1937

Robert at the tailor's

On January 5th, it was reported that Sol Winkleman tailored a new suit for Robert in Chicago. Sol said, "Well, I pitch and he catches. The tape measure, I mean. He slips it around his neck and lowers it down to me. Some fun, eh?"

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Robert the basketball star

Robert being the world's tallest basketball player was often reported during January. He returned to Shurtleff College to meet their basketball team and Coach Money.

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Robert sizes up

Robert was re-measured at the beginning of February. He was now 8 feet 6 inches, a couple inches taller than the year before. He gained 45 pounds to become 435 lb and wore a size 36 shoe... although it pinched!

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Robert the Ringling star

On March 23rd, Robert signed a contract to appear in the Ringling Brothers circus for a six week engagement. He mailed it to the Ringling headquarters in Sarasota, Florida, but a show official had to call the Wadlows on the 26th. Robert confirmed that he was about to be a star! (Just not in the way people thought...)

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Robert's big trip

The 27th of March began Robert's big trip away from Alton. He and Harold visited his Uncle Cecil in Lincoln, Nebraska, staying in the state for three days for a Shriner's Hospital benefit show in Omaha. On April 2nd, the Wadlow duo went to South Bend, Indiana. He towered over Sheriff William Honsinski, the tallest man in South Bend. After a quick visit to Elkhart, Robert returned to South Bend the next day to make an appearance at Paul Kuehn's shoe store. Then it was off to Chicago... and onto a plane heading to New York City!