1951--1953 TIMELINE AND STORIES

1951-1953 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MGCC

by Letty Stapp Watt

The Miami Daily News Record is not available from August 1950--fall of 1953. I am confident the floods and the Korean War had something to do with this. Golf being a world wide sport cannot be written without references to the times and places of the events.

 1951

By Letty Stapp Watt

Rosemary Harvey, standing Left, two seated women, AvonNell Williams, first lady standing next to the seated women. Thank you so much to Carolyn Harvey Monroe for sharing this photograph. I think the photographer is facing the Southeast over what will become the putting green. This appears to be #1, as the Cedar Trees originally defined various tee boxes.

Carolyn writes of her memories: I have many memories of the club, but one specifically was the Pat Chestnut wedding in 1952. My mother and Mrs. Chestnut did the decorations for the receptions--no wedding planners in those day. It was quite an event.  We lived at 205 A. N.W. I believe that house has been torn down to make a parking lot for the Methodist Church. That home was originally owned by the Coleman family. Charley Harvey purchased the house from them, probably about 1925. Charley's father, Charles Milton Harvey, Sr. was one of the "Big 4" in Commerce Mining and Royalty Company.
 

 1952

During the years of 1952--54 Ben Hogan came to Miami to purchase cattle from George Coleman. Ben often came to the golf course during those visits and hit shag ball on west side of the pool area. Bob Hill and James Taylor both recall seeing Ben practicing. 

James recalls that Ernie (Warner) shagged for Ben Hogan during those visits. Ernie may have the only full time caddy who worked at the club during this time. When we moved there in 1954 Ernie worked a few more years. He always treated me with kindness, a smile, and a good word. He smoked heavily and was shoulder bent, as they used to say. I would guess that he was a veteran like so many of the men my dad befriended and hired over the decades of his life.   

 

 (This is one of best early Oklahoma golf history stories I have been able to locate. Readers will recognize some of these names from my earlier posts. The Miami Country club, along with George Coleman, Jr., John F. Robinson, and other golfers played a major role in the early Oklahoma PGA.)

1952 April 13  Ardmore, The Daily Oklahoman  "State Will Add Golf Milestone" by Wilbur Johnson

The $15,000 Ardmore Open, bringing big time professional golf back to Oklahoma after seven years, recalls the "good old day's of knickers and spade mashies.  The June 5-8 tourney at Dornick Hills Country club is heralded as the beginning of a new era for golf in the state. Stars will gather at the historic southern Oklahoma course to provide another milestone in the state's golf history.  

Many golf enthusiasts probably don't realize that Oklahoma was the training ground for some of the game's best players (author's note: who played at the Rockdale/Miami Country club). The vaulted into prominence after appearances in the four Oklahoma City Open tournaments held from 1925--1929. 

Horton Smith, a gangling kid from Joplin, Mo, launched his brilliant career in the Opens here. Now as President of the Professional Golfer's associations, he still makes several tournament appearance each year. (Ed Dudley, Miami Country club's first pro, has gone to be President of the Professional Golfers association during the war years, as well as Head Professional at Augusta National followed by the Broadmore Country club in Colorado Springs.)

After the depression the golf bugs in Oklahoma City blossomed with a prize attractions--the 1935 National PGA tourney at Twin Hills. Two years later the first and only Oklahoma City Four ball Invitational tournament was played at the Oklahoma City Golf an Country club. Both of these events were considered successful even though rain, col and wind brought miserable conditions. 

The 1937 Invitational was the last of the major tournaments until 1945 when Tulsa gave the game a shot in the arm with a $10,000 tournament at Southern hills sponsored by a group calling themselves "Tulsa Golfers for the War Wounded." It was a financial success, some tickets selling for as high as two for $100.  

The 1926 Oklahoma City Open toured old Lakeside course off Western avenue. Strong winds during the November classic blew pants off the line and sent scores mounting. Al Espinosa of Chicago carried off first place prize money of $1000 shooting 79-74 for 153. Willard Hutchinson of Ponca City took second place money of $250. Ed Dudley, who had just taken over as the pro at the Oklahoma City Country club was third. Oklahoman's who picked up $100 were Clarence Clark of Tulsa, and Jack Guild of Miami. 

The 1927 Open saw a sparkling demonstration by"Lighthorse" Harry Cooper who shot round of 72-69 at Lakeside and the following day at the Country club 74-68 for a 283 first place. Smith, then 19, finished third behind Espinosa. The winners bested such stars as Gene Sarazen, Ray Mangrum, and Ky Laffoon. (My father played against Sarazen, Mangrum, Snead, Revolta, Ralph Guldahl, and Zell Eaton between the years of 1946--1959.)

The 1928 Open brought out a new champion--the 20-year-old putter Smith. Overcoming November winds and rain the "Joplin Ghost" nosed out Ed Dudley by a stroke 268-269. Smith's victory was due in large part to a hole-in-one on the 119 yard No. 2 at the Country club on the final round. 

The Open prize money was increased to $5,000 in 1929 and the scene shifted to the new Nichols Hills course, now the Country club. Craig Wood won with a score of 298 over Tommy Armour, the venerable Scot from Edinburgh, and Dick Grout, then pro at Okmulgee who tied for second.  

With rain pouring down, Wood pitched his third shot neatly over a sandtrap 18 inches from the hole. He tapped the ball into the water-filled cup for his par, the championship and $1,200. Weather plagued the event but thousands flocked the fairways to watch their favorites. Other famous professional who played in the Open were Walter Hagen, Johnny Revolta, Lawson Little, Paul Runyan, Dick Metz, Ralph Guldahl, and Zell Eaton, hometown boy (who moved to California after the war and competed against my father.)

Back to Ardmore, the best of today's tournament travelers will be here to protect the laurels they have cornered with their deadly assault on par. Their glory, however, will be reflected in the fortitude and exploits of their predecessors--those who braved uncertainties to blaze the trail of tournament golf. 

 1953

Between August of 1950 and fall of 1953 Jack Guild, Golf Professional at the Miami Country Club resigns and moves to Shawnee, Oklahoma to become the pro at Shawnee Country Club. I could not find any information about hiring a new pro until my father is hired in spring of 1954. One source, Herman Childers, gave me the name of Miller who was acting pro during this time. 

 1953 October 11 mdnr  "Ladies Golf Notes"

The Miami Women's Golf association concluded their low medalist tournament for the year with honors going to Mrs. Jack Horner. (Club Champion)

The low gross winners in last Wednesday's play were: championship, Mrs. J. R. Organ; flight A, Mrs. Joe Ramsey, flight B, Mrs. Hance Van Beber.

