SUMMER OF '63 IN MY HOME TOWN

THE MIAMI NEWS-RECORD

60th YEAR, NO 278              MIAMI, OKLAHOMA, MONDAY, MAY 20, 1963            8 PAGES         DAILY 5 CENTS--SUNDAY 15 CENTS 

 

63.5.20 Street Dance Here Tonight

A square dance sponsored by Miami Jaycees will be held in the unit block of East Central tonight at 8 o'clock. The dance is the first of several events to be held this week in conjunction with the Western Week and the Jim Shoulders Rodeo.

Calling the street dance will be Willie Harland of Vinita, who is widely recognized as one of the best square dance callers in this area. Prizes will be awarded to the best dancers. Ron Gilbert, Western Week publicity chairman, reported that several out-of-town square dance clubs are planning to attend.

The Jim Shoulders Rodeo, an RCA approved event, will be held Thursday through Saturday, beginning at 8 o'clock nightly.  

News Clips:

 KENNEDY'S PLANE SETS MOSCOW FLIGHT MARK--President Kennedy's jet airliner has set a speed record for a Washington-to-Moscow flight, answering Soviet taunts that no American aircraft could make the 5,004 mile trip without stopping. 

ANOTHER BIG AREA TURNOUT FOR VACCINE--"The response was magnificent as usual," remarked Dr. C.W. Letcher. The Sabin drive chairman today reported approximately 12,000 Ottawa countians were immunized with Sabin III vaccine Sunday. Letcher reported the county's record of Sabin doses administered per capita exceed that of any other mid-western community in which similar drives were undertaken. 

63.5.24 "Rugged Action Marks Start of Miami's Rodeo"

...For the most part, cowboy performances last night earned average scores. The big exception came in bulldogging competition, where Buck Rutherford of Lenapah hauled down his animal in a flashing 8.7 seconds.

One of evening's biggest thrills was provided unexpectedly by the rodeo's sponsor, Jim Shoulders, who tangled with a saddle bronc named Bomber. The bronc bounced from the chute and in the flick of an eyelash pitched upended Shoulders, who had been  sanding in front of the chute, and then pitched his rider, Wayne Nimmo of Springhill, Kansas. Shoulders limped back to the chute wearing a smile and a few bruises. 

One highlight of the evening came with announcement of winners in the rodeo queens contest. Cheryl Judy, 16-year old daughter of Mr and Mrs Bill Judy, Miami, Route 3, is Miami Rodeo Queen and Frances McCarty, 15-year old daughter of Mr and Mrs Troy McCarty of Commerce, won the competition as Out-of-Town Rodeo Queen.   

63.6.2 29th Annual Wilson Recital at Coleman  "TOYLAND DANCE REVUE"

The shows title was originated by the film producer Walt Disney, who granted Virginia Lee and Tom Wilson special permission to utilize it in their annual spring show. The usual giant cast of young dancers will be primed to cross the footlights after the curtain goes up at 8 o'clock. 

Assisting the Wilson's with the revue are Betty Sue Cray, accompanist, Dee Watters at the drum; Sam Seabolt, bass; Jerry Hunter, guitar; Sarah Stansell, trumpet; and Burl Lane Jr., saxophone. Alma Francis is the narrator. The properties were created by Tom Wilson, assisted by Ted Watts and Lewis Arnett. Special effects are in the charge of Orick Sparlin.   Assistant teachers are Pat Melody, Dee Wallace, Judy Cottam, Kay Snyder and Janie Sandmire. Backstage directors are Jim Watters and George Frances. Costumes were created by Jane Ellis, Lois Smith, Hilda Patrick, and Naydeen Sandmire.

63.6.9 Swimming Teachers at the Municipal Pool 

63.6.9 Fans Can Pick Up Tickets for July 14 Trains to K.C.

Persons who made reservations to ride the Mickey Mantle Special to Kansas City for the July 14 double-heater between the Athletics and NY Yankees may pick-and pay for-their tickets from Frank Munoz at the Security Bank and Trust Co. 

The cost of the tickets, $11 for each adult and $7.80 for each child, covers round-trip rail fare, and bus transportation between the rail station and the stadium. Through the efforts of Munoz, volunteer co-coordinator, Miami received a quota of 100 tickets on the Frisco special train from KC to Tulsa. 

63.6.23 Camp Cherokee

Camping out has been part of summer plans for thousands of boys who have been part of the Oklahoma Cherokee Council of the Boy Scouts of America. This year, 820 boys are scheduled to attend the five one-week camping sessions at Camp Cherokee, a 1,350 acre camp on Grand Lake.  

Last week, 210 boys attended from Miami troops 50, 51, 54, Vinita troop 67, Nowata troop 29, and Bartlesville troops 11, 12, 16, 30, 102, and 111. Director of the camp is Bill Eller of Bartlesville, He and his staff maintain the dining hall, trading post, swimming pool and other camp facilities along with instructors of swimming, archery, boating, canoeing, campcraft, wildlife, and soil-water conservation.

63.7.18 Winners of Playgrounds Tournament Competition 

Miami's annual doll, pet and bicycle parade, a highlight of the annual municipal summer playgrounds program, will be held Friday morning beginning at 10:30am. Moving south down Main street, the paraders will turn left at Second avenue and assemble on the courthouse lawn for judging of parade winners. 

First, second, and third prize will be awarded in four divisions--pets, dolls, decorated bicycles and doll carriages. Final event in the summer program for some 430 youngsters will be the swimming party and picnic, Friday, July 26 at Riverview park. Host for the noon picnic, which will follow the swim party will be the Miami Rotary club. 

Croquet doubles winners: Steven Macklin and James Loehr, Rotary Jaycee, first; Terry Ingle and Susie Halley, College, second; Marjie Dent and Jean Hale, Will Rogers, third; 

Singles winners: Jolene Downing, Torbert, first; Mike Hignite, Chaney, second, and Shelly Schuelein, College, third. 

