Longmeadow's First Tennis Club

Longmeadow Tennis Club
July 1914
Emerson Collection- colorized
courtesy of Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society

111 years ago in 1913 the Longmeadow Tennis Club was established on the grounds of the Richard Salter Storrs Library to provide recreation activities for town residents. The Trustees of the Storrs Library had given permission for 3 tennis courts to be built.

The Evening Union
May 2, 1913

Individuals who were interested in using the future tennis courts had contributed money to build them. Those individuals who contributed at least $5.00 by July 1, 1913 would not be asked for additional monies for dues that year. They became members of the Longmeadow Tennis Club and they were given a membership ticket and a copy of the rules and bylaws of this new organization. The courts were prepared by Vaughan & Kibbe.

Springfield Republican
May 20, 1913
Click to enlarge.

 

 
Opening day was Saturday- June 28, 1913! It was a big event in Longmeadow and it was estimated that 150 people came to this event. The tennis courts were used all afternoon. In addition to tennis, archery, tether ball and croquet were also enjoyed by the attendees. Refreshments were served under an elm tree. The Refreshments Committee was chaired by Longmeadow resident Miss Alice Clark. 

The Springfield Union
June 30, 1913
Click to enlarge.

The tennis courts were a wonderful addition to Longmeadow. Some residents enjoyed playing tennis and other residents and their families came to watch the matches and to socialize with their friends. This also became a great place to meet new residents who had moved into Longmeadow. 

On the afternoon of June 5, 1915 a Tea was given by this club on the grounds of the Storrs Library. The tennis courts were used all afternoon. Clock golf and croquet were also played and children enjoyed playing on the lawn. At this Tea ice cream and punch were served under the apple trees. 

Longmeadow Tennis Club Tea
June 5, 1915
Emerson Collection- colorized
courtesy of Digital Commonwealth/ Longmeadow Historical Society

Time moved on. In 1932 the tennis courts were need of repair. However, they were not repaired. The town of Longmeadow was growing and the well visited small Richard Salter Storrs Library building became too small to meet the needs of the townspeople. A larger building for a library was needed. Plans were made to build a new larger library on the grounds for Longmeadow residents. The tennis courts were located on the property of the Storrs Library. It was stated in the Springfield Union, Dec. 31, 1932 issue that, "The space is needed for the parking of automobiles for those who will come to the new library, when that is completed and for the house of the caretaker of the library." 

The new Richard Salter Storrs Library was built (our current library) and the Dedication Exercises were on Saturday, October 14, 1933. This took place during Longmeadow's Sesquicentennial Celebration- when Longmeadow celebrated its 150th Anniversary. No longer were there tennis courts on this property.   

Additional Sources: Longmeadow Sesquicentennial Souvenir Booklet- 1783- 1933 and Springfield Republican- June 7, 1915.

Written by Judy Moran- Longmeadow Historian