The Washington County Historical Society is excited to announce that wrestling historian George Schire, of Oakdale, MN, will be presenting a program on his book “Minnesota’s Golden Age of Wrestling: From Verne Gagne to the Road Warriors” at the Washington County Heritage Center on March 29 at 7:00pm. The book will be available for purchase at the event.

“Why was Minnesota, a land known for its stoic farmers, reasonable politics, and comfortable casseroles, a hotbed of the wacky and wild world of professional wrestling? And how did that old-school wrestling become the Saturday night program of choice for thousands of midwestern families in the last half of the twentieth century? Professional wrestling historian and insider George Schire is here not only to set the record straight but to entice you into a world gone by, a world that comes alive through his colorful and perceptive reporting.

As a kid, Schire found a way to escape the troubles of his life by becoming a wrestling fan, glued to the TV set and then later traveling to see every live “card” in the Twin Cities and many more throughout the region. Over the years he has been involved in all aspects of the sport, and he now offers detailed, behind- the-scenes accounts of important matches from 1954 to 1990 and stories of wrestler personalities, both in and out of the ring. He shares his own extensive collection of wrestling memorabilia— photographs, program covers, newspaper clippings, and other ephemera—to honor the hardworking characters who forged serial storylines onstage week after week and who thrilled fans by carrying out their plots in the ring, with blood, sweat, tears, and high-flying body slams for all.”

Additionally, the Washington County Heritage Center will be open at 6pm for event attendees to experience the museum prior to the event at 7pm. No reservations are required. The program will also be available on Zoom, and virtual attendees may register on WCHS’s website at wchsmn.org/event/georgeschire.

The program is free to the public and will last approximately one hour. No reservations are required. For questions, contact emily. [email protected] org or visit the Washington County Heritage Center Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-4pm.

About the Washington County Historical Society

Founded in 1934, the Washington County Historical Society is a donor-supported, nonprofit organization with more than 750 individual, family, and business members. WCHS is supported by individual gifts, memberships and earned income, and foundation grants.

Road Warriors

Verne Gagne

Mad Dog Vachon & Barron Von Raschke