Dear TCA Members,
    I am indeed honored to begin serving you as President of the Tennis Collectors of America, representing a truly enjoyable group of collectors and historians who have found a most intriguing bond in the sport of tennis. It is my goal to continue to put forth the seriousness of intent demonstrated by our past Presidents and reach out to our membership to encourage your involvement in assisting the growth and enjoyment of our shared passion.
   Before the year is too far underway, let me thank in advance, the new and continuing members of the Board and able officers. Let me recognize in this statement that which I am mindful of daily, the above and beyond efforts of Brad McCall, Clark Bensen, John Hichwa, Parry and Becky Desmond, Greg and Priscilla Wilt. Included are those individuals who regularly submit articles and take on "committee of one" duties in organizing our annual meetings. These contributions are many and appreciated. I am indebted to your continued good works. 
   There are not enough words to say how important it becomes year after year as we grow, to keep the infrastructure of the organization supporting the fun we enjoy in our collecting pursuits. However, as we have dreamed it and deemed i t into an association housing members, officers, by-laws and a website, our annual dues are the air these valuable branches breathe. If you have not already paid your dues for 2009, please take a moment of your time in the next 18 days - and no more, to renew your membership. Be selfish. We are an organization with by-laws. According to those guidelines, members may renew after the 28th of this month, but a stipulation exists: If you renew past the 28th of February, your current member number will be lost permanently and a new one must be assigned. Within groups such as ours, maintaining lower or original membership numbers are considered badges of honor as club membership grows. Dues have not increased for 2009 and are still at just $30.00. So again,if you have not done so already,send a check payable to: Tennis Collectors of America or "TCA" and send it to Greg and Priscilla Wilt, 943 Winter Ridge Drive, Sidney, Ohio  45365 937-497-8118. Do it today. Its painless. If you are unsure of your current status, please email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  .
    As membership should have its privileges, a well founded rumor or two concerning our area of interest before news hits the general public can be valuable. I have recently been notified- unofficially- of plans to hold a major auction of tennis items on the grounds of the US Open during the hours leading up to the men's final on Sunday, September 13. Gue rnsey's, of New York, has made some serious inroads to secure space at Flushing Meadow. The reputable firm has offered collections from the Kennedy, Mickey Mantle and Elvis Presley estates in recent years. As with many major auctions, live bidding by Internet will allow those unable to be on site to participate. One unique aspect I learned from speaking with coordinator Arlen Ettinger, is that the customary preview -usually a day or two in advance- will be ongoing from Day1 of the Open. There is no substitute for examining items in person before bidding or buying as we well know. Hope to keep you updated as further information is relayed to me.
   Finally, please plan on joining me along with many other TCA members in Newport, RI, this July 9 through 12 at our annual meeting.The schedule of events and the trip to the cradle of American Lawn Tennis is more than worth the visit. I look forward to either seeing you again or having the pleasure of meeting you. Either way, its a win for me.

Best wishes and enjoy your acquisitions, 
George Wolbers