Next week a partnership low net tourney will be held on Wednesday at the Miami Country club. Pairings are as follows:

Mrs. Al Spaulding, Mrs. G.W. McCollum, Mrs. Tom Cordell and Mrs. Hance Van Beber.    Mrs. William Oliver, Mrs. S.A. Powrie, Mrs. Elmer Jarrett, and Mrs. Charles Harvey.    Mrs. Claud Jones, Miss JoAnn Taylor, Mrs. Woodrow Painter and Mrs. Harold Ramey.    Mrs. Stan Moldander, Mrs. Dick Wright, Mrs. Spencer Dawson, and Mrs. Jack Horner.    Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Lee Adkinson, Mrs. Robert Temple and Mrs. Arch Fisher.   Mrs. Vernon Sapp, Mrs. Rex Graham, Mrs. Don Jones, and Mrs. Rex Painter.   Mrs. Wayman Jackson, Mrs. Kelso Berentz, Mrs. O.E. Westfall and Mrs. Gib Reynolds.

**Note: Mrs. G.W. McCollum, whose name appears regularly in the Ladies Notes from 1947--early 1950's is the mother of Roger McCollum.  Roger writes this about his mother: Yes that is my mother, Henrietta (aka Henri to her friends/family).  She was very active in the Women’s Club plus the Club’s bridge group.  My dad, Glen, was a dentist in Miami, but was not much of a golfer (read for fun only!). With emails flying right now between Emery, Gibson, Temple & myself (we all were in the same HS class & junior golfers), I’ve come up with some recollections; 1 specifically about your dad. I will email them later. 

 "Family Night"

The Miami Country club has slated a family night for Wednesday with dinner being served at 6:30. 

1953 October 11 mdnr  "Babe's Golf Game Sharp"

Babe Didrikson Zaharias, whose sports career was feared at an end six months ago when she underwent an operation for cancer, is recovering perfectly and will return to golf on a full-time basis.  

The famous woman athlete is in Fort Worth to play in the Texas Women's Open, of which she is defending champion, and it will be the only tournament for her until next year. The Babe now weighs 160 pounds, but is dieting and will cut down  to 145. "I feel wonderful and I am playing well," she said, "The only trouble is that I get tired on the back nine of a round."

In January she will make the woman's golf tour starting at Tampa, Florida, where she lives and owns a golf course. 

1953 October 12 mdnr  "Free Dinner for Top Golfers Here"

Some lucky golfers will get free dinners at the Miami Country club next Tuesday night. Teams captained by Dick Wright and Bert Wall will play matches Tuesday afternoon, beginning at 2:30 o'clock. The winners will receive their dinners at the stag even in the clubhouse that night at the expense of the losers. 

1953 November 1 mdnr  "Ladies Golf Notes"

Members of the Miami Women's Golf association will hold a flag tournament Wednesday a the the Miami club. Pairings will be made at the tee. 

Mrs. J.R. Organ took championship honors in last week's rounds on the fairways. Mrs. O.R. Westfall won class A while Mrs. G.W. McCollum copped class B laurels. Low scores for October: Mrs. J.R. Organ, a 44; Mrs. Bert Wall, 45; Mrs. Floyd Newton, 46, and Mrs. Woodrow Painter, 48. 

 1953 November 2 mdnr "Mantle Undergoes Knife Today"

Springfield, Mo. Mickey Mantle awaited the operation on his knee today with hopes that he could be out of the hospital by Friday. The New York Yankee center-fielder wants to see his twin brothers, Ray and Roy, play football for the Commerce High School Friday night. 

But Dr. Dan Yancey has his doubts. He thinks Mantle will be in the hospital for a week or 10 days. Mantle who re-injured the right knee in which he pulled a cartilage in the 1951 World Series, finished the 1953 season wearing a brace on the leg. Mantle asked Dr. Yancey if he would be given a local anesthetic so he could watch the operation, scheduled in about an hour. But the physician said Mickey would be given a general anesthetic.  

(I could not resist sharing this colorful description of a football player.)

"Gritty Jack Ging"

Plucky little Jack Ging, Oklahoma's buggy whip halfback whose grit and devotion to football make him seem nine feet tall and 75 pounds heavier to Saturday opponents, has made good on a promise, when he pledged through pain-paled lips, "Ill be back out there in three weeks. You just watch. My shoulder's going to knit. I heal fast."  Saturday in Manhattan, Kansas, four weeks to the day of his shoulder separation in the Pitt game, he was playing against Kansas State as fiercely as ever. 

1953 November 22 mdnr "Ladies Golf Notes"

Last Wednesday's play on the Miami Country club golf course ended outings for the Women's Golf association for this year. 

Annual ringer prizes were awarded three feminine clubbers in the championship class. Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. Jack Horner, and Mrs. J.R. Organ received the honors. Class A prize went to Mrs. Rex Painter, class B went to Mrs. Elmer Jarrett, and class C to Mrs. Hance VanBeber.

The November ringer winners were: Mrs. Jr.R. Organ, championship; Mrs. G.W. McCullum, Class A; Mrs. Dick Wright, Class B, and Mrs. Stanley Molander, class C. 

Mrs. J.R. Organ copped first place honors in last week's play for low net, followed by Mrs. Jack Horner in second place. 

Ottawa Country thrived even with the floods and the Korean War. The Airport News read more like Facebook socially. Reports were given weekly of peoples flying in and out of the airport with description of the planes they were flying and destinations. That is how I caught up with comings and goings of George Coleman, Jr. and his family.

For example: 1953 October 11

 

The big football game in Dallas Saturday drew several from Miami. Flying down were Wayne Pack and family in a Cessna 176; and George Coleman, his daughter Ann; and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fullerton, Jr., in Coleman's Beech Bonanza. 

Airport personal, Nelson Malocsay took Elmer Isern to Kansas City in a Cessna 180. Dr. Glenn Cosby flew to Bartlesville in a Cessna 140..... (This would make a great research project for someone.)

Movies regaled us with action, love, and comedy. Home appliances were busting through the market along with boxed television
sets, which often needed repairs. 

Bob Wills' brother.

First National U.S. Broadcast: 1953 World Championship

It took until 1953 before any golf tournament was broadcast nationally in the United States. That tournament was the World Championship of Golf (sometimes referred to as the Tam O'Shanter World Championship).

The event was played just outside Chicago and televised for one hour per day by the ABC Network

 

* The book Miami Forever in our Hearts is available for purchase if you click on the blue link. 

** If you are interested in pictures of Miami in the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's consider purchasing one of Ron Enderland's Hand Drawn Miami, Ok. Calendars.  2022 Historic Miami, Ok. Calendar

1950 TIMELINE AND STORIES

 1950 TIMELINE AND STORIES

By Letty Stapp Watt

 

Jack Guild, polishing the clubs.

 

1950 January 1 mdnr  "Stockholders Meeting"

The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Miami Country Club of Miami, Oklahoma, for the election of two directors and the transaction of other business that may come before the meeting will be held at the clubhouse on January 10, 1950 between the hours of 6 and 10 p.m.

signed, M.C. Bagby, President

1950 January 25 mdnr  "In Miami, Local News Briefs"

Clay Potts, director of short courses and supervisor of dining rooms at Oklahoma A &M college at Stillwater, has returned after a visit in Miami during which he directed the barbecuing of food for 350 people at the Fullerton banquet at Miami Country club Sunday. Potts has been featured in a magazine of national circulation as the "Barbecue King." Recently in Colorado he supervised a barbecue for 10,000 people.

