USAWA

The Stark Center has been on my list of attractions for quite some time. The family was teasing me as it was my Disneyland. I was recognizing pictures, people and pointing things out wherever I could.

It is housed at the University of Texas at Austin in the football stadium. Entering the stadium and taking an elevator to the 5th floor, visitors are greeted by the Warren Lincoln Travis dumbbell and a large main room with a stein display and large paintings. To the right is the library and research archives. To the right are the exhibits.

As I cannot do justice or organize my thoughts, I will just do a photo dump with my pictures and why they jumped out to me.

I did talk to Patty at the research center, and she is familiar with the USAWA and has several of Bill’s Strength Journals as Terry Todd was a subscriber.

Warren Lincoln Travis’ Dumbbell

Warren Lincoln Travis’ exhibition barbell from Coney Island

Bob Peoples’ stone loaded wooden barbell. The height seems similar to a standard barbell.

Sig Klein’s 160 pound stage barbell. The stage and splendor of strongman and odd lifting should not be forgotten.

Barbell made by Terry Todd and used by Mark Henry to train for 2002 Arnold Strongman Classic. It was neat to see equipment made from what could be found in the oil field.

George Jowett’s Anvil. Anvils have never been part of USAWA. It would be a challenging opportunity as the shape of every anvil is unique.

Basque Lifting Stone. I need to do some homework on this.

Jan and Terry Todd with some of his collection. Love the Iron Man plates.

Terry Todd earning his PhD in 1966. His interest led him to a doctorate degree.

Ironhistory Forum founder Joe Roark. I am subscriber and love the content.

Louis Cyr and his dumbbell.

Doug Hepburn holding a 45 pound plate at arm’s length by his little finger

1950’s picture of Marvin Eder with some grippers

Tommy Kono and Pete George with a 375 pound Team Clean & Jerk

Tommy Kono entertaining the crowd

1991 National Powerlifting meet. I am a Purdue grad and love seeing the support for women’s competition.

Her story chalkboard with Diya’s current claim to fame

Katie Sandwina

Richard Sorin’s 1991 close of the #3 Gripper

Cool statue in the library

Stein Collection

Frank Zane in a vacuum, Lou Ferrigno in a front double bicep and myself in overhead hands out double biceps. These paintings were just cool.