Today is the Patsy Hamilton Memorial Contest. This is an annual baton twirling competition here in northern California, that has been keeping the memory of my mother alive for the past 15 years.
Last Year's Patsy Hamilton Memorial Contest Solo Finalists
I’m so appreciative to the USTA California Baton Council for this ongoing tribute to my mother. She was involved in the sport of baton twirling, as well as other pageantry activities, for many years. With her unexpected passing in 1994, her loss was felt by many people in the baton twirling community, and of course the loss personally and for our family was tremendous.
The memorial event includes an essay contest, where young athletes submit one page essays on a given topic, such as sportsmanship, competitiveness, or inspirational mentors. Over the years it’s been wonderful to read the thoughts of competitors, ranging in age from about 7 to 17, on what life lessons the sport of baton twirling teaches. Mom was also a writer and she would be delighted about the nature of this legacy!
This contest was formerly the “Council Contest” at the culmination of the regional competitive season. It’s an event that I competed in, and later judged, for many years. The Archive of Champions lists winners dating back to 1967. It’s especially meaningful that this particular important competition now carries mom’s name.
Patsy Hamilton ~ baton coach, judge, clinician, dance teacher, writer, wife, mother, & grandmother
Patsy Speer (she later married and became Patsy Hamilton) studied dance and baton twirling, as well as music (she played accordion!), throughout her childhood. Growing up in San Francisco, she performed frequently at conventions, benefits, parades, 49er football halftime shows, a local live TV show called the Belfast Pop Club with Don Sherwood, and on the Ed Sullivan show. One of her influential instructors was Robert Olmstead. In the 1950s, Patsy was the featured majorette with the Spanishtown Dons, a men’s precision drill team in Half Moon Bay, CA.
Patsy Hamilton, Featured Majorette (pictured near the middle), accepting awards with the Half Moon Bay Spanishtown Dons
Meanwhile, my dad was a drummer in the Weldonians, a private marching band in Oakland, CA. My parents got to know each other through the parade activity and later while both attending San Francisco State University.
Patsy and Arthur “Bud” Hamilton founded the Hayward Twirlettes Baton and Drum Corps in the late 1950’s. I grew up learning to twirl and perform with the corps. My mom continued to be my teacher and coach as I competed as an individual twirler throughout childhood. My sister twirled as well, and I have armloads of memories of attending baton competitions with my mom and sister. During this period Patsy also directed the Oakland Raider Girls cheerleading dance line.
Patsy was a judge and clinician, very active in the United States Twirling Association (USTA) organization for many years. She taught baton twirling, drill team, drum major, and leadership at summer camps for the United Spirit Association. She was one of the early members of the professional parade judging association, All-American, which later became the Pacific Coast Judges Association. She taught internationally with the International Twirling Teachers Institute (ITTI) in the early 1970’s. This organization paved the way for the formation of the World Baton Twirling Federation.
Patsy and Bud Hamilton owned the Hamilton Studios of Dance and Music in San Ramon, CA in the 1970’s-1980’s. This was after many years of teaching dance, baton, and music at the Bev-El Dance Studio in Danville, CA, which later became Danville Music and Dance Center.
It’s wonderful for me to have the opportunity to remember and write about my mother. It’s difficult to fathom that she’s been gone 15 years, and yet she’s always here with us…perched on a shoulder as a reassuring, and often laughing angel.
I have added to my “to do” list: dig through the many historic photos we have that document baton twirling and marching pageantry in the 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s and onward. I look forward to lots of scanning and future blog posts about some of this rich history!
Copyrighted images ~ All Rights Reserved. Appreciation to the California Baton Council, Berta Lane and Patty Lohuis for sharing the PHMC photo.
I remember Pasty well and most especially, very fondly. I took lessons from her in dance and baton and looked up to her not only as a wonderful teacher, but a brilliant and extremely classy woman. I always wished I could be as tall and statuesque and elegant as she. She has left so much that is wonderful behind and I’m glad there is still a twirling competition in her honor.
I didn’t remember that you took lessons with mom, Jenny…thanks so much for sharing that! And thanks for your kind words.
I sure remember you and your twirling family…your sisters, your mom, your dad. All of us there at those looooong contests that started at 8:00 a.m. and we’d still be competing on the floor at 10:30 at night. And, of course, your long connection with the Blue Devils. Thanks again for chiming in!
What a beautiful remembrance this is! Thank you, Cindy, for your thoughtful compilation of Mom’s 60 wonderful years! As we approach the 15th anniversary of her passing, it’s good to stop and recall the varied yet related chapters in her rich life, which we were so very fortunate to be part of. I will visit Mom’s tree in Danville on May 5 and read again the brass plaque there that honors her, which was placed by “the friends and students who’s lives she enriched.” Hers is such a fantastic legacy, and recallng it always serves to ease the sadness I feel when I think of just how much I still miss her and her being a part of our lives today.
You’re so welcome, Lori! The pleasure was mine putting together this post. I, too, am so grateful for the gift from mom’s adult tap students…the beautiful memorial tree they planted right on Hartz Ave. in Danville. The tree is now taller than the buildings, and it’s such a great spot for us to visit and remember.
Cindy, this is beautiful and I even learned something…that Patsy played the accordion! Loved the photos. Thank you for doing this; can’t believe it is 15 years.
