1960's The Golf Carts and The Snake Pit

 

If there was trouble to be found Dad and Doc Jackson were the pair. They were also great teammates in Pro-Am's around the Tri-state area, plus a few trips to California. The funny stories also came from the lips of Ky Laffoon, Dr. Harry Ford, Charlie Trussler, Marion Zajic and a friend of Dad's from California, Dale Stokes. 

*Dale was a traveling licensed electrician, plumber, all around fix it man. He and his wife, Elsie, lived in an AirStream travel trailer, never owning a home. When Dale did not have work he and Elsie sometimes came to see the pro and help dad with electrical and other handy man repairs for several weeks. 

In the time between 1955--1961 dad cleared out the remaining space under the ballroom to make room for his growing cart business. It took quite a bit of time and expertise from electricians and other laborers to set the beams and post for electricity, so we could later charge cart batteries. Concrete was laid at the inside entrance from the golf shop, more or less a back door out of the shop that went through the cart storage. This space gave Johnie a work area for tinkering on all golf clubs, all machinery, and especially his golf carts. I have searched high and low for Johnie's record book of the golf carts and not found it. I can promise you he was extremely meticulous in keeping track of every gallon of gas; the times he changed batteries; which one was or was not charging properly; each time a tire needed repair; every penny spent and every trip to Wichita or Joplin for parts recorded. He kept the same meticulous records in every car he owned.

The golf cart business boomed beginning in 1955. Our timing in the golf industry was perfect for bringing in golf carts and push carts.  President Dwight D. Eisenhower and other celebrities of the time brought attention to the golf carts and their usefulness to the game. 

The golf cart behind Mickey Wright is the type that dad bought in the beginning.

The first carts were three wheeled gasoline engines, and continued to be used until 1974. The steering mechanism on gasoline carts was known as tiller steering, which was a triangular bar with rounded edges.

 

In the beginning, I think Dad used E-Z Go Golf Carts and then switched to Cushman for gasoline and electric. I know that we did not have covers for them to protect us from the blazing sun, nor were they comfortable, but they were the style and classy looking.

Speaking from experience the gasoline cart went fast and turned quickly. This also meant it was quite dangerous and from time to time people were tossed out of the golf carts. I, for one, tossed my mother out on hole #2 after we hit our drives. I was driving the golf cart and passed mother's tee shot, I turned the cart to the left and mother flew to the right and rolled on the ground. I did not laugh, nor did Johnie Stapp! He and Jonya were driving behind us and saw what happened. That was one more time (of the many) that I was scolded severely and grounded. No wonder I didn't go to Mutt Hutt or Teen Town, as often as my friends.

Battery powered carts began to show up two by two during my teenage years. Dad paid for most of the carts with cash when he could, rather than take out a loan. 

Fun Fact: gas golf carts were originally promoted for elderly, seriously ill, and disabled people who still wanted to enjoy the sport of golf.  

Golf Cart History in Pictures This is the best website I have found for photos of the old golf carts. Certainly many memories in those old beauties. 

 

The Snake Pit

 

Once the cart room storage was complete Dad and his team of the "C.S. Club" Trussler, Zajic, Painter brothers, Wild Bill Hirsch, Doc Jackson, and others, not to mention the men who worked as grounds keepers, spent many a winter Thursday night digging out the "Snake Pit." It was in the Southeast corner of the cart storage. It had two big steps down to the lower level, no concrete, just dirt. It was a square shape about three foot deep (20' by 20' or larger). Dad bought a large net that hung in the back from the beams and was bolted down the ground. A tarp hung behind it.

The "snake pit" was built so the men could hit golf balls down there on cold days and nights.  It remained busy during my time there in the '60's.  Behind the netting and tarp Dad would sometimes hide liquor or store beer. On nights when there might be a raid on the bar upstairs this became a secret hiding place for the slot machines.

Range balls (practice golf balls) in a bucket remained in the pit throughout the year. When it rained outside, the mud and clay became slick, but Johnie had a solution. We stood on rubber mats like the ones used outside at Driving Range facilities 

It also became a new secret place for kissing couples who didn't want to be seen or caught by the pro.

There were numerous kissing places hidden to the public in that old building. I found them all, and on a few occasions I found them occupied. I was like a church mouse roaming the clubhouse from the time we moved there until I moved away. 

Once when I was way too young to find the attic, I shared a baloney sandwich with JD, whose mother was the cook and ran the dining room services. They lived in the apartment upstairs and it was through their door that two little children learned how to walk on beams and look out the window facing the north toward the practice green. I am surprised I didn't walk away with splinters buried in my hands. The attic was raw hot and dark and dangerous.   Architectural Layout of the Country Club

Years later, when I read THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE I knew that I had been there myself. No, I hadn't gone through a magical wardrobe, but I had found a magical kingdom at the top of the Miami Country club. It remained my special hidden place. As long as Fay Doty lived there I found refuge in the attic, alone sometimes with a toy and my imagination. 

1961 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF MGCC

1961 Golf Shop Employees:

Westfall's a husband and wife team who opened the shop Tuesday-Saturday with Letty Stapp. Roger Scruggs, Brad Smallwood,and Roger Rollins worked from noon or 2:00 until dark.  Other boys worked off and on and some were caddies.

1961 January 22 "Country Club News"

A joint meeting of the Ladies Golf association and the Ladies Division of the Miami Country Club will begin with a 1:00 luncheon Wednesday, followed by bridge and canasta. For reservations phone 2-4429.  

1961 March 12 "Stag Night Tuesday"

The monthly stag night program (for men) at the Miami Country club will begin 6:30 Tuesday. (This was a monthly dinner and weekly team play. The men did not post pairings or results in the newspaper as the women did.)

1961 April 10 Prep Golfers View for Awards Here

The return of sunshine after a bleak weekend was greeted at Miami Country club this morning as members of 12 high school golf teams began play in the annual MHS Invitational tournament. Miami Pro Johnie Stapp is the starter for the 27-hole meet. Miami coach Jack Rusher is directing the tournament. 

61 Boys MHS Golf Team: Charles Dawson, Stephen Moore, Charlie Bill Hirsch, and Dick Neel. 

 

Other schools are Seminole, Midwest City, Del City, Coffeyville, Kansas, Capitol Hill, Harding, Grant, Southeast and Northeast in Oklahoma City. The host Wardogs are also competing. 

1961 April 11 "Muskogee Scores Golf Meet Sweep"

At the end of the 18-hole play the Roughers had cinched the four-ball and two-ball championships and Jim Buchanan was tied with David Rappe of OKC U.S. Grant for medalist honors. 

Host Miami wound up eighth in two-ball scoring and in a tie for sixth with Seminole in four-ball. Coach Jack Rusher said the Wardogs "should have shot several strokes better." Leading Miami scorer was Dick Neel with an 81, followed by Charles Hirsch with a 90. 

