The 1951 "Mr. America" Contest

Roy Hilligenn - Winner !

by George R Bruce

THE body worshippers of ancient Greece must have smiled down approvingly from the heavens as Roy Stanley Hilligenn, a sun-tanned young modern god whose body typifies in every way the models of those ancient Greeks, smilingly stepped forward to accept his trophy which indicated he had won the amateur Mr. America title of 1951. Aphrodite herself probably sighed with regret that she had lived her time B.A. (before the advent of Mr. Americas). No previous Mr. America title was ever won in more fitting surroundings. The 1951 Senior National Weightlifting Meet and Mr. America contest, presented by the Southern Pacific Amateur Athletic Union of the United States and sponsored by the Southern California Weightlifting Corporation, Inc., was held in the Greek Theatre (the world's most beautiful outdoor theatre) located in Los Angeles, California. It is situated in Griffith Park in the beautiful Hollywood Hills. Griffith Park is the site of the largest recreational area in the City of Los Angeles. The Greek Theatre is a gift of the late Col. Griffith A. Griffith. Constructed at a cost of more than $200,000 it is located in a natural amphitheatre at the head of Vermont Avenue; is built of Greek Doric style of architecture, reinforced concrete construction, and has a seating capacity of 4,419 persons. The amphitheatre extends up the side of a canyon 241 feet from the stage, which is 110 feet wide, 60 feet deep. It is surrounded by beautiful trees and foliage.

As one leaves the busy streets and starts up the tree-studded, winding drive to the theatre he passes lavish homes with those wonderful Southern California lawns landscaped with shrubbery and vivid flowers. As he enters the quite serenity of the theatre itself, he is immediately put in a worshipping mood.

The contest brought progressive weight training and bodybuilding to new heights and might be likened to the day when Paul Whiteman brought American jazz music to the high culture level by presenting a symphonic jazz concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City many years ago. The contest was well publicized, well attended and well presented. The outdoor setting was perfect for the presentation of an attraction representing physical perfection by out-doors people. The officials of the Meet ant the contestants represented men from every walk of life: doctors, lawyers, educators and engineers, as well as laymen, giving lie to the old belief that physical perfection, physical strength and mental ability cannot or do not go hand-in-hand. The presence and help of Bob Hoffman was one of the highlights of the entire Meet. While acting as Master of Ceremonies for the lifting on the second day, he showed mast ability as a showman and delighted the entire audience by quoting from memory facts and lifting totals about the contestants dating back many years.

June 15, 1951

The weightlifting contest opened without fanfare with George Wilcut, Past president of the Southern California Weightlifting Association, acting as Master of Ceremonies. When the lifting was over, the stage curtains were drawn and Don Haley, Co-Chairman of the contest Committee, took over as Master of Ceremonies for the Mr. America subdivisions, namely, Best arms, legs, back, abdominals, chest and the most muscular man, while the posing platform was being put into position back-stage. During this period the drawing was made for the door prize by lovely Sharon O'Connor, Queen of the contest.

The house lights were extinguished, the stage lighted, and the curtains parted, to admit to the wondering gaze of that thrilled audience a scene they will long remember: standing in a line across the stage from wing to wing were 22 of the finest built men in the world. What a task for the judges! At least half of the contestants had previously won subdivision awards in many other contests. As each contestant went into his routine on the posing platform I marveled at the artistry displayed. The art of bodybuilding is gaining momentum at a tremendous pace as more and more men and youths of the nation become amazingly enthusiastic. It soon became apparent that the outstanding physiques, in the opinion of the judges, were those of Roy Stanley Hilligenn of Oakland, California, who placed first in best legs, third in best back, first in the most muscular; George Paine of New York City, who won best back, tied for 2nd in best legs, second in best abdominals, and second in most muscular; Malcolm Brenner of Los Angeles, California, who won best arms and best chest, and placed second in best back; Marvin Eder of Jersey City, New Jersey, who placed third in best chest, third in most muscular, and second in best arms; Kenneth Cameron of Downey, California, who won best abdominals and tied for second in best legs; and Monty Wolford who also tied for second in best legs.

