arnold schwarzenegger - how it all began

100

Upload: auvi-ebooks

Post on 06-Aug-2015

56 views

Category:

Documents


3 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 2: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

WELCOME1

Page 3: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

CONTENT

1! WELCOME

2! THAL NEAR GRAZ

3! THE FIRST COACH

4! GRAZ

5! STUTTGART

6! MUNICH

7! LONDON

8! HIKING TRAILS

9! MUSEUM THAL

10! MUSEUM HOTEL PARADIES

11! THE ARNIE-PAINTER

12! FOREVER

2

Page 4: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

To produce an e-book about Arnold Schwarzeneg-ger is a major undertaking. When this project started to first gain shape, the plan was to only de-scribe the museum, which is housed in Arnold's childhood home. After having taken all the neces-sary pictures, the new management of the museum prohibited me to publish these pictures.

But because "quitting" is not a word that is part of my vocabulary, I extended my research and am now proud to present to you an e-book that docu-ments the many important stages of the young Ar-nold Schwarzenegger.

Many contemporary witnesses have helped me and supplied me with material, advice and help in this project. This resulted in a compendium of Arnold Schwarzenegger's life "before the USA." In the past months I have had the chance to meet countless impressive people and to hear many stories about the greatest bodybuilder of all times.

This e-book is not supposed to be a biography of the great Styrian. "How it all began" documents the years before Arnold's move to the United States.

This e-book will help fans of Arnold Schwarzeneg-ger to retrace his steps in Austria, Germany and Great Britain. The pictures show a young Arnold with many of his friends and supporters.

At this point I want to send warmest thanks to all friends, who supported me in the completion of this project.

Rudolf J. Strutz!Photographer and Author

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

3

Rudolf J. StrutzPhotographer and Author

Page 5: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

The greatest son of Thal near Graz and one of the great-est Austrians, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was born on July 30, 1947 in Graz. Today, his childhood home houses the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum.

THAL NEAR GRAZ

2

Page 6: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

The village Thal is situated about 6 km west of Graz and is currently home to about 2,400 residents. The area re-mains pristine and natural, farmers cul-tivate the meadows, fields and forests, which make the area a popular destina-tion for people from Graz who are look-ing for some rest and recreation. But also many visitors from abroad find their way to Thal to see the unique sights and attractions.

The Lake Thalersee offers boating and fishing in the summer and provides a dreamy ambiance for ice skaters in the winter. The golf course with its natu-rally designed 27-hole course and

cross-country ski runs are other great attractions. These recreational offers are now an indispensable part of the leisure facilities on the out-skirts of Graz. Beautiful hiking trails, such as the Arnold Schwarzeneg-ger trail, that meander through our scenic coun-tryside, invite young and old relaxation seekers to open their hearts and minds. Nature lovers who enjoy biking tours will fall in love with the bike trails, leading from Graz to the Thalersee and all the way to the centre of the village.

Gourmets are getting a special treat in Thal. Some local farms pro-duce delicious homemade meat-products and sausages as well as various pumpkin seed oils – a regional specialty of Styria. The delica-cies can be bought directly at the farms.

Of course the municipality of Thal also offers a very attractive social life to its residents and visitors. More than 20 active clubs and organi-zations cater to the villager's social, athletic, cultural and economic

needs and contribute to the Thal's feeling of mutual respect and self-less service. The various clubs and organizations regularly host a broad variety of events and festivities, ranging from soap box derbies to concerts of the regional "Musikverein" or singing circles, to theater performances by the regionally popular laymen's performance group the "Stern-Thaler." The highlight of Thal's club life, however, is without a doubt the yearly Jacobian Street Fair (Jakobikirtag). This event is or-ganized by a group of members of the regional clubs and takes place in front of our beautiful parish church.

Education is also an impor-tant topic in our village. The elementary school Thal currently teaches seven classes of students in four grades and even of-fers an after-school-care programme. A well trained team of teachers and staff lead the community Kinder-

garten, which hosts three groups of children in the mornings and two in the afternoons. The Agricultural College Grottenhof-Hardt is known far beyond our municipal borders. I also want to point your attention to our "Volkshochschule" (similar to a community college), which pro-vides a broad variety of classes for adult education.