GIRLS GOLF: Rusher announced that the Miami High school girls' golf team would compete in a Tri-angular meet in Springfield, Mo. today. Miami's opponents will be Hillcrest and Central high schools, both of Springfield. 

1961 April 12 mdnr "Miami's Fem Foursome is Golf Winner"

Miami High School girls, playing in their first competitive golf rounds of the season, won a Tri-angular met at Springfield, Missouri Tuesday again the hometown Central and Parkview high school teams.

 

The meet ended after 9 holes due to rains. Miami 210, Parkview 226, and Central 230. Freshman Susan Stephenson of Miami was medalist with 50 strokes. Scores by the other Miamians were: Bobbi Baron, junior,52; Phyllis Propper, senior, 53, and Diana Oliver, sophomore, 55. Gaye Phillips, another member of the Miami team, did not make the trip because of last night's participation in the senior play. 

High school girls golf coach, Jack Rusher, hailed the victory as a tribute to the junior golf program that was inaugurate at the Miami Country club a few seasons ago by Professional Johnie Stapp. 

A return match will be held here Monday.   

1961 April 16 "Miami Ladies Will Play for Suggs Trophy"

Members of the Miami LGA will compete Wednesday in a "Louise Suggs" tournament at the Country club. A style show featuring Suggs designs will be held a week later following the association's luncheon at the club. Ramsay's of Miami is sponsoring the Suggs activities in co-operation with the association. 

Mrs. Dan Heyburn is chairman of the tournament and Mrs. Clarence Carselowey will be in charge of the style show. The highlight of the style show will come with presentation of the Louise Suggs trophy to the champion of the nine-hole handicap tournament. 

Miss Suggs has earned a niche in the golf Hall of Fame with numerous honors, including USGA Women's Amateur champion; winner of the British Women's tournament, and twice winner of the Women's National Open Championship. As a founding member of the Women's Professional Golf association (now the LPGA) she was elected President in 1955 of WPGA. 

Wednesday pairings will be from the white tees. 

Mrs. George Wojcik, Mrs. Bill Oliver, Mrs. Bob Temple, Mrs. Bill Hatfield; Mrs. Kelso Berentz, Mrs. Pat Callahan, Mrs. Georg Russell, Mrs. R.W. Varley; Mrs. Ray Coburn, Mrs. Tom Barton, Mrs. W.D. Jackson, Mrs. Bert Wall; Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. Lois Cowles, Mrs. Spencer Dawson; Mrs. George Lusk, Mrs. Ted Vernon, Mrs. Johnie Stapp; Mrs. Jack Schofield and Mrs. Loren Williams;  Mrs. Olin Moore, Mrs. Hazel Johnson, Mrs. Charles Trussler, Mrs. Bill Medcalf; Mrs. George Walbert, Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. L.A. Wetzel; Mrs. Don Johnson, Mrs. Rodney Boaz, Mrs. Al White; Mrs. Bill Carter, Mrs. Jim Smallwood, and Mrs. G.R. White. 

New comers this year include Mrs. Wayman (Beverly) Jackson, Mrs. Tom Wilson, Mrs. Sam Fullerton III,Mrs. George Windham, Mrs. Loren Williams, and Mrs. Rodney Boaz.

1961 April 17 mdnr  "Miami's Champion Girls Competing in Norman Meet"

The Miami high school girls golf team, winner of the three top honor in their division of the high school tournament Tuesday at Oklahoma City, are competing today in an invitational meet at Norman.

Members of the team are Suzanne Stephenson, Phyllis Propper, Diana Oliver, and Gaye Phillips. 

 

1961 April 28 mdnr "4 Miami Girls in Top 5 at Norman Meet"

Miami high school's girls golf team, winner of the state championship  in their division at Oklahoma City on Tuesday, were leaders again Thursday in an invitational girls meet at Norman. The four Miami girls were in the top five in medal play. At the end of the 18 holes, Suzanne Stephenson and Sherry Taylor of Oklahoma City Northeast were tied for medal honors with 95 totals. 

In the state meet Miss Stephenson edged Miss Taylor by one stroke for medalist honors!  (For several years our Wardog, Miami High school, girl golfers won state medalist and team trophies, then the state athletic association ended girls high school golf beginning in 1963 my sophomore year in high school.)

In a playoff, Miss Stephenson won by a stroke on the first extra hole. The 18-hole scores by the Miamians were: Stephenson, 52-43=95;Gaye Phillips, 49-42-101; Phyllis Propper, 52-50=102; Diana Oliver 55-50=105. 

UPDATE: Gaye Phillips one of the original team members died October 17, 2024. Her obituary shares the many contributions that Gaye made to women's golf: Gaye Phillips Lanford, 81, of Little Rock, Arkansas grew up in Miami, Ok...After a rewarding career in politics Gaye devoted her energies to her true passion--golf. She refined her skills and promoted the game for women, juniors, and senior golfers alike. She was a 12-time Women's Champion of Little Rock CC, runner-up in the Arkansas Women's Senior Championship. Gaye served as a USGA Regional Committee Woman and Director of the Arkansas State Golf Association. Additionally, she served on the Country Club of Little Rock golf committee for seven years and was one of the first female members invited to join the Alotian Club.

Personal Note: Johnie Stapp taught the golf swing rhythmically with junior golfers and beginners, as if he were keeping time to a 4/ 4 beat. When I turned 13 I began helping my father with junior golf lessons each week. He began teaching us in a circle facing outward and we counted to a rhythm of back 1,2, through 3, 4.  Dad would change the tempo by the speed of his count, allowing us to swing slowly or with dynamite speed.  **To this very day, I swing and sing with a very rhythmical beat. In order to keep my head focused on "one shot at a time" (thank you Harvey Penick), I sing quietly to myself. It keeps my head clear of all other thoughts.

The Golf Gypsy and The Sound of Silence 

1961 May 2 mdnr "Country Club's 4-Ball Tourney List Announced"

Match play pairings for the Men's 4-Ball has been announced. First matches must be played on or before Sunday each week. The pairings are:

Ed Olvey-Jess Fronterhouse vx. Ray Coburn-Kermit Lewis.

Marion Zajic-Charles Trussler vs Jack Schofield-Ray McKinney.

Brady Pipes-Glenn Scott vs O.W. Fox-Pat Callihan.

Harry Ford-Paul Wilson bye

Bob Hill Sr.-Bob Hill Jr. vs Bill Hatfield-Jerry Zeis.

Harry Gilmore-Tom Barton, bye.

G.R. White-Al White vx K.C. Jeffries-Hank Garwood

Harry Kenreigh-Grank Hansford, bye.

Bill Neel-P.J Stephenson vs Bernie Schaff-Dail West.

Rex Painter-George Beck vs Burton--Ralph Fulk.

