NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 1954

A MERRY

CHRISTMAS

Christmas time is here again. Its spirit has prevailed nearly 2000 years and it has remained steadfast
in all these years. What is Christmas? It is good will
toward man. It is the strong deep kinship that brings
a family together. It is the warmth that spreads
through a congregation gathered in reverence. It's
the tears that comes to the eyes upon seeing the delight of a child receiving an unexpected toy.
Christmas is faith and hope. It's the warmth in
your heart toward your neighbor, your friend and the
stranger passing by. It is peace on earth, good will
toward men. Let's all have warm hearts and smiling
countenances this Christmas Day 1954.
It was just like home again to be back at the
Waltham Field Station for our December 6 meeting.
And that bountiful tenderloin roast beef luncheon was
fit for a king. Much praise is due our caterer for such
splendid meals. Keep 'em coming Tony. (The editor
regrets having to miss the next meal at the January 3
meeting). On top of this full meal additional servings of door prizes were drawn for Prof. Dickinson,
and Messrs. Cronan, Farrant, and Connors.
The educational program was contributed by the
active heads of the Agrostology Department of the
University of Massachusetts. Dr. Colby, Prof. Dickinson, and his new assistant, Dr. Roberts, and by the
dealers, Orville Clapper, Ross Sawtelle, and Mr.
Leonard, International Chemical Co. Dr. Colby pointed out that there were three phases of their work at
Amherst—teaching, research, and extension. Each
phase requires the full time of one or more men but
one man has been carrying on the physically impossible of nearly all phases combined. Dr. Roberts, who
made an excellent impression on our group, discussed
briefly, his proposed endeavor to concentrate on the
art and science of greenkeeping.
Prof. Dickinson expressed his disappointment regarding the impossibility of running the annual March
Turf Conference at Amherst in 1955. This is due to
the fact that Stockbridge Hall is undergoing a complete renovation and because of the rapid growth at
the University, no other space is available to accommodate a group of this size. Later, after Prof. Dickininson and his party had left for Amherst, at our business meeting, it was the concensus of opinion that an

Allen; 3rd Vice-President, N. J. Sperandio; Secretary,
William Ash; Treasurer, Sam Mitchell; Trustee for
three years, Paul O'Leary; Educational Committee
Chairman, A. J. Sperandio; Golf Committee Chairman,
Joe Butler; Auditing Committee, George Webster and
Howard Farrant.
The problem of raising the funds to send our
President each year to the National Turf Conference
came up for the annual discussion. A commmittee of
three, Arthur Anderson, Arthur Cody, and Tony Sperandio, was appointed by the chair to investigate and
explore this question so the solution may be found.
The NATIONAL TURF CONFERENCE as you
know takes place at St. Louis January 16-21. Arthur
Anderson was voted our delegate. Here is some brief
transportation information:
Via Air—
T.W.A. Convention Special, round trip including
tax, Boston to St. Louis, $122.65; Eastern Air Lines—
Boston to St. Louis, round trip including tax, $108.02;
Leave Boston 10:00 A.M. Arrive St. Louis 5:07 P.M.
By Train—
Boston to St. Louis, round trip, $113.64; pullman
for two, $27.94. Leave Boston 11:15 A.M. Arrive
St. Louis next day 11:35 A.M.
NEXT MEETING OF THE GREENKEEPERS
CLUB JANUARY 3
At the Waltham Field Station
This is the annual meeting. A full attendance is
expected. One of those superb luncheons at 12:00
noon. Dr. De France is expected to be present.
Officers of the Rhode Island and Connecticut
Greenkeepers Clubs and their members are cordially
invited.
Hoping that this News Letter reaches you in time
to say, A MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU.
A CHRISTMAS DREAM
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
And I had a dream, on the golf course it was
About fellows I knew, it gave me a buzz,
Suddenly on the links there arose such a clatter,
I opened my eyes to see what was the matter,
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
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afternoon and evening meeting might be held at the
Hotel Northampton. This could be a get-together
along the lines of previous years. That of a bull fest,
discussions and renewing acquaintances, all depending, of course, on the sanction of Prof. Dickinson and
the backing of other Greenkeepers Clubs. The editor was delegated to convey these thoughts to the
Prof, which he has already done.
The dealers contribution was a general discussion
of new equipment, new materials and the complications involved in offering quick, efficient service in
equipment and parts on last minute ordering.
Evidence was presented that everyone is benefitted by early ordering. Every Club able to do so
now, should place orders for spring use.
At the business meeting of the Club the nominating committee reported the following slate of officers for 1935 to be voted upon at the annual meeting
January 3: President, Michael O'Grady; 1st VicePresident, Manuel Francis; 2nd Vice-President, Albert

XJlit a llilllltUUI C SICIgll emu ClgUL Lilly l e i n u e e i ,

With a little old driver so lively and sprite
I knew in a moment it must be St. Mike
More rapid than eagles his chargers they came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name,
Now Manny, now Narry, now Albert and Bill,
On Sam, on Arthur, on Tony and Phil.
They came down the fairway without even a fall,
For they were sure footed and so proud of their haul,
Right up to the club house the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of joys and St. Michael too,
And then, in a twinkling I heard at the door
A knocking with fists that set up a roar,
I opened of course with glee and much mirth,
To see the round little man so full at the girth,
He spoke with a brogue and a bit of gruff
But his eyes had a twinkle and were not very tough,
He came with a message for the boys we know
In case the news editor might be slow
His words of cheer were happy and bright
Full of joy and glee for your Yuletide night
And I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight
HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all, and to all a good night.
H. DARLING, Editor