INTERVIEW WITH GARY HOWARD
- 06/21/2008 (4:15:13 am)
- Joe Babinsack
Author of The Rassler from Renfrew…
I had an opportunity to ask some questions of Gary Howard, author of "The Rassler from Renfrew, The Story of Larry Kasaboski and Northland Wrestling Enterprises"
Gary Howard is a writer and journalist from Pembroke , Ontario , Canada
“For fifty years, old-time wrestling and the Kasaboski name went hand-in-hand in the Ottawa Valley Northern Ontario , pitting passions against loyalties for the likes of Benny Trudel, Bill Curry, Don "One-Man-Gang" Evans, the Parks Brothers, and Gorgeous George Grant. Author Gary Howard has been a life-long fan of the sport, and in this book, shares his enthusiasm for the early years of show wrestling. Richly illustrated with rare photos, posters, and other memorabilia.”
The reviews I’ve seen have been stellar, and since someone else was supposed to write a review for the Wrestling Observer site, I took the opportunity to make amends by doing a quick interview with Mr. Howard.
1) What inspired you to write this book?
There was never an historical account written about Northland Wrestling Enterprises that operated for 35 years in Northern and Eastern Ontario . Nor was much written about Larry and Alex Kasaboski. Both were from Renfrew Ontario
2) What was the hardest part of putting the book together?
One of the biggest challenges was finding individuals who had been on the scene in the glory years of the promotion but I found many e.g wrestlers, sports writers, arena managers etc. Also to obtain clippings, pictures and memorabilia was a problem at first but eventually fell into place.
3) What did you learn about professional wrestling that you didn't know before?
It was pretty well what I had conjured up in my mind all these years and from what I had read historically about the game. I was struck by the modesty of the wrestlers and the pride they took in their careers. Wrestling was always entertainment even before the WWE.
4) What was the most fascinating aspect of the project?
The investigative aspect. Tracking everyone down...gathering info...learning new things...each interview leading to new contacts and new info.
5) How much different was pro wrestling then than now?
Although it was entertaining back then, they were in kayfabe mode. I think that hurt the credibility of the game forevermore because they tried to make the fans look like suckers. It is only the true students of history that have clung to the past. The new fans are in it strictly for the entertainment value.
6) How did you uncover the details on the day-to-day operations of the Northland Wrestling Enterprises promotion?
I talked to many who were on the scene to get a better understanding of how Northlands operated. Family members of the wrestlers were also extremely helpful.
7) Was there any resistance (or support) for your research?
Very little resistance because this was a subject that very little had ever been written about and most people were anxious to finally share their stories.
8) Why did you provide so much depth to the book?
I went into much detail because remember, this story went back to the arrival of the elder Kasaboski in 1882. I wanted to capture the whole picture. I wanted to show that the Kasaboski boys didn't just come out of a gym. They came from strong Polish stock and from a generation where values and beliefs meant something.
9) What part of history is the business ignoring today?
I think the business ignores the human element like so many corporations today. Without the workers, there is no show.
10) Why should current fans care about Northland Wrestling Enterprises?
If current fans are interested in the very roots and history of the game then they may be curious about Northlands. This promotion is probably one of the last great North American promotions to receive it's due. Like all the great territories, without them, there would be no WWE today.
I have come to look upon pro wrestling in that period as an artform. A group of wrestlers acting out a play that completely captured the hearts and minds of its audience much like a travelling theatrical troupe. Sometimes there were good actors and bad actors and sometimes they stunk the joint out but it was always a show and they put their heart and souls into it. Pro wrestling was just such a fascinating topic....not so much what happened in the ring but what happened behind the scenes.
Joe, hope this helps.
Where can fans find the book?
The book retails for $20. It can be purchased directly from Gary Howard at [email protected] for a small mailing fee or directly from the publisher www.gsph.com For direct orders from me I'll gladly sign and dedicate.
The publisher is the General Store Publishing House.
Thank You, Mr. Howard, for your time and your amazing book.
Joe Babinsack can be reached at [email protected] Lots of stuff on the plate, including Cage of Pain II, Freddie Blassie, Rey Misterio and a slew of books and DVD reviews.
Tags:
