1930-1962 MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB FLOOR PLAN AND HISTORY

 

Updated 10.16.2022

1930's postcards of the Miami Country club.

 

                                                                                                   

This is the view I saw on a daily basis as a child growing up around the Miami Country club.  The building faced the North side where the pro shop ran a business, two lower outside bathrooms for boys and girls were available. To the left, the open space held benches for shade and golfers could sit on the north or east sides of the club house and watch others playing golf from the shade of the clubhouse.

  

I can't begin to recall the names for us as this picture, captured with my mother's Brownie Kodak camera, must have been about 1957-58. I am on the front row, the girl with two huge pony tails on my picture right is Renicker daughter and her brother is there somewhere. On the second row Joe Thompson is the first,... the last three on the right are Nancy Baron, Patty Lou Gibson,  Sara Lynn Salling.  The third row on the left is Richard Wright, Katy Murphy, Joyce Luttrell, Bob Hill, ?,? Bill Lacaff, Richard Russell.  Fourth row standing ? Sue Lowry ..  sixth from the right is Hoot Gibson. (What fun it has been to correspond with people and refreshing our memories about that time and place. Thank you all for your help)

What is unique about this photo is the emptiness around. On the right side notice the open door under the stairwell. The space under the steps held the push carts for rent. When I worked there from 1960-- the cart handle cost 10 cents in the 50's but went up to a quarter in the '60's. Once paid I retrieved the cart handle from a barrel in the back of the golf shop, attached it to the push cart and set it up for the golfer to walk directly to the first tee, facing north. Once a person walked under the steps and beyond the cart storage, the boys restroom was under the porch and to the right. There were several showers and toilet stalls. It was used by men and boys.

The girls bathroom was raw and open like the boys. The door faced the entrance to the swimming pool. We merely stepped on several slabs of concrete and down one step and underneath the porches above. There were lockers for bathing suits, two toilets with doors, and two showers. The concrete was wet and slippery. During the winter months these doors were locked. It was also used by women golfers and girls swimming.

The golf shop stood on the bottom floor immediately behind the kids in this photograph. It also served as the passage way to the lower floor where the men and women had locker rooms. 

The postcard view (is looking at the southeast corner)shows cars parking in the south oval driveway. There was a large overhang that originally was built for a much smaller car to drive through and let people off at the entrance. (Although one story tells us the Mrs. Coleman did manage to drive her car under it.)   

South side driveway

The sitting room and two locker rooms were considered a basement level, as there were two giant steps going down to them. This is where we went for tornado warnings. Dad would drive out at night if need be and open the south doors for anyone needing shelter. 

The slot machines were hidden in the small area that says storage open to the sitting room for men and women. When the Sheriff would raid the club the slots were hidden underneath a shelf in the storage room. (This is pre 1963 when the club was renovated.)

Also, hidden behind the kids photo would be a screened window area, like our pubic swimming pools had, where kids could order candy bars and pop through the wooden framed screen. The screen lifted up and for fifteen cents kids could boy candy and pop. 

Botts' Wholesale house arrived every Wednesday about 10am to deliver the candies, chips, pop, and cigarettes for the week. I felt so grown up when I first signed for order.

Between 1960-62 the shaded deck area on the east and northeast corner were cemented in leaving a twelve inch area for windows. This area extended the men's locker room. The dirt area on the far right will become the space where my father stored the electric golf carts and his workshop area. The golf shop also expanded toward the east side giving dad room for merchandise. 

During this time my father extended the golf club storage to the east by cementing in a corner of space and then opened that area to the dirt. This is time when he once again had cement laid in a large square area giving him a workshop area and place to store the beer that he could sell after 1960. By 1963 they had completely converted the dirt space to an are for the the golf cart storage, and created a small two step down square space where Dad put up a net and in the winter people could go down to the "snake pit" as it was nicknamed and hit golf balls into the net. Once again he was ahead of his time when it came to teaching golf and using only what materials he had available.  

My childhood memories of the upstairs, second floor are very limited as children could use any of the porch areas which ran the length of the building on the north side from east to west. Lunches took place on metal tables or concrete floors. Metal chairs filled the porch for parents and kids. Towels were laid out by our parents if we needed to take naps.  We could order sandwiches from Faye Doty in the dining room if we didn't have a sack lunch. Manners were required and we needed to knock on the double doors to get service. 

There were two large chimneys in the clubhouse. One on the West side that opened to the dinning and dance floor area. The other large chimney stood on an inner wall in the kitchen area. It was actually used for heat through the inner core of the clubhouse until the renovation in 1963. 

I do recall that the women's bathroom on the east side of the entrance steps was decorated with frilly skirts around the sink and table where personal items were stored. Even though I wasn't allowed upstairs I did make time to prowl around and know every square inch of the building without getting caught. 

