Brawlers, Lions, and Bears: A History of Professional Wrestling in Racine, 1898-1984

Thu Oct 02 2025 at 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm UTC-05:00

75 7th St, Racine, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53403 | Racine

Racine Public Library
Publisher/HostRacine Public Library
Brawlers, Lions, and Bears: A History of Professional Wrestling in Racine, 1898-1984
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Beginning in the late 19th century, Racine was a national wrestling hub. Gyms, theaters and venues like Memorial Hall attracted crowds of hundreds of people, all flocking in to see stars like Gorgeous George and Verne Gagne, locals like Einar and Milt Olson, visitors like Hulk Hogan, and even participating bears and mountain lions. The wrestling scene was so prominent that wrestling became Racine's number one sport during its heyday. Jay Dougherty, wrestling aficionado, is here today to relive stories and share treasures from Racine's prolific history with wrestling.
Room: The Community Room - Adult Services, 2nd Floor
Age range: Adults
No Registration
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75 7th St, Racine, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53403

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