Two tennis players on the courts of the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club pose for a portrait on July 20, 1957. Dressed in traditional whites, the couple are carrying their Bancroft and Spalding of Canada rackets. John Been of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and Sue Butt, 19, of Victoria B.C., were finalists in the men's and women's singles during the 66th annual Pacific Northwest Championships which opened on July 15, 1957. Been went on to lose to top seeded Noel Brown of Santa Monica, California, in straight sets, but rebounded to win the men's doubles and mixed doubles championships. Butt, second seeded in singles, defeated top seeded 16-year-old Patty Miller of Portland, 6-1, 6-2. She also teamed with Miller to win the women's doubles. Matches took place at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. Established in 1905, Tacoma Lawn Tennis is still located in Tacoma's North end, next door to Annie Wright Seminary. Members continue to play tennis on the well-maintained courts and lessons are offered by club professionals. 2002 marked the 111th annual Pacific Northwest Championships held at the Club; the event attracted participants from as far away as the Czech Republic. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. (TNT 7-14-57, B-10, 11, TNT 7-21-57, B-12, TNT 7-22-57, p. 18)
Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club (Tacoma); Tennis players--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tennis rackets;