James Carlisle’s “Hiawatha” poem

James Carlisle's
James Carlisle's "Hiawatha" poem, with due apologies to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem was read at the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the game held at Fox Meadow on February 21, 1953.
James Carlisle reading his poem at Fox Meadow in 1953 James Carlisle reading his poem at Fox Meadow in 1953

The Old Army Athletes (OAA) had a long tradition of enlivening celebrations with poetry about the game and the people involved starting with Frederick Lewis Allen, editor of Harper’s magazine, and his wife. The Allens were neighbors of the Cogswells and regulars at OAA gatherings. This tradition carried over to Fox Meadow when many OAA joined after the construction of the first paddle court. On February 21, 1953 another poet laureate for platform tennis came to the fore at the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the game at Fox Meadow. The poet laureate was James M. Carlisle, a worthy successor to the Allens and one of the games best players, even though he served underhanded!

Source: Fessenden S. Blanchard, Platform Paddle Tennis, 1959