 

 

When our parents went to the club on weekends for parties and dances they brought the kids and we had a special playroom on the third floor. I recall the Robinson family brought a portable record player, and we played records that kids brought from home. There were game boards set up for us, ping pong table that didn't last long, as I think the older kids made every effort to knock the ping pong balls over the iron railing along the balcony and onto the dance floor below. 

Sometimes the girls brought dolls and trunks of doll clothes from home, while the boys brought cars. Dad often shared his piles of cut wood blocks left over from his woodworking hobbies. We used the blocks to build race tracks or houses. We sometimes had crayons, coloring books, paper cut out dolls, and decks of cards. Depending on the age group, we all found entertainment. Best of all we were allowed to stay up late and watch our parents dance and party.  

The living quarters on the east side of the third floor were once the home to the first few golf professionals and their families. It was a two bedroom apartment with an amazing view of the chat piles. As a child I was a guest in the apartment from time to time. When Faye Doty and her son Johnny lived there we spent many a summer hour playing cards and exploring the upstairs attic areas.  There was also a house for the golf course greens keeper that was built in the 1940's along with a large barn for the equipment. 

Between 1960-63 the clubhouse was renovated the the slot machines moved upstairs to a special room and a bar was built on the Northeast corner where previously it had been a screened in porch. Keep in mind that up until 1959 liquor by the drink did not exist in Oklahoma. Consequently, the state line drive to Seneca/Joplin became an important liquor run for clubs in Northeast Oklahoma that labeled bottles of whiskey with members names on them and sold 3.2% beer.

 ** In 1933 when the Federal government repealed the 18th Amendment, Oklahoma did not ratify the new 21st Amendment and instead approved the sale of beer containing not more than 3.2 alcohol by weight with the Oklahoma Beer Act of 1933. On April 7, 1959, the legislature voted on House Bill 825, which repealed prohibition and created the Alcohol Control Board.

***

This is the original country club that George L. Coleman imagined. In 1963 the interior was redecorated  and rooms moved around. The bar moved to the east side of the second floor and the upstairs kids playroom vanished. 

I have filled in with stories the best I can, but I could really use help from each of you IF you have memories of the inside of this lovely old building.

I will have a 1963 series of pictures taken for the first event held at the opening in 1963.   

Thank you for following, participating in this history, and reading along.

*A note of thanks to my husband, Jack, for helping me design this layout from my memory. I know it is not to size but it is to my memory the best we can show. 

1957 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

 1957 Spring

Coached by Bill Smith on the left and Johnie Stapp on the right, the Wardog foursome from left, includes James Emery, Larry Parker, Phil Temple, and Bob Hill. In the foreground is the trophy won by the Wardogs at the Bristow Invitational tourney on Tuesday.

Spring 1957  "Wardog Golfers to Contend for State Diadem in O.C."

Oklahoma City next stop: Coach Bill Smith, left and Johnie Stapp, right, Miami country club golf pro, are working with Miami Wardog golfers preparing for the state schoolboy tournament in Oklahoma City Wednesday and Thursday. The Wardog foursome from left, includes James Emery, Larry Parker, Phil Temple, and Bob Hill. In the foreground is the trophy won by the Wardogs at the Bristow Invitational tourney on Tuesday. 

In preparation for the tournament Wardog golfers will participate in an 18 hole practice in Midwest City.

UPDATE--FOLLOW UP:

Bob Hill shares the rest of the story: In the 1957 State High School Championship our MHS golf team was in a good position after the first round to win another Championship. When we left the hotel to go to the golf course the next morning, the lady at the parking lot lost our car keys. She looked everywhere and we took that little building apart trying to find them with no luck.

We thought of all of our options and the last one was to call a locksmith. While we waited  for that to happen Coach Smith called the course to see if they would change our tee times, bu they refused. When we finally go to the course we learned that because we missed our tee times we were disqualified. It was just an unhappy adventure for all concerned. 

1957 March 3 "Women Golfers Schedule First Club Gathering"

 The long winter layoff from golfing will end Wednesday morning for members of the Women's Golf Assn at the Miami Country club. Mrs. Faye Berentz, President, announced the women will meet for coffee and rolls to discuss the spring and summer golfing program. 

Johnie Stapp, club pro, will explain the free clinic which he will conduct on Wednesdays. Mrs. Berentz said new and aspiring members will be welcomed. 

1957 April 11  "Miami Golfers Win at Joplin" 

Miami High school War Dogs defeated Joplin 12-6 in a match at Twin Hills Country club. James Emery, Miami, was medalist with an 84. Other members of the War Dog squad are Bob Hill, Pat Temple, Larry Parker, Steve Hollerbach, and Mike Wilson. 

1957 April 14  "Pairings Given for Club Play"

Last week's winners in golfing action among the women at the Miami Country club included:

Championship flight: Mrs. Robert Temple; class A, Mrs. George Murphy; class B, Mrs. Hance VanBeber; class C, Mrs. Ruth Heyburn.