Reading this brings back wonderful memories of dance lessons with Grandma. She was such an amazing lady! I’m glad to know there is a competition in her name. Her spirit will live on, not only in our hearts, but in the community that meant so much to her.
I love the old photo. It was always entertaining growing up in such a talented family. Unfortunately, I can’t play a note or twirl anything.
What a great tribute for Patsy. I never knew she had a memorial twirling competition. Thanks Cindy.
Many thanks to family and long time friends for sharing your warm comments. Mom would be touched by the notion of us reminiscing her here in the blogosphere!
I think about Patsy Hamilton often. She watched me grow up and I had the privilege to take tap and Jazz lessons from the time I was 9 until I turned 18. She was also a great friend to my entire family. Later in life I was blown away at her unbelievable talent in creative writing. I miss her infectious spirit, consistantly positive attitude, and her willingness to help others in need. She was trully one of a kind. Patsy has been terribly missed, but will never be forgotten.
Thanks so much for this Mother’s Day post, Jonathan. Means so much coming from you!
Cindy,
I just saw your comments about the photo’s I have of your mother on my Picasa Web Albums. My grandpa, Bill Anderson and Don Sherwood hosted the show from January 15 - June 13, 1955 on KGO-TV. I was wondering if you can recall anything about her TV appearance.
http://picasaweb.google.com/gregsjpegs/19501959#5438490228629526482
Cindy, what a terrific tribute to your Mom. I can’t believe that Patsy has been gone for 15 years. I can imagine Patsy and Jerry having such an enjoyable time looking down on all of us. They were such wonderful friends for so many years, and I know that friendship continues today, but they are both in a better place now! Patsy was the most talented woman that I have had the pleasure to know and I thoroughly enjoyed her friendship. She possessed an inborn mental endowment of creativity especially in the arts. She had the superior ability to encourage her students and those around her to be the best that they could be. She was the embodiment of sophistication. Barely a day passes that I don’t think about Patsy. Of course, Jerry now has the pleasure of her company in a majestic, heavenly environment. She will live in our hearts forever and will never be forgotten. I visited Patsy’s tree with Danny and A.J. when Jerry was at Kaiser Hospital in Walnut Creek. We went to Danville for a snack and I showed my sons that very special memorial. Wow! The tree has grown just as Patsy’s memory continues to have an increasing effect on us and those to come. God Bless!
Thanks so much for sharing your memories, Patti. I didn’t realize you had visited mom’s tree along the way. You have certainly been in my thoughts throughout this past year, and particularly this month. I look forward to being with mom and Jerry again…on the other side.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts!
Dear Cindy,
Thak you for posting all that wonderful information. Twirlling and hanging out with you and your family. was my childhood. All my great memories are being at the dance studio, marching band and drumcore. Your mom not only taught me to some how twirl that stick , but, it was always a great outlet for just growning up.
Remember the sleepovers at your house.
Anyway, your mom will always hold a special part in my heart. And I still can do a flat spin.
I was in the Hayward Twirlettes from 1959 to 1969. I remember when Patsy came on board and introduced us to the joys of field competition, our first one in Disneyland. Then came drums and the color guard. My brother Dennis played the drums with Bud. I babysat Greg, Cindy and Lori and they all attended my wedding. I had heard of Patsy’s passing, but did not know any details. I was talking to my mom, Claire, the other day and she said no more Twirlettes, huh? I found this site as a result of that search. Cindy, I have to ask if your dad is still alive. Your parents were great role models. I remember your mother’s huge smile and classy presence. Thanks for this website. I have fond memories of the Twirlettes; they were my life.
I was also in the Twirlettes from 1959 to 1967. Roxie and I remain friends and I was also a bridesmaid in her wedding. I remember many bus trips to parades and field competitions and a trip to Seattle and the Seafair. It was a great part of my growing up and I always look upon that time very fondly.
I too was with the Hayward Twirlettes and took solo lessons from Patsy. I think of Patsy often as I have been trying to teach my 3 granddaughters (6, 7, and 9) how to twirl. Patsy had the patience of a saint! I am still proud to pull out my Hayward Twirlettes jacket!
Hi, Cindy! I ran across this site recently while looking for info on your mom, and was saddened to hear of her passing 15 years ago. I studied tap with Patsy in the 70s, starting in Danville and moving with her down to San Ramon, and always marveled at my luck in finding a teacher so skillful and fun to work with. Her praise and criticism were always doled out in just the right measure, with liberal doses of humor and patience, and she made hard work and learning a joy. I’ll be forever grateful to her, and will remember her fondly. Many thanks again for your article!
I was a memeber of the Delta Thunderettes. I remember competeing back in the late 60’s early 70’s. I would hope and pray to get your Mom Patsy as a judge for she would always put me at ease with her beautiful smile. I actually found an old score sheet that I saved. I hope I can remember where I put it. Twirling was a big part of my life and your Mother, Patsy is a memory I cherish.
Thank you for sending me this. I hope to stay in touch.
I too was in the Hayward Twirlettes with Roxey aand Vicki. From the time I started with Marlene Rumberg until I moved in 1963. I litterality got off the bus from the Seattle Seafair, into the car for Denver. Your mom instilled so many life lessons into me. I taught twirling from the time I left until just a few years ago. I know you don’t remember me, but I too babysat for your mother. You had just moved to Catalpa Way. You were just babies!