1947 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF MGCC

photo by Orrick Sparlin, story on June 22, 1947

 

1947 January 11 mdnr "Miamian Competing in Crosby Tourney"

DEL MONTE, CALIFORNIA, JAN. 10 (AP) Playing in crooner Bing Crosby's $10,000 pro-amateur golf tourney, E. J. Dutch Harrison of Little Rock, Arkansas and his amateur partner, George L. Coleman, Jr. of Miami, Oklahoma. They posted a 36-hole total score of 137 (70-67). Coleman assisting the pro in the scoring for Harrison, in the pro lists alone, tallied 74-70 for 144. 

1947. January 19 mdnr

The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Miami Country Club, Inc, will be held in the office of said corporation at Miami, Ok on January 20, 1947, at 6:30 o'clock p.m. for the election of directors for the ensuing year and the transaction of such other business as may come before this meeting. --Joseph S. Thompson, President. 

1947 February 1  OKLAHOMA PGA TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD HERE IN MAY

Miami Country club with its nine-hole grass greens layout that has withstood par-shattering efforts of many top flight golfers in past years, will be host to the Oklahoma PGA tournament again this year. 

More than 25 professional swingers are expected to participate in the event, Jack Guild, local pro, said Saturday in announcing the selection of Miami. It will be the seventh time since 1929 that the PGA has chosen the course here. 

The dates were set for May 19, 20, 21, and 22 and an event 36-hole match play is observed to determine the new state champ, a fifth day may be added. Marion Askew, pro at the Tulsa Oaks club and chairman of the State PGA tournament committee, conferred with members of his committee before acting. The pros, who will be paired with local simon pures in a special 18-hole affair the second day of the tourney, will be firing for about $850 in cash prizes and the handsome silver trophy now held by Tex Consolver, Wichita, Kas., shotmaker. 

The Oklahoma PGA, with a membership that includes golfers in Arkansas and Wichita, has guaranteed that at least 25 men will participate. That total would assure places for 75 local amateurs in the 18-hole special event.

The nation's various professional districts will schedule qualifying play May 19 to determine which golfers will be eligible to compete in the U.S. tourney, held in early summer. This will be a 36-hole medalist test and perhaps two or three of the lowest scorers here will be eligible for national competition. The low 16 qualifiers here May 19 will collide two days later in the match play event. Besides Consolver, there are several other outstanding players, who never have previously shown their hitting prowess off the local tees.

These include Jimmy Gauntt, pro at Oklahoma City's Twin Hills club, and Mike Murra and Dave Trufelli both of Wichita. Among the old favorites to compete will  be Floyd Farley, who won two of the previous tourneys held in Miami. 

Meanwhile, it was announced that the PGA will hold a number of one-day pro-am meets are various Oklahoma clubs this year. Hugh Bancroft of the Tulsa highland club, president of the state PGA listed these single day affairs for the following cities, each one on the first Monday of the month: Tulsa Indian Hills, May; Ponca City, June; Wichita, July; Oklahoma City, August; Miami, September, and Okmulgee, October. 

In these events, pros will be permitted to take their own club amateurs along with them.

1947 February 9 mdnr "Stag Night"

The new board of the Miami Country club wishes to announce that regular stag night will be held Tuesday, February 11, at 6:30 o'clock. All members are urged to bring a prospective member. An important announcement of interest to the club will be made. 

***

"College Names Music Leader" 

Kenneth Richards, who has come from Waco, Texas where he was director of music in the high school will lead the music department of Northeastern Oklahoma A & M college.  Richards, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, with a degree in music, and graduate work at Northwestern University, taught several years in Pauls Valley and Durant school systems, prior to entering the service as a first lieutenant in 1941. 

Participating in the Normandy campaign as liaison officer with he second division, 38th Field Artillery, Captain Richards was wounded by mortar fire on the Trevieres route, June 9, 1944. He holds the Purple Heart and Silver Star, and was discharged receiving his majority of December 1946, after a total of five years service. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richards and son, Kenneth, Jr., temporarily reside at the the girls' dormitory with the instructor's mother, Mrs. Dora Richards, matron. (His wife, Marian, taught music in the Miami schools through the 1950's and 1960's. Their son, Kenneth, and daughter, C. Ann, were both graduates of MHS.)

**Kenny is an important figure in golf for the next three decades. He became the first golf coach for NEO and willingly took on one young woman, Letty Stapp,  who had to qualify for the team and for each tournament. In 1965 I qualified for the NEO Men's Golf Team and traveled with them to area tournaments for the next two years. I was at that time the only woman playing golf on a men's golf team, in the Midwest. When the team qualified for Nationals held in Florida, I was not allowed to travel with them nor play on the team. Ironically, they played in gale force winds from an approaching hurricane.

When my sister, Jonya Stapp, qualified for the men's team at NEO, she played one year and was not allowed a second year because Title IX was introduced. No woman's team was created, so Jonya did not play on the team that year. 

1947 March 3 mdnr  "Golf Day"

Wednesday will be ladies' golf day at the Miami Country club. Jack Guild, professional, will give a group golf lesson at 10 a.m.  Luncheon will be served at the clubhouse between noon and 1 o'clock 

1947 April 2 mdnr  "The Grist"

Four Tulsa pros are planning a trip to Miami Thursday to test the local golf course preliminary to the start of the annual Oklahoma PGA tourney, which starts at Miami Country club May 19...The visitors will include: Marion Askew, Oaks club pro and chairman of the State PGA tournament committee: Hugh Bancroft, Highland club, president of Oklahoma PGA; Joe Dahlman, Mohawk club, secretary, and George Whitehead, links instructor at Indian Hills and a former PGA champion...They will meet with the local tourney committee, headed by R.M. Schlemmer, and will stay over for dinner following their round of golf. 

1947 May 4 mdnr "City Amateurs Await Pros for Golf Tourney"

Sixteen members of the Oklahoma PGA had notified Jack Guild, Miami Country club pro, Saturday of their intentions to compete May 1922 in the annual state PGA tournament here. They include: Marion Askew, Hugh Bancroft, Tex Consolver, Joe Dahlman, Bob Dunning, Floyd Farley, Frank Higgins, Jack Higgins, Gene O'Brien, Bill Oliver, Georg Whitehead, and Charles Worley. 

Farley is the pro of Meridian golf club in Oklahoma City (now a housing development off NW Ann Arbor and 36th Northwest) while Weisner and Rawlinson are Muskogee golfers. Worley is pro at Okmulgee Country club. Oliver is links instructor at Ponca City Country club. O'Brien teaches golfers at Westlink club, Wichita. 

Guild said there will be more--some 25-30 in all--by the hour of the shotmakers tee off on opening day for at least two places in the national PGA tourney. Several Kansas and Arkansas golfers are members of the Oklahoma PGA and one of them, Tex Consolver of Wichita, is the defending champion at match play. He won last year at Muskogee and will be here to defend his laurels. 

Guild said that greens are "coming along in good shape" and reported that all fairways have been "mowed and rolled." With a break in the weather, he added, the course should be in excellent condition for the coming event. A new tee has been built on No. 9, extending the long par 5 hole approximately 55 yards. 

Members are being reminded that handicaps must be established if they wish to participate in the pro-amateur. These practice scores should be posted with the club pro.

***

Wilbur J. Worley pitched a sizzling display of "off the greens" shots at a a group of links pals the other day. The victims were Russ Hawk, Ivan Fisher and Schlemmer. Worley holed out three shots from off the green in nine holes, an unusual feat on the fairways...He chipped in on Numbers 1, 3, and 8 holes for two birdies and a par. "As far as I'm concerned," Guild said, "I've never heard of anyone holing out three approach shots on nine holes." 

Some of the lowest scores at the club have been turned in recently by George Coleman, Jr, Oklahoma amateur champion in 1946; John F. Robinson, C F (Charley) Lewis, Jr., and Jack Myers. Coleman, who plans to compete in the pro-amateur tournament is 7 under par, it was reported, for all rounds he has played over the nine-hole layout this year.

*** 

The team of Lewis and Bud May, which has reached the quarter-finals of the Tulsa World PGA four-ball tourney, will play today at the Tulsa Mohawk course. Last Sunday Lewis was 6 under regulation figures for the first 14 holes. This dazzling performance knocked out the opposition quickly...Lewis and May have now captured three matches. 

1947 May 11 mdnr 

1947 May 14 mdnr  "Golfers Told to Report"

A large number of Miami Country club amateurs with handicaps of 18 or less will compete May 20 in the Oklahoma PGA pro-amateur here.

 

1947 May 18  mdnr "Ladies Golf Association"

Mrs. Cecil Coop was hostess Wednesday for the activities of the Ladies Golf Association of Miami Country Club. The class lesson was given by Jack Guild, pro, at 10 a.m. Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Denver Seals, and Mrs. L.R. Bressie won prizes for the low putts on three holes in the beginners class. The prize for low putts on nine holes was won by Mrs. Bert Wall. 

Others attending the meeting were: Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, Mrs. Gayle Pickens, Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. D.E. McIntire, Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. James Campbell, Mrs. Elver Frye, Mrs. Rogert Pfau, Mrs. MG. Morgan, Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe, Mrs. John King, Mrs. N.J. Emery, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, Miss Diana Ander, Mrs. Rex Graham, Mrs. Stewart Gammon, Mrs. R. M. Schlemmer, Mrs. F.E. Farrier, Mrs. Claud R. Jones, and Mrs. Ted Lowry. 

