1962- 1984 The Dining Room

Jim Tatum, Food and Beverage Manager in the 1960's-1970's

 

 As a young girl growing up at the Miami Country Club, I must admit that I have very few memories of the newly remodeled upstairs dining area, because I was a kid, who ate on the porch area, or enjoyed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a baloney sandwich on days when I worked till 2:00. What I do remember are all of the trips I made upstairs from the golf shop to grab a glass of fresh brewed "Iced Tea," still my favorite morning drink to this day.

Just as many trips were made to talk with the secretary. I recall the first secretary's last name was Hatfield, no relation to Bill and Evelyn. I seem to recall that she was related to Bill Carter or perhaps LaRue Gaines' mother. After Mrs. Hatfield left the Board of Directors hired Juanita Edgar. She smoked a very long cigarette and always made me laugh with a story.  She and I could confide in each other about the personalities of the members. She attempted to show me how to keep the books and be a good secretary, but I had no interest in learning that field.

On occasions I could walk in the upstairs bar and talk with Fred Gallagher, the bartender and Frankie, who was our all around best waitress. Fred and my father became best of friends during the 1960's. Fred's death on the operating table was a terrible shock to my parents and the club members.  Frankie later married Bob Klein. I had an opportunity to chat with her a decade ago, but sadly I have no notes, only fond memories. 

 

Luckily many of you have sent me memories of the importance of the dining room at the country club. Thank you.

Randy James wrote:  The clubhouse always seemed to big to me and I loved the cheeseburgers.

 Barbara Smith shared how much they loved eating Sunday after church as the Country club. I liked to look out over the golf course as we dined. Besides Sunday lunches, there were midweek ladies meetings, special events--dinners and dances--my husband and his golf clubs. Plus my speech team banquets, also in the very old two story original building! I loved playing cards by the hour, special "afternoon tea" events, etc.

Willie really liked the golf tournaments, a great group of men bonding over their golf clubs out on the course while wives were having their own special events. Such great memories! Today's Miami citizens are missing something special.  I am glad we were able to enjoy those days.

Dana Painter Meyer shared these memories: The dining room of the old club house was very special. I may be wrong, but I think the best burgers I have ever eaten were from there. During grade school, Linda Wickham and I would go have lunch there about once a month, as Rockdale School (which was new at the time) was just a few blocks away. It made us feel so special and grown up. We dined in the main dining room with all the business men and women golfers before their afternoon bridge games. Sometime later, or perhaps when we had been swimming, the kids were banished to the side porch, however, the burgers were just as good.  

Bill Oliver wrote:  My memory of the MCC is the Christmas Dance at the old country club building.  Would have been the Virginia Lee Dance Class.  So would have been in the 7^th grade.  May have all the date/event wrong.  Best I can remember it was a gala affair with spectacular decorations, so assume it was Christmas. 

(My guess is the late 1950's when we performed for the Christmas dance. I believe other groups of her dancers entertained through out the early 1960's.)

I followed this memory by Bill Oliver with times when C.Ann Richards sang for various ladies groups who met at the club. This would have been between 1960-65.

 Grand Opening of the Dining Room This link will take you to the story of the 1962-63 remodeling of the entire upstairs to the country club. *Thanks to the Dobson Museum for sharing their Orick Sparlin collection.

 Facebook responses to memories of the dining room:

Mark Stewart: Sunday lunch was the best. 

Mandy Michelle Cousins: Sunday lunch was the best. Friend chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans. My mom made us put on church clothes to go eat even though we hadn't been to church. I had to cut the chicken off the bone with my knife, couldn't use my hands.  Manners were important. I also remember the creaky floor and the huge floor furnace. 

I also remember how sore the old pool made your toes after swimming all day. It was the rough concrete. 

Heather Davis: I remember Friday and Saturday nights in the lobby of the bar, watching TV on the couch while we were waiting on our parents who were having a good time.  

Neva DaVee Barker: I remember the first nine, lunch and then the second nine.  Fun times. 

