The following wording was published in the Chicago Contract Bridge Association Kibitzer May-June 2012 Issue
Owners: Gerry Landy, Pearl Gordon; Director Jerome “Jerry” Scholle
How many bridge clubs have played in a funeral home where bodies used to be laid out for visitation? Or had the brother of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice serve as a director? The odds are only one – the Lawson Bridge Studio in Chicago.
No one is sure how old the club is, but it was moved about 20 years ago from the Lawson “Y” on Chicago Avenue to Ann Sathers, which was in a funeral home, according to Gerry Landy, club owner.
At one point, Jim Stevens, brother of Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, served as director.
“Pearl Gordon and I took over the club about 10 years ago after the owner, Ariye Oda, died. The owner before that was Rick Williams, who was also the director,” Gerry said. Landy’s first director was Roger Campbell. At that time, the Monday night game frequently consisted of only two tables.
“Pearl and I forged on, and I’m happy to say we now have between 13 and 15 tables on Mondays,” Gerry said. About five years ago the club moved to the Ann Sathers at 909 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. It was at that point the club began charging a fee to play, and started paying Jerry Scholle to direct. “Jerry runs a heck of a nice game and is largely responsible for the club’s growth,” Gerry said.
It was Scholle who suggested that the club begin a Wednesday night game, where one member of each pair had to have fewer than 300 Life Master points. The game began small with four tables, but now regularly has about 10 tables.
Four years ago the club purchased the software for the pre-dealt hands and Jerry loaded the boards by hand. Then the $5,000 dealing machine was purchased. In April, players began using the new electronic scoring boxes.
What is Gerry’s dream? He would like to translate his love of the game to the younger generation. “I would love to somehow have a game that would be for young people to spark their interest in bridge. It is difficult because they have so many other things these days, like video games, that capture their interest.”
As for him and Pearl, he said they have never taken a penny of compensation. “Just the joy of having our own bridge club to help the players is reward enough.”