In 1902,The Milo Barbell Company, headed by Alan Calvert, opened its doors. Shown here is one of the first advertisements for their wares. Back then the American public had little idea of what a barbell was or how to use one, so Calvert had his work cut out for him. The “system” in question was simply the principle of double progression… which worked great then and works just as effectively a century later.
Also of note is the dumbbell pictured in the ad… Various types of Milo Barbell equipment, dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells etc are quite rare these days but they do turn up on occasion. Only one of these particular shot-loaded dumbbells is currently known to exist, however. The lifter of said dumbbell in this ad is Mr. Frank F. Jones, weightlifting champion of Philadelphia. As noted in the ad, Mr. Jones’ bodyweight at the time was 140 lbs. yet he could lift this dumbbell loaded to 150 lbs. with ease.
The Milo Barbell Company Showroom, circa 1915
