One of my earliest memories is that of playing back yard croquet at my cousin's house when I was 6 years old. I can't recall much except remembering how I thoroughly enjoyed myself during those times. As I grew up, I never knew about croquet as a sport. In the late 80's, while vacationing in Rhode Island, my wife, Maryann and I visited the Newport Casino to tour the Tennis Hall of Fame. During our visit, the New England Regional Croquet Tournament was in progress. Immediately, we knew that we wanted to play competitive croquet. But, unfortunately, living in Central Pennsylvania, we were more than 4 hours from the closest croquet club.
For many years, we would be content to watch croquet and dream about the day we might have the opportunity to play the game. Once, while on a return visit to the Newport Casino, we met Bob Potter, a gentleman who happened to be from our home town. Bob was at the Casino watching his good friend Ross Robinson play in a croquet tournament.
Bob told us of another couple who lived in State College who were also very interested in croquet: George and Margaret Downsbrough. This couple had a long history of interesting passions, from soaring across the US in a Nelson Hummingbird to raising prize sheep. But now, their passion was croquet. Upon meeting George and Margaret, we embarked upon the joint venture of building our own croquet court.
In 1996, we built a 1/2 size, bent grass court according to the specifications laid out in Dr. Carl Mabee's book: "A Guide to Croquet Court Planning, Building & Maintenance." The court is very fast, and very flat. A small court, but perfect for practicing the skills required to play championship croquet.
Direct link to
Berry Downs Croquet Club home page.