1976 RETIREMENT PARTY

  THE  PRO

In 1989 Jonya and I and our families faced the death of our parents. Mother, Helen Stapp died in August of 1989 and our father, Johnie F. Stapp, Pro-Emeritus died of a broken heart in October of 1989. We were devastated. I held onto an old picture of mom and dad dancing at the club merely three weeks before "Sepsis" took our mother's life. I cherished that photo and knew that they had enjoyed life down to the last leg of the journey.

The Christmas of 1992 I opened a gift from my sister. Out of the four-foot-long box dropped a doll or a puppet. I couldn’t tell. As I picked up the folded character I looked into those blue eyes and saw my dad. I laughed and we all cried. In my arms that evening I held the figure of our dad in my lap. Thirty years later he sits to my right in my studio and keeps me smiling and persevering. Sometimes he appears on the mantel when we host golf parties.

https://literallyletty.blogspot.com/2011/07/pro.html The Pro’s Story as I wrote 2011 on my personal blog Literally Letty.

Now here I sit February 15, 2024, writing the celebration of his life at the Miami Golf and Country Club retirement party December 1976. Please join me as I reminisce and share the photos.

1976 December 9 ‘Retiring Golf Pro Johnie Stapp Honored”

Some 250 members of the Miami Golf and Country Club were present Wednesday night to honor Johnie F. Stapp, who is retiring at the end of 1976 after serving the past 23 years as the club’s golf professional. The turnout was described as the largest for any social event in the history of the club.

Don Atchison, Johnie Stapp, Doc Jackson

 

Preparatory to Stapp’s retirement as the golf pro, greens-keeper and the man responsible for the golf shop, golf course, golf carts, and swimming pool, Don Atchison served as master of ceremonies. Called on to “roast” the honored guest were Claire Oliver, John F. Robinson, Marion Zajic, Chi Galloway, Bill Hirsch, Pat Campbell and daughter Letty Stapp Rains of Greensburg, Kansas. 

Helen Stapp, Bob Paul, Don Atchison, Flo Ragsdale, Johnie Stapp, John Robinson, Jonya Stapp, and Joe Hankins.

 

Presentations of plaques, certificates and special gifts were made by Florence Ragsdale on behalf of employees at the club; Joe Hankins, 1976 club president; Robbie (H.D.) Robinson; Doc Jackson and Harry Dean.  

Don Atchison, Johnie Stapp, Judy Atchison, Doc Jackson, Harry Dean reaching across and Dick Lillard on far right.

 A sample of remarks included: “He has made the Miami golf course one of the nicest to be found anywhere.” …” He has saved the club thousands of dollars through hard work beyond his regular duties.”…”Thanks to Johnie Stapp, there is no club I’d rather be a member of than this one.”…”The nicest thing about Johnie is his family, Helen, Letty, and Jonya.”

Don Atchison, Letty Stapp Rains, Rose Pratt, Johnie and Helen Stapp, John Robinson, and Jonya Stapp.

 

 

 Stapp received a standing ovation as he rose to make the final talk. “Thanks to all,” he said, “In 23 years here, there are so many who have helped me in so many ways that I wouldn’t attempt to call individual names. There is absolutely no way for me to express my true appreciation of what you have done. The success of this club belongs to its members and not me,” he declared. 

Jane Trussler, John and Ruth Chambers, Francis and Dail West, Helen Moore, Evelyn and Bill Hatfield.

Left, Mary Robinson. Center to front right: Grace and Rex Painter, Gail Beck, Pauline Taylor, Tammy Romick, Paul Parker

Left to right around the table: Mike and Jackie Craig, Dr. Elmer and Bernice Ogle, Billie and Lowell Lay, Jan and David Thomas.

Another 1976 honor for Stapp came in September when he was chosen “Golf Professional of the Year” in the Eastern Oklahoma chapter of the SC section of the PGA.

A Farewell Message from Johnie Stapp

 They say that if you live long enough they'll turn you out to pasture, and that's just what's happening to me. I've been looking forward to it for quite some time with mixed emotions. you would think with 40 acres, 40 cows, 4 ducks, 2 dogs, and 1 cat, and Helen that there would be plenty to do, not to mention a travel trailer to get away from it all. 

There was still something missing, and those of you who have frequented the Pro Shop the past few weeks have no doubt noticed the concerned expression on my face. Well, that has been the trouble, and just last week I discovered the solution to the whole thing right in my own backyard. 