 

 

 

 

 

63.7.21 Winners of Honors in Playgrounds Parade

Decorated Bicyles: The Bowden fleet--Elizabethe, Mike, Margaret and Charles--first; Kenneth Cooper, second; and Shelly Schuelein, third. (Picture would not download.)

Dolls: Christie Jean Hester, first; Bonnie Hadley, second, and Donna Hawkins, third. Mrs. Bruce G. Carter, one of the judges. 

63.7.23 Miami Youth League Clubs in First Season

Miami's newest baseball organization if the Youth League, which is playing its first season on a new diamond at the Fairgrounds. The league is part of Miami's municipal summer baseball program that totals 32 teams--22 in three Little League divisions, six in the Babe Ruth league and four in the new Youth League, which is headed by Phil Lockhart. 

63.8.2  BIG CROP OF WARDOG CANDIDATES DUE TO REPORT AUG.15

Coach Bill Watkins today expressed hope that the 1963 Miami Wardog candidates will begin efforts immediately to reach peek physical conditions for the the grid campaign. 

63.8.2  Sixth Bargain Fiesta to Jam Main Street --Throngs Due Saturday for Annual Sale

Miami's main street will be transformed into a combination shopping bazaar, carnival and old-time golf rush. The rush will begin early for the endless variety of merchandise being offered by Miami businessmen. Shoppers will undoubtedly begin swarming into the sale area well ahead of the announced 7a.m starting time to "stake" their claims to bargain offerings and to enjoy the atmosphere of a gigantic community get-together which prevails during the yearly event. 

Contrary to the idea that you only spend money at a sale, some lucky folks will leave Saturday event $100 richer than when they came. Three times during the day, at 2,4, and 6pm, $100 drawings will be held at the corner of Central avenue and Main street. To be eligible for a prize a person needs only to register at one of the downtown stories before noon Saturday.

 

 

63.8.7  Phone Prefix Use to Start Monday

 Stan Martin, local SW Bell manager, said that changes will be taking place in preparation for "extended area service" which will make its full-fledged debut in September. "Two first...then five" refers to the method of telephone dialing which Miami phone users will employ next Monday.

"The changes will just mean that Miami people will have a to dial the prefix KI, Kimball, before dialing the rest of the number. Otherwise, their call won't be completed." said Martin. Martin further explained that the changes are part of the program to permit Miami telephone users to call any number in Miami, Quapaw, Picher, or Commerce without long distance changes, simply by dialing two letters and five numbers."  (Note: when my parents moved to the country they had a party line from 1970--1980's.)

 63.8. 12 Net Champs Crowned Here

In the finals of the Miami Jaycees junior tennis tournament, results were as follows:

Junior Boys Singles: Doug Wasson def. Tom Jones to take the championship, Jimmie Bridgeman was awarded the sportsmanship trophy.  Boys Singles: Ken Tunnell def. brother Danny Tunnell. Junior Girls Singles: Joyce Bump def. Margaret Pierce. Girls Singles: Sherry Sparkman def. Carolyn Gladden. 

Junior Boys Doubles--First round, Rodger Smith and Doug Wasson def. Tunnell and Douthitt; Tome Jones and Woody Kaze def. Bill Oliver and Jimmie Bridgeman; Smith and Wasson def. Jones and Kaze to take the championship. Boys Doubles: First round, Kent Tunnell and Mike Cole def. Danny Tunnell and Doug Wasson. D. Tunnel and R. Wasson def. Ronnie Hanna and Brent Rousey; K. Tunnell and Cole def. D Tunnell and R. Wasson in the finals. 

Junior Girls Doubles: First round, Cassie Gaines and Joyce Bump def. Margaret Pierce and Vicki Haynes; Ann Habeger and Vicki Newell def Jean Burford and Sandra Rossman; Gains and Bump def Habeger and Newell for the title.  Girls Doubles: Kathy Munson and Sherry Sparkman def Paula Brewer and Ann Shell;  Debbie Brewer and Carolyn Gladden def. Paula Brewer and Ann Shell. Second round, Munson and Sparkman def. Brewer and Gladden in double elimination. 

63.8.17 PLAN TO ATTEND THE 2ND ANNUAL SIDEWALK SALE IN COMMERCE

Thirty-four businesses from Commerce advertised in a full page add for their Sidewalk Sale.

63.8.19 SOCIETY PAGE  (there were over 86 records of picnics held at Riverview Park)

Members of the Mid-Century Mother's club entertained their families with a picnic super at Riverview Park in Miami. Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mauller, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gandy, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Webber, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sill, Mr and Mrs. Harold Curlee, Mr and Mrs. Don Hartman, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Richey, Mike Mauller, Brenda and Carla Reynolds, Pat, Becky and Diana Sill, Vicki and Gary Curlee, Lisa VanVolkenberg, Donna and Nancy Hartman, and Jan and Brent Richey.   

63.8.20 GRAND CHAMPION SHOWN BY WYANDOTTE YOUTH

A Wyandotte youth, Charles Beatty, edged out Phil Synar of Miami, last year's junior champion beef showman at the Ottawa Country Free Fair to win grand champion honors with his 839 pound Hereford steer in the Junior Livestock show

63.8.30 FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERE SATURDAY NIGHT

Two local football squads that are expected to make impressive records this year will display talents before fans Saturday night at the Football Jamboree at Robertson Field. Clashing at 6:30 will be NEO's Blue and Gold units, which have been divided by Coach Red Robertson and his aids to provide a balanced game.

Miami high school's War Dogs will go into action immediately after the Norsemen leave the field. All War Dog candidates will be used as Coach Bill Watkins and his assistants survey the action by four different Blue and White units. 

Last year's Jamboree was a crowd pleaser and the 1963 event sponsored by Miami Jaycees promises to be even better. Receipts from the $1.30 admission prices will be split equally by the high school and college for the purpose of meeting expenses in connection with the taking of motion pictures of the games. These films are important in the coaching program and also will be available at time for public showings.

