By Clark Kendus
On The Walking Trail At Valley Forge
On the first weekend after the government shutdown ended Valley Forge National Park was once again a great place to take a walk on a beautiful fall afternoon. This appropriate welcome was on the foot trail near Varnum’s Headquarters.
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Kancamagus Highway – Pemigewasset Overlook – White Mountain National Forest
It is the day after Labor Day, and the crowds have departed the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Time is at hand to enjoy the natural beauty of this area. The trees are just starting to show some signs of fall color, and the air is crisp with the hint of autumn.
Sunset In The White Mountains – C L Graham Wangan Overlook
Sabbaday Falls – White Mountain National Forest
The Home Of Poet Robert Frost – 1915 To 1920 – Franconia, New Hampshire
Albany Covered Bridge – Spanning The Swift River – Originally Built in 1857
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U.S. Open Trophy On The 18th Hole At Merion On Wednesday
It was a gorgeous day at Merion on Wednesday. The Open trophy was brought out to the 18th hole near the green in the early evening for some promotional shots for British television to cap the day.
Some other scenes from the final day of practice before the tournament begins on Thursday – hopefully!
Practice Makes Perfect – Two Time Open Champion Ernie Els
Goodyear Blimp In A Cloudless Sky Over Merion’s Final Practice Round
View From The 18th Tee Grandstand Looking At The Famous Merion Quarry
Wind, Rain, or U.S.Open – Mailbox On Golf House Road Ready For The Postman
Merion Clubhouse – View From 1st Fairway Crossing
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The Merchandise Pavilion Tent At Merion Golf Club
Put the U.S. Open Merion logo on anything that does not move and you could probably sell it at the Merchandise Pavilion at Merion Golf Club. Items ranging from shot glasses to men’s short’s, and anything in between, featuring the iconic red wicker basket and U.S. Open Merion 2013, are available for sale.
I worked the first of my four shifts as one of the 1,100 merchandise volunteers at the “tent” yesterday. The tent is not really a tent, it is more like a portable department store, with 24,000 square feet of floor space, fitting rooms, and a bunch of cash registers. Yesterday was the second day of pre championship sales that run through Sunday, and admittance does not require a ticket during this time period.
During championship week there will be up to 850 of us merchandise volunteers staffing the 4 shifts that commence at 6:45 AM and end at 8:45 PM. Along with the Merchandise Pavilion there will also two smaller satellite tents on the course. These on site locations are the only source for the branded Merion logo merchandise.
I was assigned to the hat section of the tent. I have never seen so many hats in my life, of all possible colors and styles, and all emblazoned with the U.S. Open/Merion logo. Now you would have thought that on a dreadful day, weather wise, coupled with the fact that to shop you have to park at Villanova University, and take a bus to Merion, that the shopping crowd would be rather thin, but it was quite the contrary.
Stuff was flying off the shelves. I helped on guy who was buying 40 hats lay his prospective selection out on the floor and ensure he had the right color and style for each of his intended recipients. The vendor told me earlier in the day somebody topped that sale with a purchase of 80 hats. Most of the baseball style caps run $27.00 – I would suggest you get one that has a Merion logo ball marker included that attaches magnetically to the brim of the cap, it is the same price. People with bags and bags of purchases were commonplace.
Hats, Hats, Hats At The U.S. Open
Merchandise sales are the best since the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, according to the hat vendor, who commented that the 2011 Open at Congressional was the worst. He expects to move a tractor trailer full of hats, the merchandise trailers are lined outside the tent, and most likely will be ordering more product to be made on Monday to keep pace. I do not know how many hats can fit in a tractor trailer, but it is certainly quite a few.
As the crowds swell during championship week I am sure the merchandise will increasingly pour from the tent. If you come to Merion I will be glad to help you with your hat selection.
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Citizens Bank Park
I recently attended a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park, and as always was amazed at the prices at the concession stand. Needing to get a bite to eat before the game I shelled out $4.00 for a hot dog, just a regular sized one, and passed on the fountain soda which was $4.50. When you get a hot dog make sure to load up on the sauerkraut, so at least you get something for your money.
Check out the concession menu for Shibe Park in 1954. Hot dogs were 25 cents, and a Coke was 15 cents. I especially like the combination popcorn and megaphone for 25 cents! I am sure these price were considered outrageous at the time as well.
Shibe Park Concession Menu – 1954
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