Three pigeons on the putting clock, namely Barton, Kerr, and Carselowey. Of course, there are others too, such as May, Hatfield, Beck, and Shouse. I am not so sure about Shouse; he's back at work part-time. Maybe the first three got too deep into his pocket or could be inflation or too much garden work. But if things come to the worst there's always the C.S. club, I mean the Jolly Boys. I can fall back on them and pick up a few nickels. 

(My father along with Marion Zajic, Charlie Trussler and many more over the years began the C.S. (chicken shit) club about 1957 in the two-car garage attached behind our house on H N.E. The men gathered every Thursday night to play ping-pong for nickels, dimes but mostly to drink, smoke, and have fun. Jonya and I would watch through the window into the smoke-filled room, spying on the men. When the club was redecorated in 1962-63 the C.S. club moved to men's upstairs card room, the bar, and where-ever else there was room. The lights on the putting clock invited many hours of drinks and memories.) 

Now that my problems are worked out, I'll tell you what Helen and I plan to do for Christmas. Instead of sending cards to all of our friends (the entire membership), we thought it would be nice to plant a cluster of four dogwood trees in the rough between #15 tee and #18 green. The slicers will love that location and we will be remembered for a long time.

 We won't say goodbye because you will probably be seeing just as much of us as ever, but we want to thank you each and every one for being so kind, cooperative, and wonderful beyond explanation to a family who has spent 23 of the happiest years of their lives with you.  

Sincerely,

The Stapp Family

 

1960's--1977 Herstory--Jonya Stapp

 

Jonya Stapp crouches behind her ball to determine the line on the ninth hole of the Women's Oklahoma Golf Championship in a match with Lois Stuart at the Oaks CC. With a win over Stuart Jonya advanced to the semi-finals (1972)

1973.4.22   EDITED FOR BLOG Tulsa Tribune article (73.4.20) by Genelle Richards of the Tulsa Tribune Women’s Staff. edited by Letty Watt 1/10/2024.

For Jonya Stapp, golf is a way of life. "I started playing at such a young age, I'm not really sure whether I like it or I am used to it. I have played all of my life, so now I want to do something different."

She is currently attending the University of Tulsa where she is majoring in Spanish. Jonya, age 21, competed in the Miss Tulsa contest Saturday night finishing first runner-up. In 1972, she was named "Most Beautiful Golfer of the Year" by Golf Digest. She feels the honor meant more to her than being crowned Miss Oklahoma. 

Jonya spent January studying Spanish in Mexico and received four hours credit for her efforts. While visiting there she learned a flamenco dance which she performed as her talent requirement in the Miss Tulsa pageant. 

Because school is taking up so much of her time, she has not been able to participate on the TU golf team. She has not worked on her golf game this year because of her involvement in the pageant. 

She did assist in a one-day golf clinic at Southern Hills Country club recently. In June she will serve as queen of the NCAA golf tournament. 

Joining the LPGA circuit doesn't interest Jonya now. "It costs a lot of money to play on the pro tour. Since the prize money is not as much as the men's, you must stay on top all of the time or go into debt." "The tour is not too glamorous unless you stay on top and the great amount of travel is hard on a woman. Bonnie Bryant, my partner in the Sears Classic in March 1972, would get up in the morning and hit dozens of golf balls out of the sand trap. The sand would blow in her face, and I thought to myself, do I really want that?"

Jonya's advice for women who want to improve their golf game. "First of all, consult a professional golfer. If you don't have time to practice, stay in shape by doing pushups or swinging a club in your front yard. Concentration is the most important part of the game. Mental attitude is 90 per cent of the game."

Although she hasn't missed a women's state tournament since she was eight, Jonya hasn't decided whether she will participate in this year's event in Oklahoma City. The important part of her life now is receiving her education.

Jonya and mother, Helen Stapp. 1976 retirement party for Johnie F. Stapp. 

"I am going to slack off my golf until I receive my degree. After that I will have more time for golf." Since Jonya is not decided on the pro circuit, she has the considered working in a pro shop. In that capacity she would like to teach women golfers, or she might mix golf with her knowledge of Spanish. Jonya has also given thought to teaching golf in Mexico, such as Acapulco.

Over the next four years Jonya graduated from TU and finished a master's degree in Spanish from the University of Oklahoma.

