Topic: Joe Mills & the CFWLC

[michael murphy]

Due to the efforts of Sig Klein there was a resurgence in popularity in the Bent Press. America's Second Official "Bent-Press" Contest was held April 20th, 1940 in New York City. This contest was sponsored by Sig Klein's Gym and sanctioned by the A.A.U.

Joe Mills won the 132 pound class with an official lift of 175 pounds edging out Hy Schaeffer who made a lift of 170. Other Rhode Islanders who placed well were Donat Blain who won the 165 pound class with a lift of 210 pounds and Roland Piette who placed second in the 181 pound class with a lift of 230 pounds and actually had pressed 240 pounds to arms length but could not complete the lift (meaning stand erect).

Both Donat Blain & Roland Piette represented Romeo Bergeron's Canadian A.C. (Athletic Club) from Woonsocket, R.I. Romeo's club sponsored the 1938 Senior Nationals (see W/L programs posted on this web site).

For further information on Klein's 2nd Bent Press Competition see June 1940 issue of S&H.

Attached is a scan of the Program and beneath it is Joe's 1st place medal.

[michael murphy]

A photograph of the great York Lifter, John Terpak, signed and dated April 3rd, 1938. This was presented to Joe Mills at the New England Open Weightlifting Championships held at Chateau Hall on Sampson Street in Woonsocket, R.I.

Five days later Bob Hoffman wrote the letter posted above to Joe Mills.

[michael murphy]

A photograph of America's first Gold Medalist in Weightlifting, Anthony Terlazzo. This was signed and dated to Joe Mills on November 21st, 1937.

I am not sure what weightlifting event might have happened that day. Perhpas it was at one of Bob Hoffman's Birthday Parties but I cannot say for sure if Hoffman held the Birthday Parties as early as 1937. I would need to check S&H.

[michael murphy]

The 1940 Senior Nationals were held on Saturday, May 25th along with the 1940 Mr. America Contest (John Grimek winner). The largest crowd to date ever to witness a Weightlifting Championship were in attendance at Madison Square Garden. Joe pressed 180, snatched 185 and missed all three attempts in the clean and jek with 240 pounds. John Terry won the class with a total of 665.

Many years later Joe admitted to me that he put too much emphasis training on Klein's Bent Press show that was held in April.

[michael murphy]

During the late 1930's and early 1940's the R.I. State Championships were a highly competitive event. The smallest State in the Union had three active weightlifting clubs.

Romeo Bergeron's Candian A.C. (athletic club) had sponsored the 1938 National Championships (see "programs & announcements" on this site for scan of 1938 program). Wilfrid Heberts' Amicale-Franco-Belge was the other active club in Woonsocket and the Notre Dame A.C. of Central Falls was the third.

Attached is a scan of the 1941 R.I. State Championships and the application form on the verso.

[michael murphy]

Attached is a scan of the coach of the Amicale-Franco-Belge WLC, Wilfrid Hebert.

[michael murphy]

Romeo Bergeron was a R.I. native but moved from Woonsocket to Attleboro, MA in 1945. Romeo was a member of the 1948 Olympic Team serving as an official and interpreter for the squad. He judged the 165 pound class of lifters.

In 1970 Romeo was presented with a special "Gold Medal" by the Federation Halterophile International when he was in Columbus to officiate at the World Weigthlifting Championships.

As of 1970 Romeo had judged in 75% of the Mr. State, Mr. District, Junior and Senior Mr. America and Mr. Universe competitions.

Attached is a pair of early photos of Romeo Bergeron

[michael murphy]

Today is Joe's birthday. He would be 98 years old, born July 11th, 1908.
Happy birthday Joe-Michael