The 34th (April 1962) Memphis City Tournament (MBA) was the first tournament to be dedicated to an individual.

The Board felt that recognition for efforts on behalf of bowling in Memphis should be rewarded while the receiver could appreciate it.

Mr. H. J. "Mose" Hartley was the first recipient of this new honor.

Mr. Hartley devoted 30 years, at the time, in some form or the other to the sport of bowling.  First as a bowler himself, then as a writer for the Memphis Press-Scimitar, and also as a member of the Board of the Memphis Bowling Association (ABC).

His experience and wisdom was much sought after, not only in Memphis, but all over the South.

He was a Director of the Southern Bowling Congress, a Life Member and Hall of Fame member of the Tennessee State Bowling Association.  He also was a member of the Bowling Writers of America.

He was known and welcomed at all bowling functions throughout the South.  His articles appeared regularly in the Press-Scimitar and the Southern Bowler and Strike Magazine (publications covering bowling in the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's but now defunct).

His reporting was always fair to every segment of the game and his feelings were always expressed in his columns, whether it be critical appraisal, or a helpful hint to the ordinary bowler.

When the MBA Board decided that the City Tournament dedication should be bestowed on certain individuals, Mr. Hartley was the logical choice for the first one.

The formal ceremonies were held at 2:30pm on April 14, 1962 at Southern Lanes.