Johnie Stapp, Pro and M.C. Bagby Club President

1957 May 1 "Country Club Set to Resume Golf Program"

Mcc golfing events that were cancelled during April's rainy weather will be rescheduled for May and June, according to Johnie Stapp, golf pro.

May 17 has been set for beginning of play in the Twilight League (on Tuesdays), with competition in the circuit due to continue for the next 16-18 weeks. Eighteen teams of four men each participated in the competition last year. We have found  this type of play provides the most democratic form of golf, said Stapp. "During the season's round-robin scheduled, men of the club will tour the local course at least once with most of the other members. This results in more golfing enjoyment.

1957 May 1 "War Dog Golfers in O.C. for State Tourney Action"

Sharpshooting golfers for MHS were in O.C. today for preliminary round in the annual state schoolboy tournament over Lincoln Park golf course. They wer to play 18 holes today and 36 Thursday. 

The War Dog foursome consists of James Emery, Larry Parker, Bob Hill, Philip Temple, Steve Hollerbach went along as a possible replacement.

Coach Bill Smith accompanied the team. Johnie Stapp, golf pro of the Miami Country club, plans to watch the local linksters during Thursday's final rounds. He has taken an active part in the development of golfing talent of local students. 

Smith and Stapp were with the War Dogs last week when they won the championship of the Bristow Invitation schoolboy tournament.

The Miamians won the state championship in the sand greens division last year. The are competing for the grass greens title this year. 

1957 May 1 "100 Teenage Golfers (Boys and Girls)  Play in State Tournament at O.C."

This year's high school tournament will host about 100 teenage golfers from 30 schools. The tournament is divided into three divisions and trophies are given in both grass and sand green competition. The boys opened with 18 holes and will follow with 36 holes Thursday, while the girls play nine holes' today, and will play 18 on Thursday.  

Enid returns the most experienced team. It is headed by Jim Wright, who lost to Jim Loy of Northwest in a sudden death playoff last year for the tate individual title. Enid won the state team title last year. 

The girls division also finds itself without a defending champ since Beth Stone, Muskogee, titlist for the last two years. Beth Stone went on to become a leading Ladies Professional Golfer is in the Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame Beth Stone

 1957 May 10 "Hot Springs Leaders"

Johnie Stapp, Miami golf pro shot an 80 in Thursday's first rounds of the Arlington Open according to information received here.  

 

1957 May 10  "Miami Golfers in Matches Sunday"

Twenty or more golfers from the Miami Country club are expected to participate in matches at Independence Country club Sunday afternoon. Thirteen men have signed up the Independence rip, according to announcement this morning the local club officials. Other members wishing to play in the matches have until Saturday afternoon to register at the pro shop. 

Those who have signed are Bill Hirsch, Pat Campbell, Bill Neal, Bob Temple, Jim Nowlin, Charlie Trussler, bob Baron, Jess Fronterhouse, G.R. White, Clarence J. Carselowey, Dr. W.D. Jackson, G.R. Scott, and Neel Wyatt. 

1957 May 13 "Miami Golfers Divide Honors"

 Independence men defeated Miamian's 38 to 31. Miami juniors almost made a clean sweep of the matches making 12 1/2 points of a possible 13 points. The Miami boys were Dickie Neel, Bob Hills, Philip Temple, and Jim Taylor.

1957 June 11 "Johnie Stapp Among Leaders in Bartlesville Pro-Am"

An entry list of 150 shot qualifying rounds today preceding the opening of the 45th annual Oklahoma Amateur Golf Tournament. The tournament begins Wednesday with 18 holes of match play over the Hillcrest Country Club course.

Don Sechrest (future course designer) of Stillwater shot a five-under-par of 66 to win the pro-amateur, playing with Art Hall and Ed Henderson of Tulsa, won $85 first prize. Oklahoma City pro Jimmy Gauntt and Labron Harris of Oklahoma State University golf coach from Stillwater tied for second with 67 and $50 each. Johnie Stapp, Miami with a 68 finished third. 

1957 June 11  "Two Showings Slated for Golf Playoff Film"

Motion pictures of the Snead-Middlecoff playoff in the Phoenix Open golf tournament will be shown tonight and Wednesday at the Miami Country club. 

Tonight's showing will be for the stag night dinner beginning at 6:30. Members of the Women's Golf Assn will be the film at noon Wednesday in connection with their golf day luncheon. "Even if it is too rainy for our weekly golf competition Wednesday, the motion pictures of the tournament will be shown," said Mrs. Corbin Shouse, chairman of arrangements. The women's handicap tournament scheduled to been Tuesday, has been called off. 

 

1957 June 23 NY (UP)  "Mantle Replaces Ted"

Mickey Mantle of the Yankees replaced Ted Williams for the Rec Sox today as the nation's most popular choice for any position on the 1957 major league all-star team. Mantle, who led both leagues in batting with a .381 average and was tied with Hank Aaron of the Braves for the home run leadership at 19 at the conclusion of Friday night's games, has attracted a total of 50, 591 center field votes from the fans. 