Clarence Carselowey-Joe Thompson vs Bill Carter-Johnny Haralson.

W.D. Jackson-Spencer Dawson  bye.

Ken Richards-Ted Vernon vs Richard Varley-Stanley Ulmer.

W.C. Campbell-Woodrow Painter  vs George Wojcik-Bill Oliver.

Harry Whitaker-Dick Neel, bye.   

1961 May 7 mdnr "Miami Product to Aid Golfers"

..

A tiny Miami publication should help produce better scores on golf courses across the nation.

Entitled "Johnie Stapp's (P.G.A.) Stroke Saver" the first editions are just off the press at the Gosney Printing Company. They are being distributed to country club pro shops in a wide area and will be publicized nationally in golf magazines. 

Mrs. Smai Lusk of 832 B. Street Northwest, a member of the Miami Ladies Golf association, started compiling information for the pocket-sized publication last August and put it in final draft form through collaboration with Stapp, professional at the Miami Country club. 

Printed in ready-reference form are 15 cards that are stapled together like a small note book. with printing on both sides, there are 30 pages of facts in two divisions--trouble shots (and what to
do about them) and definitions.

Advice is given on sand traps, rough shots, wind shots, downhill-uphill-sidehill lies, the slice, the hook, topping and shanking.  

**Dad and Smai sold these pocket sized Stroke Savers through the 1960's.

1961 July 10 mdnr "Rolling Hills Golfers Win"

Rolling Hills golfers of Tulsa defeated Miami Country club linksmen, 105 to 63, in matches played Sunday on the local course. Eight-four men took part in the event, with 14 teams of three men each from the clubs.

Miami's No. 1 trios won their matches. Pro Johnie Stapp, Jack Myers and Bob Hill Jr., were winners over Pro Al Kozell, Bob Dirch, and J.D. Phillips.

Maimians W. D. Jackson, Jesse Fronterhouse and Ed Olvey smothered George Hines, Ray Southerland, and Don Eley, 11 to 1. Handicaps were used in the matches.The only other Miami trios that won consisted of Rex Painter, Joe Thompson, and Clarence Carselowey and Harry Dean, Al White, and David Robinson.

1961 June 15 Pairings Announced for Miami Golf Tournament

Bob Hill Jr., 1960 schoolboy golf champion of Oklahoma and a freshman the past year at the University of Tulsa, shot a two-under-par 70 to capture medalist honors in qualifying rounds for the annual Men's club tournament.  Sixty-four men will fill the field of this championship for the men. 

1961 June 15 Snead Favorite as Open Begins

Snead has to beat defending champion Arnold Palmer, leading PGA money-winner Gary Player, four-tie Open champion Ben Hogan, but most of all he has to whip the Open whammy against himself.  

1961 June 15  Twilight Golf Pairings

Winners in the latest mixed twilight golf competition at the Miami Country club were: Lillian White and Bob Temple, low net; Claire Oliver and Charles Trussler, low gross; Hattie White and Tom Barton, low putts; Erin Wojcik and Bill Medcalf, high net. 

Wilma Medcalf-Bob Nunn vs Joan Smallwood-Bob Temple; Melba Cordell-Bill Oliver vs Dorothy Schofield-Claud Jones; Mary Varley-Don Johnson vs Mar VanBeber-Jack Schofield; Gladyce Hirsch-Bill Carter vs Jan Trussler-Don Curlee; Claire Oliver-Bob Hill Sr vs Nancy Johnson-Bob Hill, Jr.; Florence Dawson-Dr. Jackson vs Phyllis Propper-George Wojcik; Hattie White-Dr. Varley vs Marian Richards-Charles Turssler; Evelyn Hatfiled-Wayland Kelly vs Smai Lusk-Kenneth Richards; Hattie Wall-Bill Medcalf vs Louise Curlee-Bill Hatfield; Millie Carter-Jim Smallwood vs Erin Wojcik-Bert Wall; Norma Nunn-Tom Cordell vs Virginia Sapp-Al White; Norma Lous Jackson-Spencer Dawson vs Yvonne Temple-Hance VanBeber; Gay Phillips-Bill Hirsch vs Helen Jones-George Lusk. 

**Personal Note: 1961 was my first year to work at the country club. My father set my hours for Tuesday-Saturday sunrise (6:30-7:00 am) until 2:00 each day. In the beginning I worked with other adults who opened the shop. In 1961 I worked with Mr. and Mrs. Westfall, an older couple. Mr. Westfall and I did all of the heavy lifting of golf bags. Lunch was NOT provided by the club, so we all took turns eating lunch from our sacks or metal containers. We brought our own drinks or snacks.

Tuesday began at sunrise as the women made the earliest tee times (Hattie Wall and Evelyn Hatfield come to mind.) Following them were the men getting off the midnight shift from Goodrich and other plants. Twilight league didn't begin until 5pm but it was my job to answer the phone calls and keep track of all changes in pairings. I also called various members who put their names on the substitute list to show up when needed. 

Wednesday was extremely busy with ladies day. They began play at 9:00 or earlier. Most all of the women walked and pushed their golf bags in rented carts from my father. It costs $.25 to rent a handle. My young hands were needed to help put handles on the golf carts. Dad arrived before the ladies teed-off and then often drove to the post office and bank about 10 o'clock each morning. 

Thursday afternoon originally was called a professional men's  afternoon referring to doctors, lawyers, BFG management, Eagle-Picher management, etc. By about 1962 that title was no longer used and the men formed regular golfing groups that were nicknamed "the C.S. Club" by Frankie, our bartender. Most of the men relaxed over lunch at the club, changed into their golf clothes and played golf until dark. Some stayed over and gambled or played cards till late into the night.

On long winter days one group of 8-16 men came to our house after dinner for ping pong. Their cigarette smoked filled our garage with a heavy haze. Over the years the evening activity changed from ping-pong to dad's fascination with trains. 

Fridays were Junior Golf days and by age thirteen I was helping Dad teach the youngsters how to swing the club and putt. I joined in and played with everyone and mother's and dad's helped with the junior program by walking with a group of golfers and keeping score. This taught us the rules and reinforced over and over the penalty for having temper tantrums on the golf course. (Refer to Woody Painter for more elaborate stories on this.) Yes, my father would kick the club members off the course for several weeks at a time for their behavior. Every parent appreciated this discipline.  

Saturday's were extremely busy if the weather allowed. Our tee sheet was full from sunrise until dark. Many an evening I spent back at the club chipping golf balls up the signs for dad to pick up easier with the hand held ball retriever bags--one ball at a time. It was a long slow process but probably my most favorite memory of all because nature surrounded me and I was helping my dad. To this day chipping (or short game) is my strongest ability and in my heart I would much rather play a round of golf near sunset. 