Of course there are also many attractions which draw visitors to Thal. There is the famous parish church St. Jakob (remodeled by Prof. Ernst Fuchs) and the Ar-nold Schwarzeneg-ger Museum. The pri-vately owned Castle Oberthal and the ru-ins of the Thal for-tress are also well worth a visit. And don't forget to see the Steinberg obser-vatory.

5

The village Thal is situated about 6 km west of Graz and is currently home to about 2,400 residents. The area remains pristine and natural, farmers cultivate the meadows, fields and forests, which make the area a popular destination for people from Graz who are looking for some rest and recreation. But also many visitors from abroad find their way to Thal to see the unique sights and attractions.

The Lake Thalersee offers boating and fishing in the summer and provides a dreamy ambiance for ice skaters in the winter. The golf course with its naturally designed 27-hole course and

Education is also an important topic in our village. The elementary school Thal currently teaches seven classes of students in four grades and even offers an after-school-care programme. A well trained team of teachers and staff lead the community Kinder

Page 7: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

The broad variety of activities by the municipality has increased the quality of life for Thal's residents tremendously. To connect the village to the public transportation network, a bus route was created in coop-eration with the Holding Graz, a local communal service provider. The social and health organization Gratkorn offers high-quality mobile home car, which allows elderly or sick residents to be able to be cared for in the privacy of their own home. This also ensures that caregiving relatives have medically trained professionals to support them.

Well-planned residential construction by the municipality led to a small increase in population and is another reason for the high quality of life in our village.

Protection of the environment is of crucial importance in our village, because we consider it our responsibility to retain our outstanding quality of life, not just for our own sake, but also for our children. One can see even on the street signs that we take this commitment very seriously: The signs inform that Thal is participating in the e5-Programme. For example, after switching the entire street lighting to more modern LED lamps, we were able to cut the system's energy and power requirement in half, which saves about seven tons of CO2 every year. In addition, the new LED lamps provide better lighting for Thal's streets, which subsequently led to a noticeable increase in traf-

fic safety in the village. The motto is: "See and be seen – in better light-ing."

Appropriate athletic offers for Thal's residents are an essential part of our munici-pal polit ics. In recent years, the village put spe-cial efforts towards the creat ion of a modern sports and leisure facility. Today, the two soccer fields, the beach volleyball

field, and the curling rank are a popular meeting point for Thalers of all ages, be it to participate in an athletic competition, or to simply enjoy the action as a spectator.

Visitors and guests can enjoy the high quality of life, the broad variety of athletic and cultural offers in the village, and the beauty of the nature of Thal by checking into one of the various guesthouses, inns or B&Bs at and around Lake Thalersee.

One of our most famous resi-dents of the village of Thal is definitely our honorary resident Arnold Schwarzenegger. Former mayor Peter Urdl initiated the remodeling of Arnold's childhood home into a museum, which today is one of the most popular sights in Thal, next to the parish church St. Jakob.

Peter SchickhoferMayor of Thal near Graz

6

Appropriate athletic offers for Thal's residents are an essential part of our municipal polit ics. In recent years, the village put special efforts towards the creat ion of a modern sports and leisure facility. Today, the two soccer fields, the beach volleyball

Page 8: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

Kurt Marnul was born on May 30, 1929 in Graz. He is consid-ered to be the pioneer of the Austrian bodybuilding scene and was the first coach of the most remarkable bodybuilder of all times: Arnold Schwarzenegger.

THE FIRST COACH

3

Page 9: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

In the year 1952, Kurt Marnul started his career in weightlifting. In 1958, he founded the Athletic Union in Graz. The training rooms were located below the grandstands of the sport stadium in Graz Liebenau.

Athletes worked their muscles hard with simple exercise equipment. In 1961, Marnul was the first man to become Mr. Austria and was able to defend it for four years in a row.

Because of his muscular body, Kurt soon became an idol for many youngsters. The public response was tremendous and not long af-ter, many young talents came to the gym at the Athletic Union Graz to workout under the instructions of Mr. Austria.

In the summer months, Marnul and his training partners often visited the area around the Thalersee. The young, well-trained bodybuilders were often the cause of amazement of other visitors.