Kenna Harkins: I remember sitting at the bar drinking a Shirley Temple while my dad played cards!  Many, many memories there. 

Aliesha Willard Bright: I remember going to lunch over there during school. The best cold salads, ever. 

Carolyn Cook Sweeney: My first date with my now husband of 48 years was dinner and drinks there with some of his friends. Great times.

Karen Walters Chapel: Love that place! I remember hanging out, playing cars, and eating snacks. 

Bill Newman: I remember so many things about the old clubhouse. Sunday after church going to the Club, walking up those stairs, going through the line at the smörgåsbord, huge beef.  The chef dressed in his whites with his big chef hat. I watched him carve the meat and then adding the broth, then walking across the creaky wooden floors to our table.  I especially remember golf lessons by Johnie Stapp.  The swimming pool was always so much fun and the boys locker room. Well we won't go there. 

+Personal note: I remember vividly how hard it was to play hole No 9 or No. 18 when the course became an 18 hole course, because as we walked toward the clubhouse, there would always be someone in the bar looking down and watching.  Most often if we made a putt or a good shot people tapped vigorously on the windows to cheer for you. If we didn't play the hole well they might laugh or shake their heads in sorrow or disgust. I personally thought it was a lot of pressure on me to perform well. 

Bill Newman: I thought it was cool coming into 9 green late in the evening knowing full well the whole bar was watching the whole thing!!!!  AS for the boys locker room, yes there was a pull cart storage in the entrance. There may have been a Playboy or two storied in more than one locker.  I didn't know what man cave was back then, but now I know!!!

Susie Goettel--Barnett: Since we lived across the street, quite often we had golfers knock on our door. They always said the same thing, "Pepper stole my golf ball!" Pepper was our dog.  

Katrina White Graydon: Johnie Stapp and MGCC were so important to my family. My Daddy, Al White, loved the game. He and my Uncle G.R. taught me the game by sawing off a wooden putter, then playing holes 1 and  over to 3 green on the south side of the creek. I still have the putter and all of the great memories. Gretchen and I played in the Jr. Golf league where one of our mother's would walk the 9 holes with us, teaching the game and the etiquette. They kept score, too. My mother, Hattie White, loved the game and shared that love with Al all of their lives. 

Playing in the swimming pool was wonderful and acted like a baby-sitter for our parents when they could slip away for a game of golf. Pure joy and happy memories of a free, carefree childhood. It is heartwarming to see so many familiar names. It's Billy JOE Newman to me.  Good luck with the history, Letty. 

Jim and Holli Eppler shared: "Had a job there playing the piano/dinner music, Friday and Saturday evenings during my 2nd semester year at NEO in 1965. If I remember correctly, it paid 2 bucks an hour, which was double what I made at Millner-Berkey delivering furniture. 

Joyce Rutter recalls the many times she and her bridge group met in the ladies club room on the North side. She played bridge once a week with Linda Elmburg, Barbara Robinson, Sarah Mirjanich and several other dedicated ladies. They thoroughly enjoyed their bridge club afternoons.

One time time she remembered when a giant black snake crawled up the building somehow and slithered across the outside windowsill overlooking the swimming pool. After the ladies quit screaming and calmed down they called "Johnie" to get the snake. Dad did not kill it and very carefully used a ladder and saved the snake and the women. He liked to have the snakes around to kill the mice in the cart storage area. (Mice could eat the wires on the golf carts.)

**I remember the various groups of lady bridge players, who spent hours smoking cigarettes and finishing off tasty drinks in the afternoons while the kids went swimming.

1968 November 27 "Mineliyis Plan Christmas Party"

Members of the Mineliyis Child Study club will have their husbands as guests at a Christmas dinner party at the Miami Country club at 7 p.m. December 13. Plans for the holiday event were made during a recent meeting at the home of Mrs. David Shelton, 2328 A. N.E. The women also planned to deliver a food basket to an underprivileged family at Christmastime.

