Irving Wallace
Irving 'Speed' Wallace was an American athlete, adventurer, author, radio broadcaster, and civil rights advocate known for his daring feats, lightning-fast speed, and larger-than-life persona during the early to mid-20th century. A close associate of Olympic champion Charles “Charley” Paddock, Wallace gained national attention for setting a world record circling the baseball bases in 13 seconds and for his grueling long-distance runs, including a 2,000-mile sprint from Texas to North Dakota. He became a household name through his radio work on the Dakota Broadcasting System and his high-profile public stunts, such as catching baseballs dropped from airplanes and racing horses on foot.
Wallace was also an investigative journalist whose exposé of the Florida convict leasing system helped drive national prison reform following the death of Martin Tabert. He wrote several books, including Mexico Today, and traveled extensively as a cultural correspondent and aviation expert. Though widely known in his time and connected with figures like Charles Lindbergh and Eddie Rickenbacker, Wallace has largely faded from modern memory. His life reflects the vibrant intersection of sports, media, advocacy, and adventure in early 20th-century America.
Biography
Early Life
Irving Victor Wallace was born in the early 1900s, in Minot, North Dakota. Little is documented about his family background or formal education, but from an early age he exhibited exceptional speed and athletic ability. Wallace first rose to public attention through regional sprinting competitions, where he was often compared to Charles “Charley” Paddock, then the world’s fastest man. The two became close friends and later collaborated on speaking tours and public exhibitions across the United States and Mexico.
By his teenage years, Wallace had already broken speed records in the Midwest, and was reportedly training for Olympic-level events, including the steeplechase. His athletic gifts were paired with a flair for showmanship, and he quickly became a fixture at local sporting events, county fairs, and promotional races.
Wallace’s early exposure to both competitive athletics and public exhibition would later shape his career as a stuntman, sports manager, and media personality. His upbringing in North Dakota—a frontier region known for its resilience—deeply influenced his identity as both a regional hero and national curiosity.
Mid-Life and Career
By the 1930s, Irving “Speed” Wallace had evolved from a regional athlete into a nationally recognized adventurer, media personality, and public advocate. He was frequently featured in newspapers across the United States for his daring stunts and tireless travel. In 1932, Wallace made headlines for catching two baseballs dropped from a circling airplane—a feat inspired by Gabby Street’s earlier record, but performed solo with spectators and photographers present.
During this period, Wallace also staged high-endurance publicity runs, including a 2,000-mile footrace from Perryton, Texas, to Bismarck, North Dakota, in which he averaged more than 60 miles per day over a seventeen day period. He participated in Olympic fundraising efforts and was appointed North Dakota’s state chairman for the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games campaign by the American Olympic Committee.
Wallace’s fame extended beyond athletics. He became a fixture on regional radio, hosting Dakota Maid with Colonel Irving “Speed” Wallace on the Dakota Broadcasting System—one of the most popular programs in North Dakota at the time. Blending storytelling, humor, and civic engagement, Wallace’s broadcasts earned him a wide following and reinforced his status as a voice of the prairie.
He also embarked on international reporting trips, particularly to Mexico, where he traveled extensively and forged close ties with government officials. His travel book, Mexico Today, published in 1936, combined photojournalism, political insight, and personal narrative. Aimed at both American and Mexican audiences, it received favorable attention, with orders placed by schools and libraries.
Wallace’s journalism was not limited to travel writing. In the 1940s, he contributed to nationwide coverage of the Martin Tabert case, helping expose the brutal Florida convict leasing system. His reporting contributed to national reform and helped cement his reputation as more than just an entertainer—he was also an activist and investigative journalist.
Wallace’s connections included figures such as Olympic legend Charley Paddock, aviators Charles Lindbergh and Eddie Rickenbacker, and Mexican dignitaries, including President Lázaro Cárdenas. He also appeared in early Hollywood silent films as part of the original stuntmen’s “suicide club,” often performing high-risk sequences without safety equipment.
Later Life and Legacy
By the 1950s, Irving “Speed” Wallace had retreated from the national spotlight, though he remained an active presence in regional journalism and civic circles. He continued writing for agricultural and aviation publications, including Ford Farming, Liberty, and Aeronautics, often profiling innovative Midwestern farmers or reporting on aviation developments from Latin America.
Wallace maintained a home base in Mason City, Iowa, where he was well known for his public lectures and newspaper features. His home was reportedly decorated with mementos from his global travels—photos with presidents, aviation relics, and the infamous shrunken heads he collected during his expedition to Colombia’s Patía River basin. In later years, he was described by local editors as “the only man in history who could get away with pitching both bullfrogs and biography in the same paragraph.”
Despite his colorful and impactful life, Wallace’s legacy faded as radio gave way to television, and as the print era he thrived in began to dwindle. His adventurous journalism and record-setting achievements were gradually forgotten, with few modern references outside of archival newspaper collections.
