Lester and Grace Asplundh were both from New Church (Swedenborgian) families of decidedly different means. While the fathers of both families were professionally successful, Lester's father had died relatively young with little more than the family home to leave his wife and children. Both Lester and Grace attended the Academy of the New Church secondary schools in Bryn Athyn, PA where Lester became a star athlete, considered one of the Philadelphia area's top kickers and fullbacks. He was also considered a standout athlete in basketball and baseball. Lester met Grace after her freshman year at the Academy and was described as "being sweet" on her throughout high school. While Grace returned home to Pittsburgh where she was accepted into teacher training school (and soon begain teaching kindergarten), Lester was awarded a scholarship to attend Swarthmore College and studied electrical engineering. He remained a star football player in college while also competing in basketball and track & field. After graduation, Lester worked as an electrical engineer and then for his brother Oswald's tree company. On weekends, he played professional football, playing in 1923 for both the Coaldale Big Greens and the Frankford Yellow Jackets. He also played, in ensuing years, for the Atlantic City Blue Tornadoes and the Buffalo Bisons, Atlantic City Roses, Millville Big Blue and Philadelphia Quakers. He married Grace in 1925 and after a short period residing in the coal regions of Pennsylvania, they moved to Bryn Athyn where they had both attended high school. In 1928, Lester left football behind and concentrated on his role in founding, with brothers Griffith and Carl, the Asplundh Tree Expert Company where he remained until retirement. Lester died in 1984, one year before his wife, Grace.
Note written by Gregory Jackson from information by Phil Feerrar