Mrs. Robert Hunt, vice present, who conducted the meeting, led devotions appropriate to the Thanksgiving season and a round table discussion on the theme "Children and Sharing." Refreshments were served by Mrs. Shelton and her co-hostess Mrs. Delmer Pugh.

** This is a common occurrence for ladies clubs, sororities, professional clubs, homemaking clubs, high school and college teams, to celebrate a meal for various holidays and occasions at the Miami Golf and Country Club. 

REUNION--JULY 25, 26, 27 OF 2024

 

In conjunction with Tom Walker’s "Gathering of Wardogs" we are hosting a Miami Golf and Country Club gathering. In July of 2024 it will have been 40 years since our old club burned to the ground. I plan to have the history collected from 1916--1984.

Please join the Stapp family and all former members, staff, and friends of the Miami Golf and Country Club for our Reunion all day July 27 at the Dobson Museum. 

Plans shown below: 

Miami Golf and Country club about 1967.

July 25, 2024, Thursday: We have 5 tee times reserved to play golf (that is only 20 people) at Shangri-la, plus a package offer to stay and play. The package will be under the name of the Miami Country Club. Tee Times will begin at 12:00 noon. Please let me know by spring who plans to play golf. **See note at the bottom of page.

Rooms at Shangri-la will be $199 plus tax for July 24,25,26,27. Golf will cost $77 plus tax.

Lunch will be available for purchase at Shangri la or wherever you choose.

After our round of golf on July 25, we have arranged for a gathering of players, friends, and family for appetizers. A cash bar will be available.

To book rooms at Shangri-la contact McKayla Rutherford 918-257-7779 at <mckayla.rutherford@shangrilaok.com>

*You do not need to stay at Shangri-la to play golf. All MGCC people, friends, and family are welcome to join us. Rooms at various Miami area hotels and VRBO/ARBNB lodges are available. BOOK NOW BOOK NOW BOOK NOW BOOK NOW

July 26, 2024, FRIDAY: John Finley has made 8 tee times for us to play golf at Peoria Ridge beginning at 10:00am. The cost will be $35.00. You must provide your own equipment.

THE DOBSON MUSEUM will have an exhibit set up sharing the memorabilia collected and donated about MGCC history. The MGCC display will be open July 9—September 28, 2024, as one of their “Special Exhibits.”

The Coleman Theater will plan for tours during these reunion days.

All of these MGCC events will tie into “A Gathering of Wardogs” that Tom Walker has organized for July 25 and 26. He will post reminders on Facebook “You Know You Are From Miami Ok When…..”

FRIDAY night, July 26, graduating classes of 1950-1980 are invited to attend “The Gathering of Wardogs” evening event (buffet) at the Peoria Ridge Golf Course. Donations for the cost of the food will be accepted.

July 26-27 Miami's Heritage Fest (link) will be held on Main Street with a huge stage for performers, BBQ competition, food trucks.

July 27, SATURDAY  DOBSON MUSEUM: Jonya and I plan to be at the Dobson Museum throughout the day to host a “meet and greet”. This will be time for everyone to share their golf stories and more. Please plan to visit and stay as long as you like. Tables will be set up for sharing stories and memorabilia.

Jordan Boyd and staff will be hosting us at the Museum temporarily located on 23 North Main. 918-542-5388 or <jboyd@dobsonmuseum.com>

“A Gathering of Wardogs” luncheon buffet at the Peoria Community room, located on the old golf course land hosted by Tom Walker. Donations accepted for the meal. Time to be announced.

“A Gathering of Wardogs” dinner Saturday evening at the Peoria Ridge Golf Course.  Donations accepted for the meal with time to be announced.

Please reply to Letty Stapp Watt in Messenger unless you have my email.  

 *The golf course plans are crucial for signing up. We have only so many spaces. If we fill up by April we will ask for more tee time slots, but after that I cannot guarantee there will be more tee times available. Yes, all classmates and/or spouses are invited to play golf or simply enjoy being there. It is a reunion.    

