Woodbury County

Sgt. Joe Chwirka

 

 
 

 

EAST HIGH GRAD, NOW IN ARMY, IS EXPERT ROPER

Sergeant Joe Chwirka, East high school graduate in 1937 and son of Mr. and Mrs. Chwirka, 402 S. Lafayette street, is attracting considerable attention in Army circles these days because of his roping ability.

Described as the inventor of an original lariat trick in Kansas City and Topeka newspapers, Sergeant Chwirka, stationed in the 14th United States cavalry at Fort Riley, has been sent to camps throughout the middle west to perform.

The trick, believed never to have been attempted, consists of Chwirka holding the end of the lariat in his teeth and keeping the loop circling about his head and shoulders by shaking his head.  In addition, he is adept at other rope tricks, according to the newspapers.

Chwirka first performed the trick last winter at the infantile paraylsis show at Little Rock, Ar.  He enlisted here four years ago and first was sent to Fort Des Moines.

Source:  The Sioux City Tribune, August 3, 1941