At this time, Willi Richter worked as a lifeguard at the Lake Thaler-see. In May 1961, he spoke to Marnul and drew his attention to the sons of the local police commander Gustav Schwarzenegger. When Kurt Marnul met the brothers Meinhard and Arnold Schwarzenegger for the first time, he was able to grant them one of their greatest wishes: a signed photograph of the first Mr. Austria. After this meet-ing, the two brothers were absolutely certain: One day, we want to be as good looking and have the same body as our idol, Kurt Mar-nul. In the same month in 1961, Meinhard and Arnold became ac-tive members in the Athletic Union Graz.

Kurt Marnul quickly recognised Arnold Schwarzenegger's great tal-ent. His special ambition, his exceptional training endurance, and his goals were unique. It was at the very gym of the Athletic Union

8

Page 10: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

Graz where Arnold began to read American bodybuilding magazines for the first time.

Arnold Schwarzenegger studied these magazines with great atten-tion and discovered some world famous bodybuilding icons. At that time, the so-called "sandal movies" by Reg Park and Steve Reeves were a big hit in the United States.

To train specific muscle groups effectively, Kurt Marnul rebuilt many training devices according to the photographs he found in US-magazines.

Looking at these training machines today, they resemble veritable torture devices. Many of the machines, which helped to start build-ing Arnold Schwarzenegger's body, are now in private ownership and stored in a small village in the south-west of Romania. The Schwarzenegger Museum in Thal as well as the Hotel Paradies also house some of the originals.

Until 1967, Arnold successfully worked out at the gym of the Ath-letic Union Graz.

He then left Graz to go to Munich, and later to London, to prepare for his successful move to the United States.

Even today, countless posters and pictures of Arnold decorate the walls of the gym at the Athletic Union Graz.

Over the years, many international television stations visited Kurt Marnul in his gym to get background information about the amazing career of the greatest bodybuilder of all times.

9

Page 11: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

For his successful work towards the promotion of young bodybuild-ing talents, Kurt Marnul was honoured with both, the Styrian as well as the Austrian Cross of Honour.

For more than 52 years, Kurt managed and organized the Athletic Union Graz. Besides Arnold Schwarzenegger, many other success-ful bodybuilders have emerged from there.

Kurt Marnul and Arnold Schwarzenegger have been tied by a now decade-old friendship since their first training day in May 1961.

10

Page 12: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 13: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 14: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 15: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 16: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 17: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 18: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 19: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 20: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 21: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 22: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 23: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 24: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 25: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 26: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 27: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 28: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

13

ATHLETIK-UNION-GRAZ

Hüttenbrennergasse 31a8010 Graz

+43 676 628 44 60

Page 29: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

The first competitions in which Arnold Schwarzenegger took part were held in Graz in April 1964. With an impressive biceps circumference of 43 cm, Arnold gained much attention at the Mr. Styria competition.

GRAZ

4

Page 30: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

At the competition, which was held in the "Spiegelsaal" of the famous Hotel Steirerhof in Graz, Arnold reached considerable hon-ours in various categories:

! Forth - Mr. Styria! Third - Mr. Hercules! Third - Mr. Austria

Arnold Schwarzenegger was only 17 years of age. All newspapers commented his achievement above average.

At that time, some bodybuilders used dark paint, which was spread all over the entire body. This had the purpose to reveal the muscle contours better. Some of the partici-pants overdid it with the "coloring."

The press and visitors responded rather negatively.

• Left Top: Mr. Styria - left to right: Gobetz, Maurer, Schwarzenegger, Tauchner, Horvath and more.

• Right Top: Mr. Austria - left to right: Helmut Cerncic (second), Kurt Marnul (Mr. Austria 1964) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (third).

• Left bottom: Mr. Hercules - left to right: Ar-nold Schwarzenegger (third), Helmut Cerncic (Mr. Hercules 1964) and Adolf Ziegner (se-cond).

The cover on the previous page shows the magazine "Der Muskelbilder," number 21, published in the year 1966. fitnessfachwirt.com

15

Page 31: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

In autumn 1965, the international fall championships in bodybuilding took place in Germany. The event was held at the "Wülle Banquet Hall" in Stuttgart. At this competition, the awardees for "Best-Built Athlete 1965" for Juniors and Seniors

STUTTGART

5

Page 32: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

were chosen. Part of the competition was also a power lifting triathlon.

At this time, the surprise winner of the competition, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was relatively unknown in Germany.

His upper arm had grown to a circumference of 45 cm and his defined and toned body earned him an overwhelming victory with 263 points.