 

 

 

1963 STORIES AND TIMELINE of MGCC

 

 1963 March 10  "Lady Golfers Approaching New Season"

Mrs. Don Johnson hosted the annual lady golfers registration. Among the newcomers present were three who are looking forward to their first golf game: Mrs. Frank McAleer, Mrs. Bill Hirsch, and Mrs. Vern Schwertfeger. The novices' first game is scheduled for April 3. 

 1963 April 7 MNR  "Nowata Defeats Miami's Juniors in Golf Rounds"

*I did not remember that Claire Oliver coached Junior High boys golf during these years. 

Nowata scored a 17-3 victory over Miami in a junior high school golf match Saturday at the Nowata Country club. It was the first outside competition for each team, a new phase of athletic competition for the two schools.

Coach Claire Oliver's Miami juniors were without the services of their No. 1 player, John Robinson, a measles victim.  Mark Wojcik, playing the No 1 spot for Miami, carded an 86 for a 3-0 victory over David Lynn, 110.

Other junior high players were: Woody Painter, Larry LaCaff, Jim Thompson, Jay Reniker, Jim Painter, Richard Varley, and Bob Moody who was called into services when illness forced Robinson's absence. 

1963 April 7 "High School Golfers in Tourney Monday"

Sixteen schools will have teams here Monday for the sixth annual MHS golf tournament held at the Miami Country club. The largest representatives will be from OKC, with defending champion Harding, Capital Hill, Classen, Grant, and Northeast. Nearby, El Reno and Midwest City will attend. Other entries are from Parsons and Coffeyville, Kansas; Sand Springs, Muskogee, Edison, Central, McClain, and Hale from Tulsa, and Miami.  

Golf coach Bill Watkins of MHS will serve as general director of the meet, and is cooperating with Johnie Stapp, local golf pro and other members of the Miami Country club.  

Those who have volunteered to serve as walking scorers are asked to report at the club as follows:

8:30am--Mrs. John F. Robinson, Mrs. Elbert Munson, Mrs. Bud Gaines, Mrs. Loren Williams, Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Tom Cordell, Mrs. Tom Barton, Mrs. Hance VanBeber, Mrs.  Don Curlee, Mrs. John Schofield and Delmer Barnes.

9:30--Mrs. Paul Wilson, Mrs. Olen Moore, Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Bill Hatfield, Mrs. George Wojcik, Mrs. John Stapp, Mrs. Robert Temple, Mrs. Stanley Ulmer and Glenn Scott.

1963 April 7 MNR "Ladies Golf"

Members of he Miami Ladies Golf association who are beginners were given the first a of series of lesson by Golf Pro Johnie Stapp last Wednesday. A business meeting followed the luncheon in the newly decorated dining room at the club house. Mrs. Claud Jones, president, introduced new members. There were 45 women present. 

Winners of the afternoon low gross competition were: Claire Oliver, championship; Millie Carte and Eva Williams, Class A; Helen Moore, B, and Sue Barnes, class C.  

1963 April 7 "Stag Night"

The Monthly Stag Night at the MCC will begin at 6:30 Tuesday and continue through the fall days. Please call the club for dinner reservations 2-8447. 

*Dad would make the pairings every week by teams. The men could call the golf shop to see who they were playing with or against. Most men confirmed with each other by phone as to when they could be off work to play.  

1963 April 9 "Tulsa Edison Captures Top Honors in Schoolboy Golf Tourney"

*Bill Kelter, a junior from Parsons, Ks. netted a hole-in-one on the par 3 200 yard No.3 hole during the Miami high school tournament. It was the first ace in the history of the six-year old golf meet. 

1963 April 26 "Country Club has Plush New Look"

The newly redecorated lounge at the Miami Country club. Photo by Orrick Sparlin.

Description of the construction & costs click on this link to read the full story of the redecorating and costs.
 

1963 May 3 "4-Ball Tourney Pairings Ready"

First round pairings for the four-ball men's match play tournament at MCC from Sunday until May 13 have been announced by Spencer Dawson, chairman. Handicaps will be used.

1963 May 5 MNR "Miami's Junior Golfers Defeats Nowata"

Miami junior high school golfers, coached by Mrs. Claire Oliver, defeated Nowata juniors 16-14 Saturday at the Miami Country club. The victory avenged a loss at Nowata last month. 

Mark Wojcik of Miami didn't let Saturday's gusty weather bother him. He was medalist with 43-41=84. Other Miami winners were: John Robinson, Jay Reniker, Jim Painter, Jackie Mann.

Splitting their matches were Woody Painter, and Richard Varley. Other players were Jim Thompson, George Parker, and John Riddling.

Front row: Gary West, David Kruitoff, Jim Williams; Back row: Pat Wilson, John Robinson, Phil Ulmer and Bill Oliver.

1963 MHS Wardog Boy's Golf Team: 

 

 

 

 1963 May 19 (Sunday) MDNR  A typical social page reads...Calendar:

 Miami Country club women's division will meet....

Maranatha's begin Tuesday at the First Baptist church....

Chapter EJ members will picnic at the home of Mrs. Bill Follis...

Bellettes will meet 7:30 Tuesday at 1811 C Northeast...

Miami Garden Club is sponsoring a workshop at the home of Mrs. L.P Hetherington, 415 Second Ave. Northwest.

Miami OES (Order of Eastern Star) will meet 8 pm Thursday...

Miami Child club will be hosted by Mrs. Wayland Kelly

Chapter AJ, PEO will meet for a dessert luncheon 1:30 Monday

Historical Society will meet at 2:30 o'clock today in the Dodson building.

Other society events include: 

"Circle Day" for First Methodist; Mrs. Bill Landers Hostess to UCW; Mrs. M.F. Owens is Sorosis Speaker; Amy Schmidt, 4 in "Butterfly" Company; 

Brides and Engagements: the former Judy Ann Eby married Johnie Lee Schoenhals; Miss Carline Owen of Bartlesville will marry Tyron Witzel...The future bride's grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Earl Benton;  Miss Carolyn Sue turner will marry Seaman Jerry Neal Hawk. 

