Someone at the Schomberg may know some scholars who
have studied Joe Louis and he should also just make cold calls to. There's a
wonderful man named Gerald Early who's written about boxing and he may have some
info:
Early, Gerald
[Gerald Early received his B.A. from the
University of Pennsylvania in 1974, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Cornell
University in 1980 and 1982. He teaches at Washington University in St. Louis,
Missouri, where he is the Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters and Director
of the African and Afro-American Studies Program.
Early's publications include Tuxedo
Junction: Essays on American Culture (1990), My Soul's High Song (editor, 1991),
The Selected Writings of Countee Cullen (editor, 1991), The Culture
of Bruising: Essays on Literature, Prizefighting, and Modern American Culture
(1991)
Also, at Princeton, Joyce
Carol Oates (of all people) is a huge boxing fan and she may be a contact for
others. Finally, why not just make some cold calls varoius gyms where the boxers
train around NYC? Gleason's in Brooklyn (where Mike Tyson used to train) may
have a few old guys around who know people who remember the Louis fights. And
try getting in touch with promoters, like Don King--if you can't get hold of him
try the law firm that represents him: SIdley & Austin (at least they did in
the 1980's).
I hope all this
isn't numbingly obvious.
Best,
Steve Turtell
Director of
Public Programs
New-York
Historical Society
Two West 77th
Street
New
YOrk, NY
10024
212.873.3400
ext. 233
212.595.5447
fax
[log in to unmask]
This month at N-YHS
March 2, 11:30,
Feiffer for Families
March 5, 6:30,
Feiffer on Feiffer
March 19, 6:30,
Distinguished Speaker: Prof. Simon Schama
March 25: "Enterprising Women" exhibition
opens
For
more info on all N-YHS programs: (212) 873-3400 or www.nyhistory.org