Kelly: A Father, A Son, An American Quest

by Daniel J. Boyne

The inspiring story of Jack Kelly, the son of Irish immigrants who grew up along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia at the turn of the 20th century and became a three-time gold medal Olympian, a political maverick, and the millionaire father of a princess.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Chuck Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about a talented tough Irish family who excelled at rowing and tackling difficult obstacles. Quite a story of the mid 1900’s

[Jim Kelsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a little Philly gem. My father told me many times, the story of Grace Kelly's father,John B. Kelly Sr., and how the Henley Regatta denied him a chance to compete because he was a common "laborer".
This dual bio tells Kelly, Sr's story and notes his drive to rowing superstardom in the early 20th Century. It also tells the story of Kell, John B. Kelly Jr.
It's almost as if he was bred to exact the senior Kelly's revenge on Henley...and buy the way...it worked. Kell won at Henley and medaled at several Olympics.
Any Philadelphian of a certain age will remember Kelly for Brickwork, Dad Kelly's political power, and, oh yeah, Kell's little sister, Grace Kelly.
I had met Kell a couple of times through business and will always remember his impact on the city.
One complaint,. There were several minor misstatements of place and names; most notibly calling famous restaurant owner Toots Shorr as Toots Shor.
Again a little city gem...For Jimmys out of five.