Some of the oldtimes on this board and other boards like it have enough detailed information in their minds about the sport of bodybuilding and have never had the opportunity to write it down.
That information could be lost to prosperity unless someone makes an attempt to get it recorded.
This is my attempt to get that done, so if you have factual information about the early days, I ask that you submit it here before you forget or head on to Greener Pastures.
I hope that we can keep this somewhat organized and start with the period from 1900 through 1950 and identify your submission as a FACT (F) or otherwise.
Once that period is exhausted, we can take on the 50+ years from 1951 - 2007.
I'll start this off in the hopes of setting up some kind of submission format which I invite all to follow in an effort to keep it as simple and straightforward as possible.
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(FACT as I remember it from reading original 1920's "Physical Culture" publications).
A magazine called "Physical Culture" was published by Bernarr McFadden (Health Enthusiist) in the 1920's and he promoted a "World's Most Perfectly Developed Man Contest" which was won by Angelo Siciliano. (Photo submission or an on-stage event?! I don't recall.)
Angelo changed his Italian name to Charles Atlas and the rest of the story is history. Every kid who ever read a comic book was introduced to bodybuilding, ordered bodybuilding courses, did isometric contractions like some lion in a cage that Mr Atlas apparently studied, became bullies themselves eventually, and kicked sand in other skinny guys' faces. (A phenominal circular sales campaign).
Meanwhile Mr. McFadden continued with his Physical Culture publication advertising kettlebells, electrical stimulators, and the mysterious Violet Ray machine. In my mind, he was the guy who started it all.
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Jump a few years foreward to York, Pennsylania.
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Not a fact, but heard from a reliable source who resides in the area and keeps track of this sort of stuff. A great Olympic Lifter, Power Lifter, and Mr. 3rd Place in just about every BB contest he ever entered. A phenominal coach in all three events who helped at least four (4) competitive bodybuilders reach the professional level and more lifters than I can count to excell at the Nationals. If there are any mistakes with this submission, I take full responsibility because I am always laughing too much whenever he tells these stories. Few free to correct me if I err.)
There is a company in Pennsylvania that make reliable and worthwhile heaters. It is called York Heaters. They use lots of iron to make these heaters and that means that there is a lot of scrap iron left over once the heaters are complete. Hence - York Barbell and Bob Hoffman and the world's best Olympic Lifting Team for many years and a major part of bodybuilding history.
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How does this all tie together with the sport of bodybuilding as we know it today? What does Mr. McFadden and Mr. Hoffman and other names that will be coming up have to do with it.
Stand by because it all ties together as if it was previously and thoroughly planned - A big game that many individuals played, but only one ends up takeing home all the marbles.
You probably know who that marble guy is but how he got there should be very interesting.
Hopefully some of you GetBiggers can pitch in and help out with this general time period before heading into later dates or possibly even Greener Pastures.
Thanks