Los Angeles Herald, Volume XXX, Number 343, 11 September 1903 — Miss Tillie Ashley, Champion Oarswoman of the World, Is Anxious to Arrange a Match [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Miss Tillie Ashley, Champion Oarswoman of the World, Is Anxious to Arrange a Match

She Has Been Rowing Nearly All Her Life and Thinks It Grand Sport

Miss Tillie Ashley, champion oarswoman of the world, is in Los Angeles, prepared to make a rowing match with any man or woman, professional or amateur, in this city or vicinity. Miss Ashley, who in private life is known as Mrs. Edward N. Atherton of Hartford, Cor.n., is stopping at the Hollenbeck with her husband. They are on their first visit to the Pacific coast and no matter where this athletic young woman may be, she is wont to Indulge in her favorite pastime. Miss Ashley believes she can beat anybody in the world in a sculling match and just to show that she Is in earnest, a challenge was Issued by her two or three months ago, to row any man or woman, professional or otherwise, in the United States for $1000 a side. Miss Ashley's challenge is for any distance from a quarter of a mile to a mile and a half, and It even includes professional oarsmen, with a handicap based on the respective records of the contestants. "I had hoped to arrange a rowing match in Southern California," said Miss Ashley yesterday, "but there seems to be no good place here. I was told that San Diego is a good place and we may go there, although I am not particular as our trip to the coast is merely one of pleasure. Of course, I would rather race with an oarswoman, but if you have none, why I suppose I could make a match with one of the professionals among the men. I will make such a match, provided, of course, I am given a handicap based on my male competitor's official record. "Yes, I have been rowing nearly all my life, and think It is far nicer than

bicycling, horseback riding or even automobillng. I first start my training In the spring by taking exercise in a gymnasium 'boat.' and then as soon as the weather permits I commence rowing in my paper shell, for short and easy rows After two or three weeks of this, I am ready to row In my cedar shell, which is 30 feet long, 10 Inches wide, 5% inches deep and weighs 28 pounds. I take this out in the morning for a paddle and return, take a sponge or a shower bath and In an hour I am ready for breakfast. "In the afternoon I take another row of a mile and a half and return, and at Intervals I sprint for a certain distance. Then I commence timing myself over a mile and a half course and row only once a day, while doing this. As to the diet, I believe In the same rule when not in training as when I am. I do not believe in Intoxicating drinks, pastry or candy. Anything that is nutritious and digestible agrees with me perfectly. I have rowed races for fun against steam boats, row boats and sail boats, and am sure that I can row as fast as anybody." Miss Ashley can travel In the 12:30 class for a mile and a half. In St. Louis recently, she made a quartermile spurt in 1:39, but this record was not her best, as in Meriden last year she made a record of a quarter mile in 1:35. Miss Ashley Is not only the world's champion oarswoman, but Is a remarkable swimmer and is very adept with boxing gloves. She has knocked out her husband in many a friendly bout. Mr. Atherton was for many years a champion oarsman, runner and fancy skater In Connecticut.

MISS TILLIE ASHLEY, CHAMPION WOMAN ROWER OF THE WORLD.