1950 February 19 mdnr  "Commerce Star" 

Mickey Mantle, 1950

The New York Yankees appear to have a "comer" in Mickey Mantle, who at 18 will enter his second year of professional baseball this spring. With whom the former Commerce high school athlete will be playing is not definitely known as diamond fever starts settling in. Mickey made the first team in a post-season all-star balloting last year after hitting .314 with Independence's pennant playoffs winners. The agile shortstop has considerable power at the plate and attracted lots of attention at a Yankee baseball school in Phoenix, Arizona earlier this year. 

1950 February 20 mdnr "Thoughts for the Week"  

**Note: I am including this as a reference to how the times have changed. 

"Thoughts of the Week"

Monday 

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations--I Peter 1:6

Every temptation is an opportunity to get nearer to God. J.Q. Adams

**There are two thoughts listed for each day of the week. This is the first I have seen of this column.  

1950 March 30  mdnr  "Miami Schools"

Floyd Thompson of Okemah, director of secondary education in the Northeast Oklahoma area has made visits to each classroom in the Miami schools this week. Thompson reported finding Miami schools superior in all respects, from administration to janitor services he said. He added that each department was above average.  

***

"Outstanding Boss Selected"

Miami bosses were special guests of the Junior Chamber of Commerce last night. At the first "Bosses Night," which the Jaycees plan to stage annually. Walter E. Head, manager of the Miami BF Goodrich company pant, was introduced as the "outstanding boss of the year." 

1950 April 2 mdnr "Hog Varsity Golfers Beat Vikings Here"

The Northeaster A&M golf team was blanked by the strong Arkansas university varsity Saturday afternoon on the Miami Country club course. All four Arkansas golfers shot in the 70's with Randy Warner, the No. 3 man, carding the lowest total of 75.

Max Peacock led the Miamian totally 80 over the course. 

Friday, the Norsemen golfers were beaten by the Joplin junior college squad, 9 1/2 --2 1/2 points on the Schifferdecker layout in Joplin. 

Following are the scores in the two matches with Miami players named first:

Miami vs. Arkansas

Dale Smith, 81 J. Mosley,77
Max Peacock, 80  M. Marks,78
Thomas Witte, 83, Randy Warner, 75
Wayne Mason, 84, J. Eisermann, 77

Miami vs. Joplin

Dale Smith, 79, Jim Thomas, 74                                                            Max Peacock, 77 Fritz Kauffman, 79                                                      Thomas Witte, 89, Dick Shaw, 76                                                          Wayne Mason, 98, Dale Hawkins 91.                                                                 

1950 April 5 mdnr  "Young Ed Johnson Wins Florida Golf Title"

Eddie Johnson, a former Miami high school athlete, added another trophy to his collection recently when he captured the Florida state high school golfing championship.

Johnson, who lived in Miami until two years ago, had already bagged the Georgia high school championship in 1949 and his victories this year rate him as one of the better young golfers in the south. 

He is the grandson of Mrs. Carl Pulford, 219 D southwest, Miami, and is a nephew of Ky Laffoon, a prominent member of the professional golf fraternity for years. Eddie's parents are Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Johnson of Tallahassee, Florida. 

1950 April 9 "Women Golfers"

The Women's Golf association met Wednesday for a luncheon at the Miami Country club. Those present were: Mrs. Henry Garwood, Mrs. Bob Hughes, Mrs. Harry Ford, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Floyd Myers, Mrs. Bus Williams, Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Gib Reynolds, Miss Susan Stansell and Miss JoAnn Taylor.

1950 April 16 mdnr  "Golf in the Air" 

Even before spring arrives officially, Jack Guild, Country club pro, begins to polish the clubs. The likeable 50-year-old bachelor has been with the club 12 years. During that time he has witnessed development of the local course into one of the finest nine-hole layouts in this part of the country. 

This is the best editing I can do on this old photo. Since the carrying of the golf clubs and old cart showed up, along with the club in the background, I decided to add it to the story.

 

The attractive foursome turned to the fairways last week to absorb some spring weather. All members of the Women's Golf association at the Country club, they are, from left to right--JoAnn Taylor, Mrs. Bob Hughes, Billye Ann Green, and Susan Stansell.

 ***

Promotion of the Northeastern Oklahoma recreation area has been given a boost through the arrival of 75,000 Grand-Spavinaw lake maps. The maps, which depict the high points of interest in the sporting territory, are published jointly by the Chamber of Commerce and the Northeastern Oklahoma Lakes association. Besides Miami, included in the NOLA are Afton, Disney, Jay, Pryor, Tulsa, Bernice, Fairland, Ketchum, Spavinaw, Wyandotte, Cleora, Grove, Langley, and Vinita. 

***

"Miami Census"

Will the census records show that Miami has doubled it population in the last decade? That was the $64 million dollar question going around here Saturday while Uncle Sam's nose counters entered the final lap in the 1950 business and residential tabulation.

Jack C. Brown, Miami attorney and district census supervisor for Ottawa and six other counties, said Saturday he'll probably break the big news late next week immediately following completion of the census in Miami.

1950 May 8 mdnr "Stag Night"

A regular Stag night meeting will be held at the Miami Country club Tuesday evening. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.  All members are urged to attend. 

1950 May 19 mdnr  "Country club Women Meet"

At a Wednesday luncheon of the Women's Golf association at the Miami country club, prizes on blind holes were awarded to Mrs. Floyd Newton, championship class; Mrs. Frank Pauly, class A; Mrs. Richard Wright, class B; and Mrs. Elmer Gaines, class C.

Those present for the luncheon were: Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. Harry Ford, Mrs. G.W. McCollum, Miss Susan Stansell, Mrs. Richard Wright, Mrs. Wallace Dunn, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Jack Galloway, Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. John E. King, Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Jack Horner, Miss JoAn Taylor, Mrs. Gib Reynolds, Mrs. Robert Temple, and Mrs. Elmer Gaines.

1950 May 28  mdnr "Holiday Tourney"

A mixed foursome golf tournament will be held at the Miami Country club on Decoration day, Tuesday, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

All members have been asked to register their names with Jack Guild at the club house either Sunday or Monday. Pairings will be announced Tuesday morning. 

The match originally scheduled between the Miami and Pittsburg clubs for June 4 has been postponed until June 11.

 

 

1950 June 5  "Letters from the PGA Championship Office"  

While my father was the pro at Independence, Kansas Country Club he qualified for the 1950 PGA held in Columbus, Ohio.  These are copies of his original letters from the PGA. This little piece of history is quite captivating. 

Please note the signature of Horton Smith, who was an outstanding amateur and professional from Joplin, Missouri.

