NATIONAL CROQUET MUSEUM

Barton Gubelmann, or "Glamma" as she is affectionately called by friends ("Glamma" was granddaughter Marjorie's pronunciation of Grandma), is one of the very special ladies of croquet. Her sophisticated elegance, combined with her earthy humor and great natural warmth have endeared her to people throughout society, and especially to those in croquet circles.

Even before the first croquet tournaments in New York City and Palm Beach had taken place, Barton had organized and hosted the legendary "Sticky Wickets" tournament at the Gubelmann estate on Centre Island in Long Island. This was a most noteworthy site, as the estate could be recognized from the ocean by the appearance of the stern of a full-sized Spanish galleon planted against the cliffside, which was, in fact, their pool house. This tournament of friends, held every other year, was noted for Barton's fabulous parties which set the standard for the social activities still prevalent at fashionable croquet events today.

Barton's twenty five years of active competition are not to be taken lightly. Appearing on croquet lawns from New York to Palm Beach, she has accumulated more than her share of silver, including an impressive first place finish in this year's New England Regional First Flight Doubles Championship.

The former Barton Green, of Jacksonville, Florida, married Walter Gubelmann in 1941 and shared in his love of sailing, shooting and other activities. A renowned socialite, Barton has served as Chairman and Co-chairman of a number of charitable events including the prestigious Imperial Ball in New York City.

Barton's greatest love is her family. Barton and Walter's two sons, Bill and Jimmy are fine croquet players, and the five Gubelmann grandchildren will no doubt be seen on the croquet lawns in the near future.
It is a great deal more than the twenty plus years of participation and dedication to the game that we can attribute to Barton. Most recently, she has finished serving three valuable years as President of the Croquet Foundation of America. As such, her contribution has been enormous, assisting, not only in the growth of the sport, but vastly influencing the growth of contributions to the Foundation, strengthening its commitment to furthering the growth of croquet in America.

It is a great debt that we owe her … that, and our love. For indeed, if there is a true reflection of love, beauty and warmth in our midst, it is Barton Gubelmann.

Barton Gubelmann was inducted into the United States Croquet Hall of Fame in 1987.