Marshall, Charlie

Charlie Marshall – (1982)

 

CHARLIE MARSHALL
Inducted April 21, 1982

One of the most colorful and popular figures in Lorain sports history, the accomplishments of his amazing life could inspire a Damon Runyon novel: amateur boxer, roller skater, bicyclist, “300” bowler, duck pins champion, ring referee, fight promoter, boxing judge, Lorain Boxing Commission official, and all-around sportsman.

Born in 1898 over what became the Marine Dining Room of Heilman’s Restaurant– where he was employed for 50 years — he has lived his entire life within a few blocks of “The Loop” area. Known as “The Boy from The Loop”, he set pins on bowling alleys, competed in roller skating and bicycle races, and at the tender age of 14 became a flyweight (112 pounds) amateur boxer.

Soon he was refereeing at boxing events, and also serving in the judge’s role for both amateur and professional matches. He shared officiating roles with such notables as world’s featherweight champion Johnny Kilbane and heavyweight standout Johnny Risko. In 1919 he was in the throng at Toledo for the fabled Jack Dempsey-Jess Willard fracas.

He was the first bowler to roll a 300 game at Cook’s Recreation, now known as Broadway Lanes. He was crowned duck pin champion of Lorain County in 1919.

For a period of 35 years he served on the Lorain Boxing Commission, and during that time he refereed hundreds of matches as the third man in the ring.

Because of his devotion to the sport of pugilism, he was given the titles of “Lifetime Honorary Commissioner, Judge and Referee” by the Lorain Boxing Commission.

Mr. Marshall is a member of the Senior Fellowship Club, and is an Honorary Life Member of Lorain Elk’s Lodge #1301.