L. Gillespie Erskine, Jr. elected FMTC President (1977-1979)

L. Gillespie Erskine, Jr. Photograph taken at FMTC Centennial, 1983
L. Gillespie Erskine, Jr. Photograph taken at FMTC Centennial, 1983
FMTC Presidents
A gathering of Fox Meadow Presidents in 1983.
Standing: Walter Close, Charlie Evans, Ted Beck, Gil Erskine, John Ware, Steve Wilson, Bill Koegel.
Seated: Ollie Kingsbury, Jim Carlisle, Bob Lee, Paul Sullivan, Dick Hebard, George Harrison
Source: Fox Meadow Tennis Club: The First Hundred Years, Diana Reische, 1983

Louis Gillespie (Gil) Erskine (1921-) was born in New York City and spent his early years in Larchmont, NY, and nearby Scarsdale. Following graduation from Salisbury School, he attended Princeton University. Erskine left after his sophomore year to become a glider pilot in World War II, stationed primarily in Rome. He received the Air Medal for his service.

Following the war, Erskine received a law degree from New York University, which, taking his war experience into account, accepted him as a student despite his not having graduated from college. He was happy to pass the Bar exam on the first try.

The last 25 years of Erskine’s business career were spent as president of Financial Institutions Retirement Fund, located in White Plains, NY. He retired in 1986, having growing the business very successfully.

The Fox Meadow Tennis Club has been an important part of Erskine’s life ever since his family joined when he was a teenager. Until recently, he has been active on both the tennis and paddle tennis courts.

Erskine assumed the presidency of the Club in 1977. During his term Phoebe Creamer became the first woman allowed to serve on the FMTC Board since Hopeton Atterbury’s presidency in the early 1900s. Women were not accepted for full membership in the Club until the prior term of John Ware. Creamer was opposed to women on the Board, but, having been elected herself, she proved to be an outstanding member according to Erskine.

Since Erskine’s retirement from the Board 36 years ago, his interest in sport has continued. He founded The Westchester Triathalon, a recognized sporting event; played tennis at the Club until recently, and now takes frequent energetic walks at the age of 94.

Source: Molly Ware interview with Gil, April 2015

Gil’s brother, W Birks Erskine, was killed in WWII and is on the Clubs Honor Roll for service to their country.