West Side Tennis Club Raises The Flag To 100 Years

100 Years In Forest Hills, WSTC Flag Raising Ceremony, Photo by Suzan Causey

WSTC Members at 100th Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony, Photo by Michael Perlman

"West Side Tennis Club celebrates 100th Anniversary" by Michael Perlman of the Forest Hills Times/Queens Ledger: http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/22343330/article-West-Side-Tennis-Club-celebrates-100th-Anniversary

Generations young and old at the West Side Tennis Club (WSTC) will remember April 21, 2013, as the day they witnessed Forest Hills history in the making.

To welcome a summer filled with events celebrating a century of operation at 1 Tennis Place in Forest Hills Gardens, the club held a Flag Raising Ceremony. With a backdrop of crisp blue skies and trees in bloom, a tennis ball-themed flag reading “100 Years in Forest Hills” was raised, and now waves with pride alongside the American flag.

The West Side Tennis Club, comprised of a diverse membership, a stately Tudor clubhouse from 1913, and the iconic Classically-styled Forest Hills Tennis Stadium from 1923, commemorated its tennis, music, social and cinematic legacy by reminiscing and visualizing a promising future.

Club members assembled over a cocktail reception at the wood-paneled clubhouse overlooking the stadium, and were then guided by a bagpiper through a foyer to an outdoor ceremony. The historic walk featured a timeline of photos capturing the glory of Bill Tilden, Bobby Riggs, and Kenneth Rosewall, as well as Althea Gibson, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert.

WSTC bagpiper escorts members through the Clubhouse, Photo by Nicole Zivkovic

Some notable guests were President Helen Griffin of the Women’s Club of Forest Hills, President Robert Schnell of the Men’s Club of Forest Hills, Community House Chair Lily Zivkovic, and Dan Olson, treasurer of the Church-in-the-Gardens. Sinead Whelan, WSTC Chair of Membership and Marketing delivered opening remarks, setting the stage for WSTC President Roland Meier, who referred to his audience as one big family of the West Side, and attributed part of the club’s road to success as the need to work with the greater community.


 

President Roland Meier, Photo by Michael Perlman

“When I researched 100 years, I did not find a bond between the West Side Tennis Club and Forest Hills,” Meier said. “We were the center of the tennis universe, and now we are trying to reinvent ourselves and become a children and family-friendly club which will revive the stadium and finally become part of the neighborhood.”

In addition to tennis, he envisions ice skating and concerts that respect the club’s ambiance.

Since the U.S. Open moved from the stadium in 1977 to larger accommodations at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and the Forest Hills Music Festival began phasing out after its peak from the 1950s to the 1970s, the club lost some of its prestige and the stadium began decaying under minimal use.

Griffin Fluhr & Alice Beatrice Adams raising the 100th Anniversary Flag, Photo by Michael Perlman

Sinead Whelan with Alice Beatrice Adams & Griffin Fluhr, Photo by Nicole Zivkovic

Following Meier’s remarks, two of the club’s younger members raised the commemorative flag. One was 11-year-old Alice Beatrice Adams of Greenwich, CT, who has played tennis at the club for as far back as she can recall.

“I felt pretty honored,” said Adams, who serves on the club’s junior committee and organizes parties for fellow junior members.

“I was proud,” said 11-year-old Griffin Fluhr of Forest Hills, who served as a ballboy for Children’s Day in Forest Hills Gardens, and is also part of the junior tennis program.

WSTC audience members take part in the festivities, Photo by Nicole Zivkovic

Over lunch, some club members shared their visions for the future. Fourteen-year member Richard Del Nunzio of Forest Hills is chair of the Facilities Committee.

“Development of the juniors is one way of expanding the membership of the club I love,” he said. “We’re spending $45,000 on a world-class playground and we’ve improved our children’s lounge, and now our summer camp has over 150 children and is growing annually. They’re our club’s future.”

He took pride in the role the WSTC has played in his own family.

“I have a son who was part of the juniors, and now earned a full scholarship playing tennis in college,” Del Nunzio said.

He then explained why revitalizing the stadium is most valuable.

“As a result of [music] pirating on the internet, performers are looking for open stadiums, and they have come to realize that live performances are the best source of income,” Del Nunzio said. “By default, we are at the right place at the right time, and are being approached by promoters who want to invest in the stadium’s restoration for concerts.”

The stadium may become the New York Philharmonic’s summer home.

Forest Hills resident Juan Reyes, a 42-year member relayed his heartfelt sentiment. He explained,

“My children were friendly with a group of kids from France, when we invited them to Forest Hills, they were excited to be part of the tennis tradition,” said 42-year member Juan Reyes. “We want to make the younger Americans aware, since they don’t have that same appreciation.”

