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Bob Mathias's guestbookWelcome to the Bobmathias.com guestbook. Feel free to post an entry! Rob Miller Wed, 09/01/2010 - 02:03
Helmut Lahme Mon, 08/30/2010 - 17:09 Hello, Dave Fenwick Wed, 08/25/2010 - 03:14 I am so glad to have found this website and to see that Bob's life and story will reach thousands who may not have had the opportunity to know this man. I had the privilege of traveling with Bob and Melba through Europe in the summer of 1960 before attending the Olympic Games in Rome. The memories of that trip and sitting with a two time Olympic Champion during the games, will always be a highlight of my life. Doug O'Brien Wed, 08/11/2010 - 14:58 My sister and I went to Bob's camps in 1972 & 1973. Watching the "B. M. Story" was always the highlight of the summer. I have great memories of camp. I especially remember staying at the Lamp Lighter Inn in Visilia on the way to camp. Great group camping trips in Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks. The Blue/Green Olympics. It was where I shot my first bow, my first gun, caught my first trout, rocked climbed for the first time, etc... Great memories... Bill Bailey Thu, 08/05/2010 - 11:25 Tulare High Class of 1952 swan Wed, 07/28/2010 - 14:52 so happy to have found this! i was a Choctaw in '79 at bmsgc and it was an amazing experience. is there anything i can find on the web regarding the camp? so many great memories! what was the address of the camp? my family has a cabin not too far away; that's how we found out about it--near cherry flat, i think... thanks, Elson Irwin Tue, 05/25/2010 - 08:15 The name at the top of my last message should have read Elson Irwin not Rlson Irwin. And why the horrible messages placed in this website? Rlson Irwin Tue, 05/25/2010 - 08:12 I was sports editor of the defunct Tulare Bee in 1948 when Bob Mathias won the Olympic decathlon. He was truly a tremendous athlete and a great person, as were his parents. Charlie Mathias was my doctor for the short time I was in Tulare, I once played "donkey basketball" against Bob Mathias. There are so many stories I could tell, but that was so long ago. I was just 20 years old and not long out of high school myself when I got the jo as sports editor on this tiny daily paper. Fred Allen was my editor. Would you believe there were TWO daily papers in that small town of Tulare? Most cities of any size can't boast of that. Walter Sayers Thu, 04/29/2010 - 20:45 Hello, Walter Sayers Glenn Gilligan Wed, 04/28/2010 - 21:56 There was a really osom Pikes Peak Marathon video that the legend olympic athlete Bob Mathias hosted !! It was approximately 2o + minutes long !! It is still available on the internet !! Thanks Jon Oden Wed, 03/31/2010 - 13:43 I had the pleasure of learning about Bob from my father, who grew up in Tulare and attended High School with Bob. Bob's father was my family's Dr. As a little boy my mind would wander in a dream-like state while my father told me about this young boy who he knew, who at the age of 17, became the "strongest man in the world". My dad gave me a book "the bob mathias story" I think it was...somewhere in the 1st few pages I read; "They sent a boy to do a man's job, and he did better than any man could do"...or something like that. I sure would like to have that book again. It wasn't long after that when I happened to see the movie. My aunt was an extra in the movie. As I grew up, all I wanted to do was achieve what Bob had done. But being born in '52, would make me only 16 in the '68 Olympics, so breaking Bob's age record was out of the question. I ran, jumped, pole vaulted, shot put. I had a pole vault and high jump pit in my back yard from the time I was about 10 years old. Nothing ever came of my endevours, but I fondly look back on an innocent childhood this man touched. His inspiration kept me out of trouble. I'm surprised they haven't made a remake, and put out an official DVD. I'm also surprised he's not mentioned when they come up with surveys like "who's the greatest athlete who ever lived" and such. For me, it will always be Bob Mathias. Are you kidding? Who else EVER did what he did AT 17!!!??? I only wish I had met him. My fondest regards to his family, thank you for your time. Jon Oden...son of John Oden who was Bob's childhood friend. If Bob's family would be so kind as to look in Bob's High School Annual, they'll find my father there. V A da Costa Sat, 03/06/2010 - 23:13 My wife and her sister were delivered Dr.Charlie Mathias in Tulare. Ed Smelser Wed, 02/24/2010 - 03:21 Alex, I had the pleasure of meeting your grandfather once, shortly before he passed on. I knew who he was at the time, but I have realized over the years through persornal research what he meant to US athletics. Amazing how great he was in a time when young athletes weren't trained almost from birth. Paula Jones Bandy Sat, 02/13/2010 - 16:53 I was there when Bob won his decathlon in Tulare Hi Schools stadium. A memory I will never forget. We sat behind