NAME, ADDRESS, EMAIL, PHONE #

1.   July 25 golf at Shangri-la 12:00 tee time and late afternoon gathering. Yes--Your Name and how many players?

 

2.   July 26 golf at Peoria Ridge 10:00 tee time. Yes--Your name and how many players?

 

3.   July 27 Gathering from 10:00—4:00 Dobson Museum. Please plan to share memories and any memorabilia you might want to donate or share.

 

 

1969 TIMELINE AND STORIES OF THE MGCC

1969 January 3  "Vacancy on Club Board is Filled"

Bill Hirsch was elected to fill out the unexpired term of Ray Enyart, who resigned because of conflicting duties. Officers are: George Wojcik, president; John C. Elmburg, vice president; Charles Heywood, secretary-treasurer

Wendell Gentry, former chef at the local club, resumed these duties Wednesday. He succeeds Paul Eaton, who resigned to open a cafe at the former Smokehouse location on North Main. Gentry, who was in business in Arkansas after leaving Miami, was head chef at the Tulsa Country clubs for the past two years. 

1969.2.6 "Golf Events Listed for Miami Country Club"

The 1969 golf calendar for the Miami Country club has been announced by Lou Mirjanich, tournament chairman and George Wojcik, club president.

The first round of the four-ball tournament is set for April 27. Lloyd Cowgill is chairman. Pro-am competition has been set for April 28 and will be limited to the first 50 who sign up. April 29 will be the first day of play for the Twilight League wit further rounds each Tuesday for 15 weeks. Gerald Ketcher is chairman. May 17 is the date for Miami to host the Tri-club competition. Dr. W. D. Jackson is chairman.

Parent-child competition is set for June 15, with George and Noma Newman as co-chairs. The Fall Festival will be on August 16-17 with Lou Mirjanich, Georg Romick, and John Garrett as co-chairmen. The giant club invitational will be held Sept. 5,6.7 with Bill Hirsch chairman. Club championship rounds will be held Sept. 14 to Oct. 5 under the direction of Harold Barnes, chairman. Sue Barnes is the handicap chairman. The above schedule does not include Junior Golf events.

1969 March 7 "Ladies Golf"

 Mrs. Jim Rutter, president, announced the April 2 at 9:30 a.m. will be the first four golf lessons by Johnie Stapp, club pro. Hostesses were Mrs. Robert Temple, and Mrs. Kelso Berentz. The table laid with a green net cloth, was centered with an arrangement of yellow mums.

1969 March 18 Retired Gentleman needed to work in golf shop at Miami Country club, see Mr. Stapp. 

1969 March 19 "MHS Golfers Trim Memorial"

Miami high school's golf team, coached by Jack Leake, blanked Joplin Memorial golfers 13 to 0, Tuesday afternoon at the Miami Country club as the War Dogs opened their schedule.

Charles Grayson of Miami was the medalist of the competition here Tuesday. He had a card of 37-36-72, one over men's par, to give MHS four points--one as medalist and three for his 3-0 victory over Tom Fahrig. The other members of the Miami quartet also gained 3-0 victories with these scores: Mark Cordell, 41-39-80 over Dave Woolridge; Randy James, 42-42-84 over Robby Clay; Scotty Jackson 39-47-86 over Kent Blanchard.

1969 March 30  "15 Teams Enter MHS Golf Meet"

Thirteen high schools from three states will have four-man teams here March 31 for the 11th annual Miami High school Invitational golf tournament. Jack Leake, MHS golf coach said the lineup of team contenders consists of Baxter Springs, Parsons, Independence, and Coffeyville, Kan., Memorial and Parkwood of Joplin, Edison and Rogers of Tulsa, Muskogee, Pryor, Tahlequah, Nowata, Sequoyah, Oklahoma City Marshall, and Miami. 

Last year Tulsa Hale won the four-ball trophy. The two-ball trophy went to Tulsa Hale. Fred Morgan of Rogers and Richard Maril of O.C. Harding shared the medalist honors. (Rich Maril later became the PGA pro at Ponca City Country Club.)