College announcements in the spring and fall often take up two columns: 'Miamian To Get Grinnell Degree' Mary B. Shouse, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Corbin E. Shouse will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree at commencement June 7. 

1963 June 17 mnr "Hail Hits Area"

Rainfall that accompanied damaging winds, and hail in Ottawa country shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday put a sizeable dent in the worst spring drought here in years. Miami's rain gauge show 1.63 inches. Golf ball sized hail hit the golf course causing extensive damage to the greens. The course will be closed to golfers until repairs are completed. 

1963 June 20 mdnr 

1963 June 20 mdnr "Friday Rounds for Junior Golfers"

Letty Stapp is the new president of the Miami Junior Golf Association. She was elected at the last meeting, along with John Robinson, vice president, and Janie Berentz, secretary-treasurer.

Pairings for Friday's competition follow: Championship flight--Bobby Ballenger, Woody Painter, Susan Russell and Carol Coburn; Mark Wojcik, Bill Fullerton, Jim Thompson and Letty Stapp; John Robinson, Jim Hutchins, Chuck Smith and Jenee Kenreigh; Richard Varley, Paul Pipes and Janie Berentz; Doug Phillips, George Parker and Cathy Olson. (All players in the championship flight must tee off at 8:30 am or earlier. First players named must contact others in the group.)

A flight--Judy Berentz, David Brodrick, Carol Brown, and Jimmy Painter; Sally Meyer, Jackie Nunn, Geoff Schofield and Lee Dell Snyder.

B flight--Bobby Gains, Mark Cordell and Ray Coburn (Ruth Fullerton, scorer); George Haralson, Bill Housman, and Frank Jacobs (Wanda Jo Brown, scorer), John Reynolds, Pete Whitaker and Bobby Wilson (Mavis Ford, scorer); Jonya Stapp, Clara Searle, Cathy Gilmore and Nancy Cordell (Maxine Jeffries, scorer).

Five-hole play--Terry Ford, Gene Feronti Richard Goodwin, and Tommy Cordell (Margaret Coburn, scorer); John Luttrell, Carl Renner, and David Reynolds (Wilma Housman, scorer); Sandy Dale, Karen Jeffries, Carol Kenreigh and Sherri Turner (Elizabeth Hansford, scorer); June Reniker, Forestette Turner, Terry Whitaker and Tammy Romick (LaRue Gaines, scorer)

Two-hole play--Greg Dale, Kenny Gibson and Craig Feronti (Betty Kelly, scorer); Jeff Hansford and Williams Windham (Virginia Wilson, scorer); Rhonda Romick, Kim Feronti, Ann Cordell and Cassie Kelly (Tanya Reese, scorer); Linda Neel, Gala Painter and Nancy Reese (Mary Mann, scorer); Dana Painter, Tanya Reese, Ruth Wills (Virginia Dale, scorer). 

*PERSONAL NOTE: I have no recall of every electing or serving a a Jr. Golf officer, however, I am sure my mother remembered and I added it to my list of accomplishment for college entry. I do recall how busy our mother's were during those years. Often after a round of golf our mothers stayed and went swimming, too. 

**Personal Story:  During the summer of 1963 Billy Fullerton and I played many rounds of golf together.  Since I worked until 2:00 my golf was in the afternoons or evenings when it was the hottest imaginable weather. The movie The Birds by Hitchcock came out in the summer of 1963 and scared many of us across the United States. Billy and I were two of the victims of the birds that summer. 

On hole No. 8 a par 3 going North, there was a tiny creek or drainage area in front of the tee box. Bushes were growing up from the creek water and made it difficult for us to tee off and get the ball up in the air soon enough to miss the trees. One day, one of us lost a ball in the creek or in the bushes. With our golf clubs on our shoulder we took out a club and began to swish through the grass and under the bushes looking for 25-50 cent golf ball. Suddenly, the Red-Winged Blackbirds that had a nest with chicks in the bushes began to attack us. They dive bombed us and one grabbed at my bushy hair. I screamed. Dropping my clubs, I began running toward the clubhouse. Billy came chasing after me. Imagine my father and the adults nearby the clubhouse when two teenagers came running and screaming across the golf course "The Birds"  "The Birds" ...

After receiving our explanation that birds attack people when people get close to a nest with chicks in it, we were humbled and embarrassed. Eventually, dad took us out in a golf cart to pick up our golf clubs and return us to the cool basement of the clubhouse. 

Billy was sent to a private school that summer and I never  played golf with him again.  The next year my good friend and explorer, who did her best to get us grounded, Vicki Newell, was also sent away to private school and I never again played in the pool or parks with her.  The next year C.Ann Richards turned her energies to singing and going to music camps. For me, these were some vivid years.
 

Family fun beside the pool. Jonya, Dad, Letty, Yvonne Temple.

  1963 June 25  MNR "Jackson Medalist in City Golf Meet"

Dr. W.D. Jackson, with a one-over par 73, was medalist as a record field of 91 qualified for the annual club golf tournament for men at the Miami Country Club. Jess Fronterhouse, Picher school Superintendent and 1961 city champion, was next to Jackson with 75. Defending champion Jack Myers did not qualify. 

Matches are to be played at the rate of one per week until champions of the six flights are determined. First round pairings and qualifying scores in the flights follow:

Championship:

Dr. W.D. Jackson 73 vs Ray Coburn, 80: G.R. White, 78 vs Harry Gilmore, 81; Bill Neel, 77, vs Joe Thompson 90: George Windham, 79 bye; Jess Fronterhouse, 75, vs Woodrow Painter 80: Ken Richards, 78 vs Bob Hill, Jr., John F. Robinson, 77 vs Charles Trussler, 81; Bill Ziego, 80, bye.

President's Flight:

 Bob Nunn vs Bill Hatfield; Harry Kenreigh vs Corbin Shouse; Bob Temple vs George Wojick; Al White vs John LaFaller; Buck Bagby vs Tom Barton; Brady Pipes vs Don cherry; Marion Zajic vs Bob Hill Sr; Rex Painter vs. Jack Schofield. 

