Some of this stuff you guys have been asking and talking about are the very reason that I recommended we write that book about the inside story of bodybuilding .... from the 'viewpoint' of three to four individuals (been there, done that type of guys) who have been involved through the 40's, 50's, 60' and 70's because in just a few years all that 'knowledge' will pass on to greener pastures or warmer regions down below..
Pete's story alone .... his move from the east coast to California and how he and his partners became Gold's Gym owners and the true story how they built a small gym in Santa Monica into a world wide business, etc is in itself fascinating and somewhat unbelievable.
But that would only be one chapter in a book of unending chapters that would include the likes of individuals who were important within the world of bodybuilding - i.e. the usual suspects.
But it would also include chapters regarding the unimportant but colorful characters in the game who have never received the publicity they so rightfully deserve - i.e. the unusual suspects.
Somewhere on this computer I have an endless list of names of individuals who will be included in this book if I ever get it written (PETE, are you reading this?) and that list includes the 'usual suspects" you GetBiggers all love and hate plus many others whom you've most likely never heard of ...including you, WES and HAZ!
For example here are just a few relatively unknown but colorful characters from that list who have contributed directly or indirectly and in their own way to what we call 'bodybuilding' today,
Gene Mozee
Ed Yarick
Bill Peanuts West
George Frenn
Rev, Zuver
Rhino
Wynn Paris
Joe Valdez
Walt Baptiste
Ed Holvochick
Bill Starr
etc, etc.
And for old times sake, let me add Casey Sneider
Plus a couple hundred others who have interesting stories that should be told.
Add those to the 'usual suspects' whose names within the bodybuilding world we're all somewhat familiar with .... but whose importance is a mystery and .... that book would be endless.