Three members of Miami's 1968 foursome are back. They are Charles Grayson, Mark Cordell and Randy James. Senior Jack Mann was the other member of the 1968 quartet. Others available for the Miami High team includes: Scotty Jackson, Gary Neel, and Jonya Stapp, the first girl in MHS history to be a members of the Miami team. She was the winner of her matches in MHS competition with Parkwood and Memorial teams of Joplin, 

1969 March 30  "Miami Golfers Trim Memorial"

Miami high school golfers warmed up for the invitational tournament by defeating Joplin Memorial, 17-2, Friday afternoon on the local course. All six members of Coach Jack Leake's War Dog team won their matches. 

Mark Cordell won medalist honors with an 18-hole total of 78 for a 3-0 victory of Leo Quigg. Miami gained an extra point for have the medalist. The other results: Charles Grayson 86 defeated Dave Woolridge 3-0; Randy James, 84 beat Robbie Clay 3-0; Scotty Jackson 100, defeated Tom Hutchinson 2-1; Gary Neel 108 beat Larry Stewart 3-0; Jonya Stapp 109 defeated Chris DeWelt 2-1. 

1969 April "Cordell Takes Top Honors in Six Lakes Golf"

Mark Cordell of MHS was the top individual of the Six Lakes Conference golf tournaments at the Sand Springs Country club. Cordell shot a 270hole total of 37, 38, 37=112. Other War Dog scores: Charles Grayson, 125; Randy James, 127; Scotty Jackson, 134. 

1969 April 6 "Ladies' Golf Notes"

Winners in Ladies Golf flag tournament were: Evelyn Hatfield, championship; LaRue Gaines, Class A; Noma Newman, Class B; Louise Whitney, Class C. Next Wednesday's play will be from the red tees. Pairings follow:

No.1 tee--9:00 Faye Berentz, Lib Lillard, Beverly Jackson; 9:07 Yvonne Temple, Evelyn Hatfield, Ruth Heyburn; 9:14 Erin Wojcik, and Hattie Wall; 9:21 Noma Newman, Marylyn Adams, Peg Murphy; 9.28 Pauline Adkinson, Louise Whitney, Wanda Doan; 9:35 Gladyce Hirsch, Helen Stapp, Sarah Mirjanich; 9:42 Gladys Wetzel, JoAnn Burgess, Vera Elmburg, Mary Lou Wickham; 9:48 Grace Painter, Dorothy Gibson, Loraine Chumley; 9:55 Norma Nunn, Sue Enyart.

No. 6 tee-9:00 Barbara Shouse, Virginia Sapp, LaRue Gains; 9:07 Helen Jones, Joyce Rutter, Sue Barnes; 9:14 LaVon Young, Mary VanBeber, Helen Moore; 9:21 Lottie Mae Russell, Liz Hansford, Maxine Jeffries, Lois Garwood; 9:28 Mary Robinson, Mavis Ford, Rose Pratt; 9:35 Virginia Romick, Dolly Humes, Jean Phillips; 9:42 Wanda Jo Brown, Clara Barton, Nancy Johnson; 9:48 Pat Parker, Delores Renegar and Grace Burns.

1969 April 30 "James and Cordell Qualify for State Golf Tournament"

Okmulgee, Miami, Pryor and Nowata had the leading teams in the regional golf tourney Tuesday at Nowata in preparation for the state high school tournament next Tuesday in Stillwater. Okmulgee won the four-ball title with a total of 603. Pryor was second with 621. Next were Miami and Nowata, 624 each, followed by Pawhuska, Tahlequah, Jenks, Tulsa Webster, Sequoyah of Tahlequah. 

Miami's two-ball qualification for the state came on scores of 72-74-146 by Randy James and Mark Cordell for a total of 294. James won the third place medalist honor on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff. 

Scores of other three members: Charles Grayson, 155; Scotty Jackson 175; Gary Neel 189. 