Dr. Charlie and Mrs Mathias. They were two of the most gracious people I ever knew and I was proud to know them. Bob was ahead of me in school but Patricia and I were in the same grade. Seeing your web site was a pleasant surprise. Brent Golden Wed, 02/03/2010 - 10:52 Bob was my hero. I have been a pole vaulter all my life. His decathalon wins always inspired me. Met him many years ago in Tennessee at a track meet. Icompete in all field events now in senior olympics, and when competing I think of him often. bruce thompson Sat, 11/28/2009 - 13:07 In a world with few heroes and leadership, we had as an example of an athlete that utilized his discipline, leadership, and applied it to the rest of his life with zeal for the good of the country and the community of which he represented. We thank God for men that, even in their youth aspire for the best. Tom Masters Fri, 11/20/2009 - 23:56 Oops... just found out it was OTC in Quanico, not Korea.. My bad, you hear a lot of stories and they sometimes get confused. I guess I should pay more attention to the stories myself... Tom Masters Fri, 11/20/2009 - 23:52 Thanks for a very good site about your grandfather... My Dad (Richard Masters) was his bunk mate in Korea... and has many stories of your Grandfather that he loves to tell. Please contact me if you want to hear any of them, I will do my best to go through old photos to see if I can find some for your site. Bob Mathias was the greatest athlete of the 20th century, My Dad will certainly atone to to that John Carlson Wed, 11/04/2009 - 21:30 I was watching an old Gracho Marx, You Bet Your Wife and Bob and his wife were on competing. I wanted to find more on him. Mike Denley Sun, 11/01/2009 - 08:56 I just finished watching Bob and his lovely wife in Groucho Marz's 'You Bet Your Life' show, circa 1954. I was so impressed with both of them, I wanted to contact them and say how much I enjoyed them and wanted to wish them well. I am sorry I missed the opportunity to tell Bob what a fine example of an Olympian he was, and wish to tell Mrs. Mathias what a lovely young bride she was, 81/2 months then, I believe. Thank you for this chance to do so. God bless you. Sincerely, Mike Denley Bob "Gland" Hastings Sun, 09/27/2009 - 20:05 Hi Bob: I too was a camper and later counselor at BMSBC. What your grandfather started and supported was probably the most positive influence in my life. I cherish the memories of this very special place, the people who energized it, and Bob's humor, grace, and spirit he embued there. You're part of a large family, more than you know, who are are all bound by his humanity and great qualities. I'd love to here from others who were part of BMSBC from the 60's and 70's. A first classs hand clap to all, Gland Larry Trammell Thu, 09/17/2009 - 13:27 My early childhood was absolutely perfect. I lived in Tulare until 1967. In that year, my Dad decided to 'go home' to Arkansas. It was and always will be the single most life changing event in my life. Even being in a foreign country with fatigues on at seventeen doesn't compare. Skate-boarding is not possible on dirt roads and I had no heroes like Mr Bob Mathias. I attended Roosevelt Elementary; living two blocks from it and with the jr high schools' athletic fields across the street from my house it was easy to imagine being the next track star from Tulare. Of course, the school I moved to was located in a town of a population of 52; so there was no track and field offered. Jerry Boring Wed, 09/16/2009 - 12:03 I once saw the Bob Mathias Story on T.V-is this now on DVD and if so how can I get one? Sara Ann Hartz Leatherwood Fri, 09/11/2009 - 09:27 I am sad that I did not have the pleasure of meeting Bob Mathias. His second wife Gwen Haven Alexander Mathias and I were childhood friends from Arkansas. Gwen has always been one of my favorite friends as we completed 12 years of school together. She is a very fine woman and I am so glad that she and Bob were blessed with 30 years together. God Rest His Soul and Peace be with his family and friends. Frank Conery Sun, 08/23/2009 - 19:29 Did Bob have a brother/brother in law in the navy stationed in NYC during the 70's. Thanks mark jacobi Sun, 08/23/2009 - 01:04 worked for bob at bob mathias camps...very fond memories Nan Shiras Sun, 07/26/2009 - 17:36 I went to BMSGC the year it opened and then again a couple of more times after that. I always went second session. Here are my favorite meories: the HI LO call, meeting at the logs, overnight campouts, Hume Lake, our own lake, the lovely dining lodge, the smell of the pines and the mountains, spying on the boys skinny dipping, the plays, especially You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (I was Lucy), watching the moon landing in '69, courtesy bites, lunch with Melba, "Winnie" "Lark" and "Flicka", my first counselors, capture the flag, good friends, songs, skits and that final campfire. People I remember: Kiki Flores, Cathy Campbell, Diana something- very talented girl who played Snoopy, Lisa