To the treehouse:
Jeff and I have been in contact for a few days via email, and I appreciate Jeff for posting this.
One of the great virtues of this site (perhaps its best one) is that allows folks to connect, through their love of the game, in ways they might not otherwise have ever done. Several recent threads have commented on this aspect of GCA, and one of my first connections to someone on this site was Dan Moore. Dan's love for all things Langford, and Wisconsin, and old golf architects is well-known to GCA regulars. He has a deep appreciation for the history of the game and its courses, and -- better yet -- a friendly eagerness to extend that knowledge to others. It's been my great fortune over the past several years to meet several new friends, and enjoy some wonderful golf, through connections initiated by Dan.
Although little known to the GCA crowd, Dan for the past few years has also organized a match-play fall tournament called the Brewski Cup that pits Illinos golfers against their northern Wisconsin brethren. This year (although the event was postponed due to an unlucky run of bad weather), Dan somehow managed to arrange the 36-hole Brewski Cup at Olympia Fields -- not a bad site for a friendly competition among boyhood chums and golfing friends. I think Dan just wanted to extoll the virtues of Park and Bendelow's work to a new group of architectural converts.
I was able to attend the service for Barbara in Chicago last month, and in the midst of much sorrow due to her unexpected passing, there were some laughs, much reminiscing, and a deep appreciation for a full life, well-lived, and dedicated in service to others. After the service, we gathered in the basement of the church, and after a meal, watched as young members of a Chicago ballet company performed to Tchaikovky's "The Nutcracker Suite" -- one of Barb's favorites.
Those inclined to do so may wish to donate to:
American Lutheran Church
2500 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625-3026
Le Ballet Petit School of Dance
4630 North Francisco Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625-3723