1950 June 23 mdnr "Women Golfers"

The Women's Golf association of the Miami Country club met Wednesday noon for a luncheon at the clubhouse. Those attending were: Mrs. Elmer Gaines, Mrs. Bus Williams, Mrs. Jack Galloway, Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. Richard Wright, Mrs. Bill Blackwell, Miss JoAnn Taylor, Mrs. D.E. McIntire, Mrs. G.W. McCollum, Mrs. Rex Graham, Mrs. Dee WAtters, Mrs. Henry Garwood, Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. John King, Mrs. Claud Jones, Mrs. Wallace Dunn, Mrs. Gib Reynolds, Mrs. Harry Ford, and Mrs. Robert Temple. 

Prizes for last week's low gross were won by Mrs. Floyd Newton, championship; Miss JoAnn Taylor, class A; Mrs. Frank Pauly, class B; and Mrs. Bill Blackwell, class C.

***

"Junior Group" night at Miami Country club will be observed Friday from 7:30 until 10 pm. Folk dancing and other entertainment will be furnished. 

1950 June 30 mdnr  "Mixed Foursomes"

Jack Guild, Miami Country club pro, announced today that mixed foursomes will be played Sunday at the club course. Play will start at 1 o'clock. Pairings will be made Saturday and published in Sunday's New-Record.

1950 July 2 mdnr  "Pairings Made for Local Golf Play"

Miami Country club Pro Jack Guild announced Saturday that pairings for today's mixed foursomes, originally slated to be made yesterday, will be paired this morning at the country club.

Members may learn the pairings by contacting Guild. He said that an 18-hole flag tournament with handicap has been scheduled for the Fourth of July. Members may play in the tourney any time during the day. 

In the low-ball Calcutta tournament, Charles F. Lewis carded a low gross score of 70 strokes for top honors, while Jess Fronterhouse and Walter Williams, Jr, tied for low net honors with 67. 

Winners in the play were: Dr. R. Baron and Jack C. Brown, with a 56 net score; Bill Jones and Noel Wyatt, 60 net; Dr. R.E. Baron and W.C. Bullock, 60 net; Jack Myers and Max Peacock, 60; Charles F. Lewis and Claude Jones, 61; Charles F. Lewis and George Beck, 61; Charles F. Lewis and Jack James 62; and Jack Guild and Rex Painter, 62. 

1950 July 5 mdnr  "Notes  from Your Town"  

The area of his left hip painfully, though not seriously seared, when eight fuses went off in his pocket at Miami Country club last night, Charley Trussler, 23 C st. Southeast, was sittin' carefully if not pretty today. 

The injury, which cost Charley a pair of almost new trousers, occurred while he was setting off fireworks display for the club members and their families. According to Charley, he had just touched off a "motor rocket" when sparks flew into his pocket and set off the fuses he was keeping handy there. His wallet also was seared but no currency was destroyed--he wasn't carrying any, he said.

1950 July 6 mdnr  "Dunn Wins Golf Tourney" 

Results of the Miami Country club Fourth of July golf flag tournament were released yesterday by club pro, Jack Guild. 

In the tourney Wally Dunn won first place honors with a 74 minus 10 stroke handicap for a 64 net. Second place was won by W.L. Williams, with a 78 minus 12 for net 66, while M.K. Hutts came in third with an 81-12, 69 net. Others with 69 nets, were Dale Mabon, 96-27, and Harry Dean, 87-18. Deadlocked with 70 nets were M.W. Hall, 94-24, Jack C. Brown 55-15, G.R. White, Jr., 80-10 and M.C. Bagby, 80-10. 

Guild also announced the winners of the mixed foursomes tourney held last Sunday. Low net honors went to Mrs. Claud Jones and C.F. Lewis, Jr., with a 40-11, 29 low net, while Mrs. Frank Pauly and Glenn Scott carded second low net of 46-15, 31. Low gross cards were turned in by Joann Taylor and Jack Meyers with a 40, while Mrs. George Anderson and C.E. Trussler had second low gross with 44. 

All prizes for the winners may be picked up at the golf shop.

In other Sunday links action C.F. Lewis, Jr., aced the No. 3 hole. Using a No. 6 iron Lewis made his hole-in-one on the 150-yard drive while playing with Dee Watters, Max Peacock and Phillip Peacock, Jr.

1950 July 23  mdnr "The Grist"   -- Mickey Mantle

The answer to the New York Yankee's pennant prayers is stuck deep in Joplin, Missouri--and his name is Mickey Mantle. Who sez, you say?

Well, these words come from no less an authority than ol' Casey Stengel himself. And he ought to know, for he's the guy whose managing the Yanks in their pennant climb.

Stengel is really sold on the Commerce flash, now going like a house afire for the Miners in the class C Western association, according to a recent news release. 

"I've seen great baseball prospects in my lifetime," Stengel said, "but no one to compare with this kid Mickey Mantle at Joplin I saw this Mantle at the Yankees in Phoenix winter camp and he really made my eyes pop."

The Yank mentor was sold all the way around on Mickey, who performed so superbly for Commerce on the athletic field. Stengel likes his hustle, his size and especially gets a gleam in his eye when Mickey's prodigious batting feats were mentioned, the report said. Right now the husky Miner shortstop is hitting a robust .391 leading the league in runs batted in, triples, and total bases. 

And Stengel would love to have him up there now. But if Mickey was the parcut Yanks he'd play on third, Stengel said, for "with his natural ability, he'd go good anywhere." 

But Casey isn't planning on getting him for awhile, because of the Yankees system of leaving a youngster in the minors for a few years. Stengel doesn't go along with that theory--that a player must serve a long apprenticeship in the minors before he is ready to play in the bi time. He thinks that if a kid's good enough and ready, bring him up. 

 

1950 July 30 mdnr "Golfers to Oppose Pittsburg"

A golf match between the Miami Country club and the Pittsburg Country club will be played this afternoon on the local links. club pro Jack Guild announced. 

Matches between the two squads, each composed of 20 players will start at 1 o'clock. Members who played in a previous meet at Pittsburg, won by the Kansas golfers were requested to sign up for the match this morning at the golf shop. 

 

 

1950 August 4 mdnr   "Mixed Tourney Set"

It will be  mixed foursomes at the Miami Country club Sunday afternoon, club pro Jack Guild announced today.  Pairings for the tourney will be decided Sunday. Any local golfers interested in playing need to call the golf shop.

**NOTE:  There are no copies of the Miami Daily News Record available from August through December 1950.

 

 

* The book Miami Forever in our Hearts is available for purchase if you click on the blue link. 

** If you are interested in pictures of Miami in the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's consider purchasing one of Ron Enderland's Hand Drawn Miami, Ok. Calendars.  2022 Historic Miami, Ok. Calendar

 

MIAMI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 1948--1949 TIMELINE

 1948 TIMELINE AND STORIES MGCC

By Letty Stapp Watt

Pictured above is the spacious and scenic nine-hole Miami Country club golf layout where several hundred Miamian spend many happy hours during the summer months. Scene of several Oklahoma State PGA championships, the local links is now receiving a large daily turnout of shotmakers. Women golfers have taken an active part in golfing. 