Sunday morning mother, Jonya and I often attended church. From the late 1950's through the 1960's my parents went to Grand Lake all day Monday, Dad's only day off, to get away. For a half-dozen years or more we shared a house-boat with the Jackson's, Dahl's, and Temple's.  We all loved to fish and a house-boat offered a heated room with a fishing hole in the middle of winter. 

 

1961 mdnr July 2 "Tri-State Results"

1961 mdnr July 7  "Tulsa Girl Takes Junior Golf Title"

Kay Van Valkenburgh, 17, of Tulsa won the Championship of the second annual Miami Invitational Jr. Girls Golf Tournament. Miss Van Valkenburgh who will be a senior this year at Edison High School, carded an 18-hole total of 93 on rounds of 43-50. Donna Fox of Seneca, Mo, a member of Miami's junior golf organization, was runner-up this year with a score of 44-50=94. 

The tournament sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf association drew 68 contestants. Mrs. Stanley Ulmer was tournament chairman.  

The champions and runner-up in the five other flights were:

A flight, Nancy Shelby, Tulsa, and Sally Ulmer, Miami.  

B flight, Letty Stapp, Miami, and Debbie Kinkade, Broken Arrow.

C flight, Missy Lowe, Springfield, Mo., and Sandy Stephenson, Miami.

Pee Wees, Sharon Sumpter, Tulsa, and Jonya Stapp Miami.

1961 July 

 

Junior Golfers end season with trophies: L-R Tommy Cordell, Tim Scholfield, Danny Kruithof, Billy Oliver; Karen Jeffries, Lee Dell Snyder, Kathy Olson, Susie Stephenson, missing from photo Brad Smallwood.

 1961 September 8  "Proper Takes Top Title in Ladies Golf Tournament"

Admiring trophies presented Thursday to the Ladies Club Championship: Mrs. Spencer Dawson (18 hole medalist); Mrs. George Wojcik (from right) medalist and winner of the 9 hole championship; Phyllis Propper, Club Champion 18 holes, Mrs. Richard Varley, 18 hole A Flight Champion, Mrs. Olin Moore, 9 hole A flight winner.

1961 "Shell's Wonderful World of Golf

In 1961 Shell produced it's first World of Golf one hour show with a match between Billy Casper and Mario Gonzales. In 1962 they produced 10 matches world wide, from Hong Kong to London, and Melbourne to St. Andrews. 

Television was now playing a bigger role in the game of golf and it's promotion At the same time the top players were Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino.

1961 September "Ladies' Golf Notes"

Winners in the week's regular play for the Miami Ladies Golf Assoc. were: Phyllis Propper, Championship; Mrs. Loren Williams, Class A; Mrs. Lillian White, B; Pauline Dykes and Dorothy Schofield, C.  

Forty four women have signed up to play this Wednesday. 

1961 September 17  "Todd Takes Lead in Miami Golf Tourney"

 Dave Todd, veteran golfer from Nevada, Mo., was the only entry from a field of 107 in Miami's sixth annual invitational golf tournament to break even with par in 18-hole qualifying rounds Saturday n the beautiful but difficult course at the Miami Country club. The tournament will end late this afternoon with champions in five flights being determined on 36-hole scores-including the qualifying round

Todd carded a 36-36 for medalist honors. Runner-up was Jim Hatfield of Neosho, Missouri, 38-35=73. Defending champion Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Illinois was third with a 37-37=74.

Others who made the championship flight were: Bob Smith and Joe McKenzie of Joplin, 75; Ed Olvey, Afton, 76; Max Marsh, Webb City, 77; Dr. W.D. Jackson of Miami, tournament chair, 78; Roger Kelly, Kansas City, 78; John F. Robinson, Miami, 79; 80's by Jess Fronterhouse of Picher, Marshall Smith of Quapaw, Merlin Kirk, Pittsburgh, and Walter Williams, Bristow; 81's by Dick Clary of Tulsa and Ted Vernon and Harry Gilmore, Miami

Rounds were to begin at 7:30 am today, with players in the championship flight due to begin their tours about 1 pm. Presentation of trophies probably will take place between 6 and 6:30 pm. 

The tournament list, larger than ever before, consists of golfers from 27 cities in five states. There are 73 out-of-town entries.

 1961 September 18 "Pipes Repeats as Golf Champion" by Mack Boswell

Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill., repeated Sunday as champion of the Miami Invitational Golf Tournament. He carded a 2-over par 74 in Saturday round and a 76 on Sunday. Only one stroke behind for runner-up was Ed Olvey, superintendent of Afton schools, with a 76-75=151.

Tied for third were two Miamians--Dr. W.D. Jackson winner of the 1959 tourney, 78-76=154, and John F. Robinson 79-75-154. Darkness prevented a playoff to break the third-place tie. 

Other Miamians who placed in the tourney were:

B flight: G.R. White, 87-82=169

D flight: Bill Hirsch, 95-92=187

 1961 October 26 mdnr  "Turkey Shoot Winner"

Mrs. Wayman Jackson is shown with the 'turkey' she won Wednesday in the Miami Ladies Golf association in the October "turkey shoot." She netted 35 in the nine-hole golf event with a score of 53, less 18 handicap. Mrs. Robert Temple, was runner-up a net of 39.

 

 1961 December 10 mdnr "Notice! notice!"

Stockholders of the Miami Country club are reminded that the annual stockholder's meeting will be held December 12, 1961 for the purpose of acting on a plan of reorganization. If members are unable to be present, the officers request proxy be filed with the secretary.  G.P. Campbell, President

 

 Tidbits:

April 1961 at The Miami Theater

 

1961-62 Candy store across from MHS on A st NE and 2nd NE 

 

October 1961

 Miami Quarter Horse breeder, L.K. Newell, has purchased a half-interest  (with Rowland Stanfield nationally prominent Broken Arrow breeder) in one of the nation's most distinguished stallions. Newell predicts the horse, Johnny Dial, will prove an important contributor to the Quarter Horse industry in Oklahoma as well as to development of his own breeding program at Sky Farm, east of Miami,

 

Christmas 1960 with the Pro

 “Don’t touch those flowers, they are poisonous,” a voice yelled at me when I ventured to break off a huge red flower to show my mother. I wanted to cry; it was my 13th birthday and I had already been scolded. The sun was warm and bright that day in Arcadia, California where I had been born. 

Later, mother explained that those bushes, called Poinsettias, might be poisonous or make me sick if I broke the stem and the sap oozed on my skin. (This has since been proven to be a myth.) It was another decade before the small, potable Poinsettias became ubiquitous with Christmas in every home. 

Our first Ferry ride. Wish you could see Mother behind the camera.

My sister, Jonya, turned 9 on December 11. Mother and Dad, along with their best friends Charlie and Jane Trussler decided to celebrate our monumental birthdays in California were I was born in 1947. I had not been back since we moved in 1950, and mother and dad had left many friends behind.

