How the records of a boxer from the 1920s ended up in the walls of our 1910 Portland house

I don’t know the how, but I know that with the renovation of our kitchen, the mysterious envelope from a life insurance agency covered in dust and debris was given to me by our contractor. As you know, the demolition has uncovered some great stuff, including this sweet little book. But this? This is the mystery of them all.
Meet Solly Burke. Also known as Sailor Burke, and possibly originally named Henry Dengel.

Here’s Henry’s professional membership card:


A collection of newspaper clippings, documenting the boxing fights around the country in the late 1920s and early 1930s of Solly Burke were carefully clipped or torn out of the paper, and eventually placed in the envelope. Take for example...his training with Joe Lewis:

And the miscellaneous clippings...



Here’s an article about Solly Burke..


But what’s proving to be really interesting, are the contracts, complete with signatures, dates, fees paid, and who Solly Burke fought. I even know what color his shorts were...
To be continued
P.S. Some of the documents also use the name Sailor Burke. Googling both Sollie and Sailor Burke turns up boxers. Including lots of information about Sailor Burke, and this great photo.
P.P.S. Making this even a little more eerie, I'm related to the name Burke.