• BEST BUILD Athlet 1965

The success of the then 18-year-old, however, was accompanied by a bitter aftertaste: Completing his mandatory military service at tht time, Arnold had to leave his troop without authorization. When the news of his victory made it all the way to his barracks, he had to face the consequences.

But his success could not be prevented by a punishment.

The two photographs on the left show the award ceremony for the Juniors. Left to right: Peter Wirth, Franz Dischinger, Arnold Schwar-zenegger, Helmut Fluck and Harald Schmitz-Mancy.

The cover on the previous page shows the magazine "Der Muskelbil-der," number 36, published in the year 1966. fitnessfachwirt.com

17

Page 33: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

What is today's Hotel Brunnenhof in Munich, then hosted the first training site of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Munich. Rolf Putzinger's sport studio was located on the second floor, and was one of the very first gyms in Germany.

MUNICH

6

Page 34: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

The facade and staircase are sights of historic importance and therefore under monument protection. They still look the same as at the time when Arnold worked at the studio as a trainer. Therefore, if you book into a room on the third floor of this cozy hotel, you can almost feel Arnold's "training spirit." There are countless anecdotes about the Terminator's time in Munich, but those are for another story. Arnold lived at the time in a small studio apartment at Christophstraße 1.

19

Page 35: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

2020

Page 36: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

Here is my master, my mentor and father Hans Hauser. Do you know why you should visit our fitness studio to work out? Be-cause we are using the training techniques of the very best (Arnold Schwar-zenegger. Rightmost)

Photographed at Herku-lesstudio in Munich.

Munich October 67

2121

Page 37: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

HOTEL BRUNNENHOF

Schillerstraße 3680336 Munich

Tel.: +49 89 54 510-0Fax +49 89 54 510-555

[email protected]

22

Page 38: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

In 1966 Arnold Schwarzenegger took his first airplane trip, which took him to London. In the NABBA Mr. Universe (Na-tional Amateur Bodybuilders' Association) competition, he was defeated only by the American Chester Yorton.

LONDON

7

Page 39: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

At the first major competition in which Arnold participated in London, Charles "Wag" Bennett served as one of the judges. Schwarzenegger made such a strong impression on him, that Wag offered to coach him. At 19 years, Arnold did not have a much money, thus Bennett invited him to stay in his small apartment on the top floor of one of his two fit-ness centres in Forest Gate. The Bennetts had six children and thus there was not much space in the apartment. Arnold ended up sleeping on a sofa in the living room.

Chester Yorton was chosen as the winner of the Mr. Universe competi-tion mainly because of his leg muscles and their definition. Bennett worked with Arnold to target these muscles specifically.

In his new home, the East End of London, Arnold Schwarzenegger worked to improve his English language skills. In the same year, he was able to meet his idol Reg Park. Reg and Arnold developed a deep friendship and Reg became his mentor.

The training programme of Wag Bennett paid off in a big way, when only one year later, Arnold Schwarzenegger became the youngest ever to receive the title Mr. Universe.

When he returned to Munich as Mr. Universe to train four to six hours every day, he continued to go to school and kept working in Rolf Putzinger's fitness centre as a trainer.

In the year 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to London and earned his next Mr. Universe title, this time in the category "profession-als." When he spoke to his friend and English tutor Roger C. Field in Munich, he often said, "One day, I will be the greatest movie star!"

Wag Bennett and his wife Dianne helped and supported Arnold and played an important role in his life Arnold Schwarzenegger referred to Wag and Dianne often as his "English parents."

The studio of Wag Bennett was at 353 Romford Road. Dianne owned and managed a fitness studio for women, "Dianne Bennett's Glamour Girls," at the corner of Green Street and Romford Road.

Over the door of Wag's fitness centre a sign proclaimed "Here we build men" and "Quitters NEVER Win .... Winners never quit!"

Besides Arnold Schwarzenegger, there were other great bodybuilders who worked out with Wag Bennet: Reg Park, Robby Robinson and Lou Ferrigno.

24

Page 40: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

After Wag Bennett's passing, the former temple of fitness was transformed into a church.

Diane Bennett stayed true to her love for fitness and owns a studio in the south of Great Britain. There are countless photographs from the time of Arnold's stay in London. Many of these pic-tures can also be found on the internet. Unfortu-nately I was not able to find the people who held the rights to these images.