1969 May 6 "Southern Hill Pro and Miami Man Win Here"

A team composed of Ken Tipton, assistant pro at Tulsa's Southern Hills, and amateur Paul Funk of the Grand Lake area, a member of the Miami Country club won first in the pro-am golf competition Monday at the Miami club with a net score of 63.

Participating in the annual event were 20 pros and 49 amateurs. Most of the pros were Oklahoman s, who are members of the Eastern chapter of the South Central Section of the PGA. Three teams tied for second with 64: Johnie F. Stapp and George Myers of Miami; Ken Carter pro at Hillcrest, Bartlesville and Joe Whipple a member of the Miami club; Jim Shelton, pro from McAlester, and Scott Myers of Miami.

The low individual pro score of 71 was shared by Stapp of Miami and Carter of Hillcrest. It was the second straight year for them to tie for low gross score with a 71. 

1969 May 14  "Lead Same in Twilight Golf"

The golf team captained by Dr. W.D. Jackson again was the leader in Tuesday competition at the Miami Country club with a net of 150. The team leads the league standings with 23 points. Other members of the top foursome are Bob Temple, Bill Oliver, and George Wojcik. Tuesday's leaders in low putts were George Romick, Harry Kenreigh, Frank Hansford, and Jerry Ketcher.

Individual leaders were: low net--David Robinson, George Myers and Ketcher, 34; low putts--Ketcher, 12 and low gross--Jackson, 36. Team leaders with designation by their captains were: M. Wojcik beat D. Mailath; K. Berentz beat D. West; G. Parker beat J. Doan; Jackson beat W. Raymond; A. Nikkel beat Al White; K. Jeffries beat D. Page; D. Neel beat E. Dudgeon.

Dana Painter Meyer shared these memories: My best and most vivid memory of my youth entered at MGC&C. I started playing golf at a very young age. I remember your dad, Johnie Stapp, made a very small set of clubs for me with wooden shafts. I can remember being in the baby end of the old pool splashing around. Dad was often on the course, but I remember him popping over and clinging to the chain link fence as he would transition from the front to the back nine ( red tees to the white tees).

Soon, I was big enough to run from my house just a few blocks away to the club, where I would spend all day with my friends including Brenda Brown and Linda Wickham. It would be golf, swim, and more golf. During the day, there would be many stops at the pro shop where your Dad was always there to get our snacks. Dr. Pepper was one of our favorites and he would ALWAYS call it prune juice. After a full day of swimming, we would play more golf or hit the putting green. We learned early not to go on the green with bare feet, as your Dad would tell us our toes would curl!  Many night were spent with Linda Wickham sitting at the bottom of the stairs to the bar waiting on our parents to walk down the steps and pick us up.  I am sure this would be considered terrible now, but it was never that long and--as all young girls do--we had plenty to chat about. 

 My mother always volunteered for the Junior Golf program. I remember making seemingly endless bagged lunches for the tournaments. Early on I would help her (at least I thought I was helping) for the boys tournaments. Later I would spot ball in the creeks or score for the events. All I now is that during that time my interests went from the cookies in the lunch bags to the cut guy golfers. 

I played in the girls tournaments. I don't remember how good I was, but I do remember my older sister, Gail, was much better. We did go to state a couple of times. I remember marveling at the course elevations-and drops in elevation--on the courses compared to our beloved nine hold course.  

1969 May 29  "Pairing Announced for Holiday Event"

Memorial Day Scotch foursomes are scheduled Friday at the Miami Country club beginning at 4:30 p.m. The charge is $1 per couple, with $2.15 for the buffet from 6:30--8:30 p.m.