Viewing a restored stadium as a source of long-term revenue from events, Reyes opposed Cord Meyer Development’s 2010 proposal to build condos in its place.

“Demolition of the stadium would have destroyed the club and the community,” Reyes said. “Some people have no respect for tradition.”

The club also serves as a second home to many of its elder members.

“At age 92, I still play tennis,” said Helen Allen of Forest Hills. “One thing I admire about President Roland Meier is how he’s opening membership to everyone. We are holding occasions to invite people to see the club and play tennis for the afternoon, and that helps create a diverse membership.”

The West Side Tennis Club informed club members about a series of 100th anniversary events planned for the spring and summer. The public events schedule features a Meet The Pro Staff and Fundraiser Round Robin on May 11; Level 1 Junior Sectional Tournaments from June 24–28; a Century Celebration and Tennis Carnival on June 30; the New York Open Tournament from July 4–7; the USTA Women’s National Championships from July 14–20; a 100-Year Celebration Extravaganza on August 18; and USTA Men’s National 40, 55, 60 Grass Court Championships from September 16–29.

WSTC Clubhouse exhibits Tudor charm, Photo by Joe Dutton

Linna Hunt, a 41-year member, can’t imagine the West Side Tennis Club minus its stadium, and last weekend’s ceremony reinforced its value.

“I’m pleased so many club members and the business community are looking forward to our historic stadium coming to life again,” she said. “I always love sitting on the clubhouse’s terrace, looking out into the sunset at our horseshoe stadium.”

Eagles & terra-cotta shields adorn the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium facade, Photo by Michael Perlman

Center court with the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, Photo by Pat Lannan

Forest Hills Tennis Stadium May Be Restored & WSTC To Celebrate 100 Years in Forest Hills This Summer

West Side Tennis Club Looks Back & Plans Ahead

by Michael Perlman of the Forest Hills Times/Queens Ledger

http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/21967104/article-West-Side-Tennis-Club-Looks-Back--Plans-Ahead

The Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, which is now 90 years old. America's first concrete tennis stadium! Photo by Michael Perlman

Caption: "The National Tennis Club" circa 1973, Published by Harlee George & Curteich Color, Courtesy of Michael Perlman Postcard Collection

The Tudor clubhouse of the West Side Tennis Club from the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, Photo by Peter Dutton

The West Side Tennis Club has reached a milestone!

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the stately $25,000 Tudor clubhouse overlooking tennis courts, which was designed by Grosvenor Atterbury, the principal architect of the 142-acre Forest Hills Gardens.

The year 2013 also marks the 90th anniversary that a foremost public building architect, Kenneth Murchison, designed the 14,000-seat eagle-adorned Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, which was the first concrete tennis stadium in the United States.

The West Side Tennis Club was founded in 1892 on Manhattan’s West Side. After outgrowing their second Manhattan home, the club surveyed over 30 locations for an expansion, and voted to move to Forest Hills Gardens on December 3, 1912. In 1913, land was secured with a $2,000 down payment and a $75,000 mortgage.

Come summer 2013, the West Side Tennis Club will celebrate by staging a series of events for club members and the community at large.

“History always repeats itself” may not be just a cliché, as the club marks new beginnings by eyeing an expansion yet again, while educating new generations about its rich but often overlooked tennis, music, social, and architectural contributions to Queens.

The West Side Tennis Club is exploring the idea of developing some covered tennis courts, squash courts, an ice skating rink, and a fitness facility, but at first, club members and the public can anticipate a summer filled with 100th anniversary celebrations.

The first celebration will be a flag ceremony on April 21 for club members. That will be followed by a series of events, such as summer tournaments, carnivals, free tennis clinics, and music festivals that recall the famed Forest Hills Music Festivals held throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

The inaugural New York Open from July 4-7 will consist of a hard court tournament, and will feature citywide amateurs and professionals. The open is being organized by Tennis In New York, a non-profit whose mission is to promote tennis and preserve its history in New York.

“This is why we felt that coordinating this event in Forest Hills would be so appropriate,” said Tennis In New York President and CEO Dale Caldwell.

It may become an annual tradition, evoking memories of a time when the U.S. Open was held at the Forest Hills tennis stadium.

The U.S. Open was founded in Forest Hills in 1968, but was moved to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in 1978 due to its popularity. In Forest Hills, generations witnessed tennis legends such as Tony Trabert, Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, Althea Gibson, Don Budge, Bill Tilden, John McEnroe, and Helen Jacobs take the court.