**Note:  My sincere apologies for the incomplete follow ups to various events. It seems as though my new computer and I have not learned how to co-habitate, yet. With help from my techie friends, I hope to have some major problems resolved soon. I can not longer cut and paste pictures, often my ability to read the news issue is blocked,  and some of the print in the old newspapers are very blurry.  

1948 February 1 mdnr "Country Club's Officers Cited"

 Members of the board of directors for Miami County club announced Saturday the selection of M.C. (Buck) Bagby as club president for the ensuing year. The president and other officers are chosen from within membership of the board. Other officers are Claude Jones, vice-president, and Floyd Myers, secretary-treasurer. The board also includes Charles M.Harvey,Jr., W.L. Williams, Russ Hawk, and Bob Schlemmer.

Bagby announced appointment of chairmen for five committees. These are Wilbur Worley, membership; Bob Lawson, house; John F. Robinson, tournament; Hawk, entertainment, and John Burford, finance. Th next meeting will be held February 10. Bagby announced that Jack Guild, who has been pro at Miami Country club since 1939 except for a two-season break for duty in World War II, has been rehired in his present capacity.

 ***

In a snowy black and white picture by Orrick Sparlin, too blurry to share, shows  the city of Picher. The heart of the nation's largest zinc mining field is reported to have a population of around 4,000 including some 800 lead and zinc miners. The photo is similar to one published in September 1947 issue of "Fortune," a national magazine.  

1948 February 2 mdnr  El Paso, Tx.  "Ben Hogan Injured in Bus-car Wreck"

Ben Hogan, National Open champion and the leading golfer of America, suffered serious injuries today in a car-bus crash 30 miles east of Van Horn, Texas. Southwestern General hospital was advised Hogan suffered three broken ribs, a severe chest injury and possibly a broken back. He and his wife, Mrs. Valerie Hogan, were being brought here in an ambulance. She was said to have escaped serious injuries. 

Hogan was on his way home to Fort Worth after playing in the Phoenix, Ariz. Open where he lost in a play-off to Jimmy Demaret. 

1948 March 7  mdnr "Square Dance Returns"

**Miamians are active after the war with varied interests. 

The square dancing ear may have gone out with bustles and mustache cups in other sections of the country, but the pastime lingers on in Miami today. With the revival in Oklahoma of interest in the Virginia reels and other dances of bygone days, a group of young married couples here have for more than a year helped keep square dancing alive in this area. 

Comprised of 28 couples, the "Do-See-Do" club holds a square dancing party twice each month in Miami. During each jamboree, the dancers participate in several types of reels and chains, movements and steps of which date back more than 200 years. 

Women members of the club attend in old-fashioned dresses, while the men wear blue jeans, plaid shirts, boots and silk ties. Usually five sets or squares, with four couples in each square, are on the floor dancing. Officers of the club are W.L. (Bill) Oliver, president; Bernard Schaff, vice-president, and Don Sandmire, secretary and treasurer. 

1948 March 7 mdnr "Stag Party and Other Events Set"

Activities are picking up out at Miami County club, where the men's membership is planning a stag party for Tuesday night. Jack Guild announced Saturday that two different golf classes for women will begin Wednesday morning. Those who have had prior instruction will meet with Guild from 9 to 10 a.m. and those who are beginners, new club members, etc., will gather at 10 for a one-hour's meeting. 

The club pro said two local club teams have entered the four ball tournament being sponsored by the Tulsa World. The event, which will extend over several weeks with play on Sunday only, is open to competitors throughout this section of the state. 

Jess Fronterhouse and Jack Myers will form one combination for the Tulsa meet and Charley Lewis and Jimmy Moore, a Neosho player who holds a local club membership, also will become an entry. Guild said Buy May also is a probable starter, but his partner hasn't been selected yet. 

1948 March 24 mdnr -- Our social pages are full of people traveling and usually 20-30 women's clubs and social organizations meeting.**On a personal note, I have enjoyed reading every social page I find because it is so revealing. I am amazed at the social activities our town sponsored and shared in the news: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, all school PTA's, Riverside park, local parks, summer activities galore.  We all read the same paper and read the same news which seems to have helped build community and local interest in community.

Mrs. Leona DeAtley Hampton, 223 D. street southwest, was in Tulsa Friday and Saturday on business. 

Mr. and Mrs. George L. Coleman, Jr., have returned to Miami from a trip to Florida.  

  

1948 May 9

Photographer Orrick Sparlin, whose collection is at the Dobson Museum, captured these times in black and white photos.

1948 May 9 mdnr "PGA Movies Shown at Country Club"

Technicolor sound movies of the 1947 PGA golf tournament held at Portland, Oregon will be shown at 6:30 o'clock Tuesday night at the Miami Country club stag party. The film also will be shown Wednesday at noon at the luncheon of the Miami women golfers.

Shown in the film are such topnotch golfers as Bobby Locke, Ben Hogan, and Sammy Snead.

Sunday, May 16, a group of 25 Miami golfers will travel to Pittsburg, Kas., for an inter-city match. According to pro Jack Guild, 40 players are needed for a match with Parsons on May 23. Players interested in signing up for the Parsons match are requested to report at the club's pro shop.

1948 May 17 mdnr "Team Beaten"

Their golfing string of successes ran out Sunday for Charley Lewis and Jim Moore, Miami Country club linksmen competing in the annual Tulsa World-PGA four ball tourney at Tulsa.  Lewis and Moor were turned back in a quarterfinals match by Sax and Jack Judd, 3 and 2, in a match at the Highlands course.

***

"Miami's Golfers Cop Team Match on Pitt Course"

Miami Country club golfers carved out a 371/2 to 22 1/2 team match victory over Pittsburg, Kansas, linksmen Sunday in an inter-city battle over the nine-hole course at Pittsburg Country club. Twenty Miamians participated in the event and a return match will be held at Miami June 27.

Jess Fronterhouse led the local contingent yesterday, shooting a 39-35--74.John F. Robinson was next low scorer with his 38-39--77. Glenn Scott posted 39-39--78 and Bill Jones and Raymond Warner each scored 80's. 

Pro Jack Guild announced that any local golfers wishing to enter the State Amateur at Muskogee should obtain blanks at the clubhouse. The state tourney opens June 14, with the pro-amateur scheduled on June 13. 