1957 June 23 mdnr 

1957 June 30 mdnr "Women Golfers Play for Best 6"

The Best 6 play this Wednesday on the front nine will be the last for the local women before the Tri-State Women's golf tournament here July 11-12. Mrs. Bert Wall won the championship for low putts the past week. Mrs. Bob Temple was the winner in class A, Mrs. Woodrow Painter in class B, and Mrs. W. D. Jackson in class C. 

Katrina White a personal story:

My family, Hattie, Al and uncle G.R. White, were grateful to George Coleman for building such a beautiful golf course and clubhouse. Through the years the country club hosted Sunday dinners, Happy Hours, Class Reunions, and special events like our engagement party and Daddy's retirement from Miami Savings and Loan. We were so sad when it burned and later when the course was closed. Can't take away those memories! Sorry it was not able to thrive. 

Johnie and MGCC were so important to my entire family. My daddy,Al White, loved the game so. He and uncle G.R. taught me the game by sawing off a wooden putter, then playing holes 1 and 3 on the near side of the creek. I still have that putter and all the great memories. Gretchen and I played in the Jr. Golf League (photo above) where one of our mother's would walk the 9 holes with us, teaching the game and the etiquette of golf. They kept score, too. My mother, Hattie had been a P.E. teacher, and loved the game and shared that love with Al all of their lives. 

Playing in the swimming pool was a wonderful baby-sitter for our parents when they could slip away for a game of golf. Pure joy and such happy memories of a free, carefree childhood. It is heart-warming to see so many familiar names. It's Bill JOE Newman to me.

 

1957 June 30 "Bartlesville Golfers Play in Miami"

Golf teams of the Miami and Bartlesville country clubs will compete in matches today at the Miami club. A team of 28 Miami men lost at Bartlesville two weeks ago by score of 75 to 59.

Bridge games will be featured this afternoon for wives of the golfers. Mrs. Pat Campbell of Miami was high scorer in bridge at Bartlesville. (On a personal note, I might add Virginia Campbell was a powerful bridge player according to the articles I've read. Virginia was in mother's bridge club group and frequently won. Of course, I have vivid memories of walking into our home on H st Northeast and smelling cigarette smoke, peppermint candies, creme d'mint cookies, and nuts on the Tuesday's when my mother hosted bridge club. The smoke was so disgusting I swore I'd never smoke. Luckily, that was a smart decision for a grade school child to make.) 

Personal stories:

James Taylor has shared many stories of playing golf, caddying, and swimming at the MCC. Thank you James for your help and support. I greatly appreciate everyone who has shared.

During the summer of 1957 some of my friends and I would sneak into the swimming pool and swim at night buck naked. Dad was a member, and I didn't have to sneak in, but the pool was closed and none of my buddies fathers were members, so I snuck in with them to be with them. We were seen from the veranda and someone had complained to Johnie. One night when we snuck in, we were raising cane and I was diving off that little wooden board buck naked springing up and down when suddenly there was a snub nosed 32 in my ribs and a rough voice saying, "What are you doing here?" 

Scared me to death, when I finally gathered myself, I could see Johnie laughing and he told us to get. That's all it took and I never did that again. That is the only time I recall of anyone holding a gun on me, but I still think many of the country club women were disappointed when our swimming ended as we all were fairly physically fit. 

1957 July 3 "Women's Tri-State Golf Tourney Here July 10--12"

 Practice rounds may be held this Wednesday. Medal play competition for championship honors in six flights will be conducted Thursday and Friday, July 11,12. The 18-hole qualifying rounds on July 11 will determine the medalist and assignments to the six flights. Some 100 golfers from 20 or more Tri-State area clubs are expected, according to Mrs. Henry Garwood who is heading this year's event.

Miami Country club has hosted this event in 1941 and 1948. Extra events in the tournament next week include putting and driving contests. The Carrothers trophy, inaugurated in 1937, will be awarded to the team with the low grow score. The Miami trophy, established in 1948 by the men's division of the local country club, will be presented to the team with the low net score. 

 

1957 July 12 "Joan Thomas Medalist"

Mrs. Jim (Joan) Thomas of Webb City, Mo., winner of the women's golf championship for the Puerto Rican Isle in 1955, captured medalist honors Thursday afternoon in the Tri-State event by shooting 40-42, six strokes better than an competitor. (Thomas wins the title this year,) Mrs. Bert (Hattie) Wall and Mrs. Jack (Pat) Horner, the 1956 city champion, were the only other Miami entries to qualify for the championship flight. They had scores of 100 and 101, respectively.

While admiring the beauty and excellent condition of the Miami Country club course, most out-of-town entries agreed that it was one of the toughest, if not the most difficult golf layouts they ever encountered. 

1957 July 13  "Bartlesville Golfers Lose"

Miami golfers defeated a team from Bartlesville by a score of 45 to 39 Sunday afternoon at the local links course.  Jack Myers of Miami was the low scorer of the day, shooting an even par 72. John F. Robinson was next with a 73. Ed Hinds, with a 75, was low for the Bartlesville contestants.