1947 May 18 mdnr "Stag Party

A stag party for the Miami Country club membership will be held at 7 o'clock Monday night at the clubhouse. At this time, members will meet the visiting professional golfers and make final pans for the club's pro-amateur event, an 18-hole affair scheduled for Tuesday. 

Jack Guild, host pro, said it was urgent that he be notified at once as to how many members will attend. This may be done by mailing in cards recently mailed out or by phoning at the clubhouse. 

1947 May 19 mdnr "Simon Pures Paired with Pros"

(The Merriam Webster dictionary defines as 'simon pure' as one of untainted purity or integrity; also, pretentiously pure. However, it appears from the last twenty years of reading this term that the newspaper writers sometimes use the term to mock the fact that some men don't know how to add properly or perhaps they don't always post the correct scores for handicaps."

A dazzling array of linksmen, who hail from major cities of Oklahoma and parts of Kansas and Arkansas, will tee off at 9am in a battle for the two places allotted to the state association for participation in the National PGA tournament, to be held in June at Plum Hollow course at Detroit.

Pairings for the pro-amateur will be:

Pros and                        Simon Pure amateurs

T.Consolver                    C. Hilliard(16), 

B. Schlemmer,                J. Campbell

R. Dahlman                    D. Matthews, Dr. Alquist, G.L. Coleman(0)

C. Weisner                     B. Wal, Dr. Graham

G. Whitehead                 L. Cowgill, C.J. Carselowey

J. Gauntt                        Fuzz Swanson, W.Bullock, D. West

Frank Higgins                 Jim Moore, MC Bagby

J. Gullane                       C. Trussler, N. Wyatt, F. Pauly

J. Durham                       Dr. Barton, R. Warner, R. Pfau

B. Witherspoon                B. Watts, A. Witzansky, Dr. Connell

J. Guild                          C. Jones, J. Burford, D. Wright

UC Ferguson                   G. Speer, G. Scott, R.D. Painter

Bill Oliver                        Paul Wilson, G.R. White

Tom Manley                    MK Hutts, Gob Taylor, Leo Scott

G. Getchell                     B. Hughes, A. Thompson, I Fisher

Jack Higgins                   JF Robinson, Ted Lowry

Marion Askew                 D. Sandmire, B. Longacre, H. Wright

Gene O'Brien                  Ken Richards, J. Eagle, EW McCuskey

H. Bancroft                    Cecil Coop, Jack Myers, L.R. Bressie

Don Wilkie                     Luther Sheldon, F. Wall

Chuck Worley                 Joe Spencer, M. Caldwell, T. Stith

Morris Gravatt                Dick Neel, C.F. Lewis Jr.(2)

 

1947 May 20 mdnr "Gravatt's 141 Best Score"

Morrie Gravatt, smooth-swinging Tulsa Country club linksman, proved himself the "best mudder' in the annual State PGA golf tourney held here. Gravatt, who started out with 21 other pros in 36-hole medalist play for three national PGA places, turned in a sparkling 72-69--141, three strokes under par. It was the finest performance ever posted here in seven PGA tourneys and shone even brighter considering weather conditions, including a torrential rain that halted play for 20 minutes.

The Tulsan's sub-par feat gave him the first of three places in the national meet in June, with Jimmy Gauntt of Oklahoma City Twin Hills, taking second honors after recording a 73-71--144, even par. While U.C. Ferguson, Oklahoma City Lincoln Park, registered 75-71--146 with a sizzling 32 on his third nine-hole tour being the lowest for a day single round. 

The day was marked by one heart-breaking incident, the tough luck guy of this meet is Joe Durham, a six-foot-four Ft. Smith shotmaker who was disqualified for playing the wrong ball on the 24th hole. Durham led the field in the morning round, scoring a one-under par 71. Then over a course that was softened by a terrific downpour shortly before noon, he twice stroked a muddy pellet toward the 24th green from the edge of the rough. Later this ball was discovered as that played by George Whitehead in swinging down the adjoining fairway. 

The 16 low scorers qualified for the match play division of the tourney Wednesday and Thursday. This will be held over 18 holes with a new state champion to be decided Thursday. 

1947 May 20 mdnr  "Golf Tourney Rained Out"

Rains totaling nearly 1.5 inches washed out the annual PGA pro-amateur at the Miami Country club today, but the 18-hole play will be held tomorrow starting at noon, if weather allows. 

1. Match play for the 16 low scorers will begin at 9am tomorrow.

2. The pro-amateur will be held tomorrow afternoon. 

3. The second round match play for the pros will begin at 9am Thursday and the third round will be played that afternoon. 

1947 May 21 mdnr "Tournament Visitors Entertained"

The Ladies Golf association of Miami Country club entertained with a dinner party Monday evening at the Green Shutters tea room in honor of the wives of visiting professionals participating in the PGA tournament at the Country club. Guests of honor for the affair were: Mrs. Bob Dunning and Mrs. Hugh Bancroft of Tulsa, Mrs. Gene O'Brien of Wichita, Kas., Mrs. Bill Oliver of Ponca City and Mrs. Floyd Farley of Oklahoma city.

The women played card after dinner. The small tables for four at which the meal was served, were decorated with bouquets of iris. 

Local women who enjoyed the occasion were: Mrs. Ted Lowry, Mrs. M.A. Connell, Mrs. Denver Seals, Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, Mrs. M.G. Morgan, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Claud R. Jones, Mrs. L.R. Bessie,  Miss Deana Anders, Mrs. Dee G. Watters, Mrs. Faye Thompson, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Wylie G. Chesnut and Mrs. Clarence Carselowey.

*This seems to be the first time that women have organized to host guests for their husbands golf events. Their support will help the Miami Country Club become one of the recognized golf clubs in Oklahoma for tournaments. 

1947 May 22  mdnr "Pro-Amateur Crown Goes to Gravatt and Charley Lewis"

While you wouldn't exactly say he dominates such things or that he can't keep his hands out of the melon, Charley Lewis has a way of reaching into the money bags when Miami Country club offers its 18-hole pro-amateur.

Yesterday's victory for the combination of Morrie Gravatt, Tulsa Country club pro who led the 36-hole medalist event Monday, and Lewis, willowy amateur with a sizzling hot putter, came on a lowball 65. It was two strokes better than the nearest competitors in a field of 24 pros and more than 50 simon pures. 

The triumph marked Lewis' second such victory in a like event. Back in 1940 he teamed with the loquacious Gib Sellers, formerly of Hot Springs, Ark., to fire at 63 at the opposition. That score paid off, just as yesterday's did. 

There was quite a scramble for the runner-up honors in the Wednesday play. There were four combinations deadlocked for second, third, fourth and fifth places with 67's and still another group of five, with scores of 68, tied for sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth places. 

Frank Higgins, unattached Tulsa pro and 1940 Oklahoma PGA champion, and two of his simon pure associates Jim Moore, with 8-stroke handicap, and Joe Thompson with a 9-stroke "spot", tallied lowball counts of 67. U.C. Ferguson of OKC Lincoln Park and Raymond Warner, a 7 handicap, and George Whitehead, Tulsa Indian Hills, and Lloyd Cowgill (14) were other combinations posting 67's.  

1947 May 22 mdnr "PGA Matches Run True to Form at Local Golf Club"

Miami Country club's rugged nine-hole layout, together with a stiff south-breeze, made it doubly tough for the quarter-finalist match play of the Oklahoma PGA tourney this morning, with general scores of the eight shotmakers soaring to above-par averages.

No amazing upsets nor any of the established favorites went out via the casualty list in this mornings play as George Whitehead, Jimmy Gaunt and pacesetter among Monday qualifiers, Morrie Gravatt, came through with victories.  

However, soft-spoken Bill Oliver of Ponca City pulled a mild surprise with a 1-up verdict over U.C. Ferguson of Oklahoma City Lincoln Park. Ferguson and Oliver matched shot for shot until the 17th when Ferguson's tee shot was trapped and he took a bogey 4 while the steady playing Oliver rammed home a par 3. Both halved the 18th with par 5's to give Oliver the 1-up decision. Oliver's 18-hole morning tour was a four over 76. 

Whitehead, of Tulsa Indian Hills and four-time PGA winner, staged a fine comeback after trailing George Getchell 1 up at the turn to coast to a 3-1 triumph. 

This afternoon the four semi-finalists collided, in 18-hole match play, Whitehead meeting Gauntt and Gravatt tangling with Oliver. The finalist will tee off tomorrow.  

1947 May 25 mdnr "Gauntt's Sparkling Approaches Decide Golf Titular Play" 

Thirty-three year old Jimmy Gauntt of Oklahoma City Twin Hills becomes the 1947 Oklahoma PGA titlist at Miami Country club links Friday as he decisively trimmed dark-horse Bill Oliver of Ponca City, 4 and 3, in the abbreviated 18-hole match play finals.

The rangy Gauntt was even par over the rain-soaked, lengthy Miami course as he annexed the championship by eliminating Oliver on the 565-yard No. 15. He halved the hole with a part 5 to close out the match. The former three-time Texas PGA champ held the upper hand throughout with his faultless putting and deadly, almost uncanny short approaches. Gauntt one-putted seven of the 15 holes and never had a three-putt green during the contest.

A former Longview, Texas, professional who saw service in the air forces, Gauntt held only a 1-up lead at the 9-hole turn, as the Ponca Citian doggedly clung to within striking distance of the Twin Hill artist, but Gauntt finally shook the determined Oliver off on the 131-yard No. 12 by laying his tee shot within six feet of the flag and sinking for a birdie 2. At that point Oliver suddenly broke and Gauntt captured the 13th and 14th with par 4's to go dormie off the 15th tee.

