published January-February Issue 2016

Horseshoe Pitching Facts & Folklore

Hall of Fame Members Profiled (Continued)

by Bob Dunn, NHPA Historian

This issue will continue to review Hall of Fame inductees from years past:

Leland Mortenson of Des Moines, Iowa, became connected with the game and the NHPA back in 1921 and soon made his mark as a promoter, organizer, and director of big tournaments. He also became the recognized historian of the game in the early years, and his articles and writings have enabled the organization to keep track of events and personalities of the sport of the early years, which would have otherwise been lost. For 35 of their 42-year existence, he was superintendent of horseshoe pitching tournaments at the large Iowa State Fair. And when the NHPA was unable to hold official World Tournaments in the years 1936-1939, he organized, promoted and conducted the annual Midwest National in Des Moines. These tournaments were, in every respect, true World Tournaments except for the official sanction. The events provided focus and prestige for the game, which was vitally necessary and enabled the national association to continue. Leland was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1971. Leland Mortenson passed away October 15, 1978 at age 72.

John Gordon, California, is best known for designing and manufacturing the Gordon Spin-On Horseshoe, which was a highly popular choice of shoe by tournaments pitchers for over 70 years. John Gordon received a patent for his design on November 7, 1933, although the shoe hit the market in 1931, and remained a favorite shoe of many pitchers right into the 21^st century. John, a fixture at World Tournaments for three decades, is one of the all-time great personalities of the sport and was recognized as a great promoter and sponsor of tournaments and horseshoe clubs. He was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1971. John Gordon died January 12, 1959.

George May was a fireman and lived in Akron, Ohio. He won Men’s World Championships in 1920w and 1923s. He was the first pitcher to average 50 percent in a World Tournament and is one of several pitchers that are credited with developing the “open shoe.” He pitched National Standard shoes, which were a very popular horseshoe patterned after the George May design, which was patent approved on April 24, 1923. George May was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1972.

Ralph Forsstrom of Hampden, Massachusetts, was an organizer and promoter of the game in the New England area for over 50 years and served as secretary of the Massachusetts State Association for many years, being instrumental in keeping the game going during the lean years. He served as a regional director and on the NHPA Hall of Fame Committee. He was president and director of the Forest Park Club from 1934 to 1943. He directed the Western Massachusetts and New England meets and helped run the World Tournament when it was held in Keene, New Hampshire, in 1965 and again in 1968. Ralph also assisted at the 1972 World Tournament at Greenville, Ohio, and was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1972. Ralph Forsstrom passed away April 30, 1985, at age 75.

Dale Dixon of Des Moines, Iowa, qualified for the Men’s Championship Class 22 times, accumulating 312 wins, which still ranks 21^st on the World Tournament All-Time Wins List, and 12 times he averaged over 70 percent ringers. His best finish was sixth place in 1946 on a 16-7 record. Dale won 11 Iowa state championships. He was elected NHPA President in 1953 and served one term. He designed and manufactured the Dixon Victory pitching shoe, and designed and sold portable courts. Dale was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1973. Dale Dixon passed away December 4, 1992, at age 85.