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

 

1974 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MGCC

 *Please read these stories in your browser and take the time to peruse the Miami, Ok. Golf and Country club History blog and the archives on the right hand side of the page.  

** Make plans to attend the 40th Reunion of the Miami Golf and Country club on July 25, 26, 27 of 2024.   Golf and High School Reunion

High School golfers in Oklahoma played January through regional or state championship held the first week in May. The weather oftentimes made the matches very challenging.

1974 March 6 Ladies Spring Golf Coffee. 

During the coffee a business meeting was held and yearly booklets where handed out to members.

1974 March 21” NEO Golfers First in O.C. Tournament”

NEO A&M golfers, coached by Al Moffatt, won first place in an eight-team tournament Wednesday on the Lake Hefner course in Oklahoma City. The event was sponsored by Oklahoma City Southwestern College and was scheduled for 18 holes but was halted at the end of nine-hole rounds because “SNOW WAS GETTING TOO DEEP.” Richard Buchanan, player for the NEO team, shot a 41 that day. He went on to become a golf pro and spent his years as a teaching pro in the Norman and Oklahoma City area. His daughter played golf on the Norman high golf team in the late 1980's when the winning state high school girls champions hailed from Miami High School. I contacted him about the story and he said that that round of golf at Lake Hefner was the coldest day he's ever played golf. One which he will always remember.  

 1974.March 27 “MHS Golf Team Wins Triangular”

Coach Archie Loehr’s Miami high school golfers in their first competition of the season, won first places Tuesday afternoon against Baxter Springs and Joplin Memorial on the Baxter Springs CC course. Scores were 15 ½ to 5 ½ over Baxter and 21-) over Memorial.

Medalist Perry Ogle of Baxter shot a 79 giving him a 4-0 victory over Wardog John Mirjanich 91. Miami’s victories over Baxter in other matches were Wayne Anderson 4-0 over Williams; Mike Hylton 3 ½ to ½ over Ewers; Kim King 4-0 over Ash; Chris Adkison 4-0 over McBee.

The same 18-hole scores prevailed against Memorial with these results: Mirjanich beat Lahan 4-0; Anderson beat Huff 4-0; King beat Chappell 4-0; Hylton beat Findley 4-0; Adkison beat Taylor 4-0.

1974 March 29 “Men Advised on Registration in Golf Events”

Men of the Miami Country club are advised by Johnie F. Stapp, club pro, to act as soon as possible regarding two phases of competition:

1. The roster is nearly filled for the beginning of Twilight League play on April 23. Remaining places will go on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. The Miami club will host April 22 the annual pro-am meet of the South-Central Section, Eastern Chapter of the PGA. Each pro golfer will be teamed with an amateur from the Miami club. If there are 20 pros here, there will be room for 20 amateurs. These assignments will be based on first signups.

 11974 March 29  “Wardogs 3^rd Among 12 Golf Teams”

 

** Corrected list of names--Front row: Kim King, Dan Giffhorn, Mike Hylton, Wayne Anderson, Chris Atkison, Chris Couch.  Back row: John Mirjanich, Jack Brown, John Weitz, John Prewitt, Coach Archie Loehr.

Coach Archie Loehr’s Wardogs totaled 359 strokes on 86 by Mirjanich, 89 by Anderson, 91 by King, and 93 by Hylton. Host Parsons won first in the four-ball competition with 344, followed by Coffeyville 347, Miami 359, Chanute 366, Independence 367. In the special two-ball competition, Miami and Altamont tied for ninth with 201. Scores for the Wardogs were 101 by Chris Adkison and 100 by John Pruitt.

1974 April 2 “Wardog Golfers Defeat Nowata, Baxter Springs”

Miami Wardogs coached by Archie Loehr, continued their winning ways Monday with victories over Baxter and Nowata. John Mirjanich measured up to his No.1 position by capturing medalist honors with an 18-hole score of 81 on rounds of 41 and 40, providing an extra point for Miami.  Miami’s other winning scorers were Anderson 87 won both matches; Kim King 96 lost to Hildreth 93 and beat Hetzger 111; Chris Adkison 94 beat Ewers 97 and Boultinghouse 111; John Prewitt 110 beat Barnett 112 and Driscoll 118.

