch. Following lunch they will ride horses from the Persian Acres Dude Ranch operated by County Detective Robert Di Persia.
Erial Fire Company will pick up the children for a ride to the Nike Missile Base in Erial, then onto Clementon Lake Park. Following dinner in the Chick Barn at Silver Lake Inn, the youngsters will return to the Elks’ Home.
Among those helping Sgt. Ray celebrate his 72nd birthday at Silver Lake Inn later in the evening will be former Judge Samuel P. Orlando, Congressman John E. Hunt, Jersey Joe Walcott, Mayor Alfred Pierce and state Senator Frederick J. Scholz and recently appointed Prosecutor A. Donald Bigley.
Sarge's Smile Will Be Full Bloom Again
Camden Courier-Post —
Hopes Frustration Ends
By Otts Hulleberg, Courier-Post Sports Editor
For the first time in his life, Sgt. Ray Smith feels frustrated.
For many dozens of years, the Sarge’s home on Lake Renee in Erial, has been the mecca for ex-boxers, newspapermen and politicians. Most of them just come to chat a bit and reminisce.
Suddenly, the Sarge reports, the line of visitors to his retreat has dwindled to a trickle. “In fact,” Sarge said mournfully, “I’ve only had two old friends — George Denver and Hugh Kelly — visit me in the last two weeks.”
Is that any way to treat a man who, in his prime, dined with the King of England and the Duke of Windsor, and tripped the light fantastic with famed dancer Irene Castle and Elsie Janis, the “Sweetheart of the AEF?”
We’re taking you back to the 1917-1920 era now. That’s when the Sarge became the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) heavyweight boxing champion. Later he became boss man of all boxers in Europe fighting with the Allies against Germany. He removed his last opponent, Captain J. Coughill of Australia, with a knockout at 1:25 of the first round in Paris, France.
And that’s when General John J. Pershing, supreme commander of the U.S.A. forces, decorated Ray Smith for valor. Later, famed Marshal Petain pinned France’s Croix de Guerre on the Sarge’s chest.
Ah, what memories this man has, and what moments and hours of glory.
He likes to recall his fight with Battling Levinsky, world’s light-heavy champion at the time. Ray battled him to a draw at Norfolk, Va. Later, after shipping to France, he boxed exhibitions for the doughboys with George Carpentier, France’s wonder boxer who stripped Levinsky of his title.
The Sarge fought the best of them after returning from World War I … Bill Brennan, Hambone Kelly, Willie Meehan and Gene Tunney. Gene, before he whipped Jack Dempsey for the world’s heavyweight championship, boxed Ray right here in Camden. Tunney knocked the local hero out.
“It was no disgrace losing to Tunney,” Ray said. “After all, he turned out to be the best of ‘em all.”
The Sarge, now 72 and a cripple confined to a wheel chair, still manages to smile most of the time, despite his handicaps and a series of hard knocks. His smile is beginning to wear a bit thin only because he misses his friends. “Many of them have thinned out,” he said, “like my good pal, Eddie Lobley. Now there was a real man.”
But Smith’s smile will be at full bloom again this Saturday afternoon. The place is Kenney’s, Camden; the time, 1 p.m.; the event, the 40th annual Elks Crippled Children’s party. The Sarge, chairman of this affair since its inception, this time will be the master of ceremonies. Most of the planning is in the hands of Carlton W. Rowand, who helped Smith establish the Elks Easter Shield years ago, and Eddie Griffith, new president of the Elks Crippled Children’s Committee.
Most of his life the indefatigable Smith has been doing things for others … crippled children, down and out boxers, most anyone with troubles. He went to work for the kiddies long before an auto accident in 1964 put him in a wheel chair. He required braces and crutches in walking, but he refused to give up his charitable work.
The National Veterans Boxers’ Association, at long last, recognized Smith’s great work recently at its annual convention in Atlantic City. The Sarge, as his buddies in Ring 6, VBA of Camden, looked on approvingly, received a plaque for “Meritorious Service to Humanity.”
Ray will always cherish that award.
But he would much rather see that slow trickle of visitors to his home blossom into a steady stream. After all, a lonely man needs more than his memories!
Camden Boxing Elite — VBA Ring 6
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.
Sgt. Ray Smith Road, Erial, NJ
“I live on Lake Rene in Erial across from Ray Smith road. My neighbors had told me of his kindness and generosity while owning all of this area inviting handicapped children here for camp and I was skeptical but now I know.”
— Pat Yocolano, September 2007