MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION

Andrew Hansen Palmi, 1888 – 1962

The above picture and following autobiographical article written by Andrew Palmi are reprinted from Michigan Chess magazine, August 1988, page 13.

I was born in Iceland, land of the Midnight Sun, in 1888, not with the traditional silver spoon, but with a chess knight on which I proceeded to cut my teeth, including the wisdoms. Icelanders are considered the most literary people on earth, and every home has, besides a well-filled book shelf, chess sets. Hence, my love for the Royal Game started early in life.

Since coming to this country in 1917, I have devoted a great deal of money and time to the promotion of chess. In 1920, I started the Jackson Chess Club, and during it’s 39 years existence, I held the championship for 36 years. In 1949, the club honored me with an Honorary Life Presidency!

In 1929, I made the first attempt to form a state organization of the chess clubs and groups in Michigan. This undertaking was most difficult and discouraging, but perseverance won out. L. T. Maener, President of the Western Chess Association sent the following telegram in 1931, quote, “Western Chess Association sanctions the Michigan Chess Association and their’ Tournament.” This telegram put the stamp of approval on the First Michigan State Championship Tournament, which was held in Jackson, July 1931.

I have served on the Board of Directors for the Western Chess Association, the American Chess Federation and the U.S.C.F. During the ‘depression’ years, with the aid of Mrs. Palmi, we taught chess in the various schools around Jackson. In 1933 under the U. S. Recreation Program, we taught chess in the Vocational School and our number grew to 128 with ages from 7 to 70. The chess sets were furnished by the government. I firmly believe that with teaching the Youth chess, delinquency would be a thing of the past.

I think it was in 1935, that I lost the North American Correspondence Championship Tournament only by ½ point. In counting up my score on chess, I rate myself, first: as a Chess Philanthropist for the time, money and efforts spent in the promotion of chess, which has not been in vain. Second: for being a “fair” woodpusher. At the present time, I am the Founder, a Past-President and Honorary Vice-President of the Michigan Chess Association, and a life member of the U.S.C.F.

Besides chess, I write poetry and short stories in the Icelandic language. This winter I hope to put the final touches on my MS, and see my poetry in book form. Due to ill health, I have taken a back seat and am retired on our farms in Springport, Michigan. Let me point out to you the well-beaten path made by old and new chess friends, who always find the latch-string and the welcome mat out at our home. I feel that the happiest years of my life were spent promoting chess, and probably the saddest one when, on account of my health, I retired. While I am not in the “Master’s Chess” class, I leave behind me, “Foot Prints on the Sands of Time.”

© 2003 Michigan Chess Association

Last updated: March 13, 2003