The Newport Casino stands as a cornerstone of American tennis history and cultural heritage. From hosting the first U.S. National Singles Championship in 1881 to its modern-day role as home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, this National Historic Landmark has remained at the heart of tournament tennis for over a century. Beyond tennis, the Casino’s rich legacy extends into the arts and entertainment world, serving as a venue for the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals and housing the beautifully restored Casino Theatre.
Tennis and the Newport Casino is a book celebrating this remarkable site. It offers a curated collection of photographs from the International Tennis Hall of Fame, celebrating the rich history of the club and its indelible connection with the sport. Tournament tennis in the United States originated at the site in 1915 with the US National Singles Championship, which eventually became the US Open. It has been an integral part of the historic fabric of tennis ever since. The Newport Casino holds a vital place in the cultural history of Newport, serving as a venue for concerts, dances, dining, horse shows, lawn bowling, tea parties, and theatrical productions.
The book is organized into chapters that each focus on an aspect of the site’s history. It highlights the architecture of the clubhouse and how the Casino served as a summer playground for Newport’s social elites. The photos provide a glimpse into the Gilded Age of extravagant displays of wealth and excess within America’s early aristocracy.
As the title suggests, Tennis and the Newport Casino also contains historic photos from the earliest tournaments held at the site. The US National Championships were held there from its inception in 1881 until 1914. During these years, the tournament established itself as one of the premier events in tennis and attracted top players of the era. The Casino’s elegant setting and grass courts provided the perfect backdrop for the championship’s early development and established traditions that shaped the foundation of tennis culture in the United States.
As someone well-versed in the tennis aspects of the Newport Casino, I was somewhat surprised to see how far the club’s social scene extended beyond the sport. It was a hub for both leisure and high society. Its storied cultural and social gathering legacy makes it a beacon of Newport’s historical and modern social identity.
Photographic resources, like the ones in this book, are invaluable for preserving and understanding the rich tapestry of history. The images capture moments that words alone cannot fully convey and offer a vivid window into the past. These photographs connect us with the personalities, traditions, and atmospheres that defined the venue’s heyday.
Tennis and the Newport Casino offers a deep appreciation of Newport’s unique role in tennis and social culture in the United States. I highly recommend this curated visual journey to all tennis enthusiasts interested in the sport’s rich history.
Tennis and the Newport Casino (<- Sponsored Link)
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