Famous wrestler, ‘Strangler’ Lewis, lived in Glendale

KATHERINE YAMADA

Ed “Strangler” Lewis, a towering figure in the world of sports during

the early 1900s, came to Glendale in 1923, purchasing a restaurant

and bar on Brand Boulevard and a home on Royal Boulevard.

Lewis, a professional wrestler for 44 years, had more than 6,000

matches to his name and held the world’s heavyweight wrestling title

through the 1920s.

At his peak, his name was recognized on a level with Babe Ruth and

Jack Dempsey.

He earned millions of dollars during his career, which began in

Nekoosa, Wisc. Born Robert H. Friedrich in 1891, Lewis was an

outstanding athlete in many sports, but eventually focused on

wrestling.

In those days, wrestling was much different than now. According to

the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame website, the emphasis of

wrestlers back then was not to entertain but to gain advantage over

and defeat your opponent through leverage and fight skills -- and

still turn a profit.

Even so, he changed his name to Ed Lewis to keep his activities

secret from his parents. The nickname “Strangler” came later -- from

a headlock move that he developed.

He earned his reputation during a time when professional wrestling

was a test of endurance and strength, not showmanship, read his

obituary in the Glendale Independent in 1966.

“Lewis had a neck as big around as his thigh,” the article stated.

“With his little eyes and enormous bulk, he was a fierce looking

person, but he spoke softly and with an unexpected gentility.”

After he purchased the restaurant, the Ed “Strangler” Lewis

Monterey Restaurant and Lounge at 711 S. Brand Blvd., he was a highly

visible force in Glendale for many years.

“Fans from near and far came to Glendale to see their old friend

and idol and bask in the warmth of the personal friendly greeting he

had for all those who crossed the threshold of the Monterey, one of

the most popular entertainment spots in the Southland,” the obituary

stated.

Lewis entertained extensively at his hillside home on Royal

Boulevard, which was just across from the Robert E. and Cora Wian

family. Their daughter, Dotti, told me that, as a young girl, she

knew Lewis and sometimes went over to visit. One day she admired his

new puppies and he gave her a puppy that she called Bozo.

Lewis left Glendale in 1940. He contracted trachoma and his sight

failed.

According to his obituary, “he took the tragedy philosophically

and radiated happiness and friendliness.”

When he died at 76 in 1966 in Tulsa, Okla., his friends expected

him to be enshrined in Glendale, however, private funeral services

took place in Tulsa. He left a widow, Bobbie.

Lewis is featured on several websites, including the International

Wrestling Institute and Museum of Newton, Iowa.

KATHERINE YAMADA’S column runs every other Saturday. To contact

her, call features editor Joyce Rudolph at 637-3241. For more

information on Glendale’s history visit the Glendale Historical

Society’s web page: www.glendalehistorical.org.