The visiting pros lauded Jack Guild, Miami pro, whose untiring efforts as host and tourney director made the PGA meet one of the most successful in recent years.

1947 May 29 mdnr "Golf Program for Juniors"

To promote golfing interest among local junior links enthusiasts, Miami Country club professional, Jack Guild, announced today the opening of a six-week summer links instruction period for children and local club members. The free lessons, beginning Saturday, May 31, will run concurrently on successive Saturdays 9:30 to 10:30 am for six weeks.

1947 June 16 mdnr "Flag Tourney"

 Wednesday's weekly women's golf play at the Miami Country club layout will be in a flag tournament with the tee-off starting at 9am.

Prize-winners in last week's low new play were Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. John King and Mrs. Denver Seals, while awards in the May ringer tournament went to Mrs. Gayle Pickens in Class !; Mrs. John King in Class B; and Mrs. Denver Seals in Class C.

Pairings announced for Wednesday's-flag meet are:

Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe, Mrs. S.E. Hamilton, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Denver Seals, Mrs. M.A. Connell, Mrs. F.E. Farrier, Mrs. G.W. McCollum, Mrs. M.C. Morgan, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. Rex Graham, Mrs. Cecil Coop, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, Mrs. Roger Pfau, Mrs. Bob Lawson, Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer.

Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Claud Jones, Miss Diana Anders, Mrs. Ted Lowry, Mrs. Nat Emery, Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. D.E. McIntire, Mrs. J.S. gammon, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, Mrs Frank Pauly, Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, Mrs. John King, Mrs. Jimmy Campbell, Mrs. L.R. Bressie, Mrs. Gayle Pickens.  

1947 June 16 mdnr "Snead Blows Short Putt"

The up-and-comer golf folks have been talking about for several years --Lew Worsham of Washington, DC--thunderously has arrived, with the National open crown perched jauntily on  a fast-thinking head. Some say it was Sam Snead's school boyish putting on the 18th green of their title playoff at St. Louis County club yesterday that gave the 29-year-old Worsham a dramatic one-stroke victory and a ticket into golfdom's big money bracket.

Lew, a newly appointed professional at Oakmont, Pa., collected $2,500 for his triumph and figures to grab some $20,000 more in testimonials and attendant rewards lured by an open titlist.

But when Sammy from Hot Springs, Va., blew a 30 1/2 inch putt for his losing 70, it was second after Worsham pulled a psychological swifty--demanding that U.S.G.A. officials measure both balls to see who had the outside lie in the payoff taps for both. 

Snead had judged he was a fraction outside of where Worsham's ball had squirted after nicking the cup in a magnificent chip shot from the rim of the green; and stepped up to address the ball.

Worsham coolly interrupted him and waved in the officials, armed with a tape measure, who took several minutes to confirm what Snead had guessed--he was a half inch outside Worsham's ball on the opposite side of the cup and had the first play. 

But the interruption obviously nettled already-harassed Snead, who was anxious to follow up his failing first putt from 15 feet, a straggly short tap that left him the fatal 30 1/2 inches shy. Like Worsham, he was anxious to get his putt in first and put the pressure on the last player. 

 

1947 June 22 mdnr  "Coleman Defends State Championship"

Defending the Oklahoma amateur golf championship he won last summer at Tulsa, George Coleman, Jr., of Miami will compete this week at Oklahoma City Twin Hills Country club in the annual state tourney.

Coleman, who has won the Miami Country club title several times, will be one of 32 golfers eligible to battle it out for the state crown. Qualifying play will be held Monday and Tuesday and the match play will begin Wednesday. By virtue of being the 1946 winner Coleman is not required to qualify. A large field is anticipated in the scramble for the 31 open places. The Miamian will go to the capital links today to participate in a pro-amateur tourney. (For the story on his winning please refer to 1946 post. This is new information 1/31/2022)

***

Ky Laffoon Into the Quarterfinals of the PGA

Lew Worsham of Pittsburgh, Pa., today was a definite threat to become the first man in a quarter-century to capture both the National open and PGA golf championships the same year. Back in 1922 as a 20-year-old, Gene Sarazen won both the open and the PGA, but he's the only one who ever turned the trick. That same Sarazen, his putter refusing to work, bowed out of the running today, ending his quest for a fourth PGA championship. 

Ky Laffoon of St. Andrews, Ill., and former Miami, Okla., golfer, put an end to Sarazen's bid. Sarazen had a three-hole edge at the end of nine, but faded over the rest of the long route as he missed five club-length putts which would have won holes. Laffoon won it, 4 and 3. Laffoon reach the third round Friday by eliminating Tony Penna, conqueror of Ben Hogan, 1 up. 

1947 

First Tournament on TV: 1947 U.S. Open

In 1947, St. Louis, Mo., television station KSD-TV broadcast the U.S. Open, played at St. Louis Country Club. But the broadcast was only within the station's local area. The tournament winner was Lew Worsham, who defeated Sam Snead in a playoff. First Televised Golf Match

 

1947 July 8 mdnr "Women's Fairways Tourney"

Common scene at MGCC

The weekly women's golf tourney at the Miami Country club Wednesday morning, will be for low score on No.'s 1, 6,and 9 holes in three divisions, Class A, B, and C.

Awards last week in low net meet were Mrs. Gayle Pickens, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, and Mrs. Gordon Anderson.

June's Ringer Tournament winners were Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. John King and Mrs. Woodrow Painter.

Tee off will be at 9am followed by a covered -dish luncheon. Pairing for Wednesday's play are as follows:

Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. Robert Schlemmer, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey.

Mrs Floyd Newton, Mrs. James Campbell and Mrs. Cecil Coop.
Mrs John King, Mrs. L.R. Bressie and Mrs. F.E. Farrier.
Mrs. Gayle Pickens, Mrs. Elbert Frye and Mrs. Nate Emery.
Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Kenneth Jeffries and Mrs. D.E. McIntire.
Mrs. Lloyd Devee, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, and Mrs. Rex Graham.
Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. MA Connell, Mrs. Claud Jones.

1947 July 14 mdnr "Women Paired in Golf Joust" 

The weekly women's golf tournament at the Miami Country club on Wednesday morning will be for low net play on nine holes in all three divisions. 

Awards last week went to Mrs Bert Wall and Mrs. Floyd Newton in Class A, Mrs Joe Thompson in Class B, and Mrs. Roger Pfau in the Class C bracket. 

1947 July 21 mdnr "Women Golfers in Tilts at Country Club"

Tee off for the weekly women's golf tournament at the Miami Country club links is set for Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock. This week's event will be for low putts play in three divisions. 

Winner of the low net meet held last week were Mrs. Nate Emery, Mrs. Jack Horner, and Mrs. Joe Thompson.  Pairings follow:

Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Joe Thompson, and Mrs. James Campbell.

Mrs Elvert Frye, Mrs. Vernon Sapp, and Mrs F.E. Farrier.

Mrs. D.E. McIntire, Mrs. Gayle Pickens, and Mrs. Jack Horner.

Mrs. Woodrow Painter, Mrs. Bob Lawson, and Mrs. Cecil Coop.

Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, Mrs. K. C. Jeffries, and Mrs. H.F. Myers.

Mrs. L.R. Bressie, Mrs. Claud Jones, and Mrs. Gordon Anderson.

Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. E.W. McCuskey, and Mrs. Lloyd Devoe.

Mrs. Denver Seals, Mrs. John King, and Mrs. G.W. McCollum.

Mrs Nate Emery, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, and Miss Diana Anders. 

**The women continue to play regular Wednesday golf through late Fall.

**The men continue to Stag Night every Tuesday nearly year round. 

1947 July 30 "personal papers"

My father, Johnie Stapp, kept only the papers that truly mattered in his life; newspaper clippings in the form of complete scrapbooks that his mother and sister made for him were among his most cherished; he managed to keep a several scrapbooks of his time in New Guinea and the Philippines; most important was his early correspondence with the PGA.

He a applied for PGA status in the late 1930's, but the war changed his plans. After the war he stayed in Santa Anita, California and became the pro at the Santa Anita Golf Course, near the racetrack. (I will write a new story about his early golf career at another time.)

Click on this link to read his story posted in Literally Letty The Pro.

1947 August 29 mdnr "300 at Traffic Club Meet--Golf Prizes Awarded"

In his address, entitled "Alone on a Honeymoon," R.Elmo Thompson, vice-president of the First National Bank of Tulsa, appealed for serious thinking on our present day economic situation at a dinner attended by more than 300 members of the Tri-State Traffic club at Miami Country club last night.  

 

Attending the session were representatives
of some of the nation's largest railroad and transportation men and shippers from the Tri-State area and other points. In the afternoon, members toured the B.F.Goodrich company's tire manufacturing plant.

 

The golf events staged through the day at Miami Country club the visiting rail men and shippers competed for a series of prizes. 

 

1947 September 2 mdnr "New Caterers at Miami Country club"

With today's announcement that Ira Frisbie and his wife, Lena, have been assigned as caterers at Miami Country club, Ted Lowry, and officer of the social and sports center, said it is no possible to take care of banquets and other activities which include the serving of food. Arrangements for meals at the club may be made by calling Mr. and Mrs. Frisbie or Lowry. 

The Frisbies for several years have operated the Sailboat Inn at Groveport. 

1947 September 7 mdnr "Pairing for Golfing Test"

A two ball mixed foursome tournament will get underway at the Miami Country club this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Any player not entered will be paired at the first tee before the start of the tournament. Pairings are as follows:

Mrs. Joe Thompson and John F. Robinson.

Mrs. H.F. Myers and Bert Wall.

