Newport, RI June 14

 Tennis Hall of Fame


Opened in 1880 as an exclusive resort for Newport Summer residents, the club quickly became a tennis facility hosting an annual US Lawn Associates Championship.  James Van Alen opened it as a Hall of Fame in 1954, with the first inductees in '55.  It became the International Hall of Fame in 1986.  Currently 253 inductees (I believe Van Der Meer will be inducted this year).

Wonderful videos, stories, exhibits, pristine grass courts where you can take a lesson or play and where they have the annual Hall of Fame tournament just before the US Open.  A  must see if you get up this way.


Me at the entrance; Marlene in front of the entry court.




Racquet Bending Machine




                                                             Ball Napper







              All white Wimbledon dress with an Ostrich fringe from '64.  Italian, of course.



The Mansions

Everyone has heard of the massive "over the top" mansions in Newport. Originally these were Summer places for the "Gilded Age" tycoons.  Built between 1850-1900, social life was a big and expensive deal, as evidenced by "The Great Gatsby" and The Breakers.

By 1920 social life had changed and many of the properties went into disrepair.  Fortunately some of the properties have been restored to their former glory.  The overwhelming feeling we had reminded us of The Palace of Versailles outside Paris.


The Marble House.  Built for the Vanderbilts between 1888-1892, it was one 6 properties they spent time in (Biltmore, etc).  Home cost $11 million to build, they spent 6 weeks each Summer here.  Covered in marble and 22 karat gold leaf, no expense was spared.  Alva Vanderbilt was a big entertainer; each Summer cost her approximately $12 million in today's dollars.  You cannot be serious!



                                                         The Marble House



                                  The Dining Room at the Marble House, lots of everything.


                                                   Marble House grand staircase


Rosecliff, another beauty; grand salon, they had a flower show going on there.



                                                Rosecliff grand staircase; that is a beauty!!



























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