Say, we mentioned earlier an article for the golf course that was printed in Chicago. We’ve bumped into another chap, front and center in the advert. Mr. Francis Bowler Keen. Team Captain and Poet Laureate of the Links
Francis Bowler Keene (1856–1945) was a United States diplomat and a politician in the State of Wisconsin. Keene was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1899 to 1901 sessions.
From 1903 to 1905 he served as U.S. Consul in Florence, Italy, and in Geneva, Switzerland from 1905 to 1915. He served as U.S. Consul General in Zurich, Switzerland from 1915 to 1917, followed by Rome, Italy from 1917 to 1924. Aside from politics, he worked as an engineer, a coal sales agent, and a newspaper editor. Keene was a Republican.
He died in 1945 in Italy and is interred at the Campo Cestio cemetery in Rome.
He has multiple papers and writings on file at the Library of Congress including letters to/from Warren G. Harding, Theodore Roosevelt and William H. Taft. The library of congress specifically points out “material pertaining to the Keene family and to Keene's interest in golf.”
Good luck finding a copy of his book: Lyrics of the Links!
From 1903 to 1905 he served as U.S. Consul in Florence, Italy, and in Geneva, Switzerland from 1905 to 1915. He served as U.S. Consul General in Zurich, Switzerland from 1915 to 1917, followed by Rome, Italy from 1917 to 1924. Aside from politics, he worked as an engineer, a coal sales agent, and a newspaper editor. Keene was a Republican.
He died in 1945 in Italy and is interred at the Campo Cestio cemetery in Rome.
He has multiple papers and writings on file at the Library of Congress including letters to/from Warren G. Harding, Theodore Roosevelt and William H. Taft. The library of congress specifically points out “material pertaining to the Keene family and to Keene's interest in golf.”
Good luck finding a copy of his book: Lyrics of the Links!
His poetry spoke of nature and the course. He connected the dots between competition and camaraderie, between technical mastery and artistry. While deep and meaningful to true golfers, his wit was also lighthearted and poked fun at the nature of golf enthusiasts.
For a bit of a laugh, check out the song version of a MUCH paraphrased version of Keene's "A Golfer's Lament" by Arthur Q. Bryan (voice of Elmer Fudd) recorded in the early 40's.
For a bit of a laugh, check out the song version of a MUCH paraphrased version of Keene's "A Golfer's Lament" by Arthur Q. Bryan (voice of Elmer Fudd) recorded in the early 40's.
Wait... Keene shared correspondences with US Presidents?!? What could they possibly have in common?
Warren G. Harding playing golf...
Theodore Roosevelt playing golf...
William H. Taft playing golf...
... we're heading HOME...