Mrs. Gordan Anderson and Joe Thompson.  

Mrs. Gayle Pickens and Dr. Robert E. Baron

Mrs. Bert Wall and Bob Hill.

Mrs. E.W. McCuskey and C.F. Lewis, Jr.

Mrs. K.C. Jeffries and Carl Hilliard.

Mrs. Dick Wright and Bob Lawson.

1947  September 21 mdnr "Radio Station for Miami Sanctioned"

Barring unforeseen obstacles, Miami will have a radio broadcasting station in operation sometime next spring. Present plans call for location of the station on the mezzanine floor of hotel Miami. The transmitting tower is to be located on a hill, four miles east of the city. Work on installation of equipment is expected to begin immediately. 

Officers of the Miami Broadcasting company include: C.M. Barlett, general manager of the Miami News Record, vice-president; M.K. Hutts, secretary and treasurer.

Besides the Miami New-Record Publishing company, stock holders include George L. Coleman, Jr., and John F. Robinson, both of Miami, and Kenyon Brown and C.B. Akers, both of Oklahoma City. 

1947 October 10 mdnr "Coleman's Return Home"

Mr. and Mrs. George L. Coleman, Jr., and daughter, Ann, have returned to Miami from Pebble Beach, California, where they spent the summer. 

**George's long time friendship with Bing Crosby will continue to thrive with their home in California. George will become one of the celebrities of the "Clam Bake" Golf Tournaments, a friendly tournament begun in 1937 to help out the struggling professional tour. To learn more about this celebrity event read THE MATCH: THE DAY THE GAME OF GOLF CHANGE FOREVER by Mark Frost. It is the story of millionaire, Eddie Lowery's bet to fellow millionaire, George Coleman, that two amateurs he employed could beat any two professionals of Coleman's choice. 

1947 October 26 mdnr "Country Club Golf Tourney Planned" 

Jack Guild, pro at Miami Country club, announced Saturday that a match play tournament with handicap is scheduled to get underway at the Country club soon. All players will be bracketed in flights according to their handicaps.A meeting will be held at the Country club Monday night, to make the pairings. First round  matches will be completed by November 2. 

1947 November 9 mdnr "Stag Party

The regular monthly stag party will be held at Miami Country club at 6:30 o'clock Tuesday evening, Ted Lowry, club official, announced Saturday.

1947 November 11 mdnr "Harrison Leading Pro Swingers in Honolulu"

Dutch Harrison still was the man to beat today as some of the country's best professional and amateur golfers teed off in the final round of the $10,000 Hawaiian Open. Harrison was three strokes ahead of the pack with a 206 for 54 hole--10 strokes under par as he finished up yesterday's round of 71. 

Over the weekend Harrison paired with George L. Coleman,Jr., of Miami, Oklahoma, to capture the pro-amateur event with a scorching 63 round.

1947 November 11 mdnr "Women Set to Play Wednesday"

Last week's ladies golf tournament for low putts held at Miami Country club ended up in one big deadlock, with a tie for first in every class except one. In the championship flight, Mrs. Floyd Myers, Mrs. John King, and Mrs. Gayle Pickens ended n a three-way tie for top spot, which Mrs. Jack Horner and Mrs. Cecil Coop were deadlocked in A class. Only in B class was there a clear-cut winner, Mrs. G.W. McCullum.

Play for this Wednesday's meeting will be for low net score on No. 3 and No. 8 holes Pairings for the play, which will start at 9am are as follows:

Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Gordon Anderson, and Mrs. Gayle Pickens.

Mrs. Lloyd Newton, Mrs. Floyd Myers, and Mrs. Mutt Farrier.

Mrs. John King, Mrs. Joe Thompson, and Mrs. Nate Emery.

Mrs. Cecil Coop, Mrs. Woodrow Painter, and Mrs. Clarence Carselowey.

Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, and Mrs. Claud Jones.

Mrs. M.J McIntire, Mrs. Roger Pfau, and Mrs. N. Berger.

Mrs. Robert N. Lawson, Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe, and Mrs G.W. McCullum.

Mrs. L.R. Bressie, Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, and Mrs. E.W. McCuskey. 

*It was announced that the last event for the year will be held December 9. 

1947 December 30 mdnr "Young People Enjoy Holiday Dance"

Approximately 150 young people of high school and college age enjoyed a holiday dance Saturday evening at Miami Country club for which Miss Betty Wagoner and Miss Jean and Miss Joan Newton were hostesses. The three who entertained are cousins, all granddaughters of Mrs. S.C. Fullerton

Basil Baker and his orchestra provided music for dancing. Punch was served throughout the evening. Attractive yuletide decorations trimmed the lounge and ballroom of the clubhouse.

Chaperoning the party were Mrs. John Newton and Mr and Mrs. Gene Wagoner, parents of the hostesses. Many parents and older friends dropped in during the evening to watch the dancing and to visit with students home for Christmas. 

 

* 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

1945-46 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF MGCC

"Reflections of Miami History" states that in early 1945 BFG announced that the tire plant had reached "full production" with a workforce that was one-third female. At that time John L.Collier, Goodrich Company president, also told of plant expansion plans. Walter E. Head assumes the plant manager position. Workers voted to affiliate with the United Rubber Workers.

End of the war was celebrated with the largest parade in Miami's history, and the town's focus shifted to a neglected home front.  Home construction was a major industry of the decade. Wea and Nancy Lee Additions were major construction sites, but the sounds of hammer and saw could be heard in almost every part of town. New retail businesses entered the scene. The college gained a 200-acre farm, and Baptist Hospital expanded. 

Miamians voted overwhelmingly to purchase electricity from the Grand River Dam Authority, and records fell as Aberdeen-Angus breeders paid $151,025 for 15 bulls from the S.C. Fullerton herd.

The Spartan flight training school, which had closed in 1945, made barracks available for use by the college, where enrollment was spiraling with the return of ex-servicemen. Spartan had trained over 2,000 pilots here, most of them Britons.

The Miami Veterans of Foreign Wars honored Pfc. Paul Davis, Fairland, for being the first American to enter Tokyo after the war, and Sgt Clarence Miller, Picher, the first Ottawa Countian to reach Berlin. 

 

Jack Myers, practices a putt at Miami Country club the original hole #9

 1945 January 12 Joplin Globe "Babe Gives Credit to Dudley"

Ed Dudley, President of the PGA, and formerly from Miami, Oklahoma, gave 30 minutes' instruction yesterday to Mrs. George Zaharias and then watched her breeze over the Phoenix Country Club course in a record-breaking 67 while he was taking a 69--two under men's par. 

Mrs. Zaharias, the Mildred (Babe) Didrikson of Olympic renown, carded the lowest score yesterday in the pro-amateur event preceding the start today of the $5000 Phoenix open. 

1945 January 24 mdnr "Country Club Dance"

 Members of the Miami Country club will be entertained with a dance Tuesday evening, January 30, at the club. Music will be by Basil Baker and his band. Dancing will be from 9pm to 12:30am.

1945 January 26 mdnr "Sam Fullerton Tells of Argentine Trip"

Sam C. Fullerton, Jr., Miami Aberdeen-Angus breeder related his recent trip to Argentine and showed a technicolor picture of South American cattle before and audience of approximately 150 Chamber of Commerce members at the Miami Country club.  The Miami cattleman--without use of oratorical phrases-described his airplane trip to Buenos Aires. En-route to the Argentine capital, the speaker recalled his visits to Guatemala, a Central American republic, and Lima, Peru. The cities, Fullerton said, were very beautiful. Fullerton regaled the audience with the story of flying over the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 18,000 to 22,000 feet.

1945 March 9 mdnr "Stag Night"

 The Miami Country club will hold its regular stag party at the clubhouse Tuesday evening, Tony Ming club president, announced Saturday.  Usual games will follow dinner, which will be served at 6:30 pm.

**Note: These announcements appear regularly for the Tuesday night Stag event through December. There is very little other information on golfer, golf games, or women's golf during this year.  

1945 March   Miami News Record Front Page

*Note: This is my short tribute to the front pages I've been reading through the 1940's. It seems only appropriate to give thanks and notice to the men and women who served our country during this time, from the war front to the home front. I, for one, would not be here writing this nor would we be reading this shared history of our hometown without their sacrifices. (These men were from Ottawa County.)

*Pfc. Hill has been taken prisoner by Nazi's.

*Sgt. Quandt has been killed in New Guinea.

*Sgt Kelly dies on Luzon Isle.

*Two Germans escaped Pryor Prison Camp.

*Miamians Staff Sgt. Dawson, one of a daring band of dough-boys earning the distinction of being the first Allied troops to cross the Rhine last Wednesday. 

1945 May 2 mdnr "The Grist"

Charley Lewis and Jack Myers, local golfers, advanced to the fourth round recently of the Tulsa World PGA four ball tourney at Tulsa...Last week the Miami combination defeated Floyd Hoff and Leo Daniel at Mohawk course, 3 and 2...Their fourth round opponents will be met at the Highland layout...Jack Guild and Dr. R.E. Baron, who had been scheduled to play at Tulsa, withdrew because of traveling conditions when the Verdigris river blocked traffic over U.S. 66 at Catoosa a couple of weeks ago. 

1945 May 6 

1945 May 8 

 1945 May 21 "Author Tells of Writing"

Author David Greenhood holds a copy of his novel "The Hill," as he visits the home of Miami artist, Charles Banks Wilson, who illustrated the book.

  **Note: In following with the founding fathers of bringing the world to Miami, Oklahoma I find it fascinating how many people came through our community in these decades. As a librarian at Miami Public Library in the early 1970's Charles and his wife were often in the library researching history and studying pictures. He was frequently willing to share his insights into his subjects. 

