An article by Andy McDaniel

Published in 1992

Charleston, S.C., has been the site for some of the greatest battles in history. Many schoolchildren have read of these great wars and the heroes who fought them and many times wondered what they must have been like or what it would have been like to meet one of them.

[ad#MikeMooneyham-336×280]Daydreams such as this filled my head as a youngster, too, but the famous battles in Charleston I thought of were not at Fort Sumter or one of the famous battlefields nearby. The wars I thought about happened on Friday nights at 8:15 p.m. at County Hall. The leader of these troops was the legendary promoter Mr. Henry Marcus. Starting back in the fifties Mr. Henry would bring these great warriors to town to create the epic battle of good vs. evil.

As time moved on these men and women became heroes and legends, and for of us who grew up during this time, these great athletes will always be thought of and remembered with great respect. This feeling may not be shared by all, but I know there is something special about being a Charleston County Hall wrestling fan. I must truly say I miss what is known as the glory days.

My father took me to County Hall for the first time when I was four years old. The main event was Ric Flair vs. Wahoo McDaniel. I was in total amazement that I was seeing them for real and from that moment on I was hooked. County Hall holds many great memories for me personally, and until the last show that Mr. Henry promoted in that great old building, I made that trip to Charleston, S.C., down to Kings Street on Friday nights. If the walls of that place could talk I can only imagine the stories that would be told.

Much has changed in wrestling today, very few mentions of the past are rarely made. The new breed of wrestlers would look in puzzlement if you asked them who Burrhead Jones was or who was known as the Profile? Well, this bothered me because I know, and these names along with many other legendary names are are special to me, and a few years ago I had an idea that would just not get off my mind. I wanted to see the legends again and I was determined to make it happen.

Unlike the kid who only wondered what it would be like to meet his heroes, I knew I could make it a reality. I knew that many of the battle-scarred veterans were still very much alive, so I began to put this project together. With much of the planning in full swing, I knew that I still needed some help and I knew there was no one better to contact than Mike Mooneyham. I placed a call to Mike and introduced myself. After a brief conversation, Mike agreed to meet me and talk about my idea. I knew that Mike was a pro and would not want to waste his time on someone with a big dream, so I went prepared with all my information and work and with an intention of getting my idea over.[ad#MikeMooneyham-468×15]

Mike and I talked for many hours that night, both of us sharing fond memories of Friday nights at County Hall. Mike agreed to help me, and soon after began to contact some of the greatest names in pro wrestling history about coming back to Charleston just one more time. We also wanted this to be a night in which we paid honor to the man who made wrestling famous in Charleston – Mr. Henry Marcus.

Almost no resistance was met as all the legends looked forward to seeing each other again many for the first time in many years.

The date was May 30, 1998, the place was Charleston, and the venue for this special night was appropriately the old County Hall. It was like going back in time to sit and watch “Mr. Wrestling” Tim Woods walk through the curtain or to see George “Two Ton” Harris strut to the ring. To hear Mr. Henry say “Hold your own ticket” was just classic. Watching Swede Hanson and Rip Hawk step through the ropes again was awesome and to stand beside the legendary Johnny Valentine was unbelievable.

The night was full of some wonderful stories and some great reunions. I can say it was a dream come true.

To all those who came, I feel sure they share the same feelings. For the fan who could not Be there or for the ones who were and just want to see it again, the tape of this great event is available. Send your check or money order in the amount of $20 to the address below. The first 50 orders will receive a souvenir T-shirt and program from the show for no additional charge.

Among the many legends who appeared include Tim Woods, The Fabulous Moolah, Mae Young, Penny Banner, Rip Hawk, Swede Hanson, Tully Blanchard, Ole Anderson, Burrhead Jones, Johnny Valentine, Sandy Scott, Thunderbolt Patterson and many more.

Send all orders to:

Legends Tape

P.O. Box 189

Salters, S.C. 29590