yvo i/^mftBy-L
O O T O D C f r

(Gourde Superintendents
OF

NEW

ENGLAND,

INC.

O n

1 9 7 4

S p o n s o r s a n d administrators of the Lawrence S.
Dickinson Scholarship Fund — A w a r d e d yearly
to d e s e r v i n g Turf M a n a g e m e n t Students.

TURNING 50 AND STILL GOING STRONG
It had to start...as most things, including the earth, do...with a
creator. In this instance, tiiere were two. Mr. Thomas Fahey and
Mr. Alex Bryce, at the time "greenskeepers" respectively at the
Winchester and Belmont Springs Country Clubs, looked around
them and concluded that their profession needed some
organization.
And it remained for these two gentlemen to walk the golfing
grounds of Greater Boston to sound out their brethern. They
knocked on the doors of maintenance buildings (although most
were called barns in those days) and sought the feelings of others
dedicated to the goal of bringing the best possible playing conditions to the golf-playing populace.
The response was overwhelming. So, it was decided to conduct
a meeting during which an organizational arrangement could be
studied and made ready for acceptance. From this meeting
evolved a dinner-rap session at Cotrelle's Restaurant in Boston.
The date was February 25,1924. On that night 41 "greenskeepers"
attended the dinner and participated in the discussion. Officers
were elected, a constitution adopted and the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of New England was born.
Only then it was called the "Greenskeepers Club of New
England." It held firm to that title, too. But eventually, as the
term "greenskeeper" became obsolete, the new organizational
name was presented to and accepted by the membership.
The occasion of that first thrust for recognition of the
superintendent and the accompanying goals to improve all facets
of the profession for the betterment of golf will be marked with a
50th year anniversary party on November 1st at the Lantana
Restaurant, Randolph, Mass. And it will be a genuine celebration
for if any organization deserves to kick up its heels in noting its
accomplishments, the NEGCSA fits the category. It has been a 50year period of achievement, brotherhood, advancement, improvement and every other kind of performing accolade.
At the 25th anniversary of the organization, it should be noted
that these achievements had been realized: Outdoor show of
equipment. Publishing of its own professional paper (newsletter)
on a regular monthly basis. Regular meetings in the interests of
turf culture. Close cooperation with turf schools. Financial
support of turf experimental work. Educational aids to members
in the form of monthly meetings and special seminars. Programs
promoting sound relations with the golf professional and club
manager.
The list could run on endlessly. In recent years, the goals and
ambitions of the association haven't strayed too much from that
original concept established in the beginning 50 years ago. But
down through the years the spirit of upgrading the opportunities
available to members has been carried on by succeeding leaders
of the group.
Presently, the rapport among the three functional key figures of
the country club-superintendent, professional and manager-has
never been at a more encouraging level. Through joint meetings,
letters, tournaments and genuine respect for one or the other

profession, the three groups have developed into a working
organization of their own. Each learns and often benefits from the
experiences of the other. Indeed, the state of this relationship is
most healthy.
Of course, technical advancement has always been a watchword of the association. In this vein, it has moved forward in
offering members all information on the latest developments in
equipment and the use thereof. Monthly meetings have been
highlighted by visits from leading authorities in the turf cultural
and turf equipment fields. There even has been an opportunity or
two for members to acquaint themselves with the conditioning
methods of superintendents representing other great courses in
other great golfing countries.
The procession of accomplishments and deeds goes on...and
they will continue to do so for the next 50 years and thensome.
Happy birthday to us. It's truly a time to celebrate. See you at the
Lantana.
Gerry Finn
I received a memo from the desk of
John Jones, but i didn't answer.
I never correspond with furniture.

ooo
Next Meeting
NEEDHAM GOLF CLUB

f. 4, 1974
Golf any time after 10:00 A.M.
Buffet 5:00 P.M. sharp
Meeting after dinner

••••.. .