1945 June 30 mndr advertisement

 

1945 July 1 mdnr "Local Golfers in Tourney"

Local golfdom's first tourney of the season will be staged Wednesday over Miami Country club's nine-hole course.

Men and women will participate in this competitive event. Pro Jack Guild announced Saturday, with special prizes offered winner in each division. 

The male swingers will play over the 18-hole route in a blind bogey event with each linksman selecting his own handicap. The net score, somewhere between 70 and 80, will be the winning total. There also will be an approaching and putting contest on No. 9 green. A driving contest will be offered on the No. 6 fairway, the best average score for three shots, all of which must be within the fairway, determining the champion.

Women golfers compete in a 9-hole blind bogey event. There will be a special 5-hole contest open to players who have taken up the sport this spring, Guild said. Approaching and putting contests will be offered to all players and one even will be open to "beginner putters."  

All entrance fees will be used for suitable awards in each division of play. Prospective competitors may contact Guild at telephone No. 512 for further details. 

1945 July 5 mdrn  "Four Share Top Honor in City Links Contest"

 Three Miamians and a Picher man split the top award into four parts in the blind bogey contest for 18 holes played yesterday on the Miami Country club golf course.

The winning quartet was comprised of Carl Hilliard, John Burford, Bud May, all of Miami, and Bill Hale, Picher. All but Burford spotted themselves 20-strike handicaps, winding up with totals of 92 a piece. Burford, who shot 90, was 18 strokes off the drawn score of 72. Twenty-six others ended "out of the money."

Charley Lewis, driving a total of 705 yards in three efforts, won the award in the long driving division. Lewis trio of drives on No. 6 fairway traveled 230, 241, and 234 yards in that order.

The merchandise prizes were obtained through the courtesy of local businessmen.  

1945 July 8 mdnr 

George L. Coleman, Sr., prominent Tri-State lead and zinc mine executive and Miami pioneer, died at his family estate here at 5pm Saturday. He was 86 years old.

Moving to Miami in 1895, Mr. Coleman and his brother, the late Alfred E. Coleman, were partners in a water well drilling firm when they discovered lead and zinc ore deposits--the first strike in the Picher and Commerce area--on the Gordon land, west of Commerce, in 1905.

Together with C.M. Harvey, now an El Paso, Texas hotel man and banker and the late J. F. Robinson, then in the real estate business, the Coleman brothers formed the Miami Royalty company in taking up mining leases which brought millions of dollars to the firm within a few years. In 1913, the Commerce Mining and Royalty company with Mr. Robinson as president and George L. Coleman, vice president and secretary-treasurer, took over the holdings of the original enterprise. In 1938--in what was the largest financial transaction in the county involving approximately 10 million dollars--the Commerce Mining and Royalty company was purchased by the Eagle-Picher Mining and Smelting company. 

At the time of his death he was part owner of the Miami News-Record and also owned Miami's three theaters. He was chairman of the board of directors of the First National bank. A member of the First Christian Church, affiliated with the Scottish Rite and Shrine branches of the Masonic order. 

Reputed as one of Miami's most aggressive business men, he was instrumental in the building of the Miami Baptist hospital and Hotel Miami soon after the close of World War I, and the establishment of a modern school system for the city.

Through the efforts of Mr. Coleman and his associates, financial nourishment was given the city in the mid 20's with the value of zinc and lead ore shipments attaining an annual worth of $40,000,000 to $50,000,000. He was one of a group of civic-minded citizens who built the six-story, granite trimmed First National Bank building at a cost of $250,000.  

Today, the $300,000 Coleman theater, one of the most modern show-houses in the Southwest, stands as a monument to his memory.

As one of Miami's most generous philanthropists, Mr. Coleman contributed vast sums to several charities, the American Red Cross and other worthwhile endeavors aimed to improve the lot of his fellowmen.

In failing health for several years, Mr. Coleman returned to his home here about a month ago from Denver, Colorado, where he had been with his wife, Mrs. Jessie Coleman, since July 1944. Mrs. Coleman was to arrive in Miami from Denver by plane Saturday night.

Other survivors include one son, Lieut. (j.g.) George L. Coleman, Jr. with the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. and three granddaughters, Elizabeth Ann, Sarah Jane, and Susan Fullerton Coleman. 

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Cooper Funeral home.

1945 August 19 mdnr "Local Pros"

Fifty-four holes scores of leaders in the Memphis open golf tournament included:

Gib Sellers, Hot Springs, Ark.,  137-74=211

Leonard Ott, Joplin, Mo., 142-72=214

Ky Laffoon, Miami, Ok., 143-71=214

1945 September 3 mdnr 

1945 September 4 mdnr

 

1945 December 30 mdnr  "Holiday Dance on Friday"

Approximately 200 people, including many servicemen and other guests, enjoyed the semi-formal holiday Miami Country club dance, sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the club, Friday evening.

The committee in charge of the party, composed of John L. Burford, chairman, John R. Wallace and Wess J. Renegar, received the guests as they arrived. 

The mantle above the fireplace in the ballroom was decorated appropriately for the season with holly, evergreen, candies and Christmas ornaments. Long tables arranged along the walls of the ballroom, furnished a place to observe the dancers. 

Card tables were available in the living room of the clubhouse for those who were not dancing. Basil Baker and his orchestra played from 9-1 o'clock. 

1946

"Reflections of Miami History" writes that the dreaded polio afflicted 34 Ottawa Country residents in 1946 leaving two dead. 

At the college, newcomer S.A. (Red) Robertson, coach, sounded a call for football players; only 16 showed up on opening day of that first post-war season. In 1946 baseball fans campaigned successfully for a professional baseball team, the result being the Miami Blues of the Class D Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri League. The Blues, KOM pennant winners, were managed by Guy Froman, Chief of the Peoria Indians and a former professional players. 

 1946 February 3 mdnr "Miami Country Club Elects New Officers"

The board of directors of the Miami Country club announced Saturday the election of Joe S. Thompson, local attorney, as president of the coming organization year. Other officers include John Burford, vice-president, and Floyd Myers, secretary-treasurer.

In line with a program to widen the scope of family activities, it was announced that a dance will be held at 8:30 o'clock next Thursday night. A Joplin orchestra will furnish the music. Other plans by the directors will be announced later this week. 

1946 February 14 "Grist"

Links enthusiasm was pretty sharp on the Miami Country club layout until the current cold snap came along...Last Sunday, for instance, 40 players toured the nine-hole layout...Pro Jack Guild, getting ready for another season as instructor, says the course has been in splendid condition--that is, up the hour the weather broke. 

Ky Laffoon, this city's major contribution to big-time golf, joins the professional links stars today at New Orleans for a slice of the tournament gold....For two months the former Miamian has been taking it easy at Orlando, Florida, golfing at his leisure over the tricky Dubadread (my guess is that this should read Dubsdread golf course in Orlando) course in that city...Ky has been polishing up his strokes so that he may compete in the circuit this winter and spring with the touring pros...

The Associated Press reported recently that Ky was the No 5 man in winnings among the top shotmakers last year, winning $18,000 in all...

They asked Ky down South how long Byron Nelson would continue to be at the top of the links heap.  Here's the comment he offered:

"Byron should last another six or seven years. He's been playing golf for 16 years and has become consistently better year after year. He keeps on improving and keeps interested in his game. He never gets too good to forget practice and he's wise enough not to burn himself out."

1946 February 25 mdnr "Golf Supplies"

Golf supplies won't be plentiful during 1946. Synthetic rubber will be used in manufacture of balls until at least June 1. Thereafter, the linksmen should begin receiving the livelier pellets again.

In the meantime, Pro Jack Guild is trying to get what balls and clubs he can at Miami Country club. Within the next two to three weeks, Guild expects to receive some synthetic rubber balls from Spaulding, Dunlop, and Acushnet, and some clubs from Wilson and Hillerich & Badsby and a few First Flight woods and irons. 

Links fever is spreading and Guild expects many more players in the Miami district this year. In the clubhouse, for instance, most of the larger lockers already are filled; only a few small ones are still available to rent.

Some 50 tee enthusiasts took a cut at the little white ball Sunday and this turnout was not at all unusual. Much work remains to be done on the course, including top dressing.  

1946 March 31 mdnr "Crowds Keep Coming, Golf Booms Along"

Golf, which is enjoying a big boom along most of the nation's fairways, was largely a Sunday pastime at Miami Country club until this year. Now linksmen are turning out in greater numbers and the regulations often made but rarely enforced, will be brought into action.

It seems that Sunday crowds particularly are jamming the greens and, occasionally o t their dismay, the roughs. Some have been touring the nine-hole grass green layouts in fivesomes, must to large a group for Sundays. So from here on, Pro Jack Guild said yesterday, the Sabbath limit will be a foursome. 

The club links instructor said the course is in splendid condition--greens have been top-dressed and fertilized and the bent grass is growing. The practice putting green is being placed into shape for the series of special contests to be held during the late spring and summer nights. 

Guild is leaving Monday for Tulsa to attend a two-day meeting of a store opening there. D.B. Bell & Sons, which is operating a new branch business in T-Town, is inviting visitors. The local pro will attend a meeting of pros Monday evening and one for greens-keepers Tuesday morning. 

1946 April 1 "Almost In"

 

This is the first photo of the course I have found by Orrick Sparlin.

That's a long putt Bob Hill missed by a narrow margin, but the Safeway stores won't pay their managers for close ones. Neither did his two golfing pals, who appear quite interested as the Miami golfer tried to hit the cup. This scene was taken on the 18th hole. In the background are the sand traps, which plague the best of swingers on their off days. 

