THE RACKET

Another Family heirloom has been found. It is my 1938-39 pre-Pearl Harbor Tennis Racket. About two weeks ago my cousin Catharine called me to let me know that she wanted to return to me the tennis racket she borrowed from my Mother when I was in the Service.

This is it.

MEMORIES:

Fifth -five years ago there were not many public tennis courts in my section of New Orleans--not on the Westbank side (Algiers). In fact, I cannot remember of any. The only court that we could play on was one that came about by a commercial building burning down. The area was cleared leaving a large cement floor. Large enough and without too many cracks that some other young men near the area installed end-stops, post for the net, and lines for a court. Anytime they were not using it, me and my tennis buddies would use it--if we could find a net. This is where I learned to play, four to five times a week.

Tennis was not as popular as it is now. One of my buddies, who was an amateur boxer, felt that tennis was too girlish for boys. He always use to say "anyone for Tentis today." He said "Tentis". It sounded more like a sissy game and that what we should call it. I wonder if he realizes that all those Tentis players, especially the girls are making more money playing tentis then most professional athletes .

After I was drafted in August, 1941, I did not play much anymore. After my discharge in 1945 I had a health problem that last nearly three years and after that I just did not have the time.

My "George Patten pre-Pearl Harbor Handle" racket has made it thru World War II, Korean War, Viet Nam War, Gulf War and a few other conflicts that Washington has not told us about yet, and is now ready to enter year 2000 waiting for me to start swinging it again. Poor Thing.

The End ----April 15, 1997.

George J. North, Sr.