1957 July 21 "Miami Youths to Play State Tourney"

Four Miami youths, Bob Hill, James Emery, Philip Temple and Dick Neel, will leave Monday for Duncan, where they will compete in the annual state junior golf tournament, Tuesday through Thursday. They will be accompanied by Johnie Stapp, professional of the Miami Country club.

The high school quartet earned the right to represent the Miami area in the state tournament when a junior meet was held June 25 at the Miami Country club under the sponsorship of the Miami Junior Chamber of Commerce, is co-operating with the Miami Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Hill won the top honors in that meet for the second year in a row. 

The Jaycees and Carl Hilliard, owner of the local Coca-Cola plant, are aiding in expenses of the local group to the tournament at Duncan. Darrell Kissee is furnishing the Ford Station wagon transporting the boys. 

1957 July 25 "Miami Entries Post Excellent Scores"

Miami's delegation made an excellent record in the first 18 holes of the state Jaycee teenage tournament at Duncan. In addition to finishing third from the top with a two-over-par 74, Bob Hill won the driving contest with pro-like distance of 241 yards. 

Johnie Stapp, Miami golf pro, who accompanied the local boys, reported that Dickie Neel shot a 77, Phil Temple 78, and James Emery, 81 in the first round. 

1957 September 22 "Mrs. Dawson is Tourney Winner"

Mrs. Spencer Dawson has added the championship of the Miami Women's Golf Assn, annual match play tournament to her list of golf honors this year. She defeated Mrs. Robert Temple, 6 and 5, in the championship round. She won over Mrs. O.R. Westfall in her first match and defeated Mrs. Joe Thompson in the semi-finals. 

Mrs. Kelso Berentz won over Mrs. Claud Jones, 5 and 4, for championship of A flight. In Thursday's B flight final match, Mrs. William L. Oliver defeated Mrs. W.D. Jackson, 3 and 2. 

1957 September 23 "Myers Captures Invitational Title"

Jack Myers won his second golf championship within a week by capturing the crown in the second annual invitational tournament Sunday afternoon. Myers won the Club Championship last Monday.  Kenneth Childress of Webb City, was the runner-up. 

In the A flight competition identical winning cars of 83-85 were posted by Rex Painter and Bill Neel of Miami. Painter won the title when Neel three-putted on the first extra hole. Visiting contestants from cities of the Tri-State area praised the excellent condition of the local course and described the greens as the finest they had played this year. 

Personal notes on dad, Johnie Stapp from Jim Taylor:

I don't know which tournament Johnie defeated Ben Hogan but he did (I think in was in California in the late 1940's after the war.) However, he did not win the tournament. Johnie was playing in southern California and elsewhere as a professional golfer on what became the P.G.A. tour. He was an accomplished golfer and had significant athletic ability.

He like my father lived during a different time and place. Much of what he learned was self-taught, and he received very little help. I can not help but marvel at their accomplishments and think of the disgust they would feel at many of the things occurring in our society today. While many things in the past were unfair, the American Dream was always a reality with the freedom to pursue it.

1957 September 30  "Miami Golfers Play Pro-Am"

The Miami Country club will be represented by four men in state golf competition and meetings this week at Oklahoma city and Tulsa. Club pro, Johnie Stapp, Dr. W.D. Jackson, John Robinson, and Kenneth Childress were to leave today for Oklahoma City. The three amateurs will team with Stapp in "best ball" pro-am rounds Tuesday. 

The local men will represent this area Tuesday night at a meeting in Tulsa to prepare preliminary plans for the National Open tournament that will be held next summer at Tulsa's Southern Hills course.

Stapp will finish out the remaining 54 holes in the tourney at Oklahoma City on Wednesday and Thursday and will attend the annual meeting of the state PGA in O.C. Stapp is tournament chairman for the Oklahoma PGA which serves all of Oklahoma and Arkansas and a part of Kansas. 

**

"Quarterbacks in City to Meet MHS Group"

Miami Quarterbacks will meet members of the 1957 Miami high school football squad at Monday night's meeting, Dr. Rex Graham, President announced. The prep candidates will be introduced by Bo Bolinger, new MHS coach. 

Another feature will be showing of the 1956 Oklahoma-Colorado game movie, obtained by Bolinger from OU athletic film library.  The meeting will be held at 6:30 in the Little Theater at NEO. Backers of War Dog and NEO college athletic groups who were unable to attend the inaugural meeting may plunk down $5 for club membership cards tomorrow night.  The club has dedicated itself to a wholesome development of interest in local sports, especially football, among patrons and youths. 

1957 saw Eagle-Picher suspending mining operations, costing 500 their jobs.

1957 saw actor Joel McCrea pay a visit to the Coleman Theater when they debuted his film "The Oklahoman."