1946 April 7 mdnr

 Golfers gave par a sound spanking at Miami Country club last week...Charley Lewis shattered figures by five strokes with a sizzling 7 on Thursday, Club Pro Jack Guild reported....Lewis went out in 34 and came in with a scorching 33...He was playing in a foursome that included Leonard Ott, formerly of Joplin, who is now attached to a Florida club...Ott posted 73 for the 18 holes..John F. Robinson posted a sub par 68 earlier in the week...And Hugh Wright, who never before had accomplished the feat, cracked 90 for the first time....He reported 88 on his round Thursday afternoon...

1946 April 7 mdnr  "Golfers Gather" 

 

 Men and women fairways enthusiasts have begun their annual assault on par at the Miami Country club. Each Sunday sees increasing crowds. This photograph, taken from the second floor of the club house looking toward the est, depicts action at the No. 9 green. Between the trees, strolling toward the clubhouse, is a couple calling it quits for the day. At the upper left hand corner you can see a group, if you look closely, moving up the No. 6 fairway. That gentleman, bare-headed, stretched out at the edge of the green is R.O. (Hoot) Gibson. Shown putting is E.G. Frye and Bob Hill and George McGhee look on. 

Jack Guild, club pro, announced Saturday that more golfers have appeared at the course this spring than at any previous period since 1939. He said women probably would organize shortly for "ladies day" golfing programs, which would be staged once weekly. 

1946 April 21 mdnr "Women Golfers Asked to Organize"

Women golfers are being invited to the Miami Country club Tuesday to discuss organization of an association. Officers will be elected at a later date, Pro Jack Guild announced Saturday.

Guild said the purpose of the 10am gathering is to determine how many women are interested in playing the sport this spring and summer. Miami could send players to the Tulsa district and state association tourneys if enough interest is shown. 

Cards were mailed out to 75 ladies, Guild said, but added he probably missed a number who might like to play. It is planned to have one day set aside at the course as "ladies day" each week. 

"Dance Will Be Held"

A spring dance for members and guests of the Miami Country club is set for Thursday night, John L. Burford, entertainment committee chairman, announced Saturday. The dance from 9 to 12 o'clock will feature music by a Camp Crowder soldier band. Admission will be $1.50 per couple.

1946 June 3 mdnr "Golf Tourney Postponed"

Bad weather forced postponement of the week-end handicap golf tournament at the Miami Country club, Jack Guild, revealed today. Guild said the blind bogey affair for 18 holes will be held "the first warm Sunday."

***

Women golfers at Miami Country club will meet at 9:30 am Wednesday for their regular ladies' day game. Reservations for the 1 o'clock luncheon, which will be served by the new caterer, may be made by calling telephone No. 512.

 

1946 June 13 mdnr  "Country Club Women"

The women of Miami Country club enjoyed a day of golf and luncheon together Wednesday.

Mrs. Gordon Anderson, women's golf chairman, appointed the following chairmen to assist her: Mrs. Frank B. Pauly, tournament chairman; Mrs. Gayle Pickens, handicap chairman; Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe, publicity chairman; Mrs. Floyd Newton, treasurer.

Mrs. Denver Seals won the "blind bogey" prize; a prize for low putting score was won by Mrs. Bert Wall. Other women who attended were: Mrs. J.H. Simon, Mrs. Peggy Schultze, Mrs. Jayleen Reniker Nobes, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Elvert Frye, Mrs. F.E. Farrier, and Mrs. V.O. Freese.

1946 June 14 mdnr "Coleman Low Golf Scorer"

"Miamian Posts 73 in State Qualifying Round--Opposes McAlester Player."

Crazy golf is the order of things for the Oklahoma amateur golf tournament which open championship match play today.

For the second straight qualifying round a hole-in-one has turned up, yet medalist Bo Wininger, Oklahoma City, was the only golfer in the two days to equal par 72 over the rugged Indian Hills Country club course (Indian Hills later became Rolling Hills and is now The Cherokee Hills Golf Course designed by Perry Maxwell.)

High winds plus tricky greens and hilly fairways have sent scores soaring.

1946 June 16 mdnr "Coleman Wins State Amateur"

George Coleman, Jr., Miami sportsman, today captured the Oklahoma amateur golf championship by defeating Joy Cole of Muskogee, 1 up in a see-saw 36-hole battle over Indian Hills Country club course

The Miami sharpshooter took command of the match on the 29th hole when he went 3 up over his veteran opponent From then on in he was never turned, although Cole twice cut the lead to one hole and stood a chance to tie by winning the 36th. Both player halved the 36th hole with par 4's and that was the match. 

The 18-hole morning round ended all-square with both Cole and Coleman carding 77's. So keen was competition that play was still tied after the 25. Coleman stroked a par 3 for the 26 and started his victory march.

Coleman and Cole consistently got long drives off the tees. Cole's iron shots often found the traps, and he staged several remarkable recoveries to recoup. Both men collected for birdies. Coleman's winning card was 77-77--154 to Cole's 77-78--155.

Coleman, plane pilot and a former motorboat enthusiast, was playing in his third state tournament. In previous competition his top achievement was the quarterfinals of the men's Trans-Mississippi in 1941. Cole, a Muskogee business man, has played every tourney since 1929.

George Coleman became the first Miamian ever to win the Oklahoma amateur golf tournament with his triumph at Tulsa. Coleman, four times champion at Miami Country club, always has excelled at match play. While consistently a low scorer in past tourneys here and at Tulsa, the new state titleist has preferred the type of competition under which he participated last week.

1946 July 4 mdnr "Ladies Day Meeting"

Mrs. Rex M. Graham, Mrs. M.K. Hutts and Mrs. Vernon Sapp were hostesses for the ladies' day meeting at Miami Country club Wednesday. Golf and bridge entertained those present after the luncheon was served. One guest, Mrs. C.W. Letcher, and about 15 members enjoyed the meeting.

1946 July 5 mdnr "Fireworks at the Miami Country club"

A gala display of fireworks on the golf links at Miami Country club began with a family dinner. The spacious dining room opened windows allowing breezes from all directions to cool the event for the 90 plus members in attendance.

Sky rockets soared and burst high above the  golf course on the east side for the first time since the war. Many families, who feared exposing their children to the danger of the crowd indoors because of the recent polio scare, watched the whole show from the lawn or comfort of their cars.  

1946 July 5 "Charley Lewis Has 69 on Links Here"

Charley Lewis shot a sub-par 69 to win the Fourth of July match play tournament at Miami Country club. Bob Longacre and Dick Neel finished second and third in that order. 

Playing against par 72, Lewis had a six-up count for his sizzling 18 holes. Longacre, with a 19-stroke handicap, posted an 86 and went five-up as did third place winner Neel, who toured the course in 83.

Other low scoring entries include: Johnnie Robinson, 71; Jack Myers, 73; R.O. (Hoot) Gibson, 73; Glen Scott, 75; Clarence Carselowey, 78; and J.C. (Gob) Taylor, 79.

 1946 July 14 mdnr "Polio Scare"

The polio scare has canceled the scheduled social and dances at the Miami Country club for boys and girls of the members. The activities will resume when the scare of polio is over. 

"Country Club Luncheon" 

Mrs. Robert Longacre and Mrs. Carl Hilliard will be hostesses for the 1 o'clock luncheon Wednesday for women of the Miami Country club. Reservations for the luncheon should be made by Tuesday evening. 

1946 August 1 "Ladies Luncheon"

 Mrs. V.O. Freese and Mrs. Lloyd Devoe were hostesses for the Wednesday luncheon entertaining women of the Miami Country club. A centerpiece of salmon-colored gladioli was used on the luncheon table. Some of the group enjoyed a morning golf game. Bridge and visiting occupied the afternoon hours.

One guest, Mrs. W. L. Oliver, and these other members attended: Mrs. Gordon Anderson, Mrs. J.H. Simons, Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, Mrs. Glenn McCollum, Mrs. Richard Wright, Jr., and Mrs. Ted Lowry. 

1946 September 22 mdnr "Golf Tourney Planned Here"

Miami Country club's annual handicap golf tournament gets under way this week over a nine-hole grass green layout whose greens recently have been top-dressed especially for the competitive event.

Pro Jack Guild said pairings will be made Sunday night at the clubhouse. Any players who have not received official notification of the tourney may call the Country club--not later than 6 p.m. today. 

The tournament will be a match play affair with one match in each flight to be played off within a week. First round events will begin Monday and continue through next Sunday. Pairings will be announced in the News-Record sports section Tuesday. 

Guild said there will be awards for winners and runners-up in each division, with the number of flights contingent upon the total entry list.

1946 October 8 mdnr "Golf Meet Near Completion"

Play in Miami Country club's handicap golf tournament has reached the semi-finals stage in three divisions and the field will be narrowed to the finals with matches not later than Sunday. Pro Jack Guild announced results:

A flight:  G.R. White bested C.J. Carselowey, 5 and 4; C.F. Lewis, Jr., eliminated Lyndon Scott, 3 and 2; Bud May nosed out Jack Myers, 1 up, and Glenn Scott defeated Al White, 4 and 2.

B flight: Dr. Rex Graham won by default from Fred Newton; Augie Witzansky and Bob Longacre, tied at the end of 18 holes, will play nine extra holes to decide the winner; John Burford eliminated W.L. Williams, 5 and 3, and C.E. Trussler downed Bert Wall, 5 and 4. 