A Flight:

Bernie Schaff vs John Burford; Loren Williams vs Eldon Smith; Dr. Harry Ford vs Pat Campbell; Ted Vernon vs Dave Wasson; Bill Hirsch vs Bob Goodwin; Dr. Richard Varley vs Kermit Lewis; Harry Whitaker vs Wayland Kelly; Bill Essary, bye.

B Flight:

Don Johnson vs Al Williams; Ronnie Sparkman vs K.C. Jeffries, Frank Hansford vs Art Goettel; Oris Goodwin vs John McLaughlin; George Myers vs W.F. Patterson; Charles Hirsch vs Jack Brown; Dick Neel vs Lee Bearskin; Hank Garwood vs Bob Longacre. 

C Flight:

 John Haralson vs Harold (Delmar) Barnes; V.J. Orcutt Jr. vs Lloyd Cowgill; Dick Wadleigh vs Jim Smallwood; Tony Booth vs Bud Gaines; Bill Oliver vs Dr. Raymond McKinney; Harry Dean vs Kenny Scott; Ed Dudgeon vs E. Scott Myers; Bill Carter vs Norman Gaither.

D Flight

Otto Doty vs Jack Horner; Claude Dale vs Elvin Ridley; Spencer Dawson vs O.A. Rockwell; Alex Hecksher, bye; Roy Enjart vs Gene Feronti; Howard Essary vs George Mayer; Dail West vs Homer Kemper, Tom Wilson, bye.

"Four-ball Finalists"

Championship finals in the men's annual four-ball golf tournament will be played Sunday afternoon with Schofield and Dr. Raymond McKinney vs Spencer Dawson and Dr. W.D. Jackson.

**PERSONAL NOTE: When the Feronti family moved to town I learned about signatures for charges on the club.  I could read the children's names when they signed for their drinks or candy in the golf shop, but Mr. Feronti's name was never, never legible.  Mother, in her wise words, explained that often times men of his status and position did not have to have a signature that a person could read. Me, being a future teacher, had been writing his name correctly above or below his signature so that my mother would know who signed. I honestly wrote names of many of the men who signed for beverages in the golf shop.    

**Personal note from Becky Graham Edwards: My father, DR. Rex Graham, one night went out and cut down the limbs off a tree on the golf course that had been giving him fits.

1963 June 28 "Junior Girls Golf Tourney Here Today"

Some 70 girls from Oklahoma and Missouri were competing today in the fourth annual Miami Junior Girls golf meet-the Mabel Hotz tournament--at the Miami Country Club   Competition is in six flights. Donna Fox of Tipton, Missouri, defending champion, is playing in an 18-hole threesome with Susan Basolo of Muskogee, and Suzy Friels of Tulsa. Each is regarded as a top contender for the 1963 title.

HOLE-IN-ONE! 

Susan White, 17, of Tulsa's Rolling Hills club, scored a hole-in-one this morning on the 125 yard No.3 hole. It was the first ace in the history of Junior Girls tournament.

1963 June 30 mnr "Basolo Takes Honors"

Susan Basolo, 15 year old Muskogee girl who has been making an impressive record in women's golf competition this year, captured the championship of the 4th annual Miami "Mabel Hotz Invitational Tourney". Her score of 43, 39 matched the 82 posted by last year's winner.  2nd place went to Suzy Friels of Tulsa Oaks with an 87. Other Championship scores: Letty Stapp 42-48--90; Susanne Willis, 96; Ann Durand, 97.

Other Miami players:A flight-- Janie Berentz, 2nd; Cathy Olson,Janee Kenreigh; B flight--Susan Russell, Kae Nunn; C flight--Carol Brown, Sally Meyer; D flight--Jonya Stapp, Kathy Gilmore; Pee-Wee flight--Carol Searle 1st, Forrestette Turner, Tammy Romick, Karen Jeffries.

Susan Basolo: HerStory   Several years ago I found reason to write a full story about this remarkable young woman who beat me in every tournament we played in from the 1960's to qualifying for USGA Mid-Am in 1988.

1963 July 14 MNR "2nd Ace for Ken Richards"

Ken Richards' friendly old No. 4 wood did it again. A member of the Northeastern A&M faculty and choir director at the First Presbyterian church, used No 4 for a Saturday afternoon hole-in-one at the Miami Country club. 

The ace was made on No.8, a 200 yard par 3 hole. The ball hit short of the green and rolled straight to the cup. Richards used the same club for a 1955 hole-in-one, his first ace, on the 150-yard No.3 hole at the local club.   

1963 July 5 MNR  (Front Page News) "Jim Taylor Hurt in Fireworks Accident"

 Jim Taylor, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Gob Taylor, 14 B st Southwest, was seriously injured Thursday night while supervising a fireworks display at Marlow. An aerial bomb reportedly struck him in the face as it left the launching unit. He was taken to a Marlow hospital and was in surgery for two hours. 

Jim, former star athlete at Miami high school has assisted his father in past years in July 4 fireworks shows at the Miami Country club and Fairgrounds. He father, who was in charge of the displays here last night, was notified of the accident about 11pm. He and Mrs. Taylor left for Marlow in the southwest part of the state early this morning.  

BERENTZ AND PAINTER JR. GOLF WINNERS

1963 July 21 MNR "Janie Berentz, Woody Painter, Jr., Take Top Honors in Junior Golf"

Members of the Miami Junior Golf Assoc toured the course during Friday red hot weather for the annual handicap tournament. The winners:Championship flight--Girls: Janie Berentz, first; Jenee Kenreigh, second. Boys--Woody Painter Jr., firstr; John Robinson, Jr., second.

A flight--Girls: Kae Nunn, first; Lee Dell Snyder, second. Boys--Jay Reniker, first Jimmy Painter, second.

B flight--Girls: Jonya Stapp, first; Clara Searle, second.  Boys--Tim Schofield, first and Bobby Gaines, second.

