February 12 1954
The Winona Daily News, Winona, Minnesota, Friday, February 12, 1954
Ex-Champ to Play 20 Chess Matches Here Simultaneously
Area chess fans and persons interested in watching one man oppose over 20 in separate chess matches simultaneously, can see it at the Lucas Lodge, 276 W. 5th St., Sunday after 2 p.m.
Dr. Giles Koelsche, Rochester, a former state chess champion, will be the opponent of chess players from Minnesota City, Rushford, St. Charles and Winona during the event that has been conducted on an annual basis for about eight years.
Dr. Koelsche stands in the center of a square formed by 20 chess boards, moving from board to board matching his efforts with opponents seated on the outside of the square.
Some of the 25 Winona State Teachers College students who room at the lodge will participate, two to a board. All 25 are chess fans.
Among those participating will be D. S. Prinzing, Rushford, and C. Stanley McMahon, Dr. H. W. L. Freudenthal, Howard Keller, John Robb, H. R. Jackson, Dr. Harold Guthrie, Oliver Linden, Melvin Semb, W. G. Zilliox and Dr. Margaret Boddy, all of Winona.
February 15 1954
The Winona Daily News, Winona, Minnesota Monday, February 15, 1954
Dr. Giles Koelsche, Rochester, standing in the center of the picture, battled 17 chess opponents for four hours Sunday afternoon at the Lucas Lodge and won each of the matches. There wasn't even a draw to mar his record. Dr. Koelsche, who has won several Minnesota chess championships, faced chess players from Eyota, St. Charles, Nisswa and Winona during the afternoon session. Among the last to meet defeat were Dr. Robert Kochhalper, St. Charles, and three Winonians, Hermon Curtis, Dr. Harold Guthrie and C. Stanley McMahon in that order. (Republican-Herald photo).