C flight: W.C. Bullock bested George Speer, 2 and 1; Elbert Frye, defeated Dick Wright, 5 and 4; Ivan Fisher edged Noel Wyatt, 1 up over 19 holes, and Bob Hill shaded Carl Hilliard, 1 up on 19 holes.

1946 October 16 "Local Linksmen Into Finals"

Finals have been reached in all three divisions of play in the annual golf tourney at Miami Country club.

C.F. Lewis, Jr., who posted a decisive 8 and 6 victory over G.R. White, in the top half of the A flight semi-finals, will meet Glenn Scott, 5 and 4 victor over Bud May, in the final round. 

B flight: Augie Witzansky eliminated Dr. Rex Graham, 5 and 4, and John Burford downed C.E. Trussler, 5 and 3.

C flight: Ivan Fisher bested Bob Hill, 4 and 2, and W.C. Bullock downed Elvert Frye 3 and 2. 

1946 October 30 "Winners in Links Tourney"

Finals in all three divisions of the Miami Country club handicap tourney will be determined soon for both winners and runners-up. In the A flight, Glenn Scott defeated C.F. Lewis, Jr., 3 and 2. John Burford won the B flight with a 6 and 5 decision over Augie Witzansky and W.C. Bullock captured the C class title from Ivan Fisher, 4 and 2. 

1946 December 19 mdnr "Shelton Heads Medical Setup"

Dr. B. Wright Shelton, Miami physician and surgeon, was elected president of the Ottawa County Medical Society at a business session following the organization's annual Christmas dinner party at the Miami Country club Wednesday night.

Other officers elected for the 1947 term include:

Dr. L.P. Hetherington, Miami, first vice-president; Dr. J. Sherwood Jacoby, Commerce, second vice-president; Dr. J.R. Barry, Picher, third vice-president; Dr. William Jackson Sayles, Miami, secretary-treasurer.

Dr. W. G. Chesnut, Dr. Benjamin W. Ralston and Dr. John E. Highland, Miami physicians, were named as members of the board of censors.

Dr. A. H. Wasson, superintendent of Miami Baptist hospital, and Mrs. Wasson furnished the dinner. Wives of the county's physicians and surgeons attended the function.  

 

 

* 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

The Miami Daily News Record (mdnr) is my major source of information.  For the sake of the "Timeline of the Miami Golf and Country Club" I have chosen to use the exact words from the newspaper writers because of the times, and language of golf, and the cultural standards of the decades.

 

1943-1944 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF MGCC

Miami came out of the Great Depression a growing city of 8,375 in a county of 35,736 inhabitants. The start of the decade saw a mighty lake, Grand Lake of the Cherokee's, forming behind the longest multiple-arch dam in the world.

Celebrations included an "America on Parade" pageant sponsored by the American Legion. In 1941 a plethora of hoop-la marking of the golden anniversary of Miami's birth. That also was the year the first parking meters were planted along Main street.

Even before the nation's entry into WWII, work had begun to convert Miami's airport into a training school for British flight cadets. Area mines flourished as wartime created a greatly increased demand for lead and zinc.  Many young Miamians went off to war, while on the home front citizens moved from peacetime jobs to jobs related to production for the war effort. Northeastern Junior College gave top priority to training for war-related jobs, and conducted a nursery for children of working war moms. 

The college in 1943 received a new name, Northeastern Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, and a new president, Bruce G. Carter.  (Information from Reflections, the Centennial Collection of Miami's history.)  

 

1943 January 24 mdnr

Directors of the Miami Country Club, meeting Saturday for election of officers, re-elected all current officials to their present positions for the ensuing year. Club officials for this period will include: G.C. Niday, president; M.C. Bagby, vice president, and Wilbur Worley, secretary-treasurer. R.O. (Hoot) Gibson will head the entertainment committee and Frank E. Spencer will be chairman of the house committee.  

Niday, Spencer, Bagby, and Gibson, along with Charles M. Harvey, Jr. and George L. Coleman, Jr., make up the club's board of directors.  

1943 February 1 mdnr "The Grist"

 Pvt. John R. (Jack) Guild, the former Miami Country club professional, is now stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. The links expert arrived there last Tuesday, he said in a card..."Am feeling fine with the exception of a slight cold, " he wrote. Jack, who had been in training for approximately six weeks at Camp Robinson, Georgia, may be reached by writing to Company K, 300 infantry, Fort Benning, Georgia...His number is 38323339. 

1943 March 7 mdnr 

A stag party for members of the Miami Country club is scheduled for 7 0'clock Tuesday night, Chairman Bert Wall said Saturday. The stag session is a regular monthly event at the club.  

1943 March 17 mdnr 

Chili will be the prize plate tonight when the Junior Chamber of Commerce hold a meeting at the Miami Country club, President Charles Chesnut. "Mutt" Farrier and John Burford will serve chefs.

1943 April 4  "The Grist"

Pvt. Jack Guild, former Miami golf pro, back on a 15 day furlough from Ft. Benning, GA was a tired soldier Saturday. He arrived in town at 2 a.m. after a journey that required almost two days and two nights.  

The waistline didn't look the same and inquiry revealed that Jack had trimmed off something like 15 pounds since he entered the Army last Dec. 2...

Jack hasn't touched a golf club since he left Miami...He plans to spend a couple of days here and then go to Tulsa on business.

1943 June 8 "The Grist"

Jack Guild, the former Miami Country golf pro, returned to the city for a brief visit yesterday. Recently discharged by the Army, Jack went to work two weeks ago at the Tulsa Douglas bomber plant's assembly line...With him here were Joe Dahlman, professional at Tulsa's Mohawk club, and Jimmy Gullane, the popular little Scotsman and links tutor from the Bartlesville Hill Crest club. 

1943 August 4 mdnr 

Newest member of the hole-in-one fraternity at Miami Country club is George Archer, who fired his perfect shot on the 120 yard No. 3 hole last Sunday..Archer was playing with Bert Wall at the time. 

1943 August 19 mdnr 

*Through out the year The Grist wrote stories about professional athletes who had joined the war effort, much like the article above on Jack Guild. The Miami Daily News Record weekly ran articles and list of soldiers going to war. 

Here and there with the service men:

Burrell McGraw, former Miami high school and Northeastern Junior college football and basketball star, i splaying baseball with a hospital unit in North Africa...Burrell's brother, Chick, back here on a furlough from Mississippi, said the Miamian is in the same service league with which Zeke Bonura, the one-time White Sox first sacker, is identified. 

George Jenkins, who has seen foreign service with the Marines, hopes to complete training for his commission soon at Quantico, Virginia....In the Marines for more than a year, the former Miami athlete hasn't been back on furlough yet.

Radio Operator Roy Klahr, serving in the engineers' corps, has completed most of his training and is now stationed at San Luis Obispo, California, awaiting further orders...Roy used to be assistant pro at Miami Country Club.

1943 August 22 mdnr "Ky Laffoon Near Leader"

(Chicago, August 21 AP) The ex-Yankee outfield, 35-year-old Sam Byrd, hit a home run in golf today--a sharp sub-par 33-34--67 which pushed him into the halfway lead of Chicago's Victory National Championship with a 36-hole aggregate of 135, nine strokes under standard figures.

A 33-37--70 played by Ky Laffoon of Miami, Oklahoma is in fifth position with a 141.  

1943 October 3 mdnr  "Social Page"

The dance of the Newcomers' Club of Miami is being held Saturday night at the Miami Country club. It will be combination harvest dance, old clothes party, and square dance, according to the committee in charge. Originally planned as a Halloween fancy dress party, the date was postponed to avoid conflicting plans. Rather than have folk go to the expense of buying, hiring or making costumes, it was changed to an old clothes party and the more ragged your raiment the better your chances of winning on of several prizes being offered for the most appropriately dressed.  

 1943 October 11 "The Grist"

Glen Scott and John F. Robinson have seen only two holes-in-one during the course of golf matches and both have been scored against them...The local linksmen were in a threesomes at Springfield, Missouri in 1934 when a golfer made a perfect shot at their expense...Yesterday at Miami Country club "it happened again."  This time it was M.C. (Buck) Bagby who fired an ace--on the 210 yard No. 3...They hunted for the ball several minutes before they trudged over to the cup to find it there...

This was Bagby's second hole-in-one, the other coming back in 1933 while he was playing a course in the Salt Lake City area for the first time.  Using a borrowed club, the Miamian registered an ace on a 247 yard long hole...News has been received that Mrs. Frisbie, long time cateress for the Miami Country club will return after spending time in WAC. She will be serving at tomorrow night's stag dinner.  Members are urged to bring a guest.

1943 October  13 mdnr 

Jack, Guild, the former Miami Country club pro who's now working at the Tulsa bomber plant in town to help with some improvements at the golf course...Jack has been employed at the bomber plant since last May, when he received his honorable discharge from the Army. 

1943 December 12 mdnr
 

 1944 

 1944 January 23 mdnr  "Tony Ming Head the Country Club"

A.J. (Tony) Ming, director of the Spartan School of Aeronautics here, was elected president of the Miami Country club when its board of directors met recently for the purpose of selecting officers for the ensuing year.

H.B. Cobban, general manager of the Northeast Oklahoma railroad, was named vice president. A new secretary-treasurer and various committees will be chosen when the country club's directors meet next month. 

1944 February 13  "The Grist"

Former county athletes may be found anywhere on the globe these days...Two of 'em...Lieut. Beverly Morton of Commerce and Lieut. Red Moore of Miami, enjoy a long talk in China about one month ago today...Beverly, serving with the 14th Air Force wrote his parents about the incident..He talked with Lieut. Tom Harmon just before the former Michigan All-American returned to the United States after his second narrow escape from death on foreign soil...