5-hole flight--Girls: Carol Searle, first, and Forrestette Turner, second. Boys--David Reynolds, first and Richard Goodwin, second.

Richard Goodwin's 2nd place trophy. 

 

Pee-Wee, 2-hole--Girls: Tanya Reese, first and Rebeca Mirjanich, second. Boys--William Windham, first and Kenny Gibson, second.

Results by flights:

Championship: Wood Painter won playoff with John Robinson; Bill Fullerton, Richard Varley, Paul Pipes, Chuck Smith, Mark Wojcik, Doug Phillips, Jim Hutchins, George Parker.

A flight (9-holes) Jay Reniker, Jimmy Painter, Geoff Schofield, Frank Jacobs, David Brodrick, Jackie Mann.  Girls--Kae Nunn, Lee Dell Snyder, Nancy Cordell, Judy Berentz, Sally Meyer, Carol Brown.

B flight (9 holes) Tim Schofield, Bobby Gaines, Gary Neel, Bobby Wilson, Ray Coburn, Mark Cordell, Georg Haralson, Pete Whitaker, Scotty Jackson, Wes Munson, Bill Houseman.  Girls: Jonya Stapp, Clara Searle, Cathy Munson.

Five holes: Boys--David Reynolds, Richard Goodwin, Terry Ford, Gene Feronti, Karl Renner.  Girls--Carol Searle, Forrestette Turner, Tammy Romick, Linda Neel, Terri Whitaker, Sherri Turner, Carol Kenreigh. 

Two-holes: William Windham, Kenny Gibson, Greg Dale, Tommy Jackson, Pete Smith, Craig Feronti.  Girls--Tanya Reese, Rebecca Mirjanich, Nancy Reese, Rhonda Romick, Ann Cordell, Ruth Wills, Kim Feronti. 

1963 July 28 MNR "Fischer Captures Junior Boys Golf Invitational"

Forrest Fischer of Tulsa's Edison high school shot a one-over-par 73 for the top honors in medal play. Fischer, who will enroll at OSU in September shot a 35-38.Sponsored and efficiently conducted by the Miami Ladies Golf association, the one-day tournament had a record of 138 entries, including 28 in championship flight.  

Other Miami players: President's flight--Paul Pipes, Jim Hutchins; 2nd place A flight Bill Fullerton, John Robinson, Woody Painter, Mark Wojcik, George Parker; B flight--Richard Varley, Jim Thompson, Bob Ballenger, Doug Phillips, Frank Jacobs, Jimmy Painter; C flight--2nd David Broderick, Scotty Jackson, Jack Mann, Ray Coburn, Fred Ripley, Bobby Gaines, Bobby Wilson, Mark Cordell, Tim Schofield, Billy Houseman, George Haralson, David  Reynolds.   

1963 August 12 MNR "Unusual Golf Event Is Set Here Tuesday"

Teams captained by Harry Whitaker and Bill Hirsch will complete in a novelty golf tournament Tuesday afternoon at the Miami Country Club. The losing team will be host to the winners at dinner Tuesday evening.

On the Whitaker squad are John Stapp, Dr. W.D. Jackson, Bill Neel, G.R White, Bob Temple, Ted Vernon, Hoot Gibson, Loren Williams, Wayland Kelly, George Parker, Harry Kenreigh, Bill Ziego, Dick Neel, Spencer Dawson, Al Williams, Harold Barnes, Hank Garwood, Bill Oliver, Bill Jergens, and John Haralson.

Hirsch's team includes Jim Hatfield, Bob Hill, Jr. Ken Richards, Al White, Bob Hill, Sr., Ray Coburn, Dr. Harry Ford, Kermit Lewis, Bill Hatfield, George Wojcik, G.P. Campbell, Dr. Richard Varley, Frank Hansford, Dr. Raymond McKinney, Lloyd Cowgill, Bill Carter, Jack Horner, C.M. Phillips, Elvin Riding, and Marion Zajic.

Scores for nine holes will be compared to determine the dinner host. Following the dinner, a drawing for the men's fall tournament will be conducted and a film, "Race to Live" will be shown, courtesy of Standard Auto Parts. Men not playing in the golf event will be expected to make reservations for the Stag Night dinner.   

1963 September 3 MNR  ""Winners at Miami Country club Announced"

Winner in Mixed-Twilight league for the past six weeks have been announced as follows: Men--Bill Carter, first with 10 points; Harry Whitaker, Al White and Frank LaCaff (tie) for second with 9 1/2 points.

Women--Louise Curlee, first with 11 points; Helen Moore, 10 1/2 points, Stormy Lewis, 10 points. 

1963 September 5, MNR  "Faye Berentz is Tourney Champ"

Trophies were presented Wednesday to winners of the annual Virginia Campbell memorial tournament for members of the Miami Ladies Golf (*note: Virginia was the wife of G.P. Pat Campbell. She was an avid golfer and bridge player. She was one of the first ladies to die of cancer and have the local club memorialize her. It has been a positive tradition in many clubs since the 1960's.) The trophies were furnished by Pat Campbell.

Front row: Melba Cordell, Louise Curlee, Lavern Munson, first, second and third in A flight--Jean Phillips, second, and Mavis Ford, third in C flight (winner Mary Ann Hecksher was absent). Top row--Faye Berentz, tournament champion, Yvonne Temple, runner-up; Sue Barnes, first and Helen Stapp, second in B flight.

 

1963 September 8, MNR "Miami, Missouri Golfers in Tie for Tournament Lead"

Miami businessman John F. Robinson and Bill Stewart, former Missouri state amateur champion from Springfield shared medalist honors Saturday as a record field of 119 posted qualifying scores in the eight annual invitational golf tournament at the Miami Country club. Each shot even par rounds of 72.

1963 September 9, MNR "Joplin Golfer Champ Here"

Robert Smith of Joplin, a telephone installer for SW Bell, won the championship of the eighth annual Miami CC Invitational. Smith's three-under-par 69 Sunday was the best 18-hole round of the tournament. With a 76 score in Saturday's qualifying rounds, his two-day total was 145.

