Sam Langford statue or trashy paper weight?

[sthoemke]

Another one for sale:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Ameri...-/222827417907

[D. Bergin]

Thanks guys. Interesting. Mine looks to be from a bit of a heavier metal and slightly more crudely made.

I wonder what the significance of the date on the bust is.

[sthoemke]

Mystery solved:

"Sam Sam Day, a festival for employees was held on August 24, 1912. This event was named after Samuel Torrey, a longtime Beverly physician, and Samuel Gentlee, a Beverly undertaker. "

https://beverlyhistory.pastperfecton...7-264757470130

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by sthoemke

Mystery solved:

"Sam Sam Day, a festival for employees was held on August 24, 1912. This event was named after Samuel Torrey, a longtime Beverly physician, and Samuel Gentlee, a Beverly undertaker. "

https://beverlyhistory.pastperfecton...7-264757470130

Ah, awesome! I thought I had done every possible combination of internet search I could do. Thank you.

At least I know the origin of this, even if it's not what I hoped. Lots of additional info also linked off of that page.

Interestingly, Beverly, Massachusetts would have been in the vicinity of Langford's regular stomping grounds for most of his life, though he was busy touring in Australia on that particular date.

Also, "The United Shoe Machinery Athletic Association"! I want to know more about THAT group.

[D. Bergin]

Looks like the U.S.M.A.A. had a baseball team, as listed and pictured in the 1919 Spalding Baseball Guide.

There was also a "SAM SAM Cup" baseball tournament, it looks like.

https://books.google.com/books?id=r-...usetts&f=false