ABSTRACT
William J. Clothier and his son and namesake have been associated with the tennis establishment for just two years short of a century from 1896 to 1994. Clothier won the singles and doubles titles at the Meadow Club four times and was runner-up in the singles at the age of 39, in 1920. In 1952 Bill founded the Philadelphia Tennis Patrons Association which he led for twenty-five years. It had a profound impact on Philadelphia tennis, making it possible for underprivileged children to learn to play the game. In spite of Bill Clothier's gentlemanly and nonassertive style, he was the first man in Philadelphia tennis in the years between the end of the Second World War and the coming of professional tennis. Philadelphia's tennis eminence centered at the Merion Cricket Club under his leadership. Bill's son, Morris, was an all-American squash player while representing Franklin & Marshall College during the 1980s.
