Walter S. Gubelmann was a world class sailor, famous croquet player top level business executive, political supporter, Croquet Hall of Fame inductee and generous philanthropist. Walter was born in Buffalo New York, the son of William S. Gubelmann, a pioneer inventor of business machine technology. Walter graduated from Yale University in 1931 and ultimately took on the management of the family held Realty and Industrial Corporation, which was reaping his family millions of dollars.He served in World War II and became a US Army Captain. He married Barton Green in 1941 and they lived lavishly in three beautiful estates, one on Long Island, his family's estate in Newport and a large home in Palm Beach. In 1943 he bought a large home in Oyster Bay N.Y., where he planned to retire to. Walter took great initiative in reestablishing croquet in Newport, when he and Barton moved into their lovely home, Starboard House, in 1983. Walter served as President of the Newport Croquet Club and the Newport Casino Croquet Club. His straw boater and rakish bow tie brought him instant recognition on any croquet court. His sportsmanly good humor had made him a popular competitor and his unflagging support of croquet served as a beacon to croquet enthusiasts. An avid sports man, and a sailor of notable repute, Walter and Barton toured the world aboard their 73 foot yacht, Windago, and he also headed the New York Yacht Club syndicate's successful defense of the America's Cup by the Constellation in 1964.His active interest in politics had been confirmed by his influential support of the Republican party and for many years he held fundraisers at The Breakers mansion in Newport RI for the Republican Congressional Booster Club. "he was the first elected president of the Society of The Four Arts in 1966, serving for 22 years, until his death. The 700 seat auditorium at the Society is named in his honor." After a month-long illness, he died in 1988 at his Newport estate Starboard House.
Walter S. Gubelmann was a world class sailor, famous croquet player top level business executive, political supporter, Croquet Hall of Fame inductee and generous philanthropist. Walter was born in Buffalo New York, the son of William S. Gubelmann, a pioneer inventor of business machine technology. Walter graduated from Yale University in 1931 and ultimately took on the management of the family held Realty and Industrial Corporation, which was reaping his family millions of dollars.He served in World War II and became a US Army Captain. He married Barton Green in 1941 and they lived lavishly in three beautiful estates, one on Long Island, his family's estate in Newport and a large home in Palm Beach. In 1943 he bought a large home in Oyster Bay N.Y., where he planned to retire to. Walter took great initiative in reestablishing croquet in Newport, when he and Barton moved into their lovely home, Starboard House, in 1983. Walter served as President of the Newport Croquet Club and the Newport Casino Croquet Club. His straw boater and rakish bow tie brought him instant recognition on any croquet court. His sportsmanly good humor had made him a popular competitor and his unflagging support of croquet served as a beacon to croquet enthusiasts. An avid sports man, and a sailor of notable repute, Walter and Barton toured the world aboard their 73 foot yacht, Windago, and he also headed the New York Yacht Club syndicate's successful defense of the America's Cup by the Constellation in 1964.His active interest in politics had been confirmed by his influential support of the Republican party and for many years he held fundraisers at The Breakers mansion in Newport RI for the Republican Congressional Booster Club. "he was the first elected president of the Society of The Four Arts in 1966, serving for 22 years, until his death. The 700 seat auditorium at the Society is named in his honor." After a month-long illness, he died in 1988 at his Newport estate Starboard House.