***

"Women Golfers to Play Wednesday"

Play will be for bind holes when women golfers meet Wednesday morning at Miami Country club. Pairings were announced as follows:

Mrs. Bert Wall and Mrs. F.E. Farrier.
Mrs. John King and Mrs. Floyd Newton;

Mrs. Floyd Myers and Mrs. Gayle Pickens;
Mrs. Joe Thompson and Mrs. Dee Watters;

Mrs. Cecil Coop and Mrs. Woodrow Painter;
Mrs. Jack Horner and Mrs. Rex Graham;

Mrs. K.C. Jeffries and Mrs. E.W. McCuskey;
Mrs. Lloyd DeVoe and Mrs. Frank Pauly;

Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer and Mrs. G.W. McCollum;
Mrs. Roger Pfau and Mrs. Robert Lawson;

Mrs. L.R. Bressie and Mrs. Vernon Sapp;
Mrs. J.H. McIntire and Mrs. Phillip Peacock, Jr.,

Mrs. Jack James and Mrs. E.E. Weeks;
Mrs. L.S. Smith and Mrs. M. Sanders;

Mrs. Elven Frye and Mrs. Claude Jones.

Players are asked to register weekly by 9 a.m. Tuesday

Last week, Mrs. Floyd Newton won first pace in the championship class; Mrs. Woodrow Painter copped top honors in Class A; Mrs. Frank Pauly was the winner in Class B play.  

1948 May 24 mdnr "City Golfers Rout Parsons in Matches"

Miami golfers swamped the Katy-Parsons Country club golfing aggregation Sunday afternoon when they copped 111 out of a possible 129  points on the local links. 

In the singles play, local golfers tallied 72 points to 15 for Parsons, while in the foursomes Miami scored 36 to Parson's 3. Bill Jones posted the lowest score of the day with a 73 card for 18 holes 

Jack Guild, country club pro, announced that next Sunday, Memorial day, mixed two-ball foursomes will be played. All country club members wishing to play are requested to sign up for the matches at the golf shop.

 

 

1948 June 6 mdnr "State Women Golfers"

Entries topped over the 200 mark today as Oklahoma's women golfers prepared to converge on Tulsa Country club for the 31st annual women's state amateur tournament beginning Monday. 

1948 June 17 mdnr "Charley Lewis is Still in Running for State Honors" 

C.F. Lewis Jr., knocked out ?? in the first-round championship play in the Oklahoma Amateur golf tourney at Muskogee yesterday with a 2 and 1 verdict over Charles Dwaur, Jr., of Oklahoma City. Four other Miamians were in the initial round match play yesterday. Southpaw Tulsan Bill Smith eliminated Jack Myers by 2 and 1, and Jess Fronterhouse lot to ?? 3 and 2.

1948 June 20 mdnr  "Special Golf Event for Women"

Local Miami golf pro Jack Guild said Saturday the golf match scheduled tomorrow with Parsons has been called off until next month. Guild said the match would conflict with another tourney this week-end in Parsons. 

Meanwhile, the Miami Country club Ladies Golf association has invited women players from Joplin, Missouri, Neosho, Mo., and Pittsburg, Kas., to participate in next Tuesday's weekly match at the local links course.

 

1948 July 25 mdnr  

Jack Guild and his 20-member Miami golf team invade Parsons, Kansas, today in a return team engagement. Miami's swingers walloped the Parsons group by a large margin in their previous meeting. 

1948 July 20 mdnr "Women Golfers"

Contingents of women golfers from five district golf clubs will tee off Wednesday on the Miami fairways. Out-of-town clubs will be Shifferdecker and Twin Hills of Joplin, Elks Country club of Pittsburg, Parsons Golf club, and Neosho, Mo. Golf and Country club. Approximately 50 Miami women simon-pures will act as hostesses for the all-day event. 

Prizes for low gross and low net scores will be given, and an award will be presented for the closest shot to the short No. 3 hole. 

*The pairings were too blurry to read but lasted from 9 a.m. with 5 minutes in between times, until 10:50 a.m. 

1948 August 1 mdnr  "State Women's Four-Ball"

A state women's fourball tournament, believed to the FIRST of its kind in the nation--will be held in Oklahoma City starting Sept. 16 for state women golfers. 

The tourney is sponsored by the Oklahoma City PGA and the Daily Oklahoman. To qualify for the event, a team must have a scoring average of at least 226 strokes, or handicaps ?. The tournament will run six weeks.

1948 September 2 mdnr "Springfield Woman Leads Tri-State Golfing Lists"

Defending champion Mrs. Sayle Benson of Springfield grabbed the lead at the halfway point in the Tri-State Women's Golf tourney at the Miami Country club links Wednesday.

Mrs. Benson carded an 18-hole total of 45-48--93 for a two-stroke edge over Mrs. HA. Lowe, another Springfield Simon-pure. After leading the field on the front nine with a 44, Mrs. Lowe soared to 51 on the back tour for an 18-hole aggregate of 95.

The 98 entrants teed off again at 8 o'clock this morning for the last day's play. Trophies for low gross and low handicap scores will be awarded in each of the four flights after completion of today's round. 

In another event, Mrs. Rex Graham headed the field in a shortened 18-hole meet, nine-holes played Wednesday and nine-holes played today. Mrs. Graham shot a 60 for a one-stroke margin over another Miamian, Mrs. Joe S. Thompson. 

Results shown in paper for all 98 players. The leaders in the 18-hole meet, results of the first day play:

Championship: Mrs. Rex Graham, 60, Mrs. Joe Thompson 61, Mrs. Ruth Watters, 66. and Mrs. Woodrow Painter, 66. 

Class A: Mrs. Burns Griffith, Pittsburg, 68; Mrs. Joe Michella, Pittsburg, 69; Mrs. Paul Nelson, Pittsburg, 69; and Mrs. F.G. Reid, Miami, 71.

Class B: Mrs. R.M. Schlemmer, Miami, 71; Mrs. Richard Wright, Miami, 71; Mrs. Wallace Dunn, Miami 74; Mrs. Frank Pauly, Miami 76; and Loma Woodward, Pittsburg, 74.

Class C: Mrs. Cecil Coop, Miami, 77; Mrs. Claud Jones, Miami, 78; Mrs. K.C. Jeffries, Miami, 79; Mrs. Glenn McCollum, Miami, 76; and Mrs. Cecil Veatch, Webb City, 86.

1948 September 3 mdnr "Women's Title Goes to Springfield Swinger"

Mrs. H.A. Lowe of Springfield walked off with top honors Thursday in the championship flight of the two-day Tri-State women's golf meet at the Miami Country club. Mrs. Lowe's 36-hole total of 95-89--184 bested defending champion Mrs. Gayle Benson, another Springfield swinger, by one stroke .

The team-match play, Joplin Twin Hills was awarded the Tri-State trophy with a 676 net while Springfield's ace quartet wrapped up the Miami Country club cup with a 794 gross count. No Miami ladies played in the 36-hole event, however, they did play and place in the 18-hole event.

Championship: Low gross Mrs. Joe Thompson, Miami, 117; low net Mrs. Rex Graham, Miami, 128.

Class A: Low gross Mrs. Joe Michella of Pittsburg, 133; low net, Mrs. Barnes Griffith of Pittsburg, 84.

Class B: Low gross Mrs. Frank Pauley of Miami, 148; low net, Mrs. R.M Schlemmer of Miami, 85.