Meanwhile, legendary musicians who performed in the stadium include Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Simon & Garfunkel, and Trini Lopez. Perhaps the most memorable moment was The Beatles landing in a helicopter on the grass courts.

For approximately 15 years, the stadium did not host events and gradually fell into disrepair. In October 2010, a plan to sell the stadium to Cord Meyer Development to demolish it to make way for condos was voted down by club members.

Former President Kenneth Parker expressed his disappointment, hoping it would improve club finances. On January 1, 2012, President Roland Meier took his seat, and now remains hopeful for a future that will capture some of the clubhouse and stadium’s past glory.

Some local business owners and residents see a brighter future. Rena Monogenis, co-owner of the 44-year-old Stoa Jewelry at 71-60 Austin Street praised the idea behind the New York Open and summer events.

“This would restore a spirit to our neighborhood,” she said, reminiscing on her early twenties when she saw Billie Jean King play. “It would be wonderful getting the stadium back into action. When something is built well, it weathers the years and should not go to waste.”

“The events planned for this summer are really great because it would help support the effort to restore and revive the club and its iconic stadium,” said James Voketaitis, who has lived in Forest Hills for 18 years. “I am sure there will be many Queens organizations that will be very interested.”

One such organization is the Queens Economic Development Corporation, where Forest Hills resident Seth Bornstein is the executive director. Upon hearing about the club’s anniversary and vision, he also saw potential for the club and stadium, calling it a great asset to Queens and New York City.

“Their concept is good, and would certainly attract visitors to Queens,” he said. “Bringing people to Forest Hills would help local shops and restaurants along Austin Street and Metropolitan Avenue. If the West Side Tennis Club moves on this, the Queens Tourism Council would certainly help promote it.”

In an interview with Meier, he explained his vision and the progress already underway.

“The New York Open will be a first, and we hope it will become a major New York event,” he said. “We have a lot of interest from people who want to play, companies who want to participate, and special guests.”

Meier hopes the 100th anniversary events and the conceived expansion will lead to the stadium’s revitalization.

“We are looking at a gradual restoration,” he said. “I believe we can have quality tennis events, ice hockey in the winter, and a few classy concerts on a small scale which our club can associate with. We picture a mix between classical concerts and modern music.”

Members are contributing and volunteering their time to many projects.

“We are building a playground, and the club is becoming more family-friendly,” Meier said. “If you live in the neighborhood, it’s the best backyard to play in.”

Some people have suggested that the stadium is not structurally sound, but Meier refuted that claim.

“We did testing and the structure is sound,” he said. “We need to seal the stadium to avoid water penetration and need a new sewer system.”

Meier takes pride in the 100-plus new members that joined this past year, which includes many young members and families.

“We have achieved something that we never have before in our club history,” he said. “We were very isolated for many years, but now we are becoming a part of the neighborhood. This is a start to closing our wallflower status.

“We are onto something and can gain momentum to make it into a real club,” Meier added. “I want the West Side Tennis Club to survive for another 100 years and become a destination again.”

Eye on the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, 2010 photo by Pat Lannan

From the grandstands towards the historic field & clubhouse, Photo by Peter Dutton

The eagle overlooking the field has gone astray, but restoration would be a plus. Historic photo courtesy of Michael Perlman & Rego-Forest Preservation Council

Celebrities were a staple at the stadium & club. This is magazine clipping from circa 1954.

Forest Hills Inn's 100th Anniversary Marked By Restoration & Historic Committee

This is Michael Perlman's feature story on the Forest Hills Inn's 100th anniversary in the Queens Ledger/Forest Hills Times. Please feel free to post a comment on the link & share it with your friends. Let's take part in this historic moment:
 

http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/17799132/article-Scaffolds-come-down--reveal-Forest-Hills-history

Circa early 1920s postcard of the Forest Hills Inn towering over Station Square

The Inn as of August 2009 amidst scaffolding

The Inn as of March 2012

Scaffolds Come Down & Reveal Forest Hills History

Passersby and residents of the historic Forest Hills Inn at 1 Station Square can see the light of day, and even more so in the near future with planned restorations of adjacent buildings.

This prominent Forest Hills Gardens tower’s scaffolding and netting, which was erected circa 2004, is now at ground level at Station Square and Greenway South, and the repaired façade can once again be appreciated for its Tudor and Arts & Crafts appeal.

The Forest Hills Inn officially opened on May 1, 1912, making its restoration timely for its 100th anniversary.

Forest Hills Gardens originated in 1909. The Russell Sage Foundation appointed Grosvenor Atterbury as the Gardens’ principal architect, and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. as the landscape architect for public spaces and parks.