June 16, 1951

The crowd began to congregate early in anticipation of the show which they knew would be great. The night was clear with the moon and stars plainly visible overhead. With the lifting out of the way the enthused crowd, which had witnessed many new world's records, settled back to await the Mr. America contest. Don Haley, Co-Chairman of the organization and contest committee for the Meet, took over as Master of Ceremonies from Bob Hoffman who had been Master of Ceremonies for the lifting. Don gave a brief talk on the contest and explained the method of judging, etc.

The house lights were darkened, the stage lighted, the curtains opened, and there they were! The crowd gasped with admiration as they gazed upon these marvels of physical perfection. As the boys went through their poses there were many instances of spontaneous applause. After much deliberation, ten contestants were selected as finalists. During the interlude, famous Kay and Jimmy Starkey put on their outstanding handbalancing act. The finalists each went through their posing routine again, and while final selections were being made, the world renowned Wayne Marlin Trio put on their balancing act. The decision of the harassed judges was finally ready, and it was announced that a tie existed for third place between Marvin Eder of Jersey City, New Jersey, and George Paine of New York City, and that duplicate prizes would be awarded. The next announcement proclaimed Malcom Brenner, 1951 Mr. California, as the second place winner; and then the big moment! First Place, Roy Stanley Hilligenn of Oakland, California! A new Mr. America was born and would soon be on his way to additional fame and fortune. I say additional because Roy is already famous as a strong man and physique contest winner, having won the titles of Mr. South Africa in 1943, 1944 and 1945; Mr. Pacific Coast, 1949; Mr. Northern California, 1951; Mr. San Francisco, 1951; 2nd place Junior Mr America, 1950; 3rd place Mr. America, 1950; In the strongman class Roy was middleweight wrestling champion of South Africa, 1943 and 1944; Pacific Coast weightlifting champions, 198-lb. class, 1951; and won 2nd place in the 198-lb. class, 1951 Senior National A.A.U. weightlifting championships, the previous night.

The Meet was a great success and a fine example of a meeting of the minds and the cooperation of many individuals. Those attending saw a splendid show and the body-culture game received wide publicity as the event was covered by newspaper reporters, newsreel cameramen, and at least a dozen photographers.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

- Roy Hilligenn attained a much coveted pinnacle in winning the "Mr. America" title for 1951. This superman, who represented Ed Yarick's Gym, achieved another major goal in being awarded the "Most Muscular Man" title in this competition. (Cecil Charles Photo)

- Roy Hilligenn, the 1951 "Mr. America" and "Most Muscular Man".

- Sharon O'Connor, the Queen of the Championships.

- Here are three of the winners of the 1951 "Mr. America" contest. Malcolm Brenner, at the left, placed second with 67 points. Roy Hilligenn, in the center, won the title with a score of 68 1/2. Third place found Marvin Eder, at the right, in a tie with George Paine, the 1951 "Junior Mr. America", with 65 points. Identical trophies have been presented to Eder and Paine. (All photos - Cecil Charles).

- Wayne Marlin Trio, one of the special features on the program.

- George Paine, tied for third in the 1951 "Mr. America" contest.

- These muscular marvels won top honors in the "Mr. America" sub-division events. Left to right: "Best Arms" and "Best Chest" were awarded to Malcolm Brenner. George Paine won "Best Back" event and Kenneth Cameron rated first for "Best Abdominals". Roy Hilligenn won the "Most Muscular Man" title and also the "Best Legs" event.

- Bob Hoffman, at the right, studies Malcom Brenner's prize winning physique. Once again Bob contributed generously to the success of the championships by his sponsorship of the York Barbell Clubs champions. This club continued its unrivaled reign as the nation's championship team.

- Roy Hilligenn's impressive lifting should encourage other physique stars to compete in the Olympic lifts. The 1951 "Mr. America" placed second in the Middle-Heavy-weight class with a total of 815, including a 330 Clean & Jerk. (Photo by Cecil Charles)