Pairings: No. 1 tee--George Parker-LaRue Gaines and Bill Hatfield-Millie Carter; Charles Longenbaugh-Clara Barton and Tom Barton-Barbara Shouse.  No. 2--Don Young-Rose Pratt and Jack Doan-Claire Oliver; Don Grayson-Vera Elmburg and Jack Renegar-Stormy Lewis.  No. 3--Al White-Yvonne Temple and Jim Smallwood-Erin Wojcik. George Murphy- Mary Robinson.  No. 4--Olin Moore-Dena Anders and Hank Garwood-Marji Grayson and George Romick-Hattie Wall and Bob Temple-Lib Lillard and Dick Lillard-Grace Painter.  No. 5--John Elmburg-Marian Richards and Ray Lomax-Grace Burns. Bill Wilson-Pat Parker and Jack Burns-Hattie White. No.6--Bill Dunbar-Sarah Holmes and Chuck Chumbley-Gerry Dunbar and Bill Carteer-Evelyn Hatfield and Ken Richards-Lorraine Chumbley. Woodrow Painer-Laura Cowgill and Lloyd Cowgill-Helen Jo Painter. No.7--Tom Holmes-JoAnn Smallwood and Lou Mirjanich-Pam Lomax. H.D. Robinson-Lois Garwood and Bud Gaines-Wanda Doan.  No. 8--Bill Oliver-Helen Moore and Bernie Schaff-Cora Wilson and Corbin Shouse-Delores Renegar.  No. 9 Kermit Lewis-Virginia Romick and Bert Wall-Sara Mirjanich. Cy Elmburg-Karen Harsch and Bill Harsch-Linda Elmburg. 

 

 Randy James: I played at NEO in 1969--70.  Maybe with Jack Mann and a kid named Adkinson. The best part was, Mr. Hudspeth, the Dean of Men gave me permission to live off campus with a friend, who played football for NEO. I was given free books and tuition and played golf for the team.  Funny things you remember and don't.

1969 June 17 "The Big-I Boys Invitational" 

 1969 June 19  "Guest from Nowata Shoots Hole-in-One"

The vivid report below about one of the highlight's of Ladies Guest Day at the Miami Country club was written by one of the participants:

"When Joan Whitford of Nowata left home Wednesday morning, she didn't dream of what excitement the day would bring. The morning was gloomy--cold, and with promise of rain, and the thought of driving to Miami for the Women's guest day at the country club was less than thrilling."

"Tee-off was 9:00 am and the galaxy of gals of all ages were there to do their bit in conquering the well-known hazards of Miami Golf and Country club. The third hole, a par-three is a real challenge-through the trees and over the creek. Using her trusty five-wood she hit a sharp crisp shot--hit the pin, and wonder of all wonders--dropped in for a hole-in-one. The golfer's eternal dream of Shangri La."

"With over 100 gals in attendance, not another person even came close to such a record, but with the sun finally shining in the blue heavens, all seemed to enjoy the respite from the dreary days of the past few weeks."

1969 June 22  "Junior Golf"

Championship--Tom Cordell, low gross and low putts. Class A--Melissa Landers, low gross and low putts. Class B--Kim King and Tony Montgomery, low gross and Charles Wilmoth, Jim Arndt, and Tony Montgomery, low putts.  Girls--Dana Painter, low gross, and Karen Walters, low putts. 

Four-holes--Sandy Jackson, K Parker, Mike Hylton. Two-holes--Mary Ober and John Dick. 

1969 June 25 "Twilight Golf"

The low net score of 152 in Tuesday's Twilight league golf competition at the Miami Country club was posted by the tram consisting of G. Parker, P. Campbell, A. Williams, and Dr. McKinney. The team with the lowest putts, 60, consists of M. Wojcik, D.Barnes, Dr. Ford, and J. Ginn. 

Individual leaders were Bill Oliver, low net 33; Dr. W.D. Jackson, low gross 37 and M. Wojcik, D. Page, F. Remis and J. Hester, low putts (13 each).  The league's leading team now with 54 1/2 points, consists of Dr. Jackson, B. Temple, G. Wojcik, and B. Oliver. 

Tuesday's team results, with teams designated by their captains, follow: M. Wojcik beat D. Neel; T. Rogers beat D. Page; A. Nikkel beat Dr. Neal; W. Raymond beat E.Dudgeon; K. Jeffries beat J. Doan; A. White beat D. West; Dr. Jackson beat D. Mailath; G. Parker bet J. Mann, Jr. 

