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The outdoors club of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
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According to Grace Bean, author of The Town at the End of the Road, the definitive written history of Waterville Valley, NH,
a group of guests in 1888, staying at the Elliot Hotel, which later became The Waterville Inn, "formed the Waterville Athletic
and Improvement Association (WAIA)." Many years later, when the Town changed its name to Waterville Valley, so as not to be confused,
as often was the case, with Waterville, Maine, the group amended the name to Waterville Valley Athletic and Improvement Association
(WVAIA). In discussing the life at the Elliot's hotel, which was then the center of activity in the valley, Grace Bean notes that the
WAIA "proved to be an ever active influence on hotel life." She goes on to say that "From the beginning members assumed the care of
hiking paths, but other activities soon claimed their share of attention. Tennis courts and a golf course supplemented the bowling
alley and croquet court." In regards to the bowling alley, the first one was apparently located near the house of Hans and Margret Rey,
authors of the Curious George books, but it succumbed to the elements in 1903. A second alley was built where Stone Tower Lane
now connects Route 49 to West Branch Road. This second alley was repaired by the WAIA in 1930, but eventually, it too, became
dilapidated, presumably from disuse. Ultimately, Ralph Bean, the owner-operator of the inn, dismantled the alley around 1952. As to
the croquet, still a WVAIA tradition here in Waterville Valley, [see CROQUET], Grace Bean tells us "A special from of croquet known as
roque became popular." She goes on to say, "A tennis court was already in use when the association was founded, and in 1891 the
group [WAIA], made plans to build a second one. Golf started in 1898 as a result of trips to Scotland by Doctor Frederick Briggs
and the Reverend Francis Peloubet, who discovered the sport there and brought their clubs into the Valley. The WAIA, having been
persuaded that a golf course was desirable, proceeded to appoint a committee of three to lay out the course and draw up rules.
Hotel guests went around the pasture in front of the inn, picking up rocks to make space. By 1900 the course presumably had been
completed, as a golf tournament was held and prizes awarded: six golf balls for first prize and three for second prize
(both men and ladies)."
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