We arrived in the Pasadena, Arcadia area on Christmas day with dad behind the wheel of our faded Ford station wagon. One set of golf clubs in the back and a few suitcases. Charlie and Jane Trussler followed in their white Ford.  The first two days of traveling I rode in the backseat of Trussler's car and slept, thanks to Dramamine. I spent my childhood carsick until I learned to drive and could see the road ahead. My only memory of the entire 3,000 mile round drive is a lunch picnic in a park near Flagstaff, Arizona where snow covered the ground on Christmas Day. The Trussler's and Stapp through snowballs at each other. I played on Trussler's side, since I rode with them.  

But December 26 would be special as the four of us jumped in the station wagon and drove to Disney Land. How I wish I could share this story visually from my thirteen year old eyes, but memories will suffice. If mom and dad were here to share the story dad would remind me of the long lines we stood in for every ride.  Mom would recall seeing the real Walt Disney walk by while she sat on a bench.

1997 Matterhorn above Zermatt.

The long line that dad often laughed over was for the water ride through the Matterhorn, little did I know that one day in the future I would travel to Switzerland and see the real Matterhorn, but not to Austria to see the real castle that gave Walt the picture perfect castle for his dream world.

The pirate ship complete with cannons and pirates from Peter Pan or my imagination thrilled me, especially when we sat down below and the crew exploded the cannons nearby. The screams from children rocked the boat.

Sailing over the parking lot and throngs of people below, the monorail became the highlight for all of us. The stream line design of the train made us feel like we lived in a new age. The house of the future appealed to mother’s taste. In my imagination there massive windows, and straight formed furniture in bold yellows, greens, and oranges. Not anything like our home in Oklahoma.

There was more than Disneyland to fill our week. Dad and mom proudly took us to Santa Anita Golf course where he was a teaching pro after the war. Before he and Charley played golf, we all went to the driving range to practice.  I had never seen and two story fence around a driving range. Dad didn’t have to explain as the cars roared by on my left. Sadly, what I recall vividly is the smog rolling in.  Even Dad was upset, as he recalled the ocean fresh air from his time in California. The fog was thick and it smelled stale.

My curiosity about this trip led me to a few boxes of family photos. 

 Alan, the pro at San Clemente had been a special friend of my parents. We spent a day there and on the beach nearby the golf course. I am sure dad played golf while we played in the sand on the beach and enjoyed an outside lunch with mother and her friends. After mother and dad died so suddenly in 1989 I called a few of his California friends. During the spring of 1990 I flew to the John Wayne Airport and spent several days with people who recalled when I was born. They were so kind, and told great stories about my parents. It helped with the healing. Alan recalled a major tournament when dad played, missing the cut by one stroke. He apparently he hit the ball so straight that it hit a 150 yard marker in the middle of the fairway and the ball bounced out of bounds. The men joked later that Stappie hit the ball to straight.

On December 31, 1960 we spent the day at Marineland and mother captured the picture of Bubbles, the pilot whale performing tricks for the audience. Corky and Orky, two famous Killer Whales, also performed, giving children and parents the opportunity to imagine these creatures in the wild, and to help prevent their senseless killings 

Marineland of the Pacific

Lick Peir is known for having one of only two roller coasters to swing out over he ocean's edge, The Giant Dipper. My little 9 year old sister, Jonya, crawled in the front seat with dad and off they flew, up down, curve after curve, until we watched them disappear from sight. The screams indicated when they swerved over the
water. 

 

I was terrified to ride with dad, so I chose the Wild Mouse Screamer, as I called it. Instead of side-by-side seats, the car held room for only two with Jonya on bottom or at the back and her braver older sister in front or on top of her depending on the force and jolts of the ride. I screamed and cried the entire ride because the turns were so fast I thought I would fly out. (When I read the history of Lick Peir, Santa Monica, California   I discovered that they had to rework that ride the next year because it was too dangerous.) 

Always the golf clubs

Always the  stories

Will travel...

1960 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Fifty Nifty United States

 

 Charlie Dawson shared his memories:

I worked in the Pro Shop for your dad one summer and caddied for Doc Jackson in the late 50s and early 60s when he competed in tournaments in the area and those famous Miami/Joplin/Springfield events and the Miami Invitational.  Doc usually was paired against Payne Stewart’s dad Jim in those events.  I was also on the Miami High School golf team for two years.  In my last event, Bob Dickson who went on to play the tour was in my threesome. That was thrilling to be a part of his life in golf.

One time your dad arranged for me to caddy for Mickey Mantle and George Coleman when they played at the country club. That was a true honor for me.

My mother was in the group that played with Mickey Wright and your dad when she was in town (1958).   I still have the golf ball given to Florence by Mickey Wright that my dad Spencer Dawson bronzed.  Like you and Jonya, I lived at the club during the summers, until I left in 1962.

1960 March 13  Ladies Begin Golf Lessons

Golf lessons for members of the Miami Ladies Golf association will begin Wednesday--"rain, snow, sleet or sunshine"--at the Country club. Plans for the 1960 golf activities were made at the annual membership coffee at the home of Mrs. Henry Garwood. 

1960 April 10  "Schoolboy Golfers of 3 States in Golf Tournament Here" 

Schoolboy golfers from Oklahoma City, and other distant points will arrive in Miami today for practice rounds before the third annual Miami High School Invitational tournament Monday at the Miami Country club. One third of the 15 teams that accepted invitations to play in the meet are from the state capital. They are Harding, champion of the first meet in 1958; Northeast, Capitol Hill, Southeast, and Grant. Other entries are Tulsa Edison, defending champions; Midwest City, Tulsa Cascia Hall, Muskogee, Miami, Joplin, Coffeyville, and three Springfield, Missouri teams--Parkview, Hillcrest, and Central. 

Miami also has three players back from the foursome that won fifth in last year's field. They are Dick Neel, Bob Hill, and Stephen Moore. Roger Scruggs is a new member of the team. 

Jack Rucker, Miami golf coach is general director of the tournament. Johnie Stapp, will instruct the contestants early Monday morning and serve as starter. Members of the high school student council will serve sandwiches and milk. 

1960's Golf Shop Employees: These names are all listed in my mother's ledger, but with no years or dates beside them. Dickie Joe Badger, Cora May Westfahl, Steve Hollerback, Roger C. Scruggs, Don Wiley Parker, Russel Horner, Larry Parker, Charlie Dawson, Roger Lee Rollins, James Brad Smallwood, Bob Darrel Ballenger, Warren Harkins, Dale Mahurin, Pat Yost, and David Helms. 

Another list shows: William Viles, Gregory James Dale, Charles Bullock,  Steve Allen Willey, Frank Jacobs, Bob Christianson, Richard Neel, Thomas Charles Dean,

1960 April 10  "Ladies Golf Notes" 

Winners in low gross competition for members of the Miami Ladies Golf Assn. Wednesday at the Country club were:  Mrs. Bill Oliver, championship; Mrs. Ed Badger, Class !; Mrs. Frank Hansford, B; Mrs. Jack Kemp, C; and Mrs. George Walbert, class D.

