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WJD's Naming

City Record
Official Chronicle
Municipal Affairs

Boston’s Mayor John F. Collins dedicated Franklin Park Golf Course on Thursday August 17th at noon, in honor of his late secretary and former Parks and Recreation Commissioner, William J Devine. The golf course, one of the oldest public links in the nation, will henceforth be known as the William J Devine Memorial Golf Course.

Presiding at the ceremonies, to which the public was cordially invited, were several of Devine’s lifelong friends, including trucking executive; John F. Gurry, General Chairman; Ret. Rev. James J. Scally, Rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, who delivered the invocation; Lieut. Robert F. May of the Brookline ploice; Boston Police Superintendent Herbert F. Mulloney, and Deputy Superintendent Warren A Blair. Active on the committee were Parks Commissioner John J. Tierney, Jr., who delivered greetings from his division, and Arthur English, Superintendent of Parks Maintenance.

The late “Billy” Devine, who came from a family prominent in golfing activities, was one of Boston’s most popular major officials. He was a star athlete at Jamaica Plain High School, Bridgeton Academy and Boston College where he captained the B.C. Freshman football team in 1943. During World War II, Devine served in the U.S. Marines and after returning to civilian life was a prominent tournament golfer.

Present at the ceremonies were Devine’s widow Sophia, and their two children, Andrea and William Jr., who have returned from their home in Lauderdale, Florida for the event.

Author unknown, August 17th 1967 City Record

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