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​The town roller was towed by Win Churchill’s model A Ford “Annabelle” over the courts to condition them each spring. The tapes were protected during the winter with boards put down by the members.
 In the late 1940’s, a group of Bass River residents got together and built four red clay tennis courts on the property between River Street and South Street – where Elm Lane is today. This property was owed by Charles Henry Davis of the House of Seven Chimneys. It was a small local group who played there until 1951. When the “summer folk” returned, they found the courts gone and houses being constructed.  An immediate effort was made to rebuild. Land was located at the courts current location – off Old Main Street. Mrs. Frank Hallowell agreed to “rent” the land for $1.00 a year, with the “right to purchase the land after 15 years at the going rate for that area less the value of the improvement.”

​During the winter of 1952, Warren Baker built four courts for $7,398.19.  Tennis balls cost $.45 each less 2%.  The Bass River Tennis Club was founded by local families buying $250.00 units with a goal of $10,000.  Many of these families are still members today.   
In the late 1950’s Dick Corsini, now living in Yarmouth Port, was the pro and was compensated $37.50 a week. He was given a list of the 12 paid members and told “I am sure there are other people who have undoubtedly not paid but are playing. Would you try to see that they send in their checks promptly as we are considerably behind and have many bills to pay.” Harold and Maude Smith bought the Hallowell property and extended the lease. During this period, the club held NLTA “sanctioned” tournaments. Don Budge played an exhibition match with Fred Horner and other club members. The club kept growing and in 1972, under the leadership of Boardman Lloyd, the land was purchased from the Smith’s and the club incorporated. Since there already was a Bass River Tennis Club, a new name was needed. By this time there were many members from further afield, so the South Yarmouth Tennis Club seemed like a good name and was adopted..
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Don Budge, Tennis Champion: Australian Open [1938], French Open [1938], Wimbledon [1937, 1938, 1939], U.S. Open [1937, 1938]
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Peter Acheson (l) and Prescott Winslow (r).
Two additional hard courts were built and then converted to clay courts. The original red clay was converted to Har-Tru. A small Club House was built and the membership expanded to attract members from all over the Cape. Committees were set up to handle Maintenance, Social Activities, Membership, and other required functions. Today there is an active Board of Directors and Club Manager that officially manage the club.

​Now, there are more than 200 members, 6 courts, and the club is open from Mid-April to Mid-October. There is a full-time Club Manager to maintain and keep the courts in great condition and open daily from 8:00 AM to dusk. There are a variety of memberships and ways for players of all abilities to enjoy and learn to play tennis at the club.