Follow this link to learn more about the history of Miami, Ok. Miami History

* The book Miami Forever in our Hearts is available for purchase if you click on the blue link. 

** If you are interested in pictures of Miami in the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's consider purchasing one of Ron Enderland's Hand Drawn Miami, Ok. Calendars.  2022 Historic Miami, Ok. Calendar

1955 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF MGCC

 1955

The first golf carts at Miami Country club were gas powered. It was a big deal for anyone to take a cart and all of the club members were excited because we were the first club to have the first gas golf carts in the Tri-State area. I remember they were kept under the country club ballroom and Johnie was a knowledgeable mechanic and did all of the maintenance on them himself. Johnie did a lot of original things like that.(Story from Jim Taylor, son of Gob Taylor.)

Bob Hill recalls that the Johnie only bought two gas powered scooters in the beginning. Gob Taylor, John Burford, and Ted Lowry were three regulars for using the golf carts.  The carts were used and often backfired while going down the fairway, which sometimes caused people to scream or drop to the ground thinking it was gun fire.

1955 March 20 

Al Spaulding, production superintendent at B.F. Goodrich, was recently elected president of the board at the Miami Country club. Congratulations, Al, we feel the board couldn't have made a better choice.

1955 April 23  "Miami Golfers Capture Tulsa Pro-Am Honors"

Four Miamians, paced by Country club professional Johnie Stapp, Sunday teamed up to win the pro-amateur meet at Tulsa's Indian Hills. 

Turning in a net best-ball score of 57 were Stapp, Jack Myers, Dr. W.D. Jackson, and Dr. R.E. Baron. Their 15-under-par effort included a combined 14 birdies, one eagle, one bogey and two pars. Stapp toured the 18-hole layout in 73 strokes. Myers shot a 75, Dr. Jackson 80, and Dr. baron 83.

1955 May 1 "Record Attendance at Club Luncheon"

Fifty-five members of the Ladies division of the Miami Country club and their guests, a record attendance, enjoyed the April luncheon and card party Thursday afternoon.  

Mrs. Monte Hall won the high score for bridge. Other bridge prizes went to Mrs. George W. Beck III and Mrs. Irving Proper. Canasta prizes were received by Mrs. Phillip Peacock and Mrs. Charles F. Hoffman.

Serving as the hostess committee for the occasion were Mrs. Lois Cowles, chairman; Mrs. O.J. Dahl, Mrs. W.V. Stout, Mrs. L.K. Newell, and Mrs. Johnie Stapp. Luncheon tables in the clubhouse ballroom were decorated with a variety of small potted plants. A miniature maypole was used as a centerpiece for the central table.   

1955 May 8 "Robinson Low Gross Winner Here"

John Robinson fired a nine-hole round of 36 Thursday evening at the Miami Country club, good for low gross prize during the first session of play in the new Twilight golfing league.  

Low net honors went to a team comprised of Rex Painter, George Beck, Marion Zajic and Bill Carter with 138 total strokes. The second place foursome included Wes Bullock, Noel Wyatt, Woody Painter, and Howard Essary. Ed Badger's 33 was the best individual low net score. Woody Painter was runner-up.

Low putt prizes were distributed to the team of G.R. White, Dr. Robert Baron, Hoot Gibson and Al White with 63 putts. Individual putting honors went to Ken Richards and Al White.  

1955 May 10  "Country Club Links Report"

This past week has been a busy one for golfing members of Miami Country club. First, the Northeastern A&M golf team went to Coffeyville for a match. Then the ladies went to Twin Hills in Joplin before beginning qualifying play for their spring handicap tournament. 

The men's Twilight league action got underway and a husband-wife tourney Sunday was conducted as a Mother's Day specialty.

Johnie Stapp, club professional, reports the busy pace will continue for most of the season, with tournaments, matches and league play affording plenty of exercise for the golfing set.

Stapp's golfing tip for today..."For better golfing, grip the club firmly in the left hand, using a palm and finger grip. Place the thumb slightly to the right of center on the top of the shaft, forming a "V" with the thumb and index finger which points to the right shoulder."

"In placing the right hand on the shaft, use the fingers only to grip the club. The palm should not touch the shaft. Place it over the thumb of the left hand. The little finger of the right hand should overlap the index finger of the left hand, leaving three fingers and the thumb to grip the club firmly. The "V" formed by the right thumb and finger should also point to the right shoulder. This is known as the Harry Vardon grip and is used and taught by 98 percent of the pros."

1955 May 17  "The Golfing Scene"

The team captained by Walter Williams holds a half-point lead after the first two sessions of play in the newly installed Twilight league. Hank Garwood's foursome is in second place, only a fraction ahead of the Marion Zijac and Noel Wyatt entries, tied for third. 

The Williams team, which also includes N.J. Messler, Charley Mallory and Nelson Shouse, took low net honors with 143 strokes. In second was Kenneth Sample's quartet made up of Sample, Bill Neel, Max Peacock and Earl Gaines. Individual low net honors went to Al Spaulding and Ken Sample with 36's. Low putts went to Dr. Harry Ford and Spencer Dawson requiring only 13 putts for nine holes. 

