Tennis Club of St. Croix
Club History
Almost a century ago, when the idea of a tennis club on St. Croix was conceived, the only courts available were a few on private estates and two on the property of the Moravian Church. The latter were clay courts which the tennis enthusiasts of the day had to wet down, drag and oll to make them fit for play.
In the late thirties, Harry and Dick Armstrong offered to give the land on which the Tennis Club of St. Croix now stands if other tennis players would donate the money to build the courts and a clubhouse. It was not long before the project was underway. By 1939 the Club was established, two clay courts built and a clubhouse erected. Principal contributors were from old families" of the island and officers of the Virgin Islands Company. The intervening years witnessed many changes. Hard surface courts replaced clay after about five years. A third court was added in the mid-sixties and a fourth in 1980. Extensive additions were made to the clubhouse.
The menu of the first annual dinner and dance, January 1940, which appears framed on the wall of the bar at the entrance to the dining area,
contains the names of many of the charter members of the Club. For their vision, members of the Tennis Club of St. Croix shall be ever grateful. On January 28, 1989, a gala dinner took place to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Tennis Club of St. Croix. A memorable part of the program was the presentation of a plaque honoring the founding members.
On September 17, 1989, Hurricane Hugo devastated the island of St. Croix and destroyed the clubhouse along with tennis and croquet facilities. Through the dedication and hard work of the members, the Tennis Club was rebuilt and opened again on April 12, 1990. Much needed interior decorating was done in 2007. But, after years of tracked courts and declining activity, the club was struggling. Once again, through the dedication and generosity of some of the "old families", and with the support of the general membership, the tennis courts were rebuilt and the croquet field enhanced in 2008.
On March 7, 2015 a gala dinner celebrated our 75th Anniversary and another plaque was presented honoring the founding members. Over these 75 years the club has expanded and today reflects the rich diversity of our St. Croix community. We remain strong – For the Love of the Game.
In September 2017, Hurricane Maria battered the island of St. Croix and left the Tennis Club in shambles once again. The clubhouse and courts were severely damaged, and the surrounding area was left in disarray. But the spirit of the Tennis Club community remained unbroken.
With the same determination that had carried the Club through Hurricane Hugo, members rallied together to rebuild and restore the Club to its former glory. Through countless hours of hard work and the support of the broader community, the Tennis Club of St. Croix once again rose.
Like many organizations, the Tennis Club of St. Croix was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In the interest of the health and safety of our members, we temporarily closed our clubhouse and suspended our group events and programs. However, we quickly adapted to the new circumstances and implemented new measures to ensure that our members could continue to enjoy the sport they love in a safe and responsible way. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, our Tennis Club community remained strong and resilient.
Today, we are proud to say that our clubhouse and courts are better than ever, and we are excited to welcome members and guests back to our beloved club. The Tennis Club of St. Croix stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of our community, and we remain committed to serving as a vibrant and inclusive gathering place for generations to come.