ourse Superintendents

^ddociation •

BUDGETS UP UP AND AWAY
Let's see now: Fungicides...up 20 percent. Wetting agents (if
you can get them)...up, from $75 to $105. Gas...up. Fuel...up.
That's it, Up, up and away!
In case you haven't heard, friends, the cost of everything is on a
skyrocket pattern. And the rising cost index falls to rest at the
door of the country club, for the budget talks are in session.
Budget time, Ah, the budget. It's that time of year when the golf
course superintendent ups to the green chairman, that time of
year when the green chairman ups to the grounds committee, the
grounds committee ups to the board of governors...and the
resultant concluding remark comes out: "I told you so in the first
place."
That conclusion is familiar to all of us. It says in simple terms
that the typical country club member wants (demands in some
cases) the best possible playing conditions on the golf course. It
has much more to do with than country club appearance. That
appearance is secondary in this day and age. Naturally, the
member would like to see his course saluted as "the best
around." But his first reason for such a state is to be able to play
that "best course around."
The two factors--the goal of having top playing conditions and
the price you pay to achieve that goal-- walk hand in hand. And
this year, more than ever, they are walking tall. Prices are up
across the board. The member doesn't need the superintendent to
advise him of this. He sees it every day in his own business, his
personal tug with the economy.
One of the realistic side kickers to the making of the budget is
the attitude of the membership. It must be fair in its thinking,
although the decision on money amounts usually rests with its
governing body. Whatever the case, the member must realize
that he can't have the same golf course he played this year, next
year for the same budget it cost in 1974.
True, the superintendent is always looking for more money to
operate the course. He would be going against the grain of his

desires to give the member improved conditions, if he didn't seek
a budget increase. In the past he has had to stifle his plea and get
along with the old operating figure. This year it is impossible to do
so. The cost of living is astonishing, and included in the cost of
living is the cost of playing a round of golf.
The superintendent also knows the pinch of the times. In many
budgets this year, capital expense for new machinery will be kept
at a ridiculous minimum. The superintendent, in addition to being
diligent, also is practical. He realizes this is no time to go off on a
buying binge in order to streamline his equipment. Instead of
replace, it will be repair.
This, then, brings up another budgetary eyeDrow or two. If
equipment is to be repaired rather than replaced, the superintendent will require compensation in the form of additional
manpower to have the repair work completed. Right now his
mechanical wing is kept busy with the normal flow of refurbishing
chores through the winter. If the refurbishing is to be doubled and
thensome, more hands will be needed to do the job.
In the long run, though, the saving will be there. Allowing for
some problems with obtaining replacement parts, the cost of
labor involved in repair will fall lower than the cost involved in
replacing equipment. So, the country club can gain in this area.
For all practical purposes the country club should expect to
absorb an overall increase of 20 percent in the budget. This falls in
line with the average increase in material of 20 percent. Labor,
which comprises a strong share of the operations outlay, will go
up at least 10 percent. Ana, all along, there will be the underlying
factor that materials will continue on the upward trend in price
after the budget has been finalized.
Thus, the country club must fall in line with the rest of the
country. It must realize its golf course condition follows the
doctrine of an old adage, "You get what you pay for."
Gerry Finn
Anybody who's relaxed these days,
is probably quite nervous about it.

Directions to
Meedhrn Golf Club
From Route 128. Take exit 57
(Great Plains Ave.). Head west
towards Needham. Take fourth left,
which is Green St. Club is on right.