"The Ladies News"

The Ladies Spring Handicap tournament will wind up this week with Mrs. J.R. Organ and Mrs. Spencer Dawson colliding for the championship. Mrs. Organ was a semi-final victor over Mrs. Jack Horner, while Mrs. Dawson was eliminating Mrs. Floyd Newton. The playoff will cover 18 holes.  

"Other News"

State Senator Jess Fronterhouse from Fairland returned to the Country club Sunday after a long absence. Once of the district's better golfers for years, Jess carded a fine 38 during the nine-hole workout. 

Today's tip from Johnie Stapp, club pro--"The best way to improve your scoring is to improve your putting. Of the top 60 players in the country there is very little difference in their games from tee to green. It is usually the player with the hottest putter who wins, most of the time with a score of 274 to 280 for four rounds. He will have used his putter between 130-138 times and the other 13 clubs in his bag 152 to 158 times."

"The three outstanding putters in the past 20 years have been Horton Smith (from Joplin), Lloyd Mangrum, and Bobby Locke. Smith and Mangrum use the reverse overlapping grip. 

1955 May 25  "The Golfing Scene"

Pro Johnie Stapp's tip for today--"On sand trap shots, don't ever stop your club in the sand; make a full follow-through." 

1955 June 6  "Ladies Golf News"

Mrs. G.R. Organ won last week's championship flight. Mrs. Woodrow Painter took honors in class A. Marilyn Jones and Mrs. Rodney DeVilliers in class B and Mrs. Lois Cowles in class C.  

The women's league this year currently has over 50 ladies playing golf weekly. The pairings (This list is quite long. I will post winners names in the future when available instead of full pairings.)

Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. George Murphy, and Mrs. James Moore.

Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Bert Wall, and Mrs. Sam Fullerton.

Mrs. G.R. Organ, Mrs. Joe Ramsay and Mrs. Claud Jones.

Mrs. L.K. Newell, Mrs. Walter Patterson,Jr., and Mrs. G.A. Spaulding.  

Mrs. Ed Badger, Mrs. Wayman Jackson, and Mrs. Vernon Sapp.

Mrs. Spencer Dawson, Mrs. Elmer Jarrett, and Mrs. Bob Temple.

Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Joe Thompson, and Mrs. O.R. Westfall.

Mrs. Al White and Mrs. Glen McCollum.

Mrs. Frank Lacaff, Mrs. O.J. Dahl, and Mrs. Gib Reynolds.

Mrs. Bob Nunn, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, and Mrs. Lillian White.

Mrs. Dick Wright, Mrs. Rodney DeVilliers, Mrs. Ray Cundiff, and Mrs. Henry Garwood.

Mrs. Don Johnson, Mrs. Lois Cowles, and Mrs. Earl Gaines, Jr. 

Mrs. Jim Smallwood, Mrs. Robert Baron, and Mrs. Rex Painter.

Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Lee Adkinson, and Mrs. James Nowlin.

Mrs. Hance VanBeber, Mrs. W. D. Jackson, Mrs. Rex Graham, and Mrs. Charles Hoffman.

Pauline Dykes, Marilyn Jones, Mrs. G.R. White, and Mildred Gibson.  

 

1955 June 6  "Mantle Clouts Long Homer in Yank Victory"

 ...In New York's Yankee stadium Mickey Mantle blasted a 486 foot homer as the Yankees beat Kansas City 6-2. It was one of the longest balls every belted in the stadium. 

1955 June 25  "Winners Listed; Juniors to Play"

The team of Corbin Shouse, H. Wright, Joe Thompson, a substitute, and George Walbert captured low net honors in the seventh week of play in Miami Country club's Twilight league. Total score was 147 with the team of Jack Myers, Dr. W.D. Jackson, Bob Temple, and Spencer Dawson shooting a 150. 

Meanwhile, club pro Johnie Stapp announced that golfing lessons will begin Saturday morning at the club for junior players. Free lessons will continue for a month to precede a tournament for youngsters in several age groups. This will be held in late July.

Saturday's clinic will open at 10a.m. and youths are urged to report at the clubhouse their intentions to participate. The junior links program is planned for children up to 16 years of age. Last year 30 youngsters participated. Free golfing lessons will be given by Stapp each Saturday.

 1955 June 30 "Dance Scheduled"

An informal dance will be held at the Miami Country club Saturday night beginning at 9:30 o'clock as part of he July 4 weekend celebration. Provisions have been made to keep the clubhouse cool and comfortable, according to Spencer Dawson, chairman. (It is hard to imagine that Tudor style building without air conditioning. In 1960 the inside of the clubhouse was completely remodeled with air conditioning upstairs and in the third floor apartment. The downstairs pro-shop and locker rooms were painted and cleaned up but no air conditioning installed. A huge wall fan sucked air from the outside into the downstairs to keep it cool and comfortable.)

