"In this world of e-mails and texts and Snapchats, I was thrilled that the "note in the door" trick actually worked.—Rembert Browne
The author's "Rembert Explains America" series for Grantland is a many-splendored thing, with recent pieces on appreciating the Wisconsin Dells, a Lollapalooza music festival experience, and more. Personally, this Hoosier is partial to this sad but engaging story, "A Failed Day of Sports in Indiana (With Bonus Racism)." But what brings him to the Spin's attention today is a new piece about visiting the All-Iowa Lawn Tennis Club, or the AILTC for short.
Yes, you read that right. A number of pieces have been written about this sacred, verdant ground, but Browne's is among the best, telling the tale of the court's keeper, Mark; a dog named (Andy) Murray; and an Iowa state representative. What's delightful about the piece is that Browne weaves his account of a visit to the throwback shrine to grass-court tennis without any of people involved actually lifting a racquet. I shan't say more except to implore you, dear Spin reader, to take Browne's story for a ride. I simply recommend its simple pleasures. It will take you back to those moments in life when "face time" meant something entirely different and lovely.
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