The 8 Stillman Memorial Croquet Tournament -
It's not just another silly backyard game - It's an adventure!
Never did we believe that this now unnamed backyard throwdown- hoedown would become quite the family reunion of sorts, that it is this very day. Back then (1989), it was much more informal. Although you could feel the beginnings of something very special starting to percolate up from the roots. Friends from Don's band "The Troublemakers" made it for the first few years, largely because they heard there was free food and beer and food, especially the food. Donna's co-workers from Glen Cove Hospital made appearances. Most of the family members were local at this time, so most of them were on-hand. There was even a few appearances of attendees from the "10th Avenue Freezeout," many of whom worked with Donna at the Day Care Center in Sea Cliff.
It's not until 1991, when Don and Donna purchase a brand-spanking new Croquet set, fresh from L.L. Bean that sets this story in motion. Competition is beginning to stir within the many new attendees and winning the tournament isn't just winning the tournament, any longer. It's bringing honor unto your house. It's bringing your family name into the hall of kings. It's rising above the fray. It's hoisting your arms in the air and yelling "BITE ME" for all the world to hear. For on that day, you are the reigning king for all the world to see and rejoice.
It is the anticipation of this type of exaltation and excitement that can only bring about ones' demise and with the passion only known to a few, one Michael McCartney is brought to fevered pitch by this type of competition. Not long into his second round, Michaels' accuracy begin to wane. The heat, the beer, the pressure, the beer, the trash talk, the beer, the sun, and of course, the beer - all begin to take their toll. The course began to play against him. He could feel the day slipping away. He knew that this would not be the day where he would best the field. In this spirited moment, he slams down the brand new, recently purchased, still in pristine condition, unmarked, un-nicked croquet mallet, splintering its delicate shaft, showering the horrified on-lookers with fear and horror. He smashed it into the turf in utter disgust with his less then perfect effort. This may seem unsportsmanlike to some but to those that know the feeling of that missed opportunity; that missed chance to roquet a competitor into the weeds beyond the outhouse, know that this reaction is only part of the game. As in 1989 and 1990, the winner of the tourney in 1991 is unknown as the legend is told, but fun was had by all.
In the coming weeks, The Dawson's clean house and come across Mr. McCartney's handiwork, the sad and forlorn pummeled mallet. Somewhere along the course of recent events, someone had also smashed a croquet ball. Unfortunate, maybe. But in that moment, the idea of creating a memorial; a tribute; an honorarium - a trophy to remind all of that passion within. An oak plank is obtained, stained and decoratively routed. A brass plaque is attached for the names of those that will stand up to the test. Now enshrined in gold (Krylon), is that original pummeled McCartney mallet - it is at this point "The 8 Stillman Memorial Croquet Tournament" is born.
Click here to see the names of PAST CHAMPIONS
The 2009 tourney is now officially over - Robert has achieved something never before accomplished to date. First off, he is our first 8-time champion. He was recently quoted as saying - "I am going to win the next one - making it three in a row and thereby claiming 50% of all the tournament championships." A feat never before attempted and a feat once accomplished, will never be repeated!" Er......good luck with that - let us know how it works out.
