Rackets and Washtubs

Many a sophisticated Manhattan housewife last week, tardily opening her October bills, blinked as she scanned her laundry statement. Instead of the familiar Croydon Trousseau Laundry, the billhead read: Shields-Wood Service. Proprietors: Francis X. Shields, Sidney B. Wood Jr.

The billhead meant what it said. Francis X. Shields and Sidney B. Wood, the young tennists whose teamwork was the talk of two continents in 1931 when they reached the semi-finals of the U. S. and Wimbledon Doubles Championships, had teamed up again, in the laundry business.

"Contrary to current impression, Sid doesn't spend his days leaning over a washtub and I don't do the ironing," said Partner Shields, kidded by fellow men-about-town. Nevertheless, Socialites Wood and Shields--one the owner of a California gold mine and the other a Broadway insurance broker--have not yet missed a day at the laundry. Last week Partner Wood entrained for California on his first washtub business trip. At Santa Monica he will open a branch laundry, to be managed by Tennist Frankie Parker.

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