Tee Shots...Tony Ming is undertaking a new job with unlimited enthusiasm...He is the president of Miami Country club and, in his new capacity, already has begun steps to put golfing and other club activities one the sports calendar...I'm going to try my best to do this job," Tony told 85 members and prospective members at the clubhouse last week..."We're going to put this program over, if we can, with the help of the entire membership."

The club's board of directors, which met Friday, was notified of these appointments for club projects: Russ Hawk, chairman of the general entertainment committee; Frank Spencer, chairman of the house committee; Melvin K. Hutts, greens, and Bert Wall, membership...There will be a club party February 23 for members and their wives. a buffet dinner will be served. 

Other activities Tony has under consideration include the construction of one or more tennis courts...Himself active at one time in the racquet-swinging game, the club prexy said he had learned a great number of others also had participated at one time or another in the sport, which is rated as one of the top conditioners.  

1944 March 5 mdnr  "Stag Party

Tony Ming, president of the Miami Country Club, announced Saturday that the regular monthly meeting scheduled for Tuesday night, March 14, will be a stag party. a most successful party for members and guests was held recently when about 175 enjoyed dancing, bingo, and other kids of games. 

Ming says the party's success was due to the over-all cooperation of the membership who helped put it across. The club has an active program of events ahead, including it s next dance for all members and guests on Friday, March 31.  

1944 March 12 mdnr

The former Miami Country club pro, Jack Guild, is still working at the Douglas aircraft assembly plant in Tulsa...He's staying out at the Mohawk Country club, but probably has little time to practice his golf shots...

1944 March 29 mdnr  "Party at Country Club"

The membership of Miami Country club will have a "party night" affair Friday, March 31, at the clubhouse. A complete buffet supper will be served at 6:30 o'clock, followed by an evening of dancing and games. Music for dancing will be furnished by Seigers Orchestra of Joplin. Admission for the affair will be 75 cents per person. If members plan to bring guest, reservations are to be made by calling No. 1620.

1944 April 9 "For Sale"

Ladies golf club s, man's bicycle, riding, boots size 8. Phone 918.  

 1944 May 21 mdnr "Jack Guild Returns as Pro"

1944 May 21 mdnr  "Country club Seeks Number of Caddies"

 Want to work as a caddy, boy? Pro Jack Guild, of the Miami Country club said Saturday he was looking for applicants, between the ages of 12 and 16, to lug golf balls for Miami's fairway swingers.

"We don't want boys too small or too large," Guild said. "We need quite a few and the quicker boys apply the better."

1944 May 26 mdnr 

Miami Country club's offering a blind bogey golf tourney, Tuesday, Memorial Day...Participants take their own handicaps, Pro Jack Guild said, and then start on their quest for a prize...Linksmen will be permitted to post scores anytime during the day. 

1944 May 31 mdnr "Four Tie for Golf Honors"

 Ideal weather conditions lured a large turnout of golfers to Miami Country club Tuesday for the annual Memorial day blind bogey tournament. Four swingers scrambled to a four-way deadlock for first place with 74, the winning number. Sharing first honors were George Archer, W.J. Worley, W.C. Bullock, and DeAtley Hampton. Dr. Robert E. baron and Frank Kiple tied for second with their 70's. 

Low gross score of the day was posted by John F Robinson, who toured the par 72 layout in 76. Low net score was bob Shortess' 67. He had a 15-stroke handicap. Bud May won the approach prize, driving one onto No.9 green, that stopped only six inches from the cup. 

The ladies' prize went to Mr. Al Scariata with a net 75. Forty-one golfers competed in the blind bogey event, and about 30 other toured the course during the day.  

1944 June 20 mdnr "At least 12 to seek PGA Golf Title"

A field of 12 or more of Oklahoma's professional shotmakers, including George Whitehead of Tulsa, thrice champion, will seek the State PGA golf championship over Miami's rolling nine-holes layout June 20. The Miami course, selected for the fifth time in six yeas as the site for  either the 36-hole championship test or the National PGA qualifying, is in excellent condititon.

Defending Champion Floyd Farley of Oklahoma City, who captured the crown in 1942 in a 36-hole playoff with Whitehead, will be unable to compete since he is in Army training at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. There was no tourney held in 1943.  

In packing all their action into one day, the pros will play 18 holes in the morning and then will pair with local simon pures in the annual pro-amateur event in the afternoon. Low scorer at the end of the two rounds will win Farley's trophy, and the lions share of the cash.  

1944 June 21 mdnr "State PGA Golf Title Claimed by Ponca City Man"

Modes Bill Oliver, Ponca City professional who divides his time between golf course and a war plant job, wore the 1944 Oklahoma PGA links crown today. The victory didn't seem to be of outstanding significance to Bill, ye the Ponca Citian kept his consistent game intact through the closing drive that gave him a 151, a two-stroke edge over his closest rival and tournament favorite, George Whitehead, of Tulsa. 

"I guess I won by default," Bill offered, "Many of the pros are gone, you know." The smooth-swinging Poncan grabbed first honor, a lion's share of the war bonds which went with the triumph and the big silver trophy that Floyd Farley had captured in 1942.

Whitehead played with a recalcitrant putter that has bothered the Tulsan for years. He carded a one-over-par four on No. 8 and then, as a fair-sized gallery looked on in amazement, required seven shots to get down on No.9 giving Oliver the title by two strokes. Whitehead three-putted from four feet away on the last hole. 

Meanwhile, Jack Guild the home club pro, and Ed Lentz, his local amateur partner with a 20-stroke handicap, waltzed off with the pro-amateur title and a sizeable chunk of war bonds with their low net score of 64, eight under par. 

Tied for second and third place were the medalist Bill Oliver and Luther Sheldon, local amateur, and Chuck Worley, Tulsa pro, and Claud Jones, Miami club member. Both combinations had low nets of 66. 

For Sheldon it was his second finish in the "top money." In 1929, the year the first of six PGA meets to be staged here, the local simon pure and Johnny Gatherum, then club pro, scored a fine 65 for first honors. Sheldon played yesterday with a 12 stroke handicap, but 15 years ago he had none, shooting from "scratch." That day, he recalled this morning, he fired a 69 over the ten sand greens layout. 

1944 July 23 mdnr "Tee Shots" by John N. Simpson

  One of the oldest golfing foursomes on record around here was seen in action again the other day. This foursome includes Mayor F. E. Millner, E.C. Fitzgerald, city attorney, Moody Tidwell, Red Cross official, and George Cunningham, of the Cunningham Oil Company. 

According to the information this column received this same foursome has played golf together for 15-20 years. Another unusual feature of the match play is they have always had the same partners with Mayor Millner and Moody Tidwell pairing off against Fitzgerald and Cunningham.  

Golf activity has improved by leaps and bounds during the last few days with the recent cooler spell. Not many except the braver linksmen faced the hot days. 

Picked up at random around the course during the last few days:  Dr. Rex graham took the prize the other day when he laid into his tee shot on No. 1 and it wound up on the green. This is a 328-yard hole and not many of the better golfers drive to the green on this hole...George Stein must have really buckled down and played one for the boys, as he wound up with a 49 for the best round he has ever shot. Mayor Ed Millner came in for his share of the best when he played nine holes in a 49 for the first time he has broken 50...It seems that some of the old timers are coming out again with Russ Hawk's beaming countenance being seen on the links for the first time in years...We wonder if Bert Wall and Cecil Coop and their partners ever got together in the big match that was being talked about some time ago.

** On the author's note, it appears to me that returning golf pro, Jack Guild, is the glue that has led this country club and kept it in the weekly newspapers.

1944 September 10 mdnr "First County Men Entering Berlin, Tokyo to win Prizes"

Tow Ottawa county servicemen--the first to enter Berlin and likewise the first man to arrive in Tokyo--do not know it now but they are going to share equally in a rich award for their distinctive experience.

Growing out of a recent action by the Miami post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the "Ottawa County Berlin-Toko Award" took root when that organization of overseas fighting men deposited a $100 in the Security Bank and Trust company here Saturday.  

"Nelson Four Strokes Out in Front of Jug"

Lord Byron's 208  tops the field in the Texas Open. Ky Laffoon shoot a 219 to count. 

1944 September 20 mdnr  "Ringer Tournament"

Miami Country club's women golfers are invited to participate in a ringer tournament which probably will continue until late October, Jack Guild, club pro said today.  Women wishing to participate should post scores for the three rounds so that handicaps may be determined. Most of the play will be on Monday and Saturday afternoons.  

**Note: Even until I was a teen in the 1960's women and junior golfers were not allowed to play until after 2:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Women had their day on Wednesday in the late 1950's and 1960's. I don't recall any other restrictions.  

1944 December 10 "In Society"

C.H. Mullendor, vice-president and cashier of the First National Bank of Miami, was host to the bank's personnel Friday night with a 7 o'clock Christmas turnkey dinner at the Miami Country club. During the evening motion pictures of local interest were shown by Dick Wills. 

Those present were Charles S. Fox, W.M. Williams, C.V. Ayers, H.S. Maupin, J.B Lehmer, J.W. Hanna, Lyndon Wagnon, Hess Taulman, Theda Barron, Constance Clark, Betty Jane Moon, Audrey Hunter, Evelyn Whetstine, Betty Woods, Mary Lou James, Dorothy Sue Lunday and Virginia O'Bryne.

Special guests were Mrs. J. F. Robinson and Dick Wills. 

1944 December 21 mdnr advertisements 

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* 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