Winter ringer winners were: Mrs. Oliver, Mrs. Bill Hatfield, Mrs. George Wojcik, and Mrs. Don Curlee. Awards for winners will be made at the regular Wednesday luncheon and business meeting. Group lessons for beginners will be discontinued. 

Competition Wednesday will be for low putts from the red tees. Pairings are:

Mrs. Bill Oliver, Mrs. Al White, Mrs. George Lusk, Mrs. Orville Dahl.  

Mrs. W.D. Jackson, Mrs. Roy Cundiff, Mrs. Bob Temple, Mrs. Claude Jones.  

Mrs. G.P. Campbell, Mrs. R.W. Varley, Mrs. Dan Heyburn, Mrs. Henry Garwood.

Mrs. Dick Lyman, Mrs. Bill Carter, Mrs. Jim Smallwood, Mrs. Ed Badger.

Mrs. Paul Wilson, Mrs. Dale Nefziger, Mrs. Hance Van Beber.

Mrs. Bill Hatfield, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Corbin Shouse, Mrs. Spencer Dawson.

Mrs. Wayland Kelly, Mrs. Vernon Cry, Mrs. John Robinson, Mrs. Jack Scholfield.

Mrs. George Russell, Mrs. Frank Reniker, Mrs. Ted Vernon, Mrs. Don Curlee.

Mrs. Bob Nunn, Mrs. Olin Moore, Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, Mrs. Lois Cowles.

Mrs. Hazel Johnson, Mrs. Jack Kemp, Mrs. George Wojcik, Mrs. Don Johnson.

Mrs. Frank Hansford, Mrs. Bill Medcalf,  Mrs. Woodrow Painter.

Mrs. George Walbert, Mrs. Charles Trussler, Mrs. Stanley Ulmer.

Mrs. L.A. Wetzel, Mrs. Tom Barton, Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. Johnie Stapp. 

 

**There were approximately 40-60 active women golfers in this generation. Many of the women had held various jobs during and after World War II, but their careers were never mentioned. Hattie White as a P.E. teacher. My mother, Helen Stapp, worked at Boeing in Wichita as a librarian. 

1960 April 29  Miami High Golfers Win New Honors

The local girls foursome finished second in medalist, two-girl and four-girl competition Thursday in the state meet at Oklahoma City's Lincoln Park.

Phyllis Proper carded a 50-55-48- 153 for 27 holes to finish second to Patty David Tulsa Central and medalist race. Miss David had the winning total of 136.

Patti Gibson's 173, combined with Miss Proper's 153 gave Miami a total of 326 for second place in two-girl scores.

Miami was runner-up to Duncan in the four-girl scoring with a total of 709 with the cards of Diana Oliver and Bobbi Baron added to the Propper, Gibson total. 

The Miami players have received instruction the past few years from Johnie Stapp, Miami Country club golf professional.

Coach Jack Rucker's Miami high boys, who also have had the benefit of instructions from Stapp, bettered the winning totals posted in the three divisions of the Class AA boys meet at the Lincoln Park north course. 

Bob Dickson of Muskogee, medalist in the April 11 Miami invitational schoolboy tourney, was the No. 1 player of the AA meet with a card of 77,76,78=231.

 

 BRAGGING RIGHTS GO TO THE WARDOGS

Miami's Bob Hill was Class A medalist with a 73, 79, 67=216 fifteen under Dickson's total. Dick Neel of Miami, who shot a 73,79, 71=223 was eight strokes better than the AA champion. 

Hill and Neel won the Class A two-man title with a total of 439, which was 31 strokes under the winning 470 total posted in Class AA by Tulsa Edison's Jim Ingram and Charles Kothe.

Although the Miami four-man team of Hill, Neel, Stephen Moore, and Roger Scruggs finished third in Class A with a total score of 920, this mark would have won the AA meet. Edison (always the big competition in golf) won the four-man trophy in AA with 959.  

 

1960 May 1 Ladies Golf Notes

Winners in last week's competition for the Ladies Golf Association were: Mrs. Corbin Shouse, championship; Mrs. Dick Lycan, Class A; Mrs. Bob Nunn, Class C; Mrs. Johnie Stapp, Class D. 

1960 May 8  Twilight League Golf Play Begins Tuesday

First competition in Miami's Twlight Golf league for the 1960 season will begin Tuesday with the following team pairings:

#1 John F. Robinson, Hoot Gibson, Wayland Kelly, and David Robinson vs #2 G.R. White, Bernie Schaff, Al White, and Dick Lycan.

#14 Charlie Burtrum, Ralph Fulp, Alex Hecksher, and Charlie Phillips vs #3 W.D. Jackson, Bob Temple, Harry Whitaker, Spencer Dawson.

#13 George Barker, Dale West,Jack Brown, and Richard Varley vs #4 Rex Painter, Charlie Trussler, George Beck and Marion Zajic.

#12 Stanley Ulmer, John McLaughlin, Paul McIntosh and Bill Plumlee vs #5 Bob Hill, Pat Campbell, Bob Hill Jr., and OW. Fox.

#11 Ted Vernon, Vernon Cray, Ed Wade, and David Ray vs  #6 Joe Thompson, Clarence Carselowey, Tom Barton, and Dick (Hub) Neel.

#10 Orville Dahl, Harry Kenreigh, Frank Hansford, and Don Curlee vs #7 P.J. Stephenson, Bill ?, J.D. Gentry, Bill Oliver.

#9 Glenn Scott, George Wojcik, Jack Schofield and Jeremy Zeis vs. #8 Woodrow Painter, Harry Ford, Bill Campbell, Lloyd Cowgill.

Round-robin matches will be held each Tuesday for the next 14 weeks. Tournament chairman Harry Whitaker should be notified about substitutions of players.

 

1960 June 24  "Miami Junior Girls Tourney Title Won by Jeannie Thompson of Tulsa"

Jeanne Thompson of Tulsa became the premier young female golfer in Oklahoma during the early 1960's. She won this event with a 42-42=84 over Suzie Marks with a 94.  We were proud that she came from OKC to our Miami Invitational that Johnie Stapp and the Ladies Golf Association began and hosted yearly for over a ten year period. A bus load of girls from OKC and Tulsa would come to Miami for the day. Most of them stayed in host homes over night. Sixty-three young girls came from the tri-state area for this event. 

Other Miamians to participated in the local tournament:

First flight 18 holes: Diana Oliver 120; Bethanne Badger, 153. 

 A flight 9 holes: Donna Fox, 55; Susanne Stephenson, 59; Susie Nunn, 63; Carol Luttrell, 72; Katrina White, 78; Cathy Olson, 84.  

