Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1889-08-21
TENNIS In THE COUNTRY.
A Spirited Contest at COrnwall-Ladie
who Understand the Game.

A Spirited Contest at COrnWall-Ladies
who Understand the Game.
Nowadays one can scarcely look at the
columns of newspaper without coming
across an account of some game OF
lawn tennis. The game is certainly becom-
ing, has become in fact, the most popular of
all outdoor exercises, and is undoubtedly
most healthful and enjoyable way OF spend
ing ones spare time. 1t is appropriate
therefore that something should be said re-
garding somewhat novel and exciting con-
test at tennis that recently took place in
Cornwall, Conn. Cornwall is one of those
lovely valleys hidden away among the many
hills which make the picturesque landscapes
of the northwestern part Of this State. While
| it is completely hidden from view by the
| surrounding pine clad hills, it is not out Of
| the world altogether. 1t makes no great pre-
| tensions; yet it ia alive, not only in sporting
but in many other matters of the day, and
spirit of local enterprise characterizes its peo-
| pie which ranks it with some of Its more con-
spicuous country cousins. Thus it is that
tennis tournament has just taken place at
| this hillside village, which, for intense ex-
oitensnt, excellence of play, grace, beauty and
| skill of players, casts in the shade
| the tournaments of Newport, Narragansett,
Staten Island, and even Leno4s The grace
and personal beauty of players is not usually
| commented upon, but in this case. as would
| have at once been noticed by any passer-by,
/ the players were ladies, and uncommonly
| strong and athletic looking ladies, too. The
players were Ms'mselle Francise, Miss Lucy,
Ma'mselle Louise, Senorita Bonita, Miss Fan
ME, Ssnorita Woolsena, Mamselle FLEECE,
Fraulein Johannah and Miss Jemimah. The
oh Iar old
neoticut family names, but we are well
assured that the players were descendants of
good old New England stock. Such physi-
cal development as tennis will produce was
never more fully proven than in the fine
forms and figures possessed by each of
| the above contestants. Many young male
wielder of the racket and climber after the
| worlds championship would suffer defeat at
the hands Of these experts. Their cuts, back
hand plays, drives, etc., were worthy of a
| Beach or a Socum and ELECTED hearty APP
plause from the crowd of Cornwallites who
| watched the fast and furious progress Of the
game. No better evidence that Spartan blood
flows in the veins Of Connecticut girls could
1 be desired 1t may seem a little singular
that girls of tender years could bring them
selves to such perfection in what many con-
slider q manly sport only, but when you como
to consider Cornwall air and Cornwall "feed"
their superb physical condition Is no surprise.
Without going into detail as to the score of
the games suffice 1t to say that Mam'selle
Francise and Miss Lucy won the first, and
Mam'selle Louise and Senorita Bonita the
| second prize, and consolation prizes were
given to each of the others for excellent play.
The prizes were awarded in the evening at
sort of literary and social entertainment CIV
en- at the residence of Mr.. o. G.. Walbridge
in honor of the event. Previous to the pre-
sentation exercises, Miss Aunt Jerusha-a
celebrated character Of Cornwall and Of high
literary attaiumsnts, delivered an essay
relative to the general advancement of the
sex, and particularly upon its com
plets mastery of the art of
playing tennis. 1t was listened
to with marked attention and we'll merited
the hearty applause which greeted its close.
It will doubtless appear in pamphlet form.
Following the delivery of this a celebrated
Brooklyn divine, ably assisted by his good
wife, conducted the presentation exercises,
delivering the beautiful prizes with touching
and appropriate remarks, to which tho reoip-
tents, with maiden modesty, prettily re-
sporded. By request tho thanks of the
players arc heartily given Mr.. John E. CAL
mis- court at the use of the players. The
tournament was greatly enjoyed by all pres
emit, but there Is lurking impression in the
writer's mind that there was something
crooked about the affair, for he distinctly
fancy free a spirited maid would jump the net,
that faint suspicion of mems trousers
would be outlined against the sky. The
revelation of the camera which caught them
| in the act Is awaited with considerable inter-
eat