First Vice President
THOMASCURRAN
F o x Chase Road
South Sutton, N.H. 0 3 2 7 3
Phone 938-5436
Club Affiliation
Eastham Golf Course

W A Y N E ZOPPO
48 Barberry Drive
Seekonk, Mass. 0 2 7 7 1
Phone 399-7141
Club Affiliation
Agawam Hunt

Second Vice President
DEAN ROBERTSON
24 Riverview Drive
Newbury, Mass. 0 1 9 5 0
Phone 462-4540
Club Affiliation
Chestnut Hill Country Club

lance Chairman
R O N A L D K I R K M A N , CGCS
2 5 Green Street
Needham, Mass. 0 2 1 9 2
Phone 444-8412
Club Affiliation
Needham Golf Club

LUCIEN DUVAL
R . F. No. 5 Gault R o a d
Bedford, N.H. 0 3 1 0 5
Phone 4 7 2 - 3 5 4 5
Club Affiliation
Manchester Country Club

BERT FREDERICK
4 5 Stoney B r o o k Road
Nabnasset, Mass. 0 1 8 6 1
Phone 453-1231
Club Affiliation
Vesper Country Club

MAX MIERZWA
106 Crestwood Street
Chicopee, Mass. 0 1 0 2 0
Phone 594 4 9 9 6
Club Affiliation
Chicopee Country Club

DAVID BARBER
1 Muriel Road
Chelmsford, Mass. 0 1 8 2 4
Phone 256-4417
Club Affiliation
Way land Country Club

ROBERT MUCCIARONE
465 Summer Street
Westwood, Mass. 0 2 0 9 0
Phone 329-9682
Club Affiliation
Dedham Country and Polo Club

NEW

ENGLAND

gN C

SOUND OFF
(The animal kingdon, the super-future and all the rest of the
ships at sea come storming onto the Sound Off scene this month.
The action is always hot and heavy here, if not hilarious at times.
This feature is for and by the reader. It gives him the opportunity
to air his views on any golf subject. The ground rules are simple.
Letters should be to the point without too much wearing verse.
They should be funneled to Newsletter Mail Bag, 290 North Road,
Sudbury, Mass. 01776. The Newsletter reserves the right to
comment on all letters published.)

"Several weeks ago, while I was playing golf with a friend, we
were interrupted at the top of our backswing - no less ~ by loud
unruly sounds coming from a nearby tree. Perched high in one of
the branches was a huge bird which we suspected to be a chicken
hawk.
"The noise was coming'from three or four smaller birds ~ they
looked to be some form of sparrow -- who were trying to drive the
hawk from the tree. The noise was so loud that even passing
motorists stopped to see what all the commotion was about. The
smaller birds would swoop down on the hawk and the scene took
on the appearances of a World War II dogfight in which fighter
planes were attacking bombers.
"Our first reaction was to cheer for the fighter plane guys. And
"Recently, I read a couple of articles in the Newsletter in which they responded with enough 'strafing' action to drive the hawk out
life in the 21st century was depicted. I found them interesting, to of the tree and off in a faraway direction. And when they pursued
say the least. Of course, some of the imagination stretched by the big bird to make sure he knew his place, we all (motorists
writer Gerry Finn might have bridged that canyon Evel Knievel included) felt relieved.
"Now, I learn we were cheering for the wrong side. I hear that
attempted to negotiate last month. Anyway, some of his
birds of prey (like the chicken hawk) are protected by law which
predictions dazzled me.
"I have a few ideas of my own as to what we, as superintendents prohibits the shooting of them. And it's said they are an asset to
and individuals, are likely to come upon in the year 2,000 and nature. How come?"
RODNEY CLARK
beyond. Right at the top of my list is the contribution of solar
heating to the world. I can see that it will be a positive factor,
Southwick, Mass.
what with the extended run on the energy crisis driving scientists
and inventors in the direction of a practical solar heating system.
You certainly were cheering for the wrong side, Rodney. Birds
"Energy also enters my 2,000 A.D. picture. And maybe this
sounds like that stretchy imagination again. But I see the day of prey serve as control agents for golf course pests. . . especially
Hip-hip horray for the hawk!
when power in this country will be derived from windmills. They those of the rodent family.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
will be of complex design... sophisticated, yet simple.
"The water supply will come under consideration, too. The
construction of massive filtering systems for our ponds will be a
"I've read about animal stores in some of your issues. I have
part of the future. And, in keeping with the environs of the
superintendent, I can see the day when he taps sewage as his one for you, though, that isn't funny.
"On some of the courses in our area, there has been incidence of
main source of water for irrigation. The water will come from
sewage, sent through a processing system which will make it running dogs making a nuisance of themselves and in some cases
even becoming a menace to players and course workers by atapplicable for irrigation.
The above prediction I consider of major importance to the tacking them.
"I'm told some of the dogs live nearby and their presence on the
goals of the golf world. If anything, the preservation of wellconditioned golf courses is in jeopardy through the threat of a golf course is known by their owners. There have been attempts to
dwindling supply of the resources necessary to effect good keep them off and a few golfers have threatened to start wearing
sidearms if their well being continues to be threatened by these
grooming of them.
"Also you can look for spray rigs operated on a cushion of air in dogs.
"I'm writing this in an attempt to reach those dog owners who
your travels through the year 2,000. I would also guess that golf
carts might use the same theory but the noise factor might be might have pets running loose on the golf course and getting into
trouble. My purpose is twofold - I am a dog lover myself and
such to rule out the air-cushion application here.
"In the case of the latter, I would only hope that golfers would would hate to see any harm come to one, but I am also a human
be walking more. . . by necessity, if nothing else. Perhaps certain being and can appreciate a situation where a dog is a threat to my
shortages in the golf cart area may be a blessing in surprise. They well being."
GERALD KANE
could lengthen the life of the golf course and perhaps have some
bearing in prlonging the life of the golfer through exposure to
Windsor, Conn.
much-needed exercise.
"That's 2,000 A.D. -- as I see it."
dogs can't read "no trespassing" signs, Gerald. But
LEON ST. PIERRE weNaturally,
assume
their
owners can. Ruff-ruff!
Longmeadow, Mass.
I K * * * * * * * * * * *