Nevertheless, Wallace’s life intersected with some of the most fascinating cultural currents of his era: the rise of modern media, the golden age of athletics, hemispheric diplomacy, penal reform, and the mythos of the American explorer. In recent years, renewed interest in his life—sparked by historical researchers and collectors—has prompted efforts to recover his legacy and reintroduce him as a singular figure of 20th-century American adventure and advocacy.
Athletic Career
Irving “Speed” Wallace first gained widespread recognition in the 1920s for his extraordinary speed and showmanship on the track. A close associate of Olympic gold medalist Charley Paddock, Wallace was often billed alongside Paddock as a fellow sprinter and promotional partner. He was known for his record-setting sprint times and for his frequent appearances at exhibitions, fairs, and charity events across the United States, Mexico, and the West Indies.
Among his most celebrated feats was a 13-second dash around the bases of a baseball diamond, breaking the previous record of 13.2 seconds held by Maurice Archdeacon. Wallace also ran the 100-yard dash in 9.3 seconds, a time considered world-class in its day.
His athletic displays weren’t limited to formal races. Wallace often raced horses at county fairs and civic celebrations, typically defeating them over short distances—a spectacle that became part of his public persona. He trained for the Olympic steeplechase event and was included in several pre-Olympic promotional tours, although there’s no official record of him competing in the Games.
In 1928, Wallace staged a dramatic 1,060-mile run from Perryton, Texas, to Bismarck, North Dakota, averaging over 60 miles per day for 17 consecutive days. The run was intended as a response to the winners of the famed 1928 Bunion Derby (the coast-to-coast footrace from Los Angeles to New York), and Wallace claimed his daily mileage outpaced theirs. The feat drew press coverage from across the Midwest and was coordinated in part by Texas and North Dakota civic leaders.
Wallace’s reputation as a sprinter, endurance runner, and performer also earned him an appointment as North Dakota’s state chairman for the 1936 Olympic Fundraising Committee, helping raise money to send U.S. athletes to the Berlin Olympic Games. His efforts were recognized by the American Olympic Committee.
Despite his promotional leanings, Wallace’s athletic career was grounded in authentic skill, stamina, and spectacle. His blend of performance and physical achievement made him a household name in parts of the country, even as mainstream sports media moved toward more formalized competitions in the mid-20th century.
Public Appearances and Media
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Irving “Speed” Wallace was a prominent public figure whose fame extended far beyond the athletic field. Known as much for his theatricality and storytelling as for his physical prowess, Wallace cultivated a charismatic public image through radio broadcasts, magazine features, public lectures, and exhibition stunts.
Radio and Broadcasting
Wallace was best known on air as the host of Dakota Maid with Colonel Irving “Speed” Wallace, a widely popular radio program broadcast over the Dakota Broadcasting System. Blending homespun humor, real-time commentary, and promotional interviews, the show made Wallace one of North Dakota’s most recognizable voices. His honorary “colonel” title became part of his media persona, often used in promotional material and press write-ups.
He was also a guest speaker on national programs such as the National Farm and Home Hour, where he reported on cultural exchanges and agricultural practices in Mexico and Latin America. His unique ability to blend entertainment with education helped solidify his status as a crossover figure—equal parts athlete, journalist, and showman.
Print Journalism and Features
Wallace was a prolific contributor to newspapers and magazines, including Liberty, Ford Farming, Pan American Magazine, and Aeronautics. His articles ranged from travel reporting and agricultural profiles to aviation reviews and cultural essays. Editors often praised his precise, engaging tone and his knack for connecting with readers from varied walks of life.
Among his most widely circulated stories were:
“There’s Millions in His Madness” — a feature on eccentric businessman “Madman” Muntz.
“Screendom’s Human Tornado” — a colorful profile of Mexican filmmaker Emilio Fernández.
Numerous serialized travel logs and human-interest stories featuring rural Americans and international leaders.
Stunts and Exhibition Performances
Wallace’s most dramatic public appearances often involved daring stunts. In 1932, he made headlines for catching two baseballs dropped from a circling airplane in Brownsville, Texas—one of the earliest and most publicized versions of such a stunt. The event was photographed and widely reprinted in national newspapers.
He was also a member of an early Hollywood “suicide club” of stunt performers and appeared in several silent film shorts, often performing dangerous feats without safety equipment. Wallace’s blend of athleticism and risk-taking helped build his reputation as a true American showman.
Cultural Outreach and Civic Engagement
Wallace frequently gave public lectures and demonstrations, often focusing on youth athletics, international goodwill, and cultural diplomacy. He played a role in introducing baseball to public schools in Mexico and maintained warm relations with Latin American leaders, including Mexican President Lázaro Cárdenas. His public speaking engagements—sometimes solo, sometimes in partnership with figures like Charley Paddock—drew large crowds and positive media attention throughout the Midwest and Southwest.
