Johnny ‘Tarzan’ Weissmuller drops by for lunch
In 1965, the world famous Johnny Weissmuller, stopped by Homer’s Restaurant (7340 Madison St.) for lunch with some friends. Weissmuller emigrated from Austria-Hungary and was raised in Chicago. After contracting polio, his physician recommended swimming to help in the recovery, which he did at Fullerton Beach. He was a natural swimmer who went on to set world records, and won five gold medals and one bronze in the 1924 and 1928 Olympics. In the 1930s, he began his acting career and gained notoriety for his role as Tarzan. His distinctive undulating call as Tarzan the Ape Man was inspired by his yodeling German neighbors.
Jill Wagner
PHOTO: Forest Park Review, July 1, 1965, Johnny Weissmuller, the world famous “Tarzan” of the movies is pictured above with his wife [Maria Gertude Baumann] while lunching at Homer’s Restaurant. Weissmuller is associated with a Chicago area swimming pool firm. He was passing through town last week and decided to look up some friends here. They are Chief Elmer Schnurstein (left) and Hugh Donnelly of the Forest Park Reserve Police.