Barrel Archives - www.oldtimestrongman.com

Ferdinand Le Bouche and Le Sadi Aperitif

Posted on Thursday, September 4th, 2014 by John Wood

Strongmen have long been featured in alcohol advertisements and posters, generally they are able to do things which makes a dramatic and memorable point which would certainly be the case here. In case you aren’t a wine fan, an apéritif is an alcoholic beverage usually served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Our man above, the famous french physical culturalist Ferdinand Le Bouche is shown here lifting a barrel full of 250 livres worth (about 270 pounds) of Le Sadi brand with his teeth. I’m sold.

Harry F. Griffin, The Strongman of Engine Company 13

Posted on Thursday, April 26th, 2012 by John Wood

There are many examples of strongmen who were famous in some parts of the country but virtually unknown elsewhere. One great example is Harry F. Griffin, “The Strongman of Engine Company 13” who was a local legend in Los Angeles and throughout the west coast. When he wasn’t fighting fires, Griffin performed many traditional strongman feats, twisting horseshoes, nail driving, chain breaking, bending spikes etc. His specialty, however, was jaw strength, as you can see in this rare picture from 1913. Griffin was said to have the strongest jaw of any man alive

Unknown Strongman #2

Posted on Thursday, March 15th, 2012 by John Wood

Unknown Strongman #2

Here’s another good example of an unknown strongman, whose name and feats are unfortunately lost to the sands of time. This fellow is obviously a big fan of barrel lifting and blockweights or kettlebells. Notice that while his arms are not particularly large his forearm development is exceptional — no doubt the result of lifting, heavy, awkward objects.

UPDATE: Unknown no more! He is Signor Dondretti, Iron Jaw Athlete and contortionist – he performed with the King & Franklin’s New Colossal Shows in the late 1800s and lifted a 1000 lb. horse with his teeth!