Published Works
Irving “Speed” Wallace was a prolific writer whose work spanned books, magazine features, and newspaper columns. His writing combined adventure journalism, cultural commentary, biography, and public advocacy, often drawn from his firsthand travels and interviews.
Books
Mexico Today (1936)
Wallace’s best-known book, Mexico Today, was a travelogue and cultural snapshot of Mexico in the 1930s. The book featured extensive photography, political observations, and travel reflections. It received favorable attention from educational institutions and was ordered by schools and libraries across the country. Wallace later announced plans for a children’s adaptation based on his government-sponsored travels and over 600 photographs he took during the trip.
Stardust to Prairie Dust (1976)
A biographical account of Harriet T. Beckert, an opera singer who left city life to become a successful rancher near Killdeer, North Dakota. The book chronicled her journey from the stage to building a 3,520-acre cattle ranch. Reviewers praised Wallace’s vivid style and the book’s celebration of female grit and frontier determination.
Mystery in the Tropics (1941)
A young adult mystery novel, inspired by Wallace’s expedition into Colombia’s Patía River jungle, where he sought shrunken heads and reported on indigenous rituals. Illustrated by Warren A. Ruby, the book was published by Albert Whitman & Co. and featured themes of adventure, cultural discovery, and moral curiosity. It was often displayed with Wallace’s real expedition artifacts at department store events and public lectures.
Selected Articles and Features
“There’s Millions in His Madness” (Liberty Magazine)
A profile of promotional genius and eccentric car dealer “Madman” Muntz, blending humor and insight into consumer culture.
“Screendom’s Human Tornado” (Liberty Magazine)
A dynamic portrait of Mexican filmmaker Emilio Fernández, exploring the intersection of art, national identity, and raw charisma.
“The Man Behind the Plow” (Farm Journal, 1948)
A historical profile of John Deere and the invention of the steel plow, credited with transforming agriculture in the American Midwest.
Numerous features in Ford Farming
Wallace contributed regularly to Ford Farming, earning national recognition from the International Council of Industrial Editors. His stories highlighted Midwestern farmers, conservation practices, and innovations in rural life.
Aviation reporting in Aeronautics
Wallace provided cultural and technical insights into Latin American airfields, often profiling air ministry officials in Mexico and Central America
Unpublished and Lost Works
While several of Irving “Speed” Wallace’s books and articles were published and widely distributed, many of his planned projects remained unpublished or have been lost to time. References to these works appear in newspaper previews, radio announcements, and personal interviews throughout his career.
Children's Travel Book on Mexico
In the late 1930s, Wallace announced he was developing a children’s travel book inspired by his journeys through Mexico. The book was intended to blend photography, folklore, and educational commentary, using more than 600 original photographs he had taken while on assignment from the Mexican government. Though widely discussed and previewed in public appearances, no complete manuscript has surfaced.
“The Little Grey Home in the West”
Wallace reportedly began writing a memoir under the working title The Little Grey Home in the West, which would chronicle his upbringing in North Dakota, his early athletic fame, and adventures abroad. The title was cited in radio promotions and event advertisements as early as the 1940s, but no published version is known to exist.
Serialized Reporting from South America
In 1936–1938, Wallace was commissioned to travel through Central and South America for a series of cultural reports, many of which were said to be destined for syndication. While some excerpts and summaries appeared in U.S. newspapers, the full original dispatches—including his jungle expedition to Colombia’s Patía River in search of shrunken heads—are presumed lost.
Radio Transcripts (Unarchived)
Wallace’s popular broadcasts on Dakota Maid and other regional radio programs were often accompanied by prepared scripts and notes, but no comprehensive archive has yet been discovered. His storytelling from these shows remains an important but undocumented portion of his legacy.
Humanitarian Efforts
Irving “Speed” Wallace’s most significant humanitarian contribution came through his investigative work in the early 1920s surrounding the death of Martin Tabert, a young man from North Dakota who was brutally beaten to death while serving time in a Florida convict labor camp. Wallace’s reporting and advocacy helped spark national outrage and led to sweeping reforms in Florida’s penal system.
The Martin Tabert Case
Tabert had been arrested in Florida for vagrancy while hitchhiking and was leased to a private lumber company as part of the state’s convict leasing program, a system often likened to modern slavery. After being beaten to death by a whipping boss, Tabert’s story was nearly buried—until Wallace took up the cause.
Using his platform as a journalist and public speaker, Wallace launched a campaign to expose the abuse and negligence in Florida's prison labor system. His articles appeared across North Dakota newspapers and were cited in state-level resolutions. He urged state and national legislators to act and helped mobilize public pressure.