1974 April 7 “Ladies Golf”

The Miami Women’s Golf Association will begin summer season weekly play Wednesday at the Miami Country club. Beginners will me with club pro, Johnie Stapp for free golf lessons at 9:00am.

No. 1 tee: 9am Lib Lillard, LaRue Gaines, Marian Richards; Helen Moore, Hattie Wall, Jean Ann Blue; Noma Newman, LaVon Young, Beverly Jackson; Faye Berentz, Peg Murphy, Ruth Heyburn; Pauline Taylor, Lois Garwood, Judy Weld; Evelyn Hatfield, Geneva Ramsey, Barbara Gust; Billie Pace, Yvonne Temple, Erin Wojcik, Aileen Bradshaw, Mae Farrier, Marylyn Adams.

No 6 tee: 9am Rose Pratt, Barbara Blevins, Bonnie Moody; Frances McKinney, Sue Enyart, Gail Beck; Dorothy Hester, Caryl Rohwedder, Pauline Adkison; Etta Viers, Cynthia Neel, Mavis Ford, Nancy Johnson; Mary Robinson Rosalie Patterson, Gladys Wetzel.

1974 April 8 “From the Clutter”

Dr. W.D. Jackson of Miami gained the spotlight among Joplin area golfers during the weekend by carding a pair of eagles on the Briarbrook course between Joplin and Carl Junction.

Jackson scored 3’s on the par-5 fifth and seventh holes, hitting the greens on each of his drives. Three out-of-bounds shots were included in his 18-hole score of 78 for the par 72 course. Windy conditions prevailed.

Playing with Jackson were Max Martin of Picher, Lou Mirjanich, Joe Weatherford, Cy Elmburg and Tom Cordell of Miami.

1974 April 14 “Miamian with Winners”

** Look for a future story about Suzy Wickham and the Oklahoma State University beginning girls golf team.

 1974 April 15 “18 Prep Teams in Tuesday Golf Here”

The Edison Eagles of Tulsa will defend the championship they won here last year in the 16^th annual MHS golf tournament. The 18-team competition will begin at 8:30 a.m. and should be completed early in the afternoon, giving spectators time to reach the baseball field at Fifth and B NE before the start of the 3:00p.m Six Lakes Conference double-header between the Wardogs and Owasso Rams, the defending state champions of Class AAA baseball.

1974 April 16 “Mantle Leads Shangri-la’s Benefit Golf”

Mickey Mantle, former NY Yankee star, was the leading scorer in Monday’s American Cancer Society benefit golf tournament at Shangri-la. Mantle carded a six-over-par 78. Next best scorers in the charity event were 79’s by Miami Banker, John Robinson, Sr., and Bill Williams.

Steve Owens of the NFL Detroit Lions, who made football history at OU carded a 101. He played with Max Blue of Miami, Jack Wallace and Steve Zabriskie, Tulsa sportswriter.  

Prize winners included: A flight--Bob Temple, Miami, Mickey Mantle Jr., and Craig Coyan; B—Tom Bomford Weatherford of Miami; C Jack Wallace; Ladies A flight-- Letty Stapp Rains and Billie Pace, Miami; B—Jean Ann Blue, Maggie Garrett, and LaVon Young. 

1974 April 17 "Tulsa Edison Repeats as Miami Golf Meet Champ"

 In the breezy chilling spring weather the Eagles of Edison high school repeated as champions of the 16th annual Miami high school invitational golf tournament. Coach Tom Langham did not have a player back from the foursome that captured the four-ball title a year ago. His team posted a winning 327, nine strokes better than the next best 336 by both Fayetteville, Arkansas and Tulsa Rogers. 

Miami Wardogs finished with 366. John Mirjanich low score of 81 was followed by Mike Hylton, 84, Kim Kings, 100 and Wayne Anderson, 101. 

MHS golf coach Archie Loehr was director of the tournament. He was assisted by L.D. Bains, Athletic Director, and Mrs. Claire Oliver, coach of MHS girls golf. 

1974 April 23 “68’s in Pro-Am by Parker and Karlovich”

Pro golfers Bill Parker (left) of Joplin Twin Hills and Bob Karlovich (standing) of Tulsa's Indian Springs club receive congratulations from club pro Johnie F. Stapp of the Miami Country club for posting 4 under par 68 to share top honors in Monday's pro-am.

