H. R. Simmonds was named the “undisputed handball champion of Humboldt County” 100 years ago today by members of the Northern California Recreation Club.
Simmonds, nicknamed “Alibi Ike” by members of the club, defeated Dr. J. A.
Belfils in two sets over two days to earn the title. “His victory, although in the process was very eventful, was also decisive and Harry Donahue, director of the Northern California Recreation Club, did not hesitate in turning over to him the large, silver loving cup donated by the Wilson Sporting Goods Company,” said the July 18, 1924 Humboldt Times. On July 19, 1924, Coast Guard personnel were keeping a close eye on local waters as rumors were flying that the rum-running schooner Norburn, carrying “a large cargo of choice brands of liquor,” might be heading to Humboldt Bay.
“The local guard station is watchfully waiting to capture (the crew) should the craft try to enter Humboldt Bay to dispose of its stock,” the Humboldt Times said. Earlier in the week, the Norburn had landed in northern Marin County to unload its stock, but as the dry squad there was trying to confiscate the illegal alcohol, they were interrupted by a “gang of hijackers,” and “a three-cornered fight with pistols followed which resulted in the crew of the ship that came ashore in a surf boat with the booze escaping.” Some members of the “hijackers gang” and some of the alcohol were secured by authorities, with the confiscated liquor valued at about .