Southern California
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Title
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Southern California
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Date
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July 1939
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volume
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4
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issue
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5
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page start
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13
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page end
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13
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content
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en
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Nationals, first in history for the Pacific Coast, have come and gone leaving behind stimulating memories plus food for thought. To those Western fencers for whom it was an initial national competition, the experience was not only interesting but definitely instructive.
Edward Carfagno and Andrew Boyd of the L.A.A.C. placed second in Foil and Epee respectively; Robert Irwin of Faulkner School placed seventh in Epee and Irenea Chaves also of Faulkner's took sixth in Women’s Foil, a fine showing for these last two in view of the fact that neither ever saw a “National” previously.
The Faulkner School of Fencing was host to several of the visiting nationalists, among them John R. Huffman, Miguel and Jose de Capriles, Lieutenant Gus Heiss, and the entire Illinois division. Gus registered with his charming wife, Virginia, at a nearby hotel and worked out four times a week with Faulkner’s lively group. John Huffman, long an established and popular champion, fenced individually with many of the Faulkner foil and sabre specialists and also treated the young fencers to a most instructive round-table discussion with Ralph Faulkner on national and international competition. Mr. Huffman spoke at length about Eastern and Western fencing and touched upon a great many salient points which should benefit young Southern California fencers, especially those who hope to compete in future national meets. Incidentally, the Faulkner School in Hollywood extends a cordial welcome and invitation to fence all visiting swordsmen and “swords-ladies.” A large group is always on hand for a workout.
This year, Southern California loses one of its finest fencers to the ranks of the professionals. Duris de Jong retired from amateur competition at the close of the Nationals and is now fencing at the Hollywood Athletic Club. Mr. de Jong, formerly with the Los Angeles Club, came to California in 1930 and since then has held, at different times, all the Senior and Open Three Weapon titles of Southern California in addition to the Pacific Coast Foil championship. He intends to combine the traditions of the old school with the newer ideas of modern fencing. Mr. de Jong served several years on the Southern California executive committee and was its chairman last year.
The Division elected a new committee for the 39-40 season at an open meeting on July 17th. The officers are: Ned Davenport, chairman; Horace P. Craig, vice-chairman; Robert Cousineau, secretary; Andrew Boyd, A.F.L.A. Governor and Harold Corbin. Mr. H.G. Feraud remains as honorary president.
Southern California is planning several formal and informal dances and other social events for the coming season. Such events have been too few and far between in other years and the Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego fencers have had little opportunity to become better acquainted. Hence the winter “Social Season” which it is hoped will be a great success.
The Nationals have shortened the time allotted to the summer competitions, so that between now and September there will be only five meets. The Three Weapon Individual will be held at the Faulkner School of Fencing on July 30; the Three Weapon Team at the Hollywood Athletic Club on August 6. The Cathcart Memorial Epee, to be held at the Ambassador Hotel on August 26, is newly named in honor of the late Charles Cathcart who formerly held the Pacific Coast Intermediate Epee championship. Mr. Cathcart was one of the best loved fencers in Southern California and the Division feels his loss keenly. The Los Angeles Athletic Club will have the Bowen Handicap Foil meet on August 27, and the Duff Foil meet for Women at the Beverly Hills Hotel on September 10, will end the Summer Schedule.