A veteran pro and relatively newcomer to professional golf captured top honors in Monday’s annual pro-am at the Miami Country club. Firing identical 33-35-68 scores, 4 under par, were Bill Parker, head pro at Joplin Twin Hill Country club and Bob Karlovich, 1972 graduate of OSU and now an assistant pro at Tulsa’s Indian Springs Country club.

 

Happy golfers in the annual Miami pro-am are Collen Adair of Grove, Bob Thomas, Grove, and Dick Wadleigh of Miami. This team tied for team honors with a 62. 

Back row: George Foster was with the team shooting a 63 for second place, and Steve Kinzie of Southern Hills shot an individual score of 73 to finish in the top three of the pros.

1974 May 8 “MHS Girls in Victory”

 Miami high school girls, coached by Mrs. Claire Oliver, defeated Joplin’s Parkwood and Memorial girls in golf competition at Briarbrook club near Joplin. Team totals were Miami 423, Parkwood 429, and Memorial 463. Individual scoring for the nine-hole matches: Pam Landers 45, Ann Heyburn 56, Linda Wickham 68, Brenda Brown 55, Christie Adkison 73, Chris Hester 64, and Sharon Rohwedder 62.Miami girls participating without opposition were Roxie Freeman, Robyn Baldridge and Cathy Gee.

1974 Spring “MHS Girls Golf Team”

The 1974 MHS girls golf team added another successful year under the direction of Coach Claire Oliver. On April 9, Miami defeated Joplin Parkwood at the Miami course, and Joplin Parkwood at Briarbrook Country club in Joplin.

1974 May 30 “Jenks Golfers Early Leaders”

Miami Wardog golfers, who had a four-man team score of 344 in Monday’s first-round of play in the Class AAA regional tournament in Pryor, returned to Pryor today for completion of the 36-hole play. The top three teams and four lowest individual scores will be eligible for competition in the state tournament.

Team totals for the first 18 holes were: Jenks 317, Tulsa Kelley 325, Bartlesville Sooner 326, Pryor 329, Tahlequah 335, Sallisaw 343, Miami 344, Locust Grove 370, Claremore 379, Nowata 397 and Wagoner 380. 

1974 Spring "MHS Girls Golf Season Ends"

The 1974 MHS girls golf team has had another successful year under the direction of Coach Claire Oliver. On April 9, Miami defeated Joplin Parkwood at the Miami Country club. May 7, Miami defeated both Joplin Memorial and Joplin Parkwood at Briarbrook Country club in Joplin, Missouri.  

**This information along with all of the above photos was taken from the 1974 Wardogs Yearbook. My special thanks to the Miami Public Library resource library for sharing these photos with me. 

1974 Spring “MHS Season Ends”

The 1974 MHS Golf season ended in a 7-4 record for dual competition. They were third in the Parsons tournament, fourth in the Six Lakes Conference meet, 12 in the four-ball and fourth in the two-ball competition of the Miami Invitational tourney.

In the 36-hole Class AAA Regional Tournament they came in sixth with a score of 675 for two days of play. John Mirjanich was the leading scorer for the Wardogs with an 82 on Monday and 81 Tuesday for a 163. Next were Mike Hylton, 166; Wayne Anderson, 170; Kim King, 179; Chris Adkinson 187. Mirjanich, Anderson, and King will be seniors and Hylton and Adkison juniors for the 1975 campaign.

1974 May 26 “City’s Junior Golfers Begin Season Friday”

First activities of the junior golf season begin Friday at the Miami Country club. Free lessons will be given by club professional, Johnie F. Stapp and Dick Neel, ass.t pro. Competition each Friday through July 12 will be conducted in these divisions: Ages 7-8, two holes; ages 10-11, four holes; ages 14-15, nine holes for girls and 18 for boys; ages 16-17, eighteen holes.

Mrs. Stan Weld, chairman and Mrs. William Neal, Mrs. Howard Kidd, co-chairmen. June 21 will be the annual girls invitational with Beverly Jackson as chairman. The entry fee is $5.00.

The annual boys invitational here will be on July 5 with Claire Oliver as chairman. The entry fee is $3.00. A junior golf tournament on July 12, along with lunch and trophy presentations will conclude the summer program.

