Return to class

This is the first page of the 1949-1959 minutes of the"Florida Association of Golf Course Superintendents, written in the hand of secretary Mr. Joe Konwinski.  The entire 10 years are contained in two books, which have been scanned to CD.  I am currently transcribing the text, a sample of which follows.  The minutes describe the first use of 2,4-D on a Florida golf course, the early use of hybrid bermudagrasses, and other industry innovations. ~ Phil Busey, turf@ufl.edu

                                     Nov. 8, 1949

The 1949 November meeting of the Florida Association of Golf course Superintendents was held at the Lake Worth Golf Club.  Ward Wood read the minutes of the previous meeting, and after gave an impromptu talk on seeing the Lake Worth Golf Commission present at the meeting.
Mr. Briggs made a motion for a vote of thanks to Mrs. Bass and Mrs. Konwinski for the preparation of the fine food.
Dr. Bair - gave a little talk and report on his Milwaukee trip and turf meeting.   There was not much discussion on bermuda grasses mostly about northern grasses.   He also discussed grass plots at the exp. Station.  Also discussed was germanation [sic] of rye grass seed.
John Schabinger made a motion the organization present Gene Tift a plac [sic] for his efforts on developing a fine strain of bermuda.  It was suggest we name Gene the Greenskeeper of the Year.
Gene Tift gave a reply and told of his special strain how it started and he would be glad to help out all greenskeepers start a nursery.

My goals are:

1.  Preserve this valuable historical work in the living memory of golf course superintendents and all who care about turf.  To accomplish this, I would like to place the entire record, supporting photographs, and other historical information, on the World Wide Web. 

2.  Continue to work with Mr. Ralph White and others to write the History of Turf in Florida.

This is entirely a volunteer effort, that is, it is out of  love for the hard working people who have made the industry what it is today, therefore (speaking for Ralph as well) we appreciate all forms of support, including faded photos, dog-eared journals, live interviews, and especially good wishes and constructive criticisms.   

Phil Busey, turf@ufl.edu
16 July 1998

(return to top)

Contact us