Turley Publications photos by Ruth M. Lyon

Mert Kenniston, Jim Snyder and Dick Rossman discuss the finer points of cutthroat croquet.

Croquet Social a ‘sociable success’ on West Brookfield common

WEST BROOKFIELD – It might have been a scene from one of Bill Jankins’ historic postcards. Ladies in Victorian whites, broad brimmed, flower bedecked, splendorous chapeaux, posed with colorful mallets, smiling at gentlemen in summer vests and white panama hats.

That was before the game started. Then the wickets got sticky, as murderous shots bridged balls, sent opponents flying, and displayed amazing and strategic form on West Brookfield’s common.

The occasion was the asparagus and flower heritage festival committee’s special Quaboag 350^th summer party. The croquet social featured eight croquet courts laid out in accordance with gay nineties rules. Courts equipped with period croquet stakes, balls and mallets, attracted a bevy of contenders, despite the threatening rain. Period clothing added to the fun, and caused slow traffic on adjoining Routes 9 and 67.

Nearby, Kara Bigda and friends dispensed lemonade, cookies and special fans, designed especially for the occasion and imprinted with Quaboag 350 information.

Youngsters, many of whom had never before had an opportunity to send a ball through a wicket with the mallet carrying one’s very own color code, fell in love with the game. They challenged one another, their parents, and anyone who stopped by to see what was going on.

Period costumes were not a requirement; several players sporting baseball caps, shorts, and other modern accouterments arrived ready for action. They played hard, snickered a little at the ladies’ hats, and said they were glad they’d joined in the day’s entertainment.

The rains finally caused the games to shut down, but not before all present agreed that it was such fun that it would have to happen again on a sunnier day.