Invitational Champion Robert Smith shakes hands with runner-up Jim Hatfield with John F. Robinson in the middle taking 3rd place in the Invitational Tournament.

1963   Match Between Men and Women

The LPGA first gained national television coverage during the 1963 U.S. Women’s Open Championship final round, won by 23 year-old Mary Mills. That same championship retired tennis pro, Althea Gibson, age 35, became the first African American to play in a U.S. Women's Open.

1963 Golf Shop Employees:

Ed and Cora Westfahl, Bobby Ballenger, and Letty Stapp (June, July, August 7am--2:00 unless at a golf tournament.)We also had full time afternoon help, but I could not find a record of who worked those shifts

I have found of record of some of the sales from the golf shop. In 1963 the shop sold on average 43 cartoons of cigarettes a month. A single cartoon from Botts Wholesale costs $2.70  Beer and liquor, now legal in Oklahoma, was purchased from Brown/Stansell which later became Wilson/Stansell.

**The resources I use call the Miami News-Record the Miami Daily News. Since the newspaper title reads Miami New-Record, I will use MNR in the future for my source. 

1962 From Tornadoes to Fall-Out Shelters: Our Story

 

Beginning in mid-1950's my father and our family would drive to the Miami Country club to open the doors for people in the neighborhood seeking shelter from the storm. One year we learned afterwards that the three story dark red brick Fullerton home on East Central and Elm st. had been hit. I knew the Fullerton's were not in the shelter that night, and it worried me that Billy, my classmate, could have been hurt. The news the next day reassured us that no one was injured and that the storm hit the north side of the house. Otherwise, it was an exciting time for the kids because we were allowed to run in and out of the men's and women's basement locker rooms. 

KGLC blared loudly on various radios that people brought with them.  Depending on the length of time in the basement Dad would sometimes sell pop or other snacks to the families. 

 

History changed. After the Civil Defense became active, the club was no longer used as a place of shelter and the talk of our parents centered on building "Fallout Shelters" that could also be tornado shelters. 

1961-63 became a pivotal time in our history, and my parents, along with the Dahl family and others in town, took the Soviet threats seriously. Driving the Muntz, Dad's race car, my father made it an adventure to find a suitable shelter and safety for his family.

The awning covers the bomb shelter entrance.  

By summer of 1962 a "fallout shelter" had been dropped into the ground at 209 H NE.  Mother filled it with the proper foods and toiletries. (We didn't know all the dangers.)   It was my job to remind her to change the foods every six months.  It was a schedule we kept throughout my high school years.  And, yet, I only wished to live to be 16 and legally drive a car. On a personal note, there was a multiple choice question on my driver's test December 26, 1963 that asked how low we should let our gas tanks drop before refilling. The correct answer was refill at a half-a-tank. The logic being that we would need that much gas to drive to the caves in Missouri for safety.

In retrospect our naivety stuns me. I grew up in a culture of families who had survived world wars, early pandemics, and the devastating recession/depression of the 1930's. We planned to survive and live. There was a great future ahead for all who worked.

Our optimism can be seen in our history as the Civil Defense advised schools and communities to build shelters. I don't personally remember the short movies showing how to conduct air-raid drills.

However, I vividly recall hiding under my desk in fifth grade at Roosevelt and looking out the window wondering if I would see the atomic bomb go off before it killed me. In junior high and high school we were instructed to go to the hall ways and duck and cover. As a young girl wearing tight skirts and blouses, I found it difficult to squat properly and remain in position any length of time. I wasn't the least bit worried about dying, I was more concerned with my slip showing. 

This Getty Image is much larger than our reality.

Our bomb shelter was a steel tank dropped into the ground covered with cement, much like our present day tornado shelter buried in the corner of or garage, with a ladder and opening a foot above ground. The square opening and steel top with lock inside to keep strangers out made it challenging to lower food and supplies to the shelter. (During those years girls did not wear jeans. I had summer shorts or dresses.)

Our shelter contained a bathroom at the far end, two pull down bunk beds on each side of the tank, built in storage units under the beds (built by my father). Any wall space left over contained food, water, first aid items, and decks of cards to play. I do not recall how the shelter was lighted, but we did have a battery powered radio. We sat on the beds or the storage unit underneath. Mother put Tang in the shelter instead of Kool-aid because we learned from experience that we would not drink Kool-aid without sugar added, and Tang was ready to mix, sugar, flavors, and water.

Mother kept a list of all items purchased in the construction of the shelter.

 Over the years we made several trips to the shelter when the tornado sirens blared, otherwise, I invited friends over and we spent the night in the deep deep darkness of the shelter, creating memories that we would live to tell about. 

 The heyday of the fallout shelter occurred during the administration of John F. Kennedy, which saw both a rise in international tensions and Kennedy's advocacy of shelters as part of the American response. During the Berlin Crisis of 1961, precipitated by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev's aggressive moves toward West Berlin, Kennedy gave a nationally televised speech explaining the gravity of the situation. He also endorsed the construction of fallout shelters, saying, "In the event of an attack, the lives of those families which are not hit in a nuclear blast and fire can still be saved if they can be warned to take shelter and if that shelter is available." If further inducement for building shelters was needed, it was provided fifteen months later by the Cuban Missile Crisis, in which the world came closer to nuclear war than it ever had before.

* https://www.encyclopedia.com/media/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/fallout-shelters

 

 

 

 

1962--1963 Remodel of the Miami Golf and Country club

 

Miami Country club in the 1930's

 

1941 Miami Country club--the North side

When my father arrived in 1954 he, and the board of directors, began a slow expansion of the internal usage of this magnificent Tudor structure, first completed in 1930. On the lower level the covered porch extended from the left (East side) to the front (North side). The first change came with extending the men's locker room in the basement which then enclosed the East side and first two enclosures. The club added the golf shop which took the remaining four enclosures. A few years later the basement ladies locker room was cleaned up, painted, and finally added new carpet. (The snake pit would later be in the basement area to the west of the ladies locker room). The favorite item became the new fan that circulated fresh air from the windows and open doors in the pro shop. The women could relax, have a beer, and cool down.

