Jake Webb Hall Of Fame And Museum Opened in the Name Of Bodybuilding Champion

When Jake Webb looks around at the museum that holds his memorabilia and collection that showcases his career, the former bodybuilder sees more than that.

"I have a chance to look at my life," Webb said.

The Jake Webb Hall of Fame and Museum was opened this past October and is located on Rte 764 in Duncansville next to Progressive Martial Arts and Fitness Center. Owner Rocco Alianiello said, "I wanted to pay tribute to that man."

Alianiello added that Webb was so far ahead of his time in weightlifting, nutrition and health in all of the physical aspects. He trained a lot of pro-athletes in our area who went on to do some impressive things. But he also helped the regular Joe who wanted to get into shape and wasn't looking to be a bodybuilder or powerlifter.

"I thought that it was a great tribute for him and the members who have gone through his gym to come back and see what he's done and appreciate what he's done for them and the area," Alianiello said.

Former gym member Mike Baker said that Webb started it all. He opened his first gym in 1950. Every lifter in the area trained there. The original bodybuilding shows, powerlifting contests and Olympic lifting contests are remembered there. He was a real power in the sport.

"I started the formal gym in 1950," Webb said. "I called it The Pennsylvania Health Gym. I wasn't egotistical and tried to call it Jake's or anything. I didn't think it was that important. I didn't have any business experience. I had never seen a gym. I had never seen a set of weights until I was 14. Back in those days, weights were very rare. There was no such thing as a weightlifter or bodybuilder."

To browse through the museum's collection of pictures, articles, trophies and gym attire, call for an appointment at (814) 312-79