While looking through old newspaper files recently I was interested to find a full-page of information devoted to “TIPS FOR TENNIS”. The reason for the page was the new Muscoda tennis courts were open and were ready to use. The article was authored by Bob Miller, Riverdale teacher and coach. It touched on such things as the history of the game, the proper way to score the game, serving tips, etc. Tennis was first played in this country near Boston in 1874 and was called “cricket.”
The Muscoda courts opened 49 years ago in the summer of 1974.
I had a little special interest in tennis, partially because we have my dad’s racket from the days he played recreational tennis among friends while he was in college in 1917 and 1918.
I thought perhaps the old Wilson racket should be re-strung and I would use it on the new courts. Bob volunteered to take it to Madison to have the work done. But the specialist in the city took one look at the racket and called other workers to see what he had. At that time our racket was already considered an antique and best left as it was. I never used it again and it now occupies a place of honor on the wall, along with some photos. Add on the years since 1974 and that old racket is at least 106 years old and counting.
A Good Year
The file book reveals 1974 was an interesting year for Muscoda. At Riverside Park a new shelter was built with the local firemen spending an evening erecting the roof. The Lions Club donated $1,000 toward the project and federal monies, administered by the state, applied for by the village board, completed the project.
A newspaper story noted: “When the shelter becomes a reality, it will be through the combined efforts of the firemen, Lions, the village, and state and federal branches of government.”
In August of that year the new Riverdale Manor was dedicated. The 80-bed care unit carried a price-tag of nearly $800,000. The ribbon cutter at the dedication was Congressman Vernon Thompson. The Muscoda Progressive devoted a special 8-page section to the dedication and details of the new endeavor.
In November, the local firemen were finally able to show off a new pumper truck. It had been on order for nearly two years. The unit cost approximately $32,000 and was the first new village truck since 1940. It could pump 1,000 gallons of water a minute. The Fire Chief at that time was Rodney Vance.
In December, 1974, work started on a state-funded snowmobile trail between Muscoda and Blue River, to be extended to Boscobel in the near future. There had been enough snow in the area that the annual Riverdale Christmas Concert had to be postponed.