1977 June THE GOLF REPORTER magazine special issue on the U.S. Open, “Jonya Stapp Drives for the Green” by Elven Lindblad

*edited by Letty Watt 1/10/24

 

After playing golf for Northeastern A&M as a freshman in the NJCAA championship, Jonya went to a self-imposed exile to pursue academic excellence. The path led down Interstate 44 from Miami to the University of Tulsa, then on to Oklahoma City and the southbound swing to Norman for her current graduate work in Spanish at the University of Oklahoma.

Jonya lacks only three hours to earn her master’s degree in Spanish from OU. She teaches two hours a day, but preparation for those classes while carrying a 14-hour class load is a task of Herculean proportions.

With the ability to play with the big girls, there is no doubt, will she use her musical and theatrical talents, or will she use her graduate work to teach Spanish or work in a golf shop? Motivation is the secret word.

“Since I was 17, there have been so many roads before me,” Jonya said. “I was able to sing and dance, I was a good golfer to a lot of people, I loved Spanish music and culture, and I was in gymnastics.”

Jonya believes her game matches favorably with many current LPGA players. Currently, time will be required for improving her physical condition, and an old wrist injury still bothers her, but Jonya’s main concerns is the intense, almost fanatical concentration that pro golf demands.

Why does Jonya like golf? “Golf is not a rugged sport. You can be as skillful or as delicate as you want to be.”

In the grand athletic tradition, the sport can’t be taken from her heart and mind. When friends suggest spending time at the park for a picnic or flying a kite, something inside Jonya urges her not to go to the park, but to go to the practice range and hit golf balls. She admits that she feels relieved after hitting a couple of buckets of golf balls.

Jonya has been playing tournament golf since the age of eight when she played in the Women’s Oklahoma Girls Jr. Golf championship in the Pee-Wee division, a title she later won in 1967.  Titles and trophies followed her for the next decade. Her game is now accented by a marked maturity in her golf and outlook on life.

“I would go out and swing without thinking about the course when I was younger. Now, I analyze the course before playing. Golf is more of a challenge when you are hitting the ball for placement instead of as hard as you can,” she explained.

Jonya was not lucky enough to catch the train known as the growth of women’s intercollegiate athletics and golf (Title IX). The year after Jonya graduated from TU, Dale McNamara was hired as women’s coach and started the program on the road to the illustrious loft it now enjoys.

“I could have benefited from playing college golf because of the frequency of practice and competitions. I am glad the interest is growing because I could wind up a as a golf coach if I ever had to double up while teaching school.”

So, Jonya Stapp has arrived at her crossroads. One beckoning path will produce folding green from a putting green. Another path where she might share her golf insight with others. A third path involves utilization of her affection and knowledge of the Spanish culture.

“I have so many directions that I could go. I am worried about choosing the wrong one, but I will leave this in God’s hands and let Him show me what He wants me to do. Things always work out better that way.” 

Jonya is now retired after teaching Spanish in public and private schools over the last forty years. Her passion for Spanish has only increased as she has traveled to Spain and carries a special place in her heart for the people and culture of Antigua, Guatemala. Even now in retirement she finds time to teach Spanish online at various Oklahoma City college campuses.

When asked, would she like to return to golf?  “Absolutely, it’s my second home,” she replied, “While my husband and I travel the United States in our RV, hopefully we will take time to play golf.”  (January 10, 2024).

 

 

 Reading these two stories along with the bundles of newspaper clippings of my sister, Jonya, has been a joy for me and an eye opener about her young life. In 2014 Jack and I moved back to Norman and Jonya was living in Oklahoma City with her husband Bill.  Since then Jonya and I have found time to travel back and forth to Miami, to Dallas to see friends, and elsewhere to meet up with family. How lucky we are to have each other and this wonderful history we share with other Miamians.  We were truly raised by a village, or perhaps an entire gallery of golfers who came and went in our lives.Hope to see you all July 27 at the Dobson Museum. 

Jonya and Letty on the road 2019. 

 This is the link to a podcast I was invited to do about the history of the Miami Golf and Country Club.

Miami Country club history by Letty Watt

 

6-6-66 A Game to Remember

 

The Golf Game to Remember

Ponca City Country Club

Quite often my life lessons occurred as much off the course as on. On Saturday, June 4, 1966 I took a bus ride from Miami to Tulsa with a two hour layover before going on to Blackwell, Ok to meet my guest family. I learned how to rent a locker at the Bus Station to store my golf clubs and suitcase, while I ventured forth in the big city, alone, looking for a restaurant. I may have broken a few social norms when I seated myself in a fine dining room in a bustling department store, a few heads turned and I smiled.