1974 June 2 “Pairings for Junior Golf”

2-hole boys—Bill Fullerton and Pat Youngberger; scorer, Cindy Neel; Brett Wisdom and Danny McKinney, scorer Pris Fullerton; Perry Gust and Brad Craig, scorer, Aalice Kidd; Keith Neel and Aaron Cusher, scorer, Dona Ridenour.

2-hole girls—Donna Weitz and Kelly Foster, scorer, Beverly Jackson; Mary Anna Kidd and Kathy smith, scorer, Jan Neal.

4-hole boysy—Meade Monger and Rick Youngberger, scorer, Mrs. Wisdom; Raymond McKinney, John Garrett and Darin foster, scorer, Sue Youngberger; Billy Jackson, David Robinson and Jeff Mills, scorer, Mike Craig.

4-hole girls—Nancy Goldenberg and Amy Robinson, scorer, Frances McKinney; Mary Weitz and Ann Fullerton, scorer, Carol Monger; Corine Smith and Lisa Blevins, scorer, Sue Dohrman; Kim Weld, Cathy Harsch and Ann Dohrman, scorer, Sue Enyart; Tracy Enyart and Christie Neal, scorer, Caryl Rohwedder.

B flight boys-red tee\: 1. Mathew Monger, Mike Weitz and Charles Garrett. 2. Mike Eldridge, Mike Richardson and Sam Fullerton. 3. Tom Kidd, Bryan Martin, and Jay Jackson.

B flight girls-red tees: Group 1. Sally Neal, Jenny Landers and Shelly Blevins. 2. Debbie Jackson, Shelly Weatherford, Laura Rohwedder and Kathleen McKinney.

A flight—David Bennett, Brent Landers, David Weitz and Kevin Wadleigh. Carol McKinney, Chris Hester and Sharon Rohwedder.

Championship: Tommy Dean, Jim Doan, Sandi Jackson and Traci Bradshaw.

1974 June 11 “Insurance Youth Golf Tournament”

Any boy or girl residing within Ottawa, Craig, Delaware or Mayes counties who will not be 18 years of age before August 21, is eligible to compete on any level of tournament play in the Insurance Youth Classic that will be conducted June 18 at the Miami Country club as part of a National program of 500 similar tournaments.

Independent insurance agents are sponsors of the local event with Pat Wilson of Miami as the tournament chair. The entry fee is $2.00.

1974 June 19 “Mike Hylton Winner of Insurance Youth Meet”

Mike Hylton, shooting an 82, qualified to play in the State Insurance tournament July 10-11 at Enid. Second place went to Will Neel of Shangri-la with 43-45-88. The only girl in the championship flight, Sandi Jackson of Miami, carded an impressive 47-44 for third place. In the 14 and under age, Tom Kidd and David Cresap tied with 89’s. Other Miami players were Brent Landers shooting a 103 and Debbie Jackson carded 110.

1974 June 10 “Girls from 3 States in Golf Event Here Friday”

The 15^th annual Miami Girls Invitational under the sponsorship of the Ladies Golf Association with Beverly Jackson acting as chair will be held this Friday. Play begins at 8 o’clock.

Regarded as one of the pre-tournament favorites for championship honors is Terri Streck of Tulsa, from a family of golf champions. She has hopes of becoming a varsity regular with Tulsa U golf team, formerly an all-male group. Pairings follow:

No. 1 tee—Becky Neal, Bartlesville; Terri Streck, Tulsa; Nancy Nelson, Chanute; scorer, Caryl Rohwedder. Group 2. Lucia Lukken, Tulsa; Edith Holmes, Bartlesville; Cathy Coomer, Pittsburg; scorer, Bill Hatfield. Group 3. Linda Brown, Bartlesville; Mary Harrison, Tulsa; Pam Landers, Miami; scorer, Lois Garwood. Group 4. Meg Nettels, Pittsburg; Jennifer Jones, Tulsa; Holly Pryor, Bartlesville; scorer Marylyn Adams. Group 5. Kim Brecht, Tulsa; Glenda Alderman, Tulsa; Annette Jackson, Aurora, Mo.; scorer, Janie Adams. Group 6. Kate Nettels, Pittsburg; Libby Stanley, Pittsburg; Ann Hoyt, Bartlesville; scorer, Melba Cordell. Group 7. Kerri Church, Pittsburg; Diane Muench, Aurora; Michelle Carpino, Pittsburg; scorer, Ann Cordell.