Follow the link and you will find some photo-graphs dating back to this time: Wag Bennet

The picture on the right was taken after the com-petition in London, when Arnold returned to Mu-nich. Schwarzenegger, the youngest ever Mr. Uni-verse, and his friend Kurt Marnul.

25

Page 41: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

The village of Thal is a popular destination for people from Graz who are looking for some rest and recreation. There are three "Schwarzenegger hiking trails" of different lengths, starting with a small tour of 3.5 km up to a long hiking trail of 13.5 km.

HIKING TRAILS

8

Page 42: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

Start and finish of the trails is the impressive parish church St. Jakob. The first documentary evidence of the parish Thal dates back to 1322. The current church was designed by Ernst Fuchs. Bishop Johann Weber dedicated the parish church on May 15, 1994.

The parish church St. Jakob is the starting point for the Styrian Camino de Santiago to Santiago de Compostela.

27

Page 43: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

The Arnold Schwarzenegger hiking trail invites you to retrace Arnold's childhood and teenage years, his way to school, or a walk to Lake Thalersee, where he made his first experiences with bodybuilding. The forests are wonderfully green and fragrant.

Even though Thal is close to Graz, visitors can truly enjoy the unspoiled nature around the village.

28

Page 44: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

When walking the trail, you will see multiple signs with interesting background information on the various stations of the trail.

The sign at the elementary school in Thal also shows clearly, who is the idol of young people in Thal.

29

Page 45: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

At the museum, hundreds of personal souvenirs and keep-sakes of Arnold Schwarzenegger's three world careers are on display. Peter Urdl and Helmut Gombocz have worked to-gether to make this fantastic museum a reality.

MUSEUM THAL

9

Page 46: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

The new management of the mu-seum has threatened me with le-gal action if I published pictures of the museum. To comply with their demands, the museum is only shown from the outside and there will not be any pictures from the inside.

The museum comprises two stories and about 200 m². In the year 1806, the Count Herbertstein had this house built in the district Linak for his for-est ranger.

Opposite of the museum is the tower of Castle Un-terthal, which dates back to the 13th century. The tower with his impressive walls that are 1.5 m thick is the only remains of the former castle.

Gustav Schwarzenegger, Arnold's father, was the local police commander. This is why the family was able to live in company housing above the po-lice station.

Arnold lived with his parents until August 8, 1966 and then left Thal to go to Munich, later to Lon-don, and finally in 1968 to the United States.

His parents decided to move to the town of Weiz in Eastern Styria in the year 1967.

31

Page 47: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

It has been many years since I at-tended the elementary school in Thal together with Arnold. At that time, Ar-nold and I shared many common inter-ests, like for example soccer. Arnold decided to work towards a career in power lifting very early in his life and dedicated every waking minute to his goal.

When Arnold left Thal in the year 1966 to go to Germany, him and I lost touch for quite some time. Arnold returned to visit Thal and his childhood friends

every now and then. In the meantime, I was elected the mayor of Thal.

In February 1997, I petitioned to honour Arnold Schwarzenegger with the honorary residency of the municipality Thal. My petition was ac-cepted unanimously.

In 2001 I had the idea to honour my childhood friend, who by now has become an internationally acclaimed superstar, with a suitable monu-ment. It was very important to me that the facility will be visible and accessible to everybody. The necessary preparations started in May of the year 2004.

The first step was to create the Arnold Schwarzenegger hiking trails, which can be walked in one of the three varieties: 3.5 km, 9.5 km or 13.5 km. While walking the trail, interested hikers can retrace Arnold Schwarzenegger's most important life stations.

Over the years, Arnold kept giving me personal gifts and presents, which I collected. I kept thinking about making them available to be seen by the public someday.

In February of 2005, I opened an "Arnold Schwarzenegger Special Ex-hibition" in Thal, which took place right next to the famous St. Jakob church and opposite the elementary school. The exhibition lasted sev-eral years and many of the visitors kept asking about Arnold's child-hood home.

In the year 2007, I met Helmut Gombocz who became my partner in crime and contributed significantly to the success of our joint project. He put time, effort, and his whole heart in the creation of a permanent facility in Thal.

It took until the year 2009, until the house at the address Thal 145 was up for sale. The superfund-owner Christian Baha generously offered to contribute the necessary financial means to buy the house.