 B flight 9 holes: Sally Ulmer, 64; Letty Stapp 68; Sandy Thompson 72; Ann Habeger, 74; Janee Kenreigh, 81; Peggy Sapp, 85.

C flight: C.Ann Richards 59; Mary Dahl, 63; Kay Nunn 67; Vicki Newell, 72.  

 Pee-Wee (4 holes) Nancy Nesbitt, 50; Barbara Bomford 60.       

1960 July 5 "Winners Named in Holiday Golf"

Winners among Scotch foursomes on Independence Day golf competition ate the Miami Country club were:

Low net--Dr. and Mrs. R.W. Varley, first; Mrs. and Mrs. Dan Heyburn, second. 

Low gross--Mr. and Mrs. Bob Temple, first;Mrs. and Mrs. Al White, second

Low putts (9 holes) Mr. and Mrs. Hance Van Beber, first; G. R. White and Suzie Stephenson, second. 

1960 July 5  "Junior Golf"

Latest winners in Miami Junior Golf competition, low blind holes, were Jonya Stapp and Pete Stephenson, two holes; Barbara Bomford and Jay Reniker, 5 holes; and Kae Nunn and Mark Wojcik, 9 holes. 

Thursday's play at the club will be for low putts. Pairings and adult leaders follow: 

Senior High, 9 holes: Barbara Dahl, Charles Dawson, and Bobby Zeis; David Kruithof and Carol Cowles; Phil Ulmer, Johnny Burford and Diana Oliver; Peggy Sapp, Donna Fox and Pam Smallwood.

Katrina White, Phyllis Propper and Sandi Thompson; Carol Ann Colburn, Janee Kenreigh, and Cathy Olson; Jean Burford and Suzie Stephenson; Carole Luttrell and Suzie Nunn.

Junior High, 9 holes: Sally Ulmer, Mary Dahl, and Mark Wojcik; Mrs. Al White scorer; Cathy Cowles, Kae Nunn, and Letty Stapp, Mrs. Dick Varley, scorer;  Ann Habeger, Bill Fullerton, and Pat Wilson, Mrs. William Oliver, scorer; John Robinson, Susan Russell and Jim Burford, Mrs. Joe Thompson, scorer; C.Ann Richards and Sandy Stephenson, Mrs. George Wojcik, scorer. 

Five Holes: Woody Painter, Nancy Nesbitt, and Johnny Doty, Mrs. Tom Cordell, scorer; Larry LaCaff, Jim Thompson, and Lee Dell Snyder, Mrs. Johnie Stapp, scorer; Barbara Bomford, Richard Varley, and Carol Haralson, Mrs. Kenneth Richards, scorer; Jay Reniker, Jimmy Painter, and Richard Neel, Mrs. Robert Nesbit, scorer.

Two Holes: Karen Jefferies, and Terry Ford, Mrs. Orville Dahl, scorer; Scotty Jackson, Pete Stephenson and Becky Nesbitt, Mrs. H.C. Ford, scorer. Nancy Cordell, Gary Neel, and Bobby Wilson, Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, scorer; Mark Cordell, Tim Schofield and Jonya Stapp, Mrs. Paul Wilson, scorer.

1960 July 5  Winners Named for Holiday Golf Event

Winners among Scotch foursomes in the Independence Day golf competition at the Miami Golf Club were:

Low net--Dr. and Mrs. R.W. Varley, first; Mr. and Mrs. Dan Heyburn, second.

Low gross--Mr. and Mrs. Bob Temple, first; Mr. and Mrs. al White, secon.

Low putts--Mr. and Mrs. Hance Van Beber, first; G.R. white and Susie Stephenson, second.

1960 July 6  Junior Golf

Latest winner in the junior golf competition, low blind holes were: Jonya Stapp and Pete Stephenson, two holes; Barbara Bomford and Jay Reniker, five holes, and Kae Nunn and Mark Wojcik, nine holes.

1960 July 12 "Junior Golfers Entertain Players From Out of Town"  

Letty's personal thoughts:  During the years 1959--64 when I played in the state Girls Jr. Golf Championships in Tulsa we were guests of Tulsa families, so that our parents did not have to be out the cost of motels. What I never realized is that the Tulsa World carried a list of all junior girls and where they were staying during the week long event.

The 1960 Oklahoma State Girls' Junior Golf Tournament, which opened today at Rolling Hills Country club, provides the occasion for many young Tulsa golfers to serve as hostesses to out-of-town participants: 

Letty Stapp of Miami and Jeanne Heinrich of Bartlesville are the guests of Pam Anderson, daughter of C.H. Anderson.  *My personal memory of this home was the length layout of the ranch style home and the lavish living space. However, most memorable was having bowls of Hershey Kisses placed all around the house. We never had candy in bowls at our house, unless it was left over mints from Bridge club. 

 The video of Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

Letty's personal note: This was the MOST popular song of the summer and we sang it every chance we had, even on the golf course. Bikini's were not allowed in most pubic swimming pools.  However, on a personal note, I do not ever recall seeing this video. My image and the images we gossiped about were not of a little girl. It would have been Annette Funicello or Sandra Dee from the Gidget movies.

 

...Sandy Thompson of Miami is the guest of Virginia Bootz...Pam Smallwood is the guest of Ann Perkins...Diana Oliver is the guest of Sally Martin...The Donald Honn family is entertaining Gaye Phillips...C.Ann Richards is the guest of Sondra Benjamin...

1960 July 17 "Miami Girl is Among Winners in State Golf" 

Gaye Phillips of Miami won the third flight consolation trophy Friday in finals of the annuals state Jr. Girls Golf tournament in Tulsa. She defeated  Margaret Uhring of Enid, 4 and 3. 

Katherine McGraw of Tulsa, winner over Miami's Suzanne Stephenson in Thursday's semi-finals, n the first flight championship by defeating Marty Taylor, Henrietta, 3 and 1. Diana Oliver was defeated in first flight.

Medal play results for other Miamians: Katrina White, sixth place A flight; Pam Smallwood, seventh B flight; C.Ann Richards and Letty Stapp, tie for second in C flight; Sandra Stephenson, fourth in D flight.  

August 7, 1960  "17 Teams Announced for 4-Ball Golf Tourney"

Teams for the Miami Country club first annual four-ball tournament August 27-28 have been announced. There will be 17 teams of four men each and the foursome with the most points at the end of two days' play will be declared the champion.

