Dear Players and Friends,
On behalf of the members of The Mountain Lake Park Tennis Club, I invite you to join us for the 87th Annual Western Maryland Championships. Our red clay courts are over a century old and are kept in excellent condition. The Western Maryland Championships is the oldest sanctioned tournament in the state. We encourage players of all abilities to participate. With 17 divisions as well as players who range from nationally ranked to family members who play for fun, you are sure to find your match in our tournament.
Although remotely situated, Garrett County is easily accessible as interstate highways bring you to within 20 miles of our little corner of the Allegheny Highlands. The trip is as scenic and beautiful as Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding area, including half a dozen state parks and a wealth of recreational and lodging possibilities. You can stay at a campsite or a lavish lakefront property, a motel or a Bed & Breakfast. But as August is "prime time" here, we urge you to reserve a place as early as your plans allow. For more information, contact the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce or The Deep Creek Times, either by clicking the link below or calling (301) 387-4386. Driving Directions are also available at this site. And please, as soon as you know, let us know the telephone number where you can be reached during the tournament. This year, the cut-off date for entries is Tuesday, July 29, 2008. Play will begin on the morning of Thursday, July 31, 2008.
"Tennis Week" has been a tradition on the mountaintop since the first tournament in 1915. The Corn Roast, our primary social event, is a great time: good food, good music, memories revisited and memories made. Veteran players, we welcome you back... and please bring friends! I especially welcome newcomers to our Tournament and trust that you will thoroughly enjoy the great competition and good fun of Tennis Week in Mountain Lake Park.
If you are interested in participating in this year's competition, a printable entry form is available on this site.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Thursday, July 31, 2008: 7:30 p.m. - President's Reception.
Snacks and Refreshments near "The Haunt"
Friday, August 1, 2008: 7 - 8:00 p.m. - Corn Roast - "The Gables"
Hamburgers, corn and more!
The town of Mountain Lake Park was founded in 1881 as a summer place for religious and cultural experiences. It was considered the cultural center of the mid-Allegheny mountains and flourished as a "mountain Chautauqua" until the end of World War I. From the local Civic Club's minutes, we have learned that the Tournament began about 1915 using three available courts, two upper and one lower located next to the Mayor's Office near their present locations.
In the 1920's a sanction was obtained from the United States Lawn Tennis Association and the Western Maryland Championships became an official Tournament. Today, it is the oldest sanctioned tournament in the Tri-State area. By 1927, the tournament and the area had become so popular that there were 76 entries just in the Men's Singles category. By 1928, the three original courts had expanded to six and bathing facilities were provided for both men and women participants.
Today, the Mountain Lake Park Tennis Club manages four red clay courts adjacent to the Town Hall and visible from Maryland Route 135. With only a short break during World War II, tournament play on the red clay has remained unbroken and attracted players both recreationally and nationally. Many top players have made appearances over the years including such groundbreaking women's participants as Virginia Davis and Frances Grimes. West Virginia Senator Jennings Randolph attended regularly during his time as have many other accomplished participants.
Links of Interest
The United States Tennis Association
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
Town of Mountain Lake Park, MD
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