All people involved in this project contributed a tremendous effort and Arnold also sent multiple shipments with personal pieces for the ex-hibit. Additionally, Christian Baha worked towards buying several origi-nal film props at auctions.

We were especially proud when we managed to find and assemble Ar-nold's original childhood bed, which is made out of steel pipes.

It is of utmost importance to me to express my sincerest thanks to all friends and supporters of Arnold. Without you, we would never have been able to retrace and find all those long lost artifacts and exhibits that are now on display.

My special thanks go out to Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, for his friendship, his trust, and for showing us time and time again that big dreams do come true. Last but not least, I want to thank our investor Christian Baha, Alfred Gerstl, Kurt Marnul, Karl Kainrad, Werner Ko-packa, and all friends and supporters of this project.

This e-book will show you how precious and interesting a visit to the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum in Thal near Graz can be. Feel free to flip through the pages of this book and you will notice that the whole region is well worth a visit.

In the museum you will find a detailed catalog with background infor-mation and specifics.

Welcome at the museum

Peter UrdlInitiator of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum

32

It has been many years since I attended the elementary school in Thal together with Arnold. At that time, Arnold and I shared many common interests, like for example soccer. Arnold decided to work towards a career in power lifting very early in his life and dedicated every waking minute to his goal.

When Arnold left Thal in the year 1966 to go to Germany, him and I lost touch for quite some time. Arnold returned to visit Thal and his childhood friends

Page 48: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

ACTOR ROOM

On the second floor, you will find the so-called "Actor Room," which houses many souvenirs and keepsakes from Arnold Schwarzenegger's impressive career as a movie actor.

33

Original drawing by Helmut Gombocz

Page 49: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

KITCHEN

During Arnold's childhood and teenage years, the kitchen was considered the most important room in the house. The furniture shows typical pieces from the 1950s. I particularly want to point out the corner with the small cross and the picture of Aurelia Schwarzenegger, Arnold's mother. When you enter the room, just look to your right, across the table.

34

Original drawing by Helmut Gombocz

Page 50: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

BODYBUILDING ROOM

Here is a life-sized statue of Mr. Universe and several of his original training machines. Many of these workout machines were hand-built by Arnold himself. On the walls, you will find many photographs and memorabilia reminding of Arnold's time as a bodybuilder.

35

Original drawing by Helmut Gombocz

Page 51: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

GOVERNORS ROOM

Here his political side comes to the surface. In the time from November 2003 until January 2001, Arnold was the 38th Governor of California.

36

Original drawing by Helmut Gombocz

Page 52: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

ARNOLD’S BED

In this bed Arnold dreamed the very dreams that later made him the most successful bodybuilder of all times, an actor and even politician.

His discipline and self-control and his iron will are the keys to Arnold's success.

37

Original drawing by Helmut Gombocz

Page 53: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

RECEPTION

Back then, Arnold went to Munich to conquer the world. Even though it is pure coincidence, Peter Urdl arranged for the famous coffee producer, Munich's Alois Dallmayer, to supply the high-quality coffee for the Schwarzenegger Museum.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and if you happen to find your way to Munich, visit Alois Dallmayer. It is not simply shopping, but it is a whole experience.

3838

Painting Helmut Gombocz

Page 54: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 55: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 56: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 57: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 58: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 59: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 60: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 61: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 62: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 63: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 64: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 65: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 66: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 67: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 68: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 69: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 70: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 71: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 72: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 73: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 74: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 75: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 76: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 77: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began
Page 78: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

Franz Jauk, the owner of the Hotel Paradies, is a long-time acquaintance of Arnie's supporter and mentor Alfred Gerstl. For many years, he has had an affinity to sport, fitness, and anything about Arnold Schwarzenegger.

MUSEUM HOTEL PARADIES

10

Page 79: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

At the Hotel Paradies, sport is an important part of the typical hospitality that is practiced by Franz Jauk and his team members. It was therefore not a far-fetched decision to honour the great Styrian, who practically was born and grew up "right around the corner," with a collection of original workout machines and photographs.

42

Page 80: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

The artist Michael Greil from Linz created an oil painting of Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009. The original of this work of art has a special pace at the Hotel Paradies. The price of this work was not publicised. But for Franz Jauk there is no doubt that the painting is an important part of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum inside the Hotel Paradies.

