Boxing History At Fort Devens

Wilbert Skeeter McClure–The Gold Standard - The Cyber Boxing Zone

October 29, 1938 — In the 22 Brand-Whitlock Homes, a Federal Housing project in intercity Toledo, Ohio, a young girl was in labor for the 1st time in her life.  An anxious husband paced in the hallway outside their bedroom. 

Dr. Hart had everything under control when he announced that a baby boy had just arrived into the world.  An announcement that was difficult to hear over the newborn’s first cries for breath.  When the new father entered the bedroom to see his first born he exclaimed “why he’s no bigger than a skeeter!”  Thus a newborn child had a nickname before he had a first name. 

Wilbert Jessie Lamont and Evelyn McClure were the proud parents of little Wilbert McClure.

Both Mr. and Mrs. McClure were fervent readers. As a result Skeeter’s earliest childhood memories included libraries and books.  He stated that his father had studied French in college and along with his mother, who was an avid reader, always had books and magazines in their home.  The McClure’s placed a high value on the importance of education, which they impressed upon their children.  Entering Gunckel Elementary School, young Wilbert could already read and by the 5th grade was writing short stories. 

Shy and introverted Wilbert could travel anyplace in the world and journey through time by escaping into a world of fantasy.  His writing skills improved when he learned how to look up facts in the encyclopedia and weave them into his short stories while attending Robinson Junior High.

His childhood was a happy experience because his parents gave him the most important gift of all, their time!  He was the oldest of five children; followed by Jerry, Stanford, Ronnie and Deena. 

His early life was touched by one unpleasant memory, which occurred when he was eleven years old.  Skeeter was playing in the yard with his 4 year old brother Ronnie.  Like all 4 year olds, Ronnie was outgoing and full of energy.  Running across the lawn, the younger McClure tripped and struck his head on the front steps.  It appeared to be a typical childhood accident and ice quickly took down the swelling.  Four days later while eating supper, Ronnie went into convulsions.  Rushed to the hospital by his parents he never recovered.  It was difficult for Skeeter to share this painful childhood experience, but telling the story seemed a way of keeping the memory of his little brother alive.

He grew up at 625 ½ Division Street, in a predominately black neighborhood.  Although blacks found it very difficult to buy a home in certain sections of the city, the school system was integrated.  Being an exceedingly bright child, he was always placed in the highest academic track in school.  Enrolling at Scott High School, he was placed in the college preparatory classes.  Wilbert’s education was rigorous, not play, which provided him with exceptional prospects upon High School graduation!

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