Dan Knapp Offering brains and brawn, a film collection in the Specialized Libraries chronicles the historic Santa Monica fitness venue known as Muscle Beach. New Acquisition Pumps USC Up, 11/28/05 Contributed by A. Weisberg-Roberts@warwick.ac.uk, 2005, 2005b, 2001, 1959, 1950s, 1940s, 1934
"Originally begun as a federally funded Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1934, Muscle Beach was a training ground for body builders, circus performers, adagio dancers, Hollywood stunt people and gymnasts.
"In the 1930s and '40s, it was a trendsetting spot where fitness icons such as Harold Zinkin, Joe Weider, Steve Reeves, Vic Tanny, Jack LaLanne and Joe Gold developed their physiques.
"Thousands of spectators came to see the young men perform on weekends, and Muscle Beach soon eclipsed the Santa Monica Pier as the preeminent entertainment destination along Southern California's coast.
"As more observers became participants, bodybuilding and fitness became a part of the mainstream culture. Throngs of men and women lifted weights, built human towers and entertained the mesmerized crowds with somersaults and handstands.
"Over the years, Muscle Beach attracted countless colorful characters, including Paula Boelsems and her waterskiing elephant."