Historic Blue Plaque For Larry Gains
Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Aim: We Are Raising Funds To Put Up A Nubian Jak Historic Blue Plaque To Commemorate Larry Samuel Gains.
Lawrence Samuel
“Larry" Gains
1900 - 1983
- Larry Gains was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on 12 December 1900. In 1923, he made the decision to leave Toronto for England on a cattle ship, turning down an opportunity to join the Canadian Olympic Team in1924 to pursue a professional boxing career
- The journey to England took him over six weeks on a cattle ship, where he endured harsh and unsanitary conditions. Despite these challenges, Larry remained focused on his boxing ambitions, training in whatever space he could find to stay in shape. His discipline and determination during this difficult voyage laid the foundation for his future success in the boxing world once he arrived in England.
- Gains was one of the top heavyweights of his era, but was denied the opportunity to fight for the British Championship and the World Championship due to the rules against black boxers competing for the titles, instead competing for the 'Coloured Heavyweight Championship of the World', a title that he won in 1928 and 1935. He defeated Phil Scott and become the British Heavyweight Empire champion in 1931.
What is a Blue Plaque?
- In the UK, blue plaques are permanent signs installed on buildings to commemorate the link between a location and a famous person, event, or historical significance. While the scheme is largely managed by English Heritage, it also works in partnership with the Nubian Jak Community Trust to ensure the contributions of Black and minority ethnic figures are honoured and remembered. By supporting this campaign, you’ll help create a permanent reminder that celebrates diverse heritage and keeps important stories alive for future generations.
Boxing Highlights
click on the link - Larry Gains in Training
- He beat Max Schmeling in1925 in Germany. Max schmeling was a top Heavyweight Boxer. In 1927 Larry became Canadian Heavyweight Champion. In 1932 Larry defeated 6ft 6 Primo Carnera in front of 70,000 people at White City, London. Larry was the first Black boxer to fight in the Royal Albert hall in 1932. Larry fought against many of the greatest boxers of his era, including Jack Petersen, Tommy Farr, Phil Scott, George Godfrey, Jack London, and many others.
- Larry had a remarkable friendship with Ernest Hemingway, the famous American novelist and short story writer. A letter Larry wrote to Hemingway is preserved at the J.F. Kennedy Museum in Boston, USA. In addition to his close bond with Hemingway, Larry was also good friends with fellow boxers like Bill Celemence, Max Schmeling, and many others. His boxing career took him around the world, where he not only achieved great success but also built lasting relationships with numerous figures in the boxing world.
Larry’s Family
- Larry married Lisa, who was German, and they had four children: Betty, Harold, Anne, and Jack. They lived in London and various locations around the UK, including Leicester and Shoeburyness. Lisa was a massive support to Larry and an incredible woman.
1939-1945 British Army
- In 1939, Larry joined the British Army as a physical training instructor. He served as a sergeant major in the Pioneer Corps, stationed in the Middle East. After serving throughout World War II, Larry came out of the army in 1945. His service demonstrated his leadership and commitment, continuing his dedication to physical training and discipline even beyond his boxing career.
Larry’s Record Tracks
- Larry Gains recorded three tracks on the Parlophone label in 1934: “Dinah,” “Madonna (When Day is Done)” sung in German with Mrs. Gains, and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby” with his trainer, Snowy Buckingham. This record (catalogue number R1929) was noted in The Gramophone in November 1934, though it may not have been widely released, as it’s rarely referenced or found among collectors today.
Shoeburyness Tavern
Southend On Sea
- During Larry’s boxing career, he also trained at the Shoeburyness Tavern, which had a boxing gym. Many world champions visited and trained there before their big fights. Alongside his own training, Larry coached young adults, passing on his knowledge and passion for the sport. He trained in various places across the UK, including the George Pub, Jolly Angler, and many others.
- The Shoeburyness Tavern is now called the Shoeburyness Hotel. In addition to his boxing career, Larry Gains was a singer in a hotel band in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
The Impossible Dream
- In 1976 Larry published his Autobiography. The Impossible Dream, the title a reference to his dream of becoming World Champion.
- “For me, it was always the impossible dream, the unreachable star. The politics of the day were against it. I have no bitterness and no regrets. I have always considered myself the luckiest man alive.”
- He was the president of The London ex boxing Association (1976-1983). He passed away in 1983 in Cologne, Germany.
Awards
- Larry was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, and in 2023, the Government of Canada commemorated his national historic significance at a special plaque unveiling ceremony at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club in Toronto. In 2023 he was inducted into the Ex-BritishBoxing Hall of Fame.
Larrupin Larry
- Larry lived an extraordinary life, full of energy, compassion, and generosity. As a true gentleman with a big heart, he touched many lives and made a lasting impact on his community. It would be a great honour to achieve our goal of installing a historic blue plaque in his memory, celebrating his achievements and contributions.
- Together with the Nubian Jak Community Trust, we aim to commemorate Larry Gains with a Nubian Jak blue plaque, to be proudly displayed at The Shoeburyness Hotel.
The Nubian Jak Community Trust (NJCT), is the only commemorative plaque and sculpture scheme focused on memorialising the historic contributions of Black and minority ethnic people in Britain and beyond.
- By donating to this campaign, you’ll help ensure that Larry’s legacy is forever enshrined in history. Your contribution will go directly towards the production and installation of the plaque, ensuring that future generations remember and honour this remarkable athlete. It’s also important to share Larry’s story, so that his achievements and influence are celebrated and passed down, inspiring others for years to come.
The Toronto Terror
- Preserving our heritage is essential in recognising and celebrating the individuals who have shaped our communities. Larry Gains’s story is not just about his achievements in boxing, it’s also about the lasting impact he made through his community work. By honouring him with this historic blue plaque, we pay tribute to his extraordinary accomplishments and reinforce the values of determination, dedication, and community spirit that he represented.
We are thrilled to have Sporting Heritage on board and to receive this vital grant to honour Larry Gains with a historic blue plaque. This recognition is not just a tribute to Gains’ extraordinary contributions to sport but a powerful statement about the importance of preserving our sporting history. With Sporting Heritage’s support, we are ensuring that his legacy inspires future generations and reminds us all of the transformative power of sport in our community. This historic blue plaque will stand as a symbol of achievement, heritage, and pride.
Plaque and Unveiling
- We warmly invite all donors and patrons to attend the historic unveiling as we honour Larry Gains’s legacy and celebrate his influence on the world of boxing, along with the positive impact he made in his community’s . Event details will be shared on this project page shortly.
- Any additional funds raised will be allocated to support the grassroots of boxing and provide opportunities for kids at the Southend Boxing Club.
Thank you for supporting the campaign to honour Larry Gains and being part of it.
Thank You!
The campaign to honour Larry Gains with a historic blue plaque has been a resounding success. We are beyond thrilled to announce that the unveiling will take place on 12th December 2024 at the Shoeburyness Hotel in Essex.
This moment wouldn’t have been possible without your generosity and belief in this cause. Together, we’ve ensured that Larry Gains’ legacy will be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
A massive thank you to all of you for making this dream a reality.
With gratitude and love,
The Gains Family