The swimming pool will be open Saturday night. Dinner will be served from 6 o'clock until dance time. For dinner reservations members may call William George at the Country club. The phone is No. 4429. Complete proceeds of the dance are to be used to purchase a record player for the club. 

**Once upon a time the swimming pool at the country did not have a fence around it. A few years ago, I met with a beautiful lady named Mary

VanBeber, known as Mrs. Hance VanBeber at that time. She was in an assisted living home in Miami when I found her. Oh, such stories she could tell.  

Her favorite story it seems was about the adventures a group of members shared in the swimming pool on hot summer nights when no one had air conditioning.  One night, or many nights, she recalled that she and Hance and others in the neighborhood would go swimming about midnight. Once the neared the club their husbands would turn off the car lights to hide their entrance.  They parked their cars in north driveway where people living nearby couldn't see them, then giggling like kids they would shed their clothes in the car, grab their bathroom towels and run and jump into the pool. 

I gathered from her memory this happened on many a summer night, including evenings when they had been to dances and remembered to bring their towels and swimsuits, so they could cool off before going home. 

I recall as a a small child that the lifeguard left at 6:00 but parents were required to watch their children in the pool and call for help if anyone drowned!   Because our homes were not air conditioned, I know that my sister and I often stayed late at the club swimming until dad closed the shop down at dark. Mother brought a sandwich out to dad, to hold him over until dinner around 8-9:00. We were never alone at the club and many a family enjoyed the cool nights around the pool until....the fence was built and a lock put on a gate! 

Mary's second best story involved clothing at the golf shop. "Your father never could select ladies golf wear that I liked. I decided to buy my own golf clothes through the Neiman Marcus catalog. Hans was always willing to drive me to Dallas to shop. It made me so happy." 

1955 July 3   "The Golfing Scene" 

A field of over 120 golfers, largest of the season, will tee off Monday morning in the unusual lady pro-amateur Fourth of July tournament at the Miami Country Club. For the one day only, lady members of the club will be designated as professionals for the purpose of teaming with the men. Each woman golfer will head a team also including two men.

Forty-two pairings have been announced. The first threesome will tee off at 8 o'clock. Handicap play will be for low net. The tournament will be followed by driving and putting contests for both sexes. Some 40 prizes will be awarded at the day's close. Upon conclusion of the golfing program, a barbecue dinner will be served, to be followed by a fire-works display. A nocturnal putting party will inaugurate new lights installed at the practice green.

1955 August 16  "The Golfing Scene"

Jackie Myers retains his club championship title beating John Robinson in the final 18 hole medal event.  Myers won last year and Robinson was runner-up.

1955 September 11  "The Ladies Golf Notes"

Miami Country club women will launch their annual fall tournament next Wednesday, opening with a driving contest and Pitch and Putt competition at 1 p.m.

Mrs. Gene Owens won championship honors in last week's activity. Mrs. Sam Fullerton won out in the class A, Mrs. Corbin Shouse and Mrs. Al White tied in class B and Mrs. George Russell prevailed in class C.

 

Miami News Record September 11, 1955

1955 September 26 "Golfing Winners Announced"

Mr. and Mrs. Rex Painter are man-wife Scotch foursome champions at Miami Country club. The won the golf title with a 2 and 1 victory over Mrs. and Mrs. Richard Wright.

Consolation flight winners are Mr. and Ms. Henry Garwood. They defeated the Jack Horners, 1-up. Mrs. and Mrs. Joe Ramsey in A flight defeated the Henry VanBebers, 1-up, while the Wayman Jacksons emerged on top in the A flight consolation bracket with a 1-up verdict over the Bob McClains.

First-round winners in the annual men's Calcutta championship bracket include: Jim Nowlin over We Bullock, Jack Doan over Jack Schofield, Earl Fisher over Dr. W.D. Jackson, Ken Sample over John Reese, Bert Wall over Bud May, Bob Temple over Joe Thompson, Buck Bagby over John Burford, Jack Buzzard over Dale Mabon, Pat Patterson over J.R. Organ, Ted Lowry over Lee Adkinson, Jack Brown over Bernie Schaff, Paul McIntosh over Richard Wilson, Walter Williams over G.R. Stripling.

1955 September 27  "Four Miamians Playing in Tulsa Golf Event"

Miami is represented in the pro-amateur event being held today in connection with the Oklahoma State Open golf tournament at Southern Hills Country club in Tulsa. 

Johnie Stapp, Miami Country club professional, is paired with three local amateurs in the preliminary event, which carries a $500 purse. Playing with Stapp are Jack Myers, John F. Robinson, and Ken Childress.

More than 80 pros are battling the par 71 over the 6,756 yard course. Defending open champion is Jimmy Gaunt of Oklahoma City.

*Record above came from the Miami Daily News Record found in the NewsArchives.