Thanks in large part to Wallace’s efforts, Florida abolished the convict leasing system in 1923. Wallace’s role in the movement has been cited by legal scholars and historians as a rare case in which regional journalism led to lasting systemic change. The case has been referenced in studies on civil rights and carceral history.
Cultural Diplomacy and Education
In addition to his domestic activism, Wallace also took part in cultural outreach programs in Latin America. He worked with Mexican officials under President Lázaro Cárdenas to introduce baseball into public school curricula, framing it as a way to build physical fitness and camaraderie among youth. He often described sports as a “universal language” and a tool for international friendship.
He also donated time and resources to youth education, particularly through his travels and lectures. Wallace was known to give motivational talks to students in both English and Spanish and often used his platform to promote cross-cultural understanding, sportsmanship, and education as tools for a better future.
Death and Historical Obscurity
The later years of Irving “Speed” Wallace’s life remain poorly documented, and his exact date of death is uncertain. Though he continued to publish into the 1970s—most notably with his biography Stardust to Prairie Dust in 1976—Wallace gradually disappeared from the public eye. Once hailed in newspaper headlines and heard over the airwaves of North Dakota and beyond, he became a largely forgotten figure, even in the communities he had once championed.
No widely known obituary marked his passing, and his name faded from newspapers, broadcasts, and public records. His former achievements—ranging from record-breaking athletic feats to radio fame and prison reform advocacy—were never consolidated or archived in a centralized way. As media transitioned into the television era and as new generations of broadcasters and athletes emerged, Wallace’s story was quietly left behind.
The common confusion with the better-known novelist Irving Wallace (author of The Chapman Report and The Prize) further obscured Speed Wallace’s legacy, relegating his works—like Mexico Today and Mystery in the Tropics—to out-of-print obscurity.
Despite his contributions to civil rights reform, athletic showmanship, cross-cultural education, and regional journalism, Wallace’s name rarely appears in modern histories. His papers, manuscripts, and photographs remain uncollected in any known institutional archive, and most knowledge of his life persists only through newspaper clippings, oral history, and scattered library holdings.
In recent years, however, a growing interest in local history, early radio, and unsung civil rights figures has led to renewed efforts to recover and recognize Wallace’s remarkable story. This Wikipedia article is part of that effort to restore his name to public memory and to honor the wide-ranging contributions of a man who once seemed everywhere—and is now nearly lost to time.
Legacy and Rediscovery
Although Irving “Speed” Wallace once occupied a unique space in American culture—as an athlete, journalist, reformer, and radio personality—his name has long been absent from public discourse, overshadowed by time, technology, and the rise of more centralized national media.
Yet Wallace’s legacy is multifaceted and enduring:
- In athletics, he pushed the boundaries of human endurance, set sprinting records, and brought attention to competitive footracing through stunts, races against horses, and exhibition events that made headlines across the country.
- In journalism, his exposé on the Martin Tabert case helped dismantle Florida’s brutal convict leasing system—a rare instance of a regional reporter catalyzing national penal reform.
- In broadcasting, he brought rural and international stories to the American heartland, giving Midwesterners a window into the wider world through the Dakota Maid program and his cultural travelogues.
- In literature, he authored books that blended travel, biography, and adventure, and contributed to over 300 publications, many of which highlighted overlooked people, places, and stories.
- In diplomacy, Wallace’s work in Mexico helped build cultural bridges at a time when hemispheric goodwill was a fragile and often overlooked pursuit. His relationships with figures like President Lázaro Cárdenas and aviation leaders positioned him as a kind of informal ambassador of goodwill.
A Growing Effort to Reclaim His Story
Decades after his voice faded from the radio and his books fell out of print, a new generation of historians, researchers, and local history enthusiasts have begun piecing together Wallace’s incredible life through archived newspaper clippings, out-of-print books, and long-forgotten photographs.
With renewed recognition of the importance of regional journalism, early radio, and under-acknowledged civil rights contributors, Wallace’s work is gaining new relevance. His story—like many from the early 20th century—speaks to a time of innovation, risk-taking, and deeply personal storytelling. It also underscores how easily a life of impact can slip through the cracks of collective memory.
References
Globe-Gazette, October 14, 1960. "Dakotan's Death Exposed Florida Penal Conditions."
The Brownsville Herald, April 10, 1932. "Mark May Be Established."
The Forum, March 2, 1932. "Adventurer on Forum Hour."
Thomas County Herald, April 26, 1928. "Great Plains Sprint Will Pass Through Thed."
Associated Press (via Minot Daily News), May 6, 1935. "N.D. Olympic Fund Deadline Extended."
The Forum, October 6, 1938. "Paddock May Visit Valley."
The Brownsville Herald, February 10, 1929. Catching a baseball from an airplane account.
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