From the Archives: 1947 L.A. city marble tournament

With a trip to Boys Town, Neb., on the line, two dozen boys competed in a city marble tournament at the the Los Angeles Times’ Boys Club. An article in the April 19, 1947, edition of The Times reported:

All knuckles were down at The Times’ Boys’ Club yesterday afternoon as 24 boys from eight schools competed in the finals of the citywide marble tournament for the privilege of traveling to Boys Town, Neb., for a shot at the national “mig” championship.

Refereeing the matches was Russell Dittmar, commander of Post No. 768, Veterans of Foreign Wars, who was looking for three finalists to compete in this district and represent it in the state finals.

All the boys’ eyes were upon that trip to Boys Town in June, when the national championships will be decided. However, they could gain some consolation in three medals — gold, silver and bronze — which will be awarded to the top-flight shooters here by the V.F.W.

One of yesterday’s knuckles was Charles Barker, a 10-year-old redhead from Gates School, who entered with silent confidence but who met utter defeat at the knuckles of Victor Gonzales, 11. Victor carried the honors of Avenue 21 School in his aim. …

Final winners in the playoffs were Alfredo Vargas of Albion School, who captured first place and a gold medal; Gonzales of Avenue 21 School, second place; and Gilbert Andrade, also of Avenue 21 School, third place.

This photo by staff photographer R.O. Ritchie accompanied the above article in the April 19, 1947, edition of The Times.

This post was originally published on June 24, 2013.

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