Inspired by Ebenezer Howard's Garden City Movement of England, this is our country's earliest planned garden community. It is a highly recognized model of urban planning, with Old English mansions tastefully situated on classically named private winding streets with lush landscape.

The board of Forest Hills Inn meets with contractors monthly to plan the restoration. The roof and facades of all three buildings have not been restored for at least the same number of decades, but now repairs on the Inn’s tower are complete.

Terra-cotta roof tiles were falling, and the pebble stucco finish on the façade became porous. This affected the metal structure underneath, allowing water into the apartments. Also weathered were top-floor terraces bearing gargoyles, which serve as drainage features.

“While examining the façades, we kept noticing weathered features, needing restoration,” explains Martin Restituyo, president of the One Station Square, Inc. co-op board. “Our five-year capital improvement plan, estimated at $3.5 million, will soon address all remaining restoration, which encompasses the Inn Apartments (of the Forest Hills Inn), the Raleigh, and the Marlboro. Restorations are funded through shareholder assessments. Unlike the past, we have appropriate plans and funds.”
 

“Restorations are funded through shareholder assessments,” he adds. “Unlike the past, we have appropriate plans and funds.”

Before Martin Restituyo’s presidency in December 2008, the previous board erected scaffolding around the Inn in 2004, without obtaining Forest Hills Gardens Corporation approval. The board felt it was essential due to emergency repairs, but the Gardens Corporation referenced restrictive covenants that protect the Gardens’ historic character.

By March 2009, the legal dispute between the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation and the Inn’s board was settled, and the tower’s repairs were completed in a year’s time.

Restoration of Station Square is costly, but possible with commitment. Friends of Station Square vice president Suzanne Parker explains the non-profit’s mission. “To protect, beautify, and educate the community about Station Square, Forest Hills, and its environs,” she says.

As a case in point, she cites re-installing a restored lantern to a corner of Burns Street after raising approximately $20,000, but that the majority of the eight remaining lanterns from 1910 are in deterioration. “Friends of Station Square embraced these whimsical icons of the prevailing Arts & Crafts style of the Square as an ongoing project, and continues its fundraising efforts,” notes Parker.

In the Inn’s early years, the Sage Foundation Homes Company distributed an illustrated 25-page prospectus to new residents and guests, establishing why the Inn and the Gardens is unique.

“Forest Hills Inn is a delightful all year round home for the busy man or woman who must spend the day in the city, but appreciates every minute saved for outdoor living and recreation amid wholesome and aesthetic surroundings,” read the brochure.

Station Square was conceived as a town center with the Inn, apartments, connected shops and the train station, which took locals to Penn Station in 13 minutes. The 150-room Inn’s rates were $14 - $18 per week, including meals. References were required. Guests were welcomed to socialize at the Inn’s reception and smoking rooms on a vine-screened loggia overlooking the square. Guests enjoyed dinner overlooking the Greenway and Tea Garden, which hosted weddings. Tennis courts, golf, billiards, and a squash court were other fine amenities.

The 100th anniversary of the Inn is marked by the board’s establishment of a Historic Committee, co-chaired by Martin Levinson and George Hoban, who is collecting memorabilia for preservation’s sake, while telling a most significant chapter of Forest Hills history.

"The Innside Story" on a super-sized matchbook cover, circa 1950s

The social heart of Forest Hills! Amazing how the matches were embellished with an artist's touch.

If we were able to journey back in time, which space(s) should define your day?

One of the earliest postcards depicting the Forest Hills Inn circa 1912. Note the long-vanished fountain in the center of Station Square, which has been replaced not long after with a center island with traffic control booths & a landscaped sitting area.

One of many matchbooks from the Forest Hills Inn's hotel days under Knott Management

The July 4, 1919 carnival poster in front of the Forest Hills LIRR train station. Two years earlier, President Theodore Roosevelt delivered his famed Unification Speech atop the station steps to the crowds at Station Square.

Station Square has a traditional yet renewed sense as the seasons change

The banner on the right boasts the Forest Hills Gardens Centennial in 2009, but the Forest Hills Inn opened in 1912.

Forest Hills train station

Wide perspective on the Forest Hills train station

Fall 2009 photo: Friends of Station Square planned on restoring 1 of 8 Arts & Crafts lanterns designed by Grosvenor Atterbury. 

March 2012 photo: Friends of Station Square succeeded in restoring 1 of 8 Arts & Crafts lanterns designed by Grosvenor Atterbury. This marks a case study of "steep" commitment towards the restoration & beautification of Station Square.

View from Greenway Terrace towards the Forest Hills Inn at Station Square, March 2012