Joe Frazier’s Philly Gym is Listed Among NTHP's Most Endangered

Beaufort Native Son, Joe Frazier moved to Philadelphia, PA during his teenage years.  There he trained to be an Olympic and world heavy-weight boxing champion.  Now his Philadelphia gym is in danger of demolition.  Read more about Joe Frazier’s Gym on the National Trust for Heritage Preservation site.

Famous Beaufortonians: Joe Frazier

We mention the "Local History and Nature" pages regularly to highlight that aspect of our "Virtual BDC" services. In honor of Black History Month, we draw your attention to Beaufort's African American native sons and daughters who found prominence on a local, state, national, and international scene:

Joseph "Joe" Frazier (born in Beaufort, 1944 - died in Philadelphia, 2011): Frazier became a professional boxer after winning a heavyweight division gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. In 1968, he beat Buster Mathis to win the New York State Athletic Commission world heavyweight championship. Frazier fought Muhammad Ali three times, winning only the the first match. He retired from the ring in 1976 with a career record of thirty-two wins, four losses and one draw. He lived most of his adult life in Philadelphia, PA, dying there after a short bout with liver cancer on November 7, 2011. (updated 1.20.2012-gmc)

For a retrospective of his career, including links to videos of his fights with Ali, click here.

Hulu is running "Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears" at http://www.hulu.com/watch/322857/joe-frazier-when-the-smoke-clears. The documentary runs 1:11:26.

Most of the entries in the Local History and Nature pages were written by Dennis Adams, Information Services Coordinator, (Retired) between 1997 and 2011. 

Display Case: Notable Natives and Residents of Beaufort, SC

In honor of Beaufort Town's 300th Birthday, we are highlighting "Notable Natives and Residents of Beaufort, SC" in our display cabinet during the month of January.

From the pantheon of notable Beaufortonians, Preservation Associate Charmaine Seabrook Concepcion chose to feature Joe Frazier, Harriet Keyserling, Thomas Ezekial Miller, Robert Smalls, and Ed McTeer in her design.

Of course, there is a host of others who could have been included but the case is small, and the number of items we hold so large, choices had to be made.

Demographically speaking, she selected 3 male African Americans, a Caucasian male, and a Jewess born in New York City who moved here as a bride. Beyond race, gender, and religion, look at the occupations and economic status of those she selected: a world-class athlete; several politicians; an attorney; a lawman; a patron of the arts and the environment; two former slaves; and a war hero.

Beaufort County has always been blessed by an interesting mix of people who love this place. Beaufort throughout its 300 years, has become far, far richer for its tendency to be inclusive rather than exclusive.

Several books take a broad approach to notable Beaufortonians. Charmaine chose two for the case: Beaufort, South Carolina: Pages from the Past by Gerhard Spieler, a German immigrant who chose Beaufort as his home more than 30 years ago (7 copies available through the Local History sections); and, Beaufort Through the Ages by Gloria Singleton, a native daughter who returned home after spending her career mostly in the Philadelphia area (11 copies available through the Local History sections).

I would also add Fran Marscher's three volumes of oral histories: Remembering the Way It Was for Hilton Head, Beaufort, Sheldon, and the Sea Islands. (Multiple copies available through the Local History sections). I remind everyone that Marscher will be reviewing her own books at the Books Sandwiched In on Valentine's Day.

Beaufort lost Keyserling just last month, at age 88. Harriet Keyserling's book, Against the Tide, is also a Books Sandwiched In title. That review occurs on Mon., Jan. 31st.

As per usual for librarians, we have prepared lists of materials about some of these notables in the "Local History Treasures Brought to You by the Beaufort District Collection" under the Recommended Reading link in the left column on our library's homepage. More information can also be found in the "Local History & Nature" web pages under the links for "Famous People of Beaufort County, SC."

For a list of materials about Harriet Keyserling, click here.

For a list of materials about Sheriff McTeer, click here.

For a list of materials about Robert Smalls, click here.

I've mentioned Joe Frazier in Connections before. Click here to read that entry and here to go directly to the video clip about the fight on Oct. 1, 1975.

So, click a few links above or drop by the Beaufort District Collection Research Room to explore materials in the "Forever" part of the Beaufort County Library about these and other Local Notables! Our customary hours are Mondays through Fridays, 10 am until 5 pm. The only upcoming scheduled exception is Monday, January 17th when all Beaufort County offices will be closed to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

Clash of Two Titans: "Thrilla in Manilla" documentary

According to the Very Short List:

When Smokin’ Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali first squared off, in 1971, they were fast friends and undefeated fighters. By the time of their third fight, in the Philippines in 1975, they’d been humbled and hardened, and had turned into bitter enemies. The Channel 4 documentary Thrilla in Manila is fiercely partisan on Frazier’s behalf. It’s also disturbing (Frazier claims responsibility for, and revels in, Ali’s physical decline), surprising (Imelda Marcos pops up as one of the interviewees), and riveting. Don’t miss the HBO premiere, on April 11.

Joe Frazier is one of Beaufort's own. The BDC has a collection of clippings about him in our historical vertical files. You can check out his Box like the Pros (Call number 796.83 FRA) from our Bluffton Branch Library or enjoy boxing history in photographs in Knockout: The Art of Boxing (Call number 796.83 REG at our Beaufort and Hilton Head Branch Libraries).