All we can add to this is the hope that all of us are there to see
(That puts the lid on things for this time. Remember, your
Leon welcome in these predictions
when
2,000
rolls
around!
cards
and letters make this feature tick. Let's hear from you.)
c ****** *
Educational Chairman
BRIAN COWAN
Robbins Way
Harwich, Mass.
Phone 4 3 2 - 9 0 4 1
Club Affiliation
Eastward H o Country Club

LARRY BUNN
1 4 5 D e d h a m Street
Canton, Mass. 0 2 0 2 1
Phone 8 2 8 - 0 4 6 7
Club Affiliation
Blue Hill C o u n t r y Club

Newsletter Chairman
THOMAS SCHOFIELD
2 9 0 North R o a d
S u d b u r y , Mass. 0 1 7 7 6
Phone 4 4 3 - 3 7 1 2
Club Affiliation
M a y n a r d C o u n t r y Club

Past President
ROBERT G R A N T CGCS
2 2 Patricia R o a d
S u d b u r y , Mass. 0 1 7 7 6
Phone 4 4 3 - 2 6 7 1
C l u b Affiliation
Brae B u r n C o u n t r y Club

Information contained in this publication may be used
freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as long
as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a
credit line.

PCetue

FRIENDS O F THE

Alfco Rokeby Co., Inc.
Fertilizers and Chemical Specialties
P. O. Box 267, Marietta, Ohio

ASSOCIATION

Grounds Equipment Co., Inc.
383 Boylston St., Newton Cen., Mass.
Gull Agricultural Service Co.
Allen Bonnell 6 1 7 - 3 6 2 - 2 1 8 1
Joe Silk 6 1 7 - 7 8 4 - 3 9 6 6
55 Freeman Road
Yarmouthport, Mass. 02675

Baker Tractor Corp., Ford Tractors
Harley Davidson Golf Cars
Swansea, Massachusetts
The Charles C. Hart Seed Co.
Wethersfield, Conn.

Holliston Sand Company, Inc.
Lowland Street, Holliston, Mass. 01746
Sand for Golf Bunkers and Traps

Corenco Corporation
525 Woburn Street
Tewksbury.Mass. 01876
S.W. Anthony
1-800-222-7976 - 1-800-225-7955

Irrigation & Equipment Supply Co.
P. O. Box 147 Route 1
Walpole, Mass. 02081
Tel. 617-668-7814

*The Clapper Co.
1121 Washington St.
West Newton, Mass.

