Fighter Leo Lomski and the Elks' gymnasium
Lomski vs Conley — December 1923 — The photo shows a nearly packed house anticipating the beginning of an exhibition boxing match between two fighters who are believed to be middleweight professionals, Leo Lomski of Mullan and Billy Conley of Spokane. The fight was sponsored by 4-L, a local men’s social club, and it was estimated that 1,200 people watched Lomski win on points. Pictured are (from left) Leo Lomski, Referee Bill Guimond, Billy Conley, Ring Announcer Joe Adams and fighter Fred Lenhart, who was there to challenge the winner. -- REC-13-008 - Museum of North Idaho Photo
Leo Lomski, pictured in this 1927 photo, appears to have begun fighting professionally in May of 1922. For his first few fights, he was billed as “Battling Lomski,” but as his reputation grew as a tough fighter, he was referred to as the “Aberdeen Assassin.” He would fight professionally for 15 years before retiring.
Box-Rec Photo
In a recent post on the Museum of North Idaho’s Facebook page, a photo was shared of two boxers preparing to fight before a near-capacity crowd at the Coeur d’Alene Elks' gymnasium. It was printed in the Coeur d’Alene Press in February 1958 to illustrate a story about the Lake City’s reputation as a top location for professional boxing matches in the 1920s.
The Elks' gym, part of the Benevolent Order of Elks #254 Lodge building at 418 Lakeside Avenue, was completed in August 1923. Primarily used for lodge meetings, the facility also hosted many community events, civic activities, and sporting events, including professional boxing.
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