43

Page 81: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

Over the years, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franz Jauk have met many times and continue to meet.

If you want to combine a visit at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum with a relaxing vacation, we highly recommend the Hotel Paradies.

44

Page 82: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

Hotel PARADIESStraßganger Straße 380b8054 Graz

Tel.: +43 316 28 21 56Fax: +43 316 28 21 56 6

[email protected]

45

Page 83: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

Helmut Gombocz, a Graz native, can look back on an eventful and tumultuous life. The former competitive athlete had the op-portunity to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Liebenauer Stadium in Graz in the 1960s.

THE ARNIE-PAINTER

11

Page 84: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

Both men had big goal: Arnold wanted to go to the United States to become a successful bodybuilder, and Helmut Gombocz left Graz to go to Frankfurt am Main for his career. While Arnold ended up becoming an American citizen and staying in California, Helmut Gombocz decided to return to his Styrian roots after 25 successful years in Germany.

After 42 years, Arnold childhood friend Helmut Gombocz and his old friend from school Peter Urdl met again at Arnold's childhood home in Thal near Graz, to work together to realize the world's only Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum. The opening festivities of the Museum were held by Arnold himself and reported by international media (fall 2011).

Helmut Gombocz painted more than 25 paintings of Arnold especially for display at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum. Due to space restrictions, only nine paintings are on display at the museum today.

The unique collection of paintings depicts the three world careers of the Styrian in an impressive way and was admired by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself as well as countless visitors.

47

Page 85: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

Helmut Gombocz by right is enjoying his reputation as the most successful painter of Arnie of all times.

In the year 2004, he was named a member of the profes-sional association of "Austrian Artists and Performers."

To honour his successful work for his home state Styria, Hel-mut Gombocz was honoured by the Styrian governor Franz Voves with the Golden Medal of Honour of Styria (May 2013).

48

Page 86: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

49

Page 87: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

50

Page 88: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

51

Page 89: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

52

Page 90: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

53

Page 91: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

54

Page 92: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

55

Page 93: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

56

Page 94: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

57

Page 95: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

58

Page 96: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

59

Page 97: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

60

Page 98: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

In a small village in the south-west of Romania, I found this bust of Arnold Schwarzenegger, which was created in July 1997 by Prof. Alexander Diepold. It measures 2.25 m in height and weighs 400 kg. The chosen material was stainless steel, which guarantees the work of art a lifespan of about 40,000 years.

Like everything else in the life of Arnold Schwarzenegger, this statue is an extreme. To leave the small village Thal to go out into the world and to become this successful, sounds almost like a modern fairytale. His impressive endurance and strong will - as hard as stainless steel - have made him a superstar and idol for millions.

FOREVER12

61

Page 99: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS

At this point I also want to give very special thanks to the many friends who supplied me with unique photographs and pieces of information. The pictures stem from the private archives of Kurt Marnul, Franz Jauk, Albert Busek, Peter Urdl, Peter Steinmüller, Florian Voigt, Helmut Gombocz, Werner Pink and Michael König, to just name a few.

Many thanks go out the municipality Thal as well, especially its mayor Peter Schickhofer for the articles, photos and the friendly help and support.

Should the content, design, or layout of this e-book violate the right of third parties or rules and regulations, I kindly ask for written notice (no e-mail) without a bill to my mailing address provided below.

I explicitly guarantee the immediate and complete removal of righteously criticised content, therefore the inclusion of legal representation will not be necessary. Should any financial costs be caused via mail without prior written contact with the author, these costs will be rejected in their entirety. If necessary, we will take legal action if any of the above-mentioned regulations have been violated.

62

Page 100: Arnold Schwarzenegger - how it all began

COPYRIGHT

© AuVi - Rudolf J. Strutz - 2015

This eBook is available free of charge.

All pictures and film material that show Arnold Schwarzenegger stem exclusively from private archives of contemporary witnesses.

The pictures were provided exclusively for the publication in this e-book. Rights to these pictures have to be inquired from their own-ers.

The book was licensed under the Creative Commons License CC 3.0: attribution - non-commercial - non-derivative - share alike.

All logos and company names without exceptions were used for in-formation purposes only. Any usage besides this e-book has to be discussed with the owners.

63

AuVi eBooks [email protected]

www.auvi.me