NEWSLETTER
MARCH, 1952

SPRING
Spring, with that nameless pathos in the air,
Which dwells with all things fair,
Spring, with her golden suns and silver rain,
Is with us once again.
H. Timrod
But, "the first day of spring is one thing, and
the first spring day is another". Mother Nature
however, did her best on March 20, to overcome
what the last day of winter did to us with that
cold white blanket. Whether it be warm or cold,
rainy or snowy, sunshiny or cloudy, we know that
spring is here. There are tell-tales all about.
Blooming skunk cabbage, bursting pussy willows,
brilliant crocuses, ¡beautiful blue birds, and that
babbling brook.
Any grown-up can look back to that noisy
spring brook of boyhood days. That favorite
brook. Tiny, quiet, and gentle in the summer but
vigorous, frisky and energetic in the spring. Refueled and re-vitalized by melting snow and frequent rains the spring brook seems to personify
spring. The awakening after winter's slumber.
This is a crude simile but, if the greenkeeper
would transpose the melting snow to encouragement and the spring brook to his workmen it
might be a thought for this 1952 golf season.
Everyone responds to encouragement. A compliment here, a cheering word there, sets off a spark
of inspiration and a reasonable full exertion of
powers within. The Greens Committee might
take not that encouragement works wonders with
the greenkeeper, too. There is an enormous force
in a few words of encouragement.
So much for the spring shower. Now what
happened at our last Waltham meeting and what
transpired at the Amherst turf conference? Two
fine turf heros were in the limelight—Dr. DeFrance at the Waltham meeting March 3 and
Prof. Dickinson at the Amherst Conference
March 13 and 14. These two men through their
endeavors and accomplishments have given the
greenkeeper an abundance of tools to work with.
They have focused their searchlights so that we
might better see into the dark corners of our
profession.
The March meeting at Waltham was well attended as usual. Ray Koon, director of the Field
Station, was on hand with greetings. His bewildered audience were shown samples of an
ofldjtv of,nature which he had collected known

PUBLICITY—Philip Cassidy, Frank Wilson, and
George Webster. EMPLOYMENT — Mike
O'Grady, Ch., Herbert Johnson, and John Latvis.
The name of John J. Brock, Leo Martin Memorial Golf Club, was proposed for regular membership. To show their appreciation the Greenkeepers Club voted to contribute $25.00 toward a
public address system fund being raised by the
Boston Market Gardeners Association for the
Waltham Field Station. It was also voted to have
our secretary inform all associate members of
the club when they reach full membership privileges. FAR AWAY FROM HERE there is a
lonely soldier boy longing for that spring tuneup on Rhode Island's good green sod. This being
against Uncle Sam's wishes a letter from the
boys would be the next best thing. Write to Tony
Caranci, Jr., US 51044738, Co. G, 145th Reg. 37th
Infantry Div., Camp Polk, Louisiana. Incidentally, it is interesting to note that Tony Caranci,
Sr., a retired Police Chief and previously 15 years
under Pat Tameo, has taken his son's place at
Louisquisset while Junior does a good turn in the
service. Good Luck to both of them.
The fine Turf Conference at Amherst was a
busy, constructive, and interesting one. The two
day educational program featured worthy subjects and well known speakers. The culmination
of this annual event was the conference banquet
with Prof. Dickinson as the center of attraction
although he didn't realize it fully. This was the
25th anniversary of his origination of the winter
school for fine turf maintenance. Following the
banquet a pleasurable entertainment was provided by the University Chorales, young men and
women with marvelous voices who have made
quite a reputation this year on radio and personal appearances throughout the State.
The climax of the evening was the presentation of gifts to Prof. Dickinson as follows:
From the freshmen and graduating classes of
the winter school to an able and likeable teacher,
a veteran in turf culture, and a friend. From
Agar Brown, secretary-treasurer, National Golf
Course Superintendents Association, an appropriate scroll honoring Prof. Dickinson for his
sterling contribution and service to the fine turf
world and for his enviable 25 year record in
originating and conducting the winter school
for greenkeeping.
From Prof. Dickinson's many turf school graduates, greenkeepers, golf professionals, and friends

as burr balls. They appeared to be dried organic
matter ranging in size of a baseball to a grapefruit, which he found on the bottom of water
pools. The rolling motion of the pool built up
a ball of fine leaves and twigs. Dr. DeFranee gave
an interesting talk on "Recent Observations of
Research" including characteristics and behaviors
of green, tee and fail-way grasses, chemical weed
controls and an optimistic note that a satisfactory
control of Poa Annua would be found. He announced that the 1952 Turf Conference at Kingston would be held August 20 and 21. A turkey
barbecue at Kingston is being proposed. Make
a note of this date.
The attendance prizes at this meeting were
won by Frank Chiesasa, Norman Mucciarone,
and A1 Sikoris. President Cody announced the
selection of the following committees: WELFARE—Albert Allen, Ch., Guy Tedeseo, and Joe
Oldiield. TURF RESEARCH — Homer Darling,
Ch., Arthur Anderson, and William Mitchell.

far and near in appreciation for all he has done
for them, a check for $1500.00 for his personal
use, benefit and satisfaction.
A bouquet of roses was presented to Mrs.
Dickinson for the part she has played in the
drama
helpful, encouraging and patient
partner and companion. Thus ended an evening
of gratification in honoring one who so humbly,
conscientiously, and untiringly has accomplished
a 25 year record of service in fine turf work.
"He who soweth bountifully, shall reap also,
bountifully". May his success continue and his
harvest of satisfaction never cease.
The next, and last indoor meeting until December, of the Greenkeepers Club of New England
will take place at the Waltham Field Station,
April 7. Luncheon at 12:30. An interesting program has been promised. We'll see you there.
H. DARLING, Editor