Class C: Low gross Mrs. Loma Woodward of Pittsburg, 145; low net Mrs. Glenn McCollum of Miami, 96.  

 

1948 September 20 mdnr "Golf Meet in Second Round" 

The large field of golfers competing in the annual Miami Country club tournament now in progress was narrowed considerably following completion of the first week of activity. Second round matches in the tourney will be held throughout the week. Results of the first round:   **many names are too blurred to read.

C.F. Lewis, Jr., defeated Bob Hughes; L.T. Sheldon def. Paul Wilson; Ed Olivey def. C Caskey; M.C. Bagby def. C.L. Grayson; Joe Thompson def. G. R. White, Jr.; Ted Lowery def. C.J. Carselowey; Jess Fronterhouse def. J.C. ?:  John F. Robinson def. Phillip Peacock.

Walker Williams, Jr., def. Bud May; R. O. ?  def. W.L. Williams; Walter Dunn def. C.E. Trussler;  Claud Jones def. H. M Schlemmer; James Moore def. W.P. Bullock; Lyndon Scott def. Glenn Scott; and Jack Myers def. John L. Burford. 

Hottest rally in the Championship flight was cared by Jess Fronterhouse, who was 4 down at the turn and carded a 34 on the nine to defeat J.C. Taylor one up.  

Class A: E.K. Scott def. Dr. Rex Graham; Noel Wyatt def. Cecil Coop; Bob Nesbitt def. Glenn ? ; W.J. Worley def. Bert Wall; Augie W., Dick Wright, H. E. W. M.L. Caldwell won by default. 

Class B: Vernon Sapp def. Frank Spencer; Denver Seals def. Byron Jenkins; Bradley Watts def. Frank ?; Bob Hill def. K.C. Jeffries; Gene Wagoner def. Harry Dean; George McGhee, D. E. McIntire won by default. 

Class C: Bernie Schaff def. Jim Campbell; Marion Zajic def. Carl Peck; Elbert Frye def. A.J. Reed; Jack Horner def. Dr. L.F. Hetherington; M. Hall def ?; Jack C. Brown def. Curley Albers; Winners by default were Jack Reynolds and Ivan Estes. 

Class D: Louis Stone def. Jack D.; Steward P. def Tom Bomford; Earl Faber def. A. W. Pattisson; Jim Hatfield def. Bob S.; Clyde Booth, Charles Burnes, and Lee A. won by default.

1948 September 29 mdnr "Golf List is Reduced Here"

The number of golfers still in the annual tournament was narrowed considerably last week. Third round matches in the tourney, which is scheduled to end sometime in October, will be held during this week, Jack Guild club pro announced.

 

 

1948 October 8 mdnr "Mickey Mantle"

Commerce, The Picher Gorillas unleashed their ever-potent ground attack last night when they defeated the Commerce Tigers, 7-6 for their first Lucky Sven conference victory. In the third quart the Tigers seemed to have a touchdown of their own when Mickey Mantle, who bore the brunt of Commerce's running attack, broke into the clear and scampered 65 yards to cross the goal-line, only to have the play called back. 

Click on this link for more on Mickey Mantle: The Mick

1948 October 11 mdnr "Golf Tourney Ends in Knot"

Jack Myers and Charley Lewis played to an 18-hole deadlock Sunday in the finals for the Miami Country club Championship, necessitating a nine-hole playoff which was to begin this afternoon. 

Lewis shot a 75 to Myers'76, but they wound up even in the match play event. 

In the President's flight, Glenn Scott defeated C.J. Carselowey 1 up, while E.K. Scott captured the class A prize by walloping Dick Wright, 8 and 7.  Other final results: B flight--George McGhee defeated Harry Ives, 5 and 4; C flight--Bernard Schaff won 2 70 from Jack Brewer, and D flight--Earl Fisher defeated Stuart ? 5 and 4.

 1948 October 12 mdnr "Charley Lewis Golf Champion" 

After finding himself 2-down at the end of three holes, Charley Lewis rallied strongly Monday afternoon to defeat his playoff opponent, Jack Myers, and win the 1948 Miami Country club golf championship, 2-up.

In total strokes Lewis carded a sizzling, sub-par 34 to Myer's commendable 37 in the 9-hole match necessitated when they finished all-even in Sunday's 18-hole finals round.

Club Pro Jack Guild said prizes will be awarded winners in all flights at a stag affair at 6:30 o'clock tonight. 

1948 October 24 mdnr "Zaharias vs. Berg"

Fort Smith, Ark. Two of the nation's outstanding professional women golfers, Mrs. Mildred (Babe) Zaharias, and Miss Patty Bert, meet here in the finals of the Hardscrabble women's open golf tournament. 

HIT BY A BUS--HOW BEN HOGAN HIT BACK 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/hit-by-a-bus-how-ben-hogan-hit-back-24870580/ BY Gilbert King, Jan. 20, 2012

This is the best short article I've read on Ben Hogan's comeback. It mentions a young golfer by the name of Arnold Palmer. 

"Sam Snead, Cary Middlecoff and a young golfer named Arnold Palmer battled for headlines in the summer of 1949, while Hogan shuffled around his house. He was named non-playing captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team and traveled to England for the matches, where he delighted fans by putting on the practice green. It was the most he could do, seven months after the accident. Reporters described him as “crippled.” But returning to the States, Hogan began to regain some strength. Then he began to practice.

By June of 1950, 16 months after the accident, Bantam Ben was back on the course, this time trying to reclaim his place as golf’s greatest competitor in American golf’s biggest tournament—the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania. He had played several tournaments leading up to the Open, but on the third and final day of grueling competition, he began to wilt under 36 holes of golf in the heat, and his lead began to evaporate on the final few holes."

 

 1949

 **Note: I have found the 1949 newspaper to be very blurry and difficult to read at times. When I cannot make out a name I will do my best to give initials or a ? mark.

1949 January 9  mdnr (Commerce) A perfect one-handed push shot by Bobby Thomas that went swishing through the nets with less than eight seconds remaining gave the Fairland Owls a breath-taking 23-22 victory over the Commerce Tigers Friday night. 

John Lingo's Tigers led all the way until med-way in the final quarter when a last-ditch effort by the Owls, who are coached by Ed Olivey, provided the Fairlanders a 21-18 lead with a minute and half left. At half-time the Bengals were ahead 14-10. Moseley and Mickey Mantle took care of most of the Commerce scoring, with both sinking three field goals and two charity tosses for eight points.

1949 February 27 mdnr  "Women's Golf Season Outline"

Women golfers met last week at the Miami Country club for 1 o'clock luncheon. Jack Guild, pro, outlined the golf program for the coming season and announced that class lessons would begin March 15. The next meeting of the group will be at 1 p.m. next Wednesday, and reservations must be made by Tuesday at the Country club. 

Those present were Mrs. Robert E. Nesbitt, Mrs. Stansell, Miss Billie Ann ?, Mrs. Tom Bomford, Mrs. Gib Reynolds, Mrs. Vernon Martin, ...15 more names I could not read due to blurry images. 