Class A (No. 4 tee)—Sandi Jackson, Susan Pruitt, scorer, LaRue Gaines. Group 2. Debra Dodd, Terre Spangler, scorer Evelyn Hatfield; Group 3. Cathy Johnson, Adele Lukken, scorer, Sue Enyart. Group 4. Melinda McNeill, Jamie Dry, Jenny Landers, scorer Etta Veirs.

Class C (No. 6 tee) Tracy Enyart, Kimi Cline, Corine Smith, scorer, Rose Pratt.

Class B (No. 7 tee) Debbie Jackson, Sherri Jabour, scorer, Mary Robinson. Group 2. Teri Harrington, Martha Dale, scorer Mavis Ford.

1974 June 23 “Terri Streck, Tulsa, No.1”

Terri Streck is the champion of the 15 annual Miami Girls Invitational golf tournament. Terri, who the past spring became the first girl to earn a letter in the boys golf team at Will rogers high school, Tulsa, carded 43-44 for an 87. This was eight strokes ahead of the 95 scores by Becky Neal and Holly Pryor. Becky Neal won in the playoffs. Terri who placed fourth in last year’s tournament plans to enroll at Tulsa U. and try out for the girls golf team. Her brother, Ron Streck, is the No. 1 Tulsa University player of 1974.

A golfer since the age of 8, champion Terri plans to compete in the state girls golf tourney at Yukon in July and possibly in the August national girls amateur in Oregon.

Miami’s Sandi Jackson repeated as Class A champion with a 43 for nine holes. Sandi’s nine-hole round of 43 tied with champion Terri Streck for the best nine-hole round of the tournament.

1974 July 3 “130 Boys Entered in 14^th Miami Jr. Boys Invitational”

Randy Crews, 17, of Tulsa captured both medalist and championship honors with a superb 73 in the 14^th annual Miami Jr. Boys tournament. Miles Grove, also of Tulsa, was runner-up to Crews with a 76. 

 

 1974 July 14 “Awards for Jr. Golfers”

1974 September 1 “Ladies Golf”

Winners in Miami Women’s Golf Association the past week were: Championship, Ruth Heyburn and Beverly Jackson. Class A, Helen Moore; Class C, Nancy Johnson; Class D, Beverly Foster and Linda Ramsey.

Wednesday’s competition will be scrabble (nine holes) with shotgun start at 9 a.m. Pairings will be made at the club. The monthly business meeting and luncheon will be held at 12:30.

1974 September 8 “Ladies Handicap Golf Winners”

 

Beverly Jackson, 18 holes; Nancy Johnson, nine holes; Winn Hastens, nine-hole runner-up, Juanita King, consolation. LaRue Gaines runner up for 18 holes, is not in picture. The match play competition consisted of four rounds.

1974 September 9 “Bob Klein Gains Title in Invitational”

Bob Klein, a Miami building contractor whose wide assortment of golf honors include six or seven Southern Hills Country club championships in Tulsa, was the No.1 man of 19^th annual Miami Country club’s men’s invitational tournament that ended two-day run Sunday evening. His winning score of the weekend was 149 with rounds of 74 on Saturday and 75 Sunday.

Second place went to former Miamian Bob Hill, Jr. of Parsons with a score of 75-75-150. Hill is now assistant vice president of Peoples Savings and Loan of Parsons. His boss, who finished one stroke behind placed third.

Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill., a three-time champion, finished fourth with 154. Doc Jackson, a three-time winner and Tom Beck a two-time winner failed to qualify for the championship flight and played in the President’s group.

Winners of the five flights below championship flight were Bob Coyan, Ft. Scott, Kan., President; Don Dugan, Idabel, A flight; Ray Watson, Springdale, Ark., B flight; Bill Hatfield, Miami, C flight; and Mike Craig, Miami, D flight.

Other local players in the championship flight were John Robinson, Sr., 156; Charlie Bill Hirsch, 161; Kent Jeffries 161; Marshall Smith; 163; Dr. W.D. Neal, 184.

