by Steve Hufford
The Bostwick and Danby teams, three each, had the enviable assignment of practicing and competing for a week in Tuxedo Park. With matches overseen by the capable, yet somewhat immobile, Tim Chisholm; daily breakfasts and lunches provided courtside; and access to all the amenities of the Park, the players enjoyed amazing team dynamics, constant high-quality play, and the relaxing environs of the lake and grounds.
Charles de Casteja, billeting lead, called on his deep bench of hosts to house just about all the players from Australia and England, along with some US players. The soggy weather during the practice days, May 14 and 15, gave way to delightful springtime sunshine throughout the days of intense team competition, May 16-19. The schedule of play had been arranged to enable Australia’s Bostwick team to loan players to its Cockram team, so they shuttled industriously back and forth to NYC, leading to some very tired players from down under.
The Sporting Day and Awards Dinner on Sunday, May 19 was a particular treat, with a busload of Cockram team players and guests arriving from New York City in the morning, ready for a day in the countryside. Most of these players had been competing in New York City for over a week, so it was a big dose of greenery, fresh air, and blue sky for them in Tuxedo Park. Boating, lawn tennis, racquets, golf, walking, and spectating the final Bostwick matches were the order of the day, which was capped by a lakeside reception and semi-formal dinner in the clubhouse — with the presentation of individual and team awards.
The USCTA provided professional photos of the Awards Dinner, which capture the festivities well. After hearing an exciting invitation to France two years hence for the next World Masters (!), the players said fond farewells, headed to bus or billet, and from there many next traveled to Philadelphia for the final stage, the 60s/65s individual championships, May 20-24.