*Tom Irwin, Inc.
11B A Street
Burlington, Mass.

*Geoffrey S. Cornish & William G. Robinson Karandrew Turf Farms, Inc.
Golf Course Architects
Sam Mitchell, Sales Representative
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, Mass. 01002
15 Longmeadow Drive, Canton, Mass.
George E. Cull
The Kenneth Barrie Company
Terra-Green Soil Conditioner
Irrigation
112 Green St., Abington, Mass.
375 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Mass.
C. S. Curran
T. R. C. Products, Oils and Greases
Larchmont Irrigation Co.
7 Linden St., Framingham, Mass.
Larchmont Ln., Lexington, Mass.
E-Z-Go Golf Car, Division Textron, Inc.
Lee Lime Corp.
Sales - Service - Rentals
Lee, Mass. (413) 243-0053
Route 28, Pocasset, Massachusetts 0 2 5 5
2 Special Spreaders designed
Call Ed McGuire collect 617/563-2234
for Golf Courses
Fairway Equipment, Inc.
Mallinckrodt, Inc.
Sales — Service — Rentals
Second and Mallinckrodt Streets
35 Walnut St., Reading, Mass.
St. Louis, Missouri 63147
Farm Bureau Association
158 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass. 02154
Magovern Company, Inc.
Fred Heyliger, Representative
Lawn Acre Road
Thomas F. Grumrr.ell, Representative
Windsor Lock, Conn.
q

Ron Gagne - Scotts Golf Course Div.
5 Kendall Park, Norton, Mass.
617-285-7466

D. L. Maher Co;mpany
Concord Street
P. O. Box 127, ^North Reading, Ma. 01864

Malter International
Mr. Howard A. Vincent, Representative
Longmeadow, Massachusetts 0 1 1 0 6
R . F. Morse & Son, Inc.
Cranberry Highway
West Wareham, Mass. 02576
Tel. 617-295-1553
New England Sealcoating Co., Inc.
Tennis Court Const, and Maintenance
Sealcoating — Hingham Industrial Center
Hingham, Mass. Tel. 749-3236
•Old F o x Chemical Inc.
Fertilizers — Seeds — Turf Chemicals
66 Valley Street
East Providence, Rhode Island 02914
Sil Paulini, Inc.
6 Manor Avenue
Natick, Mass. 01760
Richey & Clapper, Inc.
28 Rutledge Road
Natick, Mass. 01760
Trencher & Equipment Leasing, Inc.
Ditch Witch Trenchers
38 Fairview St., Agawam, Mass. 01001
Phone 4 1 3 - 7 8 1 4 6 0 0
*Sawteile Brothers
565 Humphrey Street
Swampscott, Mass.
Tel. 617/599-4856
Shepard Sod Company
Merion Blue Grass and Pencross Bent
200 Sullivan Ave., So. Windsor, Conn.
Tuco Products Co.
Division of the Upjohn Company
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Purdy A. Outhouse (914) 462-7117
White Turf Engineering
5 Sumner Drive, Winchendon, Mass. 01475
617-297-0941
Philip A. Wogan
Golf Course Architect
21 Budleigh Ave., Beverly, Mass.

* Contributors to the Lawrence S. Dickinson Scholarship Fund

First Class
U . S. Postage

Cjoff

Course
OF

^ufjerintendents
NEW

[ N t U N D ,

•

b.Uin'tilion

INC.

TOM

SCHOFIELD
Newsletter Committee Chairman
2S0 North Road
S u d b u r y , Mass. 0 1 7 7 6
Phone 443-3712
C l u b Affiliation
Maynard Country Club
A. R O Y MacKintosh
Business Manager
GERRY FINN
Contributing Editor

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Permit # 1 7