President’s flight local players: Doc Jackson 163; Tom Forbes, 163; Bob Temple 170.

 A Flight: Ron Robinson, 165; Lloyd Tate, 171; Pat Wilson, 171; Bud Gaines, 173; Jim Wooley, 181; Wayland Kelly, 183; Bill Harsch, 184.

 B flight: Joe Whipple, 173; Jon Price 173; David Gaines, 181; Al White, 183; Dabney Smith, 138; Scott Jackson 186; Joe Hankins, 193.

 C flight: Rex Painter, 179; Jim Rutter, 183; Cy Elmburg, 184; ;Max Martin 186; Bill Oliver, 190.

D flight: H.D. Robinson, 195; Bob Hill, Sr., 196, Henry Garwood, 200; Pat Campbell, 201; George Foster, 204.

1974 September 12 “Jonya Third in District Golf Event”

Wives and a daughter of golf professionals for country clubs in northeast Oklahoma were the top three in the two-say Tulsa District Women’s Golf Association championship that ended Wednesday at the Muskogee Country club.

Jonya Stapp, whose father Johnie F. Stapp, is the Miami Country club pro, was third with a total score of 264 for 54 holes.

Mrs. Fay Higgins of Tulsa won the championship with a score of 260, Her husband, Jack Higgins, the Meadowbrook club pro and also ORU golf coach. The runner-up with 261 was Mrs. Pauline Weisner of Tulsa, whose husband, Charley, is the LaFortune club pro.

Two other members of the Miami Ladies Golf Association, Mrs. Bill Hatfield, and Mrs. Beverly Jackson, qualified for the championship flight. Mrs. Geneva Ramsey of Miami played in the B flight.  

Cindy Massey and Linda Wickham dress in teen world fashions.

1974 September 29 “Tourney Winners Named”

Evelyn Hatfield, seated, won the championship and medalist honors of the annual Miami Ladies Golf Association. Other winners, standing from left, Marylyn Adams, Class B; Geneva Ramsay, Class A, and Rosalie Patterson, Class C.

Other winners were Ruth Heyburn, runner-up in championship, Noma Newman, runner-up flight A, Mavis Ford runner-up flight C. Driving contest—Ruth Heyburn, Noma Newman, Marylyn Adams, Nancy Johnson. Putting contest winners in each flight were Faye Berentz, Noma Newman, Marylyn Adams, Lottie Mae Russell.

1974 October 3 “Oklahoma State and Iowa State Favored in Women’s Golf Event”

With the season opener at the Missouri Invitational tournament OSU  women’s golf team finished second, two strokes behind the Cyclones, a year ago. Karen Edwards, Bartlesville Sooner and Patty Livingston, OC John Marshall, will anchor the O-State’s entry. Both consistently shoot in the high 70’s and are “unhappy when they shoot in the 80’s,” said Coach Joyce Seward.

Lisa Stone, Tulsa Memorial; Suzy Wickham, Miami and Janie McKee, Shidler, round out the top O-State squad. I feel good about our chances of winning,” said Mrs. Seward. Suzy Wickham has been improving steadily and has her scores down into the high 70’s and low 80’s. O-State hopes to compete in Tucker Invitational Oct. 8-11 at Albuquerque following the Missouri tournament, but that trip depends on available funds and whether or not players can afford to miss class.

*This is the early stages of the Title IX procedure for women in college sports. The women's golf team at OSU was not sanctioned by NCAA, like most small women's athletics. Instead, the teams were under the heading of the WRA, Women's Recreation Association. There was no funding by the university. All monies came from donations or fundraiser that the girls worked on.

1974 November 10 “George Wojcik Promoted with BFG-International”

George Wojcik, staff superintendent at the Miami BFG plant, has been promoted to project manager-Yugoslavia, effective Jan. 1, 1975. He and Mrs. Wojcik will be moving from Miami to a home in the Akron, Ohio area.

Wojcik, a graduate of the University of Southern California, joined BFG in Los Angles in 1951. He came to Miami in 1953. The Wojcik’s have one son, Mark, who resides in Miami with his wife, the former Kathy Pliler, and daughter, Annaniece. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1960's Thursday--A Tale of Tails

 

George Haralson, 1960 

There was once a loved dog named Thursday, who spent his days at the Miami Country Club receiving hugs from the members and food from the kids at the swimming pool. His bedtime home stood south of the #7 golf hole. Consequently, Thursday big backyard became the country club.