Whitehead and Jenny Baron who is still my best friend. Marshall John Murdaugh Fri, 07/17/2009 - 06:49 I am very sorry to hear about the loss of such a great american hero. I knew his daughter Megan in 1980; she told me of her father's contributions to the games; she was very proud of her father. She was a very kind person. Please give her my email address, I'd like to catch up. Lydia Wed, 07/08/2009 - 13:57 He was my hero. I named my son after him. Brian McMurdo Wed, 07/01/2009 - 23:21 Hi. My daughter and I enjoyed looking at your site. My family and I lived next door to the Mathias's in Tulare in the 1950's until the late 1960's. Growing up, I knew Bob's parents pretty well. Dr. Charlie was our family doctor, and I have more than one memory of him bringing his doctor's bag with him as he visited me for one childhood ailment or another. I used to visit them as a kid, and I remember sitting with Dr. Charlie on the side steps of their house on Cherry Avenue and eating the pecans that fell off their trees there. I can't think of any people that I grew up around who were more graceful or generous than Bob's folks. Although he was out of the house before my time, I remember the awe of the neighborhood kids when word got around that Bob was in town for a visit. I too remember Lillian allowing my friends and me to go into the trophy room and look at all of Bob's trophies and memorabilia. Quite a diversion in Tulare in the early '60's! Best, Brian McMurdo Alex Reyes Sun, 06/21/2009 - 21:22 A great admirer of Bob Mathias. Being born near his hometown in Sanger California in 1956 and raised in Los Angeles. As a young teenager I participated in track in field while in school. We as student athletes we all looked up to Mr. Mathias as our mentor and the standard we all tried to achieve. What an example he was on and off the track and field. The San Joaquin Valley producing the two greatest decath stars of our time. God rest your soul Mr. Mathias. Mike "Droopy" Margolis Mon, 06/01/2009 - 20:45 Hi Alex, margo flores Thu, 04/30/2009 - 22:21 Someone, please comunicate with me! Please tell me where the specific location was of bmsgc and that awesome rock slide is. I would like to visit these locations some.....40 years later! Kimberly Lamoureaux Jones Wed, 04/29/2009 - 07:52 Hello, As a child I remember Bob's brother lived next door to us in Campbell, California. This was in the late 1950's and he was doing his residency at Santa Clara County Medical Center. We used to watch him through the slats in the fence when he came to visit. It was always quite exciting for us...or at least for my uncle. I was only a small child and he could have been the anyone for what I knew of him. Bob's niece Jana Mathias was my best friend and I know she loved him and was always excited when he was coming to visit. If you have a way of contacting her, please give her my email address and tell her I have lovely memories of my first bestest friend...I believe I still have her first grade photo in a box somewhere back in the US. karl olsoni Mon, 04/13/2009 - 17:42 I knew Bob's daughter, Megan, at George Washington University. She was a fine person and I remember spoke very fondly of her father and family. All the best to you and yours. Karl Olsoni Jay Mike hamlin Sat, 04/11/2009 - 17:29 I have three pics of Bob. One is at Kiski Prep at a track meet with Mercersburg Academy. The other two are from a tour he took in Ft. Myers about three years ago. Rick Smith Thu, 04/02/2009 - 15:29 Thanks Alex....I just received "The Bob Mathias Story" in the mail. I'm going to invite it some friends over to view it with me tonight. Thanks Again....I do apprciate the effort you have put into getting this movie for me. I only wish my brother Mike was with us so he could view it also. Thanks; Rick Smith Rick Smith Thu, 03/05/2009 - 12:03 Alex....Thank you so much....I have been looking for this movie for a very long time. I was in a scene that was in front of Bob Mathias family home. They lived on King Street just off of Cherry Ave. I live on Apricot Ave just about 2 block from his home. I was their paper boy. Mrs. Mathias (Bob Mathias Mother) was so nice to me. Each time I went to collect for the paper she would ask me in to look at Bob Mathias trophies and he had a ton of them. I knew his brother Jim and Sister Pat very well. Pat actually saved me from a fight with some bullies. I was standing in front of Tulare High School when some bullies started picking on me. I was only thirteen years old and very small. Patricia, Pat, came up and scolled them and told them that she was going to tell Jim. So they left me alone. Thank You so much....you can't image what this mean to me. Donald K. Mathias Sat, 02/14/2009 - 18:49 Hi my name is Donald Mathias and I live in Colorado, was born and raised here. Not sure if we are related at all. But saw the site and thought that I would say hello. Wiff Shiras Wed, 02/11/2009 - 12:39 I liked the wild jeep rides with Bob while at Camp. We'd drive anywhere except on the road. Bob was