“STILL A SPORT”

By Hazel Edmonds Brandrum

Howard Lewis Edmonds (“Howie” to most folks) demonstrated a great love for sports from an early age. This interest in sports grew out of his involvement, as a youngster, in programs at the old Dunbar Boys Club on Quincy St. This old building is still intact. At that time, the St. John’s Congregational Church ran the Boys Club. Dr. William N. DeBerry was the pastor.

Howie’s first team experience was with the Dunbar Juniors basketball team. Their practice sessions were held in the old Buckingham Junior High School gymnasium on Eastern Avenue. Today the new Mason Square Fire Station is located on this site. Just before entering junior high, he came home with a broken leg, the result of playing sandlot football. This accident did not diminish his love for sports. While in junior high at Buckingham, he honed his basketball skills under coach Al Peabody. At Classical High School, he played varsity basketball, baseball and football. He established a high school record as a running back. In a game against Tech High, he caught their kickoff and ran the entire length of the field for a winning touchdown. In those days Tech was the team to beat, as they were known to have excellent teams. After this historical run, Howie made sports headlines and, because he was known for his running ability, the newspaper always referred to him as the “Midnight Express.”

The high school games were all played at Pynchon Park, not far from the North End Bridge. Today a portion of Avocado Street runs across what was the park stadium parking lot. For 53 years Pynchon Park served as a home for various Springfield franchises in professional baseball. On September 11, 1966, the park’s grandstand burned to the ground.

In addition to playing basketball, baseball and football at Classical, Howie also made the Glee Club (tenor) under Hazel Clark. He performed in Oratories. Some were Requiem, which they sang at Mt. Holyoke Christmas Concert and Elijah. During this time the Springfield Park Department ran a citywide church basketball league. Howie played for St. John’s Congregational Church in this church league. Many St. John’s teams were champions – winning many trophies. Tennis was also on Howie’s agenda. He was an active player with the Springfield Racquet Club and the New England Tennis Association. Tennis matches were played throughout New England.

Another factor in his life was his early camping experiences for many years at Camp Atwater. In this atmosphere, he definitely was exposed to a variety of sports, first as a young camper and later as a staff member – a counselor – waterfront director. During Howie’s camping days at Atwater, it was considered a great accomplishment to swim “The Triangle.” The triangle swim on Lake Lashaway consisted of starting at Camp Atwater, then swimming to the town of East Brookfield, on to the “French Camp” and back to Atwater, without stopping. Being an accomplished swimmer, he made the swim in record time. His association with Atwater lasted fifteen years.

Howie served his country in World War II. While stationed at Fort Lee in Virginia, he played on the 9^th Regiment’s basketball team. The various regiments played against each other. Records show that the 9^th Regiment was an outstanding team! Howie graduated from Virginia State University with a degree in social work. He worked at the Dunbar Community Center on Oak Street. There, among other things, he counseled youth and adults. He also was player/coach for their basketball team.

Today, many young people who grew up at Dunbar will tell you that Howie was a positive influence on their lives. After working as a social worker at Dunbar, he then taught at his old junior high school, Buckingham. Following this assignment, he taught Special Education at Duggan Junior High. In addition to his regular duties, he taught and coached Duggan’s golf teams. These teams played in the Junior High Golf League. Under Howie’s teaching and coaching, Duggan’s teams won championships for five consecutive years. Fortunately, it so happened that all of Howie’s vocations have, in some way, exposed him to many sports.

Another team that Howie has been a part of is the winning team of “Howie and Jo.” Howie and his wife, Josephine, have been married 47 years. Jo, as she is affectionately known, is an avid golfer and a talented artist. The two of them have won enough golf trophies to start a trophy store. With their big hearts, they have donated many of these trophies to the Springfield Boys and Girls Club Family Center on Acorn Street to be awarded in their programs.

On January 21, 2004, Howie turned 90 years old, and he continues to be involved in sports. Now he plays golf regularly with friends. If he had a choice, he would play daily. He bowls with the Springfield Public Schools’ Schoolmasters team, and he is still a good active pool player. So, in so many ways, Howie has demonstrated his love for people and sports for at least the past 80 years. Howie also has a great sense of humor! Test him.

Howie, Best Wishes and “Happy Birthday!” n