 Our golf pro, the trickster that he was, sometimes came face to face with his own orneriness.  M-80’s, his fireworks of choice, caused much hilarity among the men and great dismay from the women.  Of course, the children were never allowed to pull such tricks, but then he did lead us like the Pied Piper down the trail of orneriness. (Jimmy Thompson, I'm sorry you are no longer here to tell us your stories, as you followed my dad around the golf course year after year, copying his behavior.) 

Victims, survivors, tellers of the tales, we all became as the summer holidays neared.  Oh, how golf swings changed when the bombs (M-80’s) exploded in their back swings.  Men could be seen pounding their clubs into the ground shortly after a well-timed explosion occurred in the distance.  The pro was never to be seen.  Even women used explicit language to show their duress at the well timed M-80 explosions set off in the middle of their backswings  by my father.  However, over drinks in the bar the stories of the errant shots and the surprise bombs heard in the distance caused many hours of laughter.  

One warm summer evening the country club’s adopted dog, Thursday, dropped by to check out the commotion and the picnic droppings.  His bulldog jaws reminded me of a jumbo hippo chomping. English bulldogs have an unusual swagger to their short legged strut.  Their massive jaws make light work of hot dogs and hamburgers.

Hot dogs and M-80’s have a similar structure, and Thursday certainly had a nose for food and trouble.  Firecrackers, snakes slithering, roman candles erupting in the air, and sparklers all lit the evening surroundings.  But it was the occasional M-80 blast that shook chips off our plates, causing mothers to scream and fathers to laugh.

It was also an M-80 that caused Thursday a great disturbance.  The evening dusk was upon us, and to announce the forth coming fireworks display to the east of the golf course, the pro threw one last  M-80 behind the crowd.  Not in our wildest dreams did anyone expect Thursday to run with such deliverance to devour the thrown hot dog.  But a hot dog it was not, the lit M-80 landed and bounced into the ready drooling jaws of Thursday.  For that instant dozens of eyes, young and old, watched as Thursday took a bite.

The explosion was muffled but sufficient enough to blow out his teeth.  Still no one could move, transfixed we were.  It was Thursday who moved first, a lumbered side-ways step.  Then a faint bellow could be heard from his belly, contrasted by high pitched screams from the women and children. I watched from the golf shop as the kerfuffle ensued.

Moms and Dads fell to Thursday’s side.  The massive bleeding jaws were promptly wrapped in golf towels and his husky body carried inside.  Ice packs arrived from the kitchen.  The blue Ford station wagon pulled up to the shop door to load the wounded dog.  Doc Smith, Johnie Stapp, and a small caravan of men pulled out.  Mother’s said their goodbyes and grumbled about the dangers of fireworks.  The children cried. 

At last, the fireworks display began. We children oohed and aahed at the brilliant lights bursting into the darkened night sky. Before we departed for the evening, a phone call in the golf shop relayed the message to all that Thursday had survived. 

Time heals many wounds, so my mother often said.  For Thursday and the kids time passed slowly.  One day he was back, snaggled toothed, sagging jaw, and one droopy eye.  His jolly swagger had returned along with his appetite, but his diet was no longer scraps.  Like an old man he learned to eat his softened meals and swallow some pride.  He stayed with us for a few more summers, and then one day he was not at the door begging.

Picnics were never the same for us, but children’s lives were enriched with stories to tell because of one dog named Thursday.

 

*The True Story: Thursday, the English Bulldog, belonged to George Haralson's  family, and their dog did spend many of summer day at the club. He would follow the kids to the pool daily. 

We all knew that Thursday belonged to the Haralson's but he shared his life with us. 

George tells me that yes, Thursday ate an M-80 from a July 4th Fireworks but that he ate it on the front porch of the Haralson's home, never at the club. The results were the same, no matter where Thursday stood that fateful day. Like the story goes, he lived through that explosion to wag his tail again. 

**The funny story is that all of these years that I have told that story to audiences, I believed I really saw it happen. When George told me his version last summer, I was shocked.