The Annual meeting of the Greenkeepers Club of
New England was held Monday, January 3rd at the
Waltham Field Station. There were approximately
50 present.
A fine catered dinner was served by Witham's and
as usual it was well received.
Door prizes were won by Dick Blake, Mike
O'Grady, Clay Daly and Ray Sheehan.
President Michael O'Grady opened the meeting
with appropriate remarks of the season and introduced
Dr. DeFrance of the University of R. I.
Dr. DeFrance, while on sabbatical leave from the
University this summer, toured New England visiting
golf courses in all areas determining their major problems if any.
He found that there were two main problems:
number one, thatch; and number two, poa-annua.
Dr. DeFrance while not ready just yet to release
data on his observations, did point out that the further
North he went the more thatch increased. This condition, he pointed out, was normal as soil bacteria is
not as active in cooler soils. Dr. DeFrance mentioned
briefly the modern machines and methods being used
to overcome the thatch conditions.
Those present then received a unique thrill when
Doc, or "Jess" as he is known to all, recounted a trip
he unexpectedly took from Denver to Mexico City
and return last October.
Jesse made this trip by car and gave a graphic
description of White Sands, New Mexico and Carlsbad Caverns, and the University of Mexico including
its 125,000 capacity Stadium. The rate of exchange,
about 12 pesos for each American dollar, made prices
seem extremely low.
Imagine putting in a complete watering system
for around five thousand dollars or less!
We also learned why there are so many beautiful
blondes native to Mexico!
The following part of the program we hope was
a pleasant surprise to Doc. DeFrance. We also hope
it was not embarrassing as "Doc" is a very modest man.
Previous to being presented a purse by Michael
O'Grady, President of the Greenkeepers Club of New
England, on behalf of the dealers and Golf Course
Superintendent friends of "Doc", representatives of
the Rhode Island, Connecticut, New England Superintendents and dealers rose and expressed their appreciation to Doctor DeFrance and voiced their sincere

admiration for the fine work he has done for the
betterment of turf.
The speakers were:
Chet Irwin, President of the R. I. Greenkeeper Assn.
Dr. Havis, Director of the Waltham Field Station
O. O. Clapper, President of the Clapper Co.
Pat. Pasqualucci, of American Agri. & Chemical Co.
Chet Sawtelie, of Sawtelle Brothers
Mr. Hobbs, of O. M. Scott
Stu Hart, associate of Dr. DeFrance.
A standing ovation was given at the presentation.
At the business meeting it was reported that Charlie Parker, Superintendent at Agawam Hunt Club,
had been seriously ill, but was home and on the mend.
The following slate of officers was elected for '55:
President: Michael O'Grady, New Bedford C. C.
1st Vice-Pres.: Manuel Francis, Vesper C. C.
2nd Vice-Pres.: Albert Allen, Kernwood C. C.
3rd Vice-Pres.: N. J. Sperandio, Concord C. C.
Secretary: William Ash, Franklin C. C.
Treasurer: Samuel S. Mitchell, Ponkapoag G. C.
Trustee (3 years): Paul O'Leary, Warwick C. C.
Education Com. Chr.: A. J. Sperandio, Framingham
G. C.
Golf Com. Chr.: Joseph Butler, Mount Pleasant G. C.
Auditing Com.: Geo. Webster, Needham G. C.
Howard D. Farrant, Pine Brook C. C.
Treasurer Sam Mitchell reports that we have 93
members in good standing, which should remind us
that dues are payable January first of each year.
Open discussion on the following subjects closed
the meeting: Elevation of standards of pay, and increasing problems encountered by terrific boom in
golf play during all daylight hours.
Tony Sperandio promises an interesting program
for the February meeting, Monday, February 7, at the
Waltham Field Station. An engineer from the Briggs
& Stratton Co. will speak on the engines which we all
have to live with and depend on in our work.
Luncheon will be served at 12 noon—please be
prompt!
To climax the meeting, there should be some red
hot tips from the National Turf Conference in St.
Louis.
Editor Homer Darling is in Florida, investigating,
we suspect, the reasons "Edna", "Carol", and "Hazel"
were not claimed by the usual recipients!
PHILIP I. CASSIDY,

Business Mgr.