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History of Live Oaks Tennis Association The Live Oaks Tennis Association in South Pasadena is perhaps the oldest private tennis club in Southern California, founded in 1912. The club was originally comprised of three clay courts on Oak Ave. and moved to its current Oak Meadow location in 1926. Four cement courts and a club house were then constructed. Among the twenty prominent citizens of the area that made up the initial membership were; Clarence Barker, grandson of O.T.Barker, founder of the Barker Brothers Furniture Stores, David Duncan, who was the first president, John Stuart of San Marino, treasurer; Albert Doerr, Arthur Babcock, Fred H. Hammer, S. C. Brewster, Judge Frederick W. Houser, Charles North, Preston B. Plumb, E.F. Hobert, Clyde Church, Horace Vedder, Luther Lee, Norman T. Kirk, Judge Walton N. Wood, Herbert W. Packard, Walter Krug, Ernest Havrill, and Judge Crump. Upton Sinclair, famed novelist and political writer, could often be found playing on the Live Oaks courts as well. Shortly before World War I Maurice McLoughlin and Thomas Bundy, both members of the 1914 Davis Cup Team, played an exhibition doubles match against Clarence Barker and Simpson M. Sinsabaugh on the Live Oaks courts. In the 20's, Live Oaks took on Monrovia Tennis Club and Dos Robles of Alhambra in three cornered round robin inter clubs. Other contests were played with the Valley Hunt Club of Pasadena and Los Angeles Tennis Club. Live Oaks Tennis Club's roster was increased by eleven new members from Dos Robles Club of Alhambra when they sold its' property in 1945. To stimulate competition, Live Oaks had three silver trophies; the Spalding trophy for Handicap Singles, played each Memorial Day; the Laura Preston Chase Cups and Trays, played Thanksgiving and Independence Days in Handicap Men's Doubles; and the Brininstool Trophy for Men's Open Singles. Today, Live Oaks has one hundred and ten active members who all enjoy the camaraderie and good tennis of (perhaps) the oldest private club in southern California.
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