On a Sunday morning June 5, Janice and Vicki Bell and I played our practice round at Ponca City CC in preparation for qualifying for the 1966 Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association State Amateur Championship, and my first adult tournament.  I had taken copious notes on how to traverse the trees, hazards, and bunkers that I’d be facing.  With my guest family, the Jack Bell family, I rode back to their home in Blackwell, Oklahoma for the evening.

While the family took their son, Rocky,  to a ball game I stayed at their home.  Not being one to sit, I grabbed my pitching wedge and shag balls and walked over to the school yard across the street to practice.  My practicing on the school playground was distinctly disturbed by the turbulent murky green boiling clouds building in the Southwest.  Thunder roared in the distance and the hair on my arms felt the static in the air. My history and fascination with weather reminded me that Blackwell had once been nearly wiped off the map in the ‘50’s by a tornado.  I knew enough about clouds and weather to realize that this storm was nasty, and moving toward me.

 After gathering my shag balls, I headed inside and awaited my family.  In the kitchen I opened a coke bottle on the cabinet top and began to pour it into a glass when I saw the tornado out the west facing window.  It was a flat horizon with acres of farm land and fences that I faced.  In the distance the tornado touched down tearing a barn into shreds before my very eyes.  The sirens rang and the coke I was pouring found it’s way to the counter top not the glass.  I noticed my hand was shaking.

I ran to the bedroom grabbed my precious notes along with my golf clubs, and hide in the hall closet. The storm raged outside and I shivered by myself inside.  After minutes passed there was a banging at the front door and my heart thought I was being lifted in oblivion.  Voices yelled, ”Letty, where are you?” Voices of Vicki and her mother, Corky Bell, flooded the tiny closet space and I saw light and friends.  I crawled out that day only to have them put me in the car to drive to safety. More tornadoes were forming in the sky and the Bank in Blackwell had a basement. I held my notes closely (the golf clubs abandoned in the closet), only to realize that Jack Bell liked to chase tornadoes. 

With extra coaching from his wife, Corky, we made our way back to the bank and settled down in the basement for the evening.  In time, we all walked out of the bank to dark but clearer skies, and discovered that all was well.  No one had been hurt and the only damage was to several barns and trees on the west side of town.

There must have been electricity in the air the next day as I qualified with a low round of 76 on June 6, 1966.  I didn’t win medalist honors, but I didn’t need to.  I had lived through a tornado by myself, and played one of my best rounds ever the next day.  I thought I could conquer the world.

The next day an "old lady" of about 50 beat me on the 17th hole and sent me into Consolation flight. I do not remember the outcome because I remained on cloud 9 having played the best game of my life on June 6, 1966.  

That same summer I shot my first par round on the front nine at the Miami Country club. At that time Hattie Wall and I were the only two women to have shot par. A few years later my sister, Jonya, also shot par 36 on the front nine. ( I believe we called them the White Tees. They were the farthest ones back from the creek on hole #2.) When the club burned in 1984 everyone lost everything inside the building. Of all of the memories the only thing I wished to have back was that tiny wall trophy that showed Hattie Wall, Letty Stapp, Jonya Stapp as having shot a par round of golf on the difficult nine hole golf course.

The memory of walking off hole #9 with Ron Robinson as my playing partner remains strong, because I made that last putt for a par round, instead of three putting!

 

 

Curiosity led me to reread the story of the 1955 Blackwell, Ok and Udall, Ks tornado outbreak.  Tornado description:  The tornado continued north and moved through the east side of Blackwell causing complete destruction in much of the east side of town. Nineteen people were killed in Blackwell as well as one person to the northeast of Blackwell. The tornado passed east of Braman, then turned to the north-northwest and dissipated to the southeast of South Haven, Kansas as shown in tornado track map for north central Oklahoma and south central Kansas. As this storm passed to the east of Braman, another tornado developed about 4 miles north of Peckham that moved into Kansas and eventually killed 80 people in and near Udall, KS. Both the Blackwell tornado and Udall, KS tornado were rated F5, although the Udall tornado produced minimal damage in Oklahoma.