History of the MGCSA
The history of the Maine Golf Course Superintendents Association as recalled by
Roger Lowell.
The Maine Golf Course Superintendents Association as we know it today started forming in late 1963. The bylaws were written in 1964.
The need to form an association was the concern of several superintendents and a couple of sales people that were attending the Maine Conference as it used to be held at the University of Maine at Orono. The turf conference preceded our association. This was a second attempt to form an association. An association called the Green's Keepers of Maine failed an attempt from a lack of interest or ability to travel, or both. Members like Jim Jones, and even the legendary Manny Francis of Vesper Country Club of Lowell, Mass. were part of that era. Manny built and maintained what today is the South Portland Municipal Golf Club.
Burt Huderson and Austin Kelley were very instrumental in getting things kicked off with the aid of longtime Sec/Treasurer Harold Hathaway.
I almost hate to make list of member names as I am sure to forget some, but here goes.
1964
Burt Anderson Austin Kelly Jack Small Lloyd Ruby John Davis Roger Lowell | Harvey LaMontagne Paul Brown Jack Mansure Harold Hathaway Frank Rhndel Jim Jones | Fred McPheters Bob Flanagan Nal Poltile Oscar Young Tom Muccie Chet Sawtelle |
As you can see from this list, at $5.00 a membership we collected $95.00 in dues in 1964. Many meetings in those days would be attended by 8 to 10 people. Remember that most of us were still driving cars left over from the late 50's and a trip to Augusta from Arundel would be a days event.
This was also the reason that there were three area Vice Presidents. One northern, one central and one southern, if the President could not make a meeting, then the area Vice President would preside over the meeting. The year I was president, 65-66 the area Vice Presidents were: John Dana, Paul Brown and Jim Jones.
Many times postage and their expenses were paid for by Yerxas because our long time treasurer Harold Hathaway was general manager of that company. We owe a debt of gratitude to both Yerxas and Sawtell Brothers who often helped the MGCSA with expenses in the early days. By the late 60's our membership had grown to about 50 members, that even brought hard workers like Dave Huff who helped carry the ball for many years. If I were asked today to what do I attribute to the on going success of MGCSA I would have to say its all the members who gave their time and made meetings to be with their peers.
MGCSA Distinguished Service Award Recipients
1983 Ernest Hawkes
1984 Dr. Vaughn Holyoke
1985 Roger Lowell
1986 James Jones
1987 Richard Yerxa
1988 Jack Small
1988 Dave Huff
1989 Robert Browne
1990 Chuck Ravis, CGCS
1991 Kevin Ross, CGCS
1992 James Diorio, CGCS
1994 Chris Heath
1994 Fred McPheters
1995 Patrick Lewis, CGCS
1996 Robert Flanagan
1997 James Hodge
1998 David Child
1999 Greg Searle
2000 Joe Ruby
2001 Dick Fahey
2002 Gerry White
2003 Scott Cybulski, CGCS
2004 Nancy DeFrancesco
2005 Greg Grenert
2006 Tom Small
2007 Steve Geary
2008 Mark Miller
2009 Jeff Hevey
2010 Robbie Brown
2011 Ed Michaud
2012 Harold Hawkes
2013 Rick Lewis
2014 Steve Hoisington
2015 Greg Holder
2016 Jesse O’Brien
2017 Toby S. Young
2018 Bob Searle
2019 Mike Guibord