Invention of Paddle Tennis in Scarsdale
- Date Range
- November 1928 – 2021
- Title
- Invention of Paddle Tennis in Scarsdale
- What occurred
- Throughout Scarsdale's history, an emphasis on the outdoors and recreational activities have always been stressed amongst town officials. There are spaces scattered around Scarsdale devoted to the health of the environment and leisurely activities. In the fall of 1928, Jimmy Cogswell and Fess Blanchard built a wooden platform, with the intention of playing volleyball or badminton on it. However, the dimensions for those sports didn't really fit the sizing of the platform, so created their own game called paddle tennis, which is essentially smaller tennis using paddles instead of racquets. This game quickly popularized in Scarsdale; many country clubs and parks started building paddle courts for people to enjoy. People had so much fun with the game that it expanded nationwide. Cogswell and Blanchards' positive mistake led them to create a game that is not only a great way to enjoy recreation outside, but is widely played throughout America to this day, especially in suburban areas.
- Location
- 14 Wayside Ln, Scarsdale, NY 10583
- Image Citation
- http://platformtennishalloffame.org/event/the-founders/
- Student name(s)
- Jeremy Schmelkin