 

1949 March 11 mdnr Daily 5 cents--Sunday 10 cents

"Note from Your Town"

While skies cleared today to let the sun through at 1:30 o'clock this afternoon, Miami golf enthusiasts looked forward to a pleasant week-end at the Country club. Indications point to favorable weather for the next few days as the mercury climbed from 24-degree to an amazing 41 shortly after the lunch hour.  

Fishermen, too, hoped for sunny skies and balmy temperatures over the week-end, but withheld angling expeditions pending further weather reports. 

1949 April 27 mdnr  "Women Golfers"

Last week's golf prizes were awarded at a luncheon this week at Miami Country club: Mrs. Floyd Newton, championship; Mrs. Glenn McCollum, class A; Mrs. D.E. McIntyre, class B.

Because of bad weather the association members did not play golf following the luncheon. Prizes awarded by a drawing, went to Mrs. Bert Wall, championship; Mrs. Frank Pauly, class A; Mrs. Jack Gallaway, class C. 

Others present were Mrs. Wallace Dunn, Mrs. John E. King, Mrs. Claude Jones, Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Robert Stoner, Mrs. Louis Stone, Mrs. James W. Gibson, Mrs. Gibb Reynolds, Mrs. Glenn McCollum, and Mrs. John Stansell. 

1949 May 29 mdnr  (Commerce) "Seniors Honored"

Three top-ranking Commerce high school seniors occupied the spotlight in the closing commencement services at the high school last Friday night, when 34 seniors received their diplomas. Mickey Mantle was applauded when it was announced that he was absent and was playing baseball at Coffeyville. 

1949 June 2 mdnr "State Women's Championship Plays Host to Patty Berg"

Two Enid links ladies--Patti Blanton and Margaret Williford--are top contenders for the state women's golf tournament starting Monday at Muskogee Country club. The 31st annual meeting will be played over the par 75 Muskogee Country club's course, a tough 6,210 yard layout. Par set for women is five above that of men.

Pat Grant of Cushing, former perennial threat to Mrs. Blanton's supremacy, has been taken out of competition by Army service. Talk this year has Mrs. Williford, a close friend, as the tournament's darkhorse. 

She's the wife of the Enid Country club professional, Hack Williford, and will appear in an exhibition match Sunday preceding the tourney with Mrs. Blanton.

They will tour the course against Patty Berg, professional star, and Betty McKinnon of Mount Pleasant, Texas. 

Mrs. Blanton's title--won in 1947 and 1948 and four times straight from 1939-1942--will be contested by at last other former state champions. They are Mrs. Lucy Wallace, Sapulpa, 1930, 1933, 1938 winner; and Oklahoma City's Miss Jenny Grout, 1937 titleholder. 

***

 "Tulsa Golfers Here"

A team match between a Miami Country club golf team and a squad from Mohawk golf club of Tulsa will be played Sunday afternoon at the local club. Tee-off time for the two 20-man teams will be at 1 o'clock, Guild said. 

1949 June 5 mdnr (Commerce)  "Yankees Sign Mickey Mantle, Versatile Commerce Athlete" 

Mickey Mantle, 17-year-old Commerce high school and Baxter Spring Whiz Kids baseball star, has signed a contract to play professionally in the New York Yankee chain, it was announced here Saturday.

Mantle, who drew the attention of pro scouts while playing shortstop for the Whiz Kids of the Junior Card League, was signed by Tom G., spotter for the Yanks from Willard, Missouri. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The youth, who graduated from high school here (Commerce) last month, was an all-around athlete. He was selected for the all-district high school football team last fall. He was the second highest scorer on the Tiger basketball team last winter. His parents are Mr. Mrs. Mutt Mantle.  

1949 June 6 mdnr "Women Golfers"

Women golfers will enter a two-ball tournament with mixed classes at Miami Country club Wednesday. The first foursome will tee off at 9 a.m. and following foursomes will be off at 15-minute intervals. Lunch will be served at the end of play. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each class.

Pairings are as follows:

Mrs. H. F. Myers, Mrs. H. S....., Miss Billye Anne Greene, and Mrs. Richard Wright; Mrs. Robert Nesbitt, Mrs. Dee Watters, Mrs. John E. King, and Mrs. Jack Gallaway; Mrs. Jack Horner, Mrs. Vernon Martin, Miss Jean Taylor, and Mrs. Roger Pfau; Mrs. Floyd Newton, Mrs. Fred DeMier, Jr., Mrs. Lewis K. Stoss, and Mrs. Wallace Dunn; Mrs. Bert Wall, Mrs. William Martin,Jr., Mrs. Rex Graham, and Mrs. Gilbert Reynolds; Mrs. John Sanders, Mrs. Glenn McCollum, and Miss Susan Stansell; Mrs. Frank Pauly, Mrs. John Stansell, Mrs. Robert Schlemmer, and Mrs. L.E. Smith.

1949 July 5 mdnr "July Fireworks"

The July fireworks at the Miami Country club were attended by 550 people, who enjoyed a barbeque meal. Wallace Dunn and C.H. Mullendore oversaw the arrangements.    

1949 September 8 mdnr  "Club Championship Pairings"

Pairings in the A,B,C, D, and E flights of the Miami Country club championship golf tournament, have been announced by Jack Guild, club pro. According to Guild no handicaps have been given for these flights, and one week has been allowed for these matches to be played. (Sadly, the names are so blurred that I could not figure them out, but I think there are at least 75 players in these flights.)

1949 October 2 mdnr  "Golf Tournament Postponed"

The mixed foursome play regularly scheduled for today at the Country club will be postponed until next Sunday, October 9, in order that the club championship matches may be played. 

1949 October 5 mdnr  "Lewis, Moore vie for Title"

Charles F. Lewis and Jim Moore have advanced to the finals in the annual Miami Country club golf tournament. Lewis defeated John F. Robinson, and Moore outstretched Ed Olivey to reach the championship round. Pro Jack Guild has announced that all finals matches must be completed by Sunday night. 

Class A: Bradley Watts def Earl Fisher 2 up; Dr. R.W Graham def. J. L. Burford, 1up on the 19th hole.

Class B: Jack Brown def. J.W. Gibson 2 up; H.E. Woods def. Jack Horner, 7 and 6.

Class C: Estes def. Tom Bomford, 7 and 6; D. Clark and Jack James, yet to play. 

Class D: Vernon Martin def M.W. Hall, 2 and 1; L.E. Stone def. Nate Emery, 1up.

1949 November 11 mdnr "Dance to be Held"

The Miami Country club dance will be held Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Music will be provided by Basil Baker. This is the first dance of the fall season. 

 

* The book Miami Forever in our Hearts is available for purchase if you click on the blue link. 

** If you are interested in pictures of Miami in the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's consider purchasing one of Ron Enderland's Hand Drawn Miami, Ok. Calendars.  2022 Historic Miami, Ok. Calendar