 

1962-63 shows the enclosures and addition of a larger putting green with light fixtures. The building is facing the north side. There is a driveway that follows the West side past the pool and north to the greens keeper's house and barn. The driveway also turns right (east) past the pool and into the area where the golf carts are shown. This provided easy access for those traveling and needing to pick up their golf clubs.(Lady golfers far back left Yvonne Temple, Florence Dawson, Clara Barton, and far back right Claire Oliver.)

The renovation made many changes to my beloved old hideaways in the second floor of the clubhouse. The stairwell leading to the third floor was locked and children no longer had a playroom upstairs. I think it became a storage room. The railing that allowed us to overlook the dance floor was walled up, so we could no longer spy on adults. There was a door on that third floor room that stayed locked but it was an entrance to the apartment. Now the apartment had an outside entrance from the southeast side (fire escape steps), the main entrance and parking to the club, and the original entrance from the kitchen (three entrances). 

This link will take the reader to the  MGCC floor plan that originally existed. 

Bathrooms were added on the second floor for both men and women. The screened in porches, again a child's paradise for running, hiding, and eating sack lunches was turned into a bar area on the East side over looking hole #9 later to be hole #18. The north side became an extension of the bar with the men's card room, the office for the secretary and club manager, and open space left where kids in bathing suits could enjoy lunch. The far West side of the screened in porches became the women's card room that over looked the swimming pool and the old swing sets. Their room was double the size of the men's card room. Mothers played cards and tapped on the windows relentlessly, to remind their children how to behave. They most generally had a drink and a cigarette in their hand. 

Personal Note: Their behavior portrayed the times, as did our fathers. On a lighter note I vividly recall when women wore 'beehive' hairdos. Oh my, how they stood out when looking out the window at their darling children.  

 

During the renovation period the club officially became known as the Miami Golf and Country Club. At one time the Board of Directors made attempts at restoring the old tennis courts on the West side of the clubhouse, but it never succeeded. Through these years businesses were booming downtown and throughout Ottawa County. The country club remained a privately owned golf course and social club until the 1990's.

 

Dr. Rex Graham and wife Carrie hosted the first party at the new club. I did not find a write up in the paper but the Dobson Museum shared their pictures with me. 

 UPDATE June 22, 2023:  Miami News Record April 26, 1963 (pictures were too dark to copy and share)

A bright new era in the history of the Miami Golf and Country club will be launched this weekend when members celebrate completion of an extensive renovation program at the big brick club house.There will be a dance and buffet Saturday night from 7-9 o'clock.

"Our scenic nine-hole golf course has been recognized as one of the finest to be found anywhere, and now with major improvements that have been made throughout the club house, I firmly believe that no city in Miami's class anywhere in the nation has better country club facilities than our," declared Dr. W.D. Jackson, club president. 

Cost of the improvement program, which was started in January, is approximately $55,000 including about $19,000 for stainless steel equipment and new items for the kitchen.

"Under normal circumstances, the cost would have been much more than $55,00," said Jackson, "but co-operation by members in the various improvement kept expenses at a minimum."

Haralson Construction Co. was in charge of the most of the renovation work. Trussler Sheet Metal installed the central air-conditioning and heating system for the various facilities to the richly carpeted main floor.

Jim Tatum, food service director at NEO with wide experience as an authority in his field, was consultant in setting up the club's kitchen and dining room improvements. 

Because of recent increases in club membership to 329 and prospects for further growth, no increase in dues were ordered to pay for the new improvements.

"Membership gains should take care of this," said Jackson

The golf shop and locker rooms on the lower floor have been improved along with the general renovation programs. Assisting Stapp in the operation of the pro shop and other golf facilities is Ed Westfahl, who has been with the club for eight years. 

 

Dr Rex Graham and wife Carrie on the left; Jack and Mary Mann standing.

The walls in the dining room were papered in red flock patterned wallpaper.

 

As members and guests walked climbed the stair to the greeting area English golf scenes covered the walls, not shown but where the photographer stood, where the stairwell entered the main area. The material on the chairs and couches at the time resembled the wallpaper in color and design. (I could not locate a vintage photo of the lovely lazy afternoon golf scene that covered our walls in the greeting area. I could have spent days looking at patterns, so I've selected one that at least presents the idea of a leisurely afternoon of golf.)

The bar, now new on the the East side of the second floor, was decorated in black and white flocked patterned drapes on the East side, dark wooden stools lined the bar.  Those at the bar could face a mirror that showed the men's card room and the dark wood paneling on the walls. Children were strictly forbidden from access to the bar.

 Fred Gallager, our bar tender and Frankie his assistant and waitress, dressed in black  trousers, white shirts, and black bow ties and vests. They kept tabs, literally and figuratively on everyone. When Nasty would get drunk and consequently mean, Fred would give him a straight shot of whiskey. Then they would carry Nasty to the sofa in the greeting area and let him sleep till someone took him home. 

The slot machines that were once in the basement were now moved to the south side of the bar, where a door could be locked at any time to keep people out.  When the sheriff would raid the bars for gambling and slot machines word leaked to the club and strong men would then hide the cast iron old slots in storage rooms or the "snake pit."

Fred and my father became the best of friends. Since they were both off on Monday's they spent time shooting guns at north side of the golf course near old #4 green and #5 tee box.  They always made sure that Fullerton did not have any Angus roaming around the area. Other times they would use hand guns and go down the creeks and shoot turtles and squirrels, as they did in their youth.

Note: Nasty was well known and occupied many discussions in our home. To read the rest of the story please click on this link and go to Literally Letty 

 The Miami Golf and Country club remained active and well kept until the fire in July 1984.

**I would greatly enjoy and appreciate input from those of you, my readers, who would like to share your memories of the interior of the Country club.