The Fairman Rogers Lawn Roller, image from the NHS Collections
Tennis season has begun and the staff of the International Tennis Hall of Fame is busy preparing the grounds for the upcoming tournament. One piece of equipment, probably in retirement, is the “Fairman Rogers Lawn Roller,” shown next to the Court Tennis building on Freebody Street around 1895. This steam operated vehicle was donated, and possibly invented, by Fairman Rogers (1833-1900) a Philadelphia engineer, coaching enthusiast and owner of Fairholme on Ruggles Avenue. The image was taken by Clarence Stanhope, professional photographer and first bookkeeper of the Newport Casino from 1882-1921.