The Indian Giant of Germania Hall
A towering Nez Perce wrestler from Montana defeats a Tacoma local in a high-stakes match.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
One of the most interesting wrestling matches ever held in Tacoma took place at Germania Hall last night, when Chris Person, of Tacoma, went down to defeat at the hands of Chief Two Feathers, a Nez Perce Indian from Montana. The Indian secured two falls in succession, the first in 28 minutes and the second in 35. The match was a splendid contest from every standpoint. The Indian, while but 23 years of age, is 6 feet 4 1/2 inches in height and weighs 220 pounds. He is a man of remarkable strength and endurance. Although still inexperienced, he is not slow for a big man. When Person agreed to meet the Indian on even terms, he was unaware of his prowess, but in spite of the odds against him, the Tacoma man struggled gamely. During the first bout, the Indian was slightly more aggressive and secured a fall with an arm grapevine and back crotch hold. In the second bout, Two Feathers managed to break the holds and keep his shoulders off the mat, eventually securing a fall with a hammer lock and crotch hold. The match was for a side bet of $100 and 75 percent of the gate receipts. A. J. Carroll acted as referee.
“Time and again the Indian lifted Person up like a child, but the Tacoma man's superior agility and training enabled him to stave off his opponent for a long time.”
This match showcases the immense popularity of professional wrestling in Tacoma a century ago, held in now-vanished social centers like Germania Hall. It is a reminder of a time when local athletes and traveling performers were the city's primary entertainment, often drawing huge crowds to witness physical displays of strength.
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