DHK: Dorothy Head Knode, My Mother, The Tennis Star
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Dorothy Head Knode, my mother, the tennis star. |
My mom embodies all the characteristics you’d imagine of a child born on July 4th. Independent. Passionate about politics. And determined in her “pursuit of happiness.”
As famed tennis star, Billie Jean King declared, “Dorothy Head Knode was tenacious.” Indeed, Mom’s unwavering spirit led her to realize the dream of every tennis player : An invite to the famed grass courts of Wimbledon. In fact, she played Wimbledon thirteen times and was given the sweet satisfaction of holding semi-finalist medals on two occasions!
Courage may be inherent in Mom’s matrix. Explaining her mother's appearances in and out of her life, Mom says, "She was sort of a gypsy." Also, as a small girl, she stood firm as her stepmother literally boxed in her ears. Whenever I’ve asked about the situation, I get a shrug of the shoulders.
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Aunt Mabel at her job as Executive Assistant to the President of Montgomery Ward. |
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Mom shaking hands with General Naguib. |
In her teens and twenties (and beyond), Mom traveled solo and worked odd jobs so she could afford travel to tournaments. Including a trip to Egypt in the ‘50s where as a single gal on the tennis circuit she was rubbing elbows with revolutionary General Naguib. (Modeling himself after Napoleon, he was the first president of the country.)
Previous to the 1970s, tennis was an amateur sport. Players were prohibited from accepting endorsement deals and commercial contracts. Businessmen like William duPont, Jr. who were sympathetic to budding tennis stars, hired mom. (Mr. duPont, Jr. was married for a bit to Margaret Osborne duPont, another Tom Stow protégé who won 25 US Grand Slam Championships in her lifetime.) Mom recalls taking notes in the wee hours of the morning as Mr. duPont, Jr. rode in his limo and reviewed his factories. Keeping in mind her goal of making money for tournament fees, she did the work without complaint.
With her savings, Mom booked a third class cabin ticket on a freighter bound for England. (Subsequent trips to the UK provided slightly more luxurious travel and accommodations.) The multiple invites to England’s Wimbledon and America’s most prestigious tournaments, of course, kept her motivated. As well as the encouragement of her supporters. Brushing my fingers over the rumpled Western Union telegrams that were sent from Aunt Mabel and coach, Tom Stow, I still felt the pride in their congratulatory messages.
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Mom's handwritten notes: "1st serious BF." (boyfriend) and "From Aunt Mabel, Gran and dog B." (Bimba) |
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Accolades from Mom's tennis coach, Tom Stow. |
The elegant settings and hobnobbing with the elite of society kept her motivated, too. The classic invite to the Competitor’s Tea at Wimbledon was one of many A-list gatherings which she attended. Mom recalls finger sandwiches and scones at the Wimbledon tea. (My imagination conjures up white-gloved servers passing top-drawer sweets on silver trays and pouring Earl Grey – the champagne of teas – into gold-rimmed cups.)
Mom also had the honor of participating as a member of the winning US Wightman team with tennis superstars Louise Brough, Althea Gibson, Darlene Hard and Margaret Osborne duPont in 1957. (The tussle for the Wightman trophy was an annual competition between the US and the UK which ended in 1989.)
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The triumphant 1957 US Wightman Team with their trophy. |
In addition to her English triumphs, in the 1950s Mom consistently ranked in America’s top ten players. She was also a runner-up in the 1955 and 1957 French Championships. She also claimed victory in the German and US Clay Court Championships. Mom’s record-setting number of Clay Court wins remains undefeated.
Decades later, Mom is still dedicated to her sport. If not on the court or in the gym, she’s on the couch watching a tennis match. (If tennis is not on the screen, CNN News will be blasting from the tube.) If I happen to telephone during Wimbledon or the French Open, I am guaranteed a brief conversation.
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The 80s-and-over golden medal garnered in Turkey. |
In 2008, she took the top title in the 80-and-Over Super Seniors World Championships in Turkey. Ironically, a chance meeting at a 1950s Istanbul cocktail party led to the wedding two months later of tennis-superstar Mom and Radio Free Europe spy-guy Dad. In the ‘60s they bid each other adieu. But, the union produced DD#1 and DD#2. (Mom’s nicknames for Darling Daughter #1, my sister, Karen and Darling Daughter #2, the Ninja Baker.)
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A 1959 newspaper clipping spotlighting Mom and DD#1 - my sister, Karen. |
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DD#2 and my darling, David on either side of Mom. |
August 5, 2011: The Southern California chapter of the USTA (United States Tennis Association) inducted Dorothy Head Knode into the Hall of Fame. Mom was in excellent company. (Yes, hubby, David and I. Tee hee.) Other honored inductees included Billie Jean King, the winner of 39 Grand Slam Championships! She is also famous for her 1973 Battle of the Sexes victory over Wimbledon Singles Men Champion, Bobby Riggs. Side note: John Riggs, brother of famous Bobby, gave Mom her first kiss – on the cheek.
(Left) John Riggs & Mom
(Right) Billie Jean King kindly smiles for a photo with Mom and me
Although no kisses were exchanged at the USTA event, a video was shown featuring renowned figures from the world of tennis praising Mom’s accomplishments and abilities. Billie Jean King declared that Mom was always her “she-hero.” The USTA ceremony was held at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills. As expected, everything was gorgeous. White roses bloomed in the center of every table. And like the fresh flowers, all food items appeared to have been purchased in the a.m. from a farmer’s market. The first course was a perfectly cooked salmon with a hint of miso. Bacon bits decorated a wedge of crisp lettuce. Dessert choices included crème brulee with divine raspberries and chocolate pudding cake. Wine flowed freely. And waiters folded napkins anytime someone stepped away from the table. Sorry. In all the excitement I forgot to take pictures of the food.
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Aunt Mabel |
I did, of course, remember Aunt Mabel during the grand event. I’m almost positive she was cheering Mom on as she watched with the other angels in Heaven. In addition, to providing a home, tennis lessons, a world-class coach, and education for my mother, Aunt Mabel made all the meals. Her suppers were far from the gourmet fare served up at the fancy Four Seasons. (However, I bet the love in her food aced any French Legion of Honor decorated chef.) Her specialties according to Mom were meatloaf and angel food cake. I humbly present my modern cupcake version of the beloved lady’s angel food cake. (Mom’s interest is tennis not baking so Aunt Mabel’s recipe was never passed on.)
Aunt Mabel crossed over when I was about seven. My one precious memory includes staying at her home in the San Francisco area was when I was about five. After flying from Tokyo (with a hired chaperon) for many hours, this wonderful brunette lady introduced herself as Aunt Mabel. She hugged me and took me to two supermarkets so I could drink the coveted American chocolate milk... Even when she wasn’t literally hugging me, I felt safe in her loving embrace.
My Great Aunt Mabel also proved to be a heavenly guardian for Dorothy Head Knode, my mother, the tennis star.
Wishing you angels who brighten your every day.
The Ninja Baker
© ™Watkinson 2012