Each team will start with points resulting from the total of individual handicaps. During tournament rounds, each man will receive one point for a bogey, two for a par, three for a birdie, four for an eagle, and five for a hole-in-one. The teams are:

1. Charlie Trussler 8, David Robinson 9, George Wojcik 11, Bill Plumlee 20;

2. James Emery 4, O.W. Fox 10, Bill Hirsch12, Ray McKinney 20; 

3. G.R. White 6, George Beck 10, Lloyd Cowgill 13, David Ray 20; 

4. Clarence Carselowey 7, Harry Kenreigh 11, Jerry Zeis 17, Alex Hecksher 20;

5. George Windham 8, Loren Williams 11, Bill Carter 13, Tom Wilson 20;

6. Hoot Gibson 8, Marion Zajic 9, Crab Grayson 13, Stan Ulmer 19;

7. Ken Richards 4, Wayland Kelly 10, Paul Wilson 13, Bill Medcalf 20;

8. Rex Painter 8, Harry Whitaker 11, Frank LaCaff 18, Don Curlee;

9.  Bob Temple 7, Al White 11, George Parker 12, George Walbert 19;

10. Bill Neel 2, Harry Ford 10, John Burford 13, John McLaughlin 17;

11. Woodrow Painter 7, Joe Thompson 9, Tom Barton 14, Hank Garwood 18;

12. John Robinson 0, Harry Dean 10, Ed Wade 10, Bill Oliver 20;

13. Bob Hill Jr. 0, Pat Campbell 11, Dick Lycan 14, Darrell Buzzard 19;

14. Phillip Temple 3, Bernie Schaff 11, Hance Van Beber 15, Ray Cundiff 18; 

15. P.J. Stephenson 6, Bob Hill Sr. 11, Orville Dahl 14, Paul McIntosh 18;

16. Corbin Shouse 7, Harry Gilmore 11, Vernon Cray 15, Ray Coburn 19;

17. W. D. Jackson 2, Dick Varley 10, Bob Nunn 13, Spencer Dawson 19.

 

1960 August 5  Notes From Your Town "The Mickey Mantle Special Train"

A special worship service between 7:30 and 8:00 am has been announced at the First Christian church for baseball fans who will board the Kansas City bound Mickey Mantle special train here Sunday morning. The train from Tulsa, is expected to arrive here between 8:30 and 9:00 am and return about 9 Sunday night following American league action between the New York Yankees and Athletics. 

The fifty local fans who have train tickets and their families are invited by Russ Martin, minister, to attend the 30-minute service in the prayer chapel. It is entered from the north door at street level. 

Tom Pendergraft memories of early 1960’s

I remember caddying a golf tournament at Miami Country Club. I was assigned a guy from Columbus, KS named Percy Pipes. It is strange but the thing I remember about him, other than his name, is the flop-flop-flop sound of the leather fringe flaps that covered the laces of his golf shoes.  Tom P. 

Letty, Percy was a real dapper dresser and gentleman,  if I remember correctly, or at least in my young eyes.

1960 August 7  "Miami Girls in National Tourney" 

Four of the 21  girls who will represent Oklahoma in the August 15-19 national junior girls golf tournament at Tulsa's Oaks Country club are members of the Miami Junior Golf association.

They are Phyllis Proper, Suzanne Stephenson, Gaye Phillips, and Donna Fox.  One of the highlights of the tournament will be a golf clinic conduced next Sunday afternoon August 14 by Barbara McIntyre, champion of the US. and British amateur women's championships. 

1960 August 7  "Ladies Golf Notes"

Winners of low blind holes competition the past week for the Miami Ladies Golf association were Mrs. Bob Temple, championship; Mrs. Bill Carter, Class A; Mrs. Bob Nunn, Class B; Mrs. Clarence Carselowey, class C. 

**Personal Note: Each week during the year from March until December the Ladies Golf Association shared their pairings with the Miami News Record. I doubt that they ever missed a week.  The other golf announcements were hand delivered by my mother or father weekly. When I was finally old enough to drive, I delivered the hand written or typed news to the Miami News Record. It was a real thrill for me, and I especially recall the aroma of the ink when I walked into the front lobby of the newspaper. Jonya and Suzy Wickham recall the same importance in delivering the golf announcements.  A few of those trips we were allowed to drive the Muntz to town. Far too many times, it was mother's station wagon that we drove.  

 

1960 September 15  "Mrs. Dawson Repeats as Golfing Champion"

Mrs. Spencer Dawson repeated as champion of the annual ladies golf tournament at the Miami Country club by defeating Mrs. Williams Oliver in the final match. Mrs. Dan Heyburn was the club medalist. Results:

President's flight--Mrs. George Lusk won over Mrs. Hance Van Beber.

A flight--Mrs. William Hatfield defeated Mrs. Dick Lycan.

B flight--Mrs. Don Curlee defeated Mrs. George Russell.

Winners of the approaching and putting contests were: Mrs. Bert Wall, championship; Mrs. Sam Fullerton, president's flight; Mrs. W.D. Jackson, A flight, and Mrs. Don Curlee, B flight.

 

 

 

In the "never-say-die" round Mrs.Dan Heyburn won the 18-hole prize and Mrs. Carselowey won the 9-hole prize. 

 

 

 

1960 September 23  Miami Invitational Golf Opens Saturday 

 The largest field of entries, 104, in the history of the Miami Country club's invitational tournament will be play Saturday morning with final rounds on Sunday. Champions in five or more flights will be determined by a 36 hole medal score. 

Defending his championship will be Dr. W.D. Jackson (better known to buddies as Jerky) of Miami. He succeeded Ray Ferguson of Kansas City, Missouri who did not compete last year. Jack Myers of Miami won the 1957 and 1958 tournaments. 

Other top contenders for the title are: Bill Stewart (Payne Stewart's father), winner of the Missouri amateur championship, qualifier for the National Amateur this year.

Miami's John Robinson, runner-up last year and third-place winner in 1957, 1958.

Percy Pipes, Mt. Vernon, Illinois winner of the southern Illinois championship four times and low qualifier in the St. Louis area for this year's National Amateur. 

Dave Dennis, Independence, Ks. a two-time winner of the Kansas State amateur tourney.

Bob Klein of Southern Hills, 1959 runner-up in the state amateur.

Ray Mantle of Commerce, who completed two years of Army service before his recent discharged, will compete before taking up duties at brother Mickey's big bowling center in Dallas.

Marshall Smith of Independence, Kansas and formerly of Quapaw, who has been reinstated as an amateur following duties as the pro at Independence Country club. 

The beautiful 9-hole course is in excellent condition for the tournament, according to pro Johnie Stapp.

Other News:

Even though we lived under Sundowner Laws, Russ Martin brought in this group of Negro singers from Parsons, Kansas.

July 1, 1960 Crane Corporation buys out Miami Products and brings in more jobs to Miami, Oklahoma.

Wilder's restaurant had stories of it's own to share with famous people like Mickey Mantle, and Bob Cummings living in the area, there were always rumors floating around. One fact is that in 1960 the Kansas City mafia bombed the second floor gambling room early one Sunday morning. No one was killed but the message was clear, Kansas City ruled.