an inspiration. He taught me to go for your dreams, explore the wild side and to think outside the box. The whole Bob Mathias Sierra Boys Camp experience was great! Wish I could find a clean DVD copy of the Minotaur and The Bob Mathias Story... saw them every year at camp and I want my girls to see them! Frank M. Ryll, Jr Sat, 12/27/2008 - 21:20 I still have an autograph that Bob signed after a workout of my St Petersburg High School(Florida)track team. I remember how inspired we all were when he visited us. debbie marchan Fri, 12/26/2008 - 21:37 My family used to watch the Bob Mathias story back in the 80s & we enjoyed it very much. My husband would compete in the Decathlon during the CA Police Olympics every year. My husband never took home the Gold but has many medals in Silver. Our young son (8 at the time) used to say that if he had a son he would name him Mathias. Shay Mon, 09/08/2008 - 20:19 In honor of Tommy. Vicki Anderson Granado Sun, 08/31/2008 - 14:33 I was privileged to spend two summers at the Bob Mathias Seirra Girls Camp. It was a time in my life that I recall often -- wonderful memories that never seem to fade. I was able to meet not only Bob and his wife Melba, but their daughter Marissa. She was my "camp best friend" one year and even though I never spoke with her again, I have never forgotten her and the bond we formed. Since learning of Bob's death, she has been on my mind and I just wanted to reach out to say hello. I really enjoyed reading all the postings here from all those that were touched by your father and your family -- including me. Vicki john beach Mon, 08/25/2008 - 20:50 Just looking around to see what kind of presence BMSBC has on the web. I was a camper, for two consecutive summers, as a Pioneer, in Sutter cabin, I believe the '71-'72 years. My sister was also a camper at that time. I remember one of my councelor's name was Scarecrow. Boy, that was a long time ago. One of the summers, all eight campers were named John, thus the need for the nick names! Two of the best summers of my life. Rhonda Hughes Norton Sun, 08/24/2008 - 18:03 I was telling my son about a visit a long time ago from Bob Mathias's mother Lillian. I looked at the wonderful book she put together on the family tree. If you do not have a copy of that I will send it to you. I guess you would consider me your 4th cousin. I live in San Diego and have my own Health Insurance agency. Dan Bridges Fri, 08/22/2008 - 17:14 I was born in Tulare myself & grew up around the corner from the Mathias home. In the early 60's, I was a child and remember walking by the Mathias home and Dr. Marthias, (Bob's father) invited us in to see Bob's trophy room. How excited we were to see all of his accomplishments. From that day forward I always wanted to be a track star like Bob. He is truely a hero in my mind. Joyce Newsome Fri, 08/22/2008 - 13:51 Thanks so much for this website. I hope you are able to add many pictures here. As a high school teenager I was able to meet Bob Mathias, and was properly enthralled! It was so exciting. I attended New Canaan High School and he came there for a shooting, I believe a commercial. I think that was the moment I fell in love with him. The only one I'm sure! lol Michelle Fri, 08/15/2008 - 19:20 Nice site :P I am currently attenting TULARE UNION HIGH SCHOOL and i ran on the same track Bob did ^-^ in the school they have his jersey and a few other things up. Frank Sheffield Thu, 06/19/2008 - 22:48 I was eleven when Bob Mathias gained fame as an athlete, and was held out to me as an example of integrity, dedication, and achievement. I followed his career through the years, and am happy to say he never failed me. While I didn't rise to his heights of accomplishment, I maintained an honest and forthright path through a useful career, partly as a result of Bob Mathias' inspiration. I think of him frequently, and thank him each time. Members of more recent generations have a difficult time finding such genuine public figures for patterning their ways of being. We were lucky. Thanks to Bob Mathias, and to his family, for making this site available. Frank Sheffield ©2010 Bobmathias.com
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Bob Mathias Hometown Hero DVD
We’re all familiar with “A-Rod,” “Tiger Woods” and “ Kobe Bryant.” In Bob Mathias: Hometown Hero, you’ll be thrilled by this little-known story of Bob Mathias, one of the huge sports icons of his day. Winning the Olympic Gold Medal for the United States in 1948 at the age of seventeen, and again in 1952, Mathias, who would have tried out for the 1956 games but was barred by the Olympic committee because he starred in a biographical movie, playing himself. He went on to become a well-known actor, then a U.S. Congressman. In this fifty-two minute documentary, we go to Mathias’ hometown of Tulare, California to trace his story, and we also go to nearby Fresno to interview Mathias (his last interview ever given before his death in 2006). Click on the picture above to order the DVD. |