1969 June 29 "Ponca City Girl Wins Miami Golf Tourney"

Teresa Weinshilboum, 17, of Ponca City has added the championship of the Miami Junior Girls Invitational tournament to her golf honors--including the state junior girls championship in 1966 and 1967. Miss Weinshilboum carded a 43-40=83 for top honors in the 10th annual Miami Invitational Friday at the Miami Country club. This was her second appearance in the Miami meet. She finished sixth here last year, one position ahead of Miami's Jonya Stapp. Two weeks later Jonya and Teresa met in the state championship in Tulsa with Miss Stapp dethroning the two-time state champion. Jonya finished in a fourth place Friday and will defend her state title in the junior tournament July 5-11 at the Tulsa Country club. 

Diane Lukken, 17 of Tulsa Oaks club, winner of the Miami Championship the past two years, finished second this time. Suzy Wickham of Miami, whose mother--Mrs. Mary Lou Wickham served as tournament chair for the sponsoring of the Miami Ladies Golf Association--carded 47-49=96 for sixth place. Other Miami girls in A flight: Tammy Romick, 113;Nine-holes flights--Ann Cordell, 68, Dana Painter, 78, Janey Adams, 83, Jeri Dunbar, 87, Barbara Prewitt 91;  B-flight: Linda Wickham won third place  with 70; Anny Heyburn, 76, Pam Landers 77; and Debbie Austin, 83.

Personal Note: Teresa Weinshilboum (Ponca City) died in 2005 in a tragic car wreck. I thought these lines from her obituary told a beautiful story about her life and contributions to women's golf. 

 With an inviting smile, Teresa Weinshilboum began every lesson with a witty catchphrase. One of her favorites was "Tee it up and let it fly." Golf and family were Teresa's passions. A classic, classy blend of player and instructor—and loving daughter and sister—she lived up to her on-course nickname: "T-Bird."

 While a lion on the links, Teresa was always warm, gentle, and kind. These qualities, and her knowledge of the science and art of the game, made her an expert and in-demand instructor. For over 25 years, a majority of them with John Jacobs' Golf Schools in Mesa, AZ, Teresa taught both casual and seasoned golfers  Obituary

1969 July 9  "Jonya Fires Fine 82 in State Meet"

 

Oklahoma City's, Barbara Russell won the medalist honors Tuesday in the annual Oklahoma Junior Girl's golf tournament with a two-over 79. Defending champion Jonya Stapp of Miami w s runner-up with an 82. She will play Karen Edwards of Bartlesville who shot a 90. 

1969 July 11  "Jonya Stapp of Miami in State Semi-finals"

Jonya Stapp of Miami sank a 30-foot putt on the 21st hole this morning to defeat Louise Stekoll of Okmulgee and advance to the finals of the state Junior Girls Championship. 

1969 July 11  "Local Girls in Tourney"

Eight girls from Miami competed in the state Junior Golf Tournament at the Tulsa Country club this week. Defending champion, Jonya Stapp, lost to Bartlesville's Karen Edwards.
Miamian Ann Cordell won first in the nine hole B flight and Melissa Landers placed second in the nine hole A flight Gail Painter and Dana Painter also played in the nine-hole A flight competition.
Pam Landers won first in the PeeWee A flight defeating her sister, Jennifer. Suzy Wickham competed in the 18-hole A flight. 

1969 July 13 "Basolo of Muskogee Nips Oulds for Golf Title Here" 

In a sudden death playoff, John Basolo of Muskogee took championship honors Friday in the ninth annual Junior Boys Invitational Golf tournament at the Miami Country club. Basolo tied with Scott Oulds of Ponca City with a 74 before the playoff. 

Sponsored by the Miami Ladies Golf Association, the tournament attracted 77 golfers from Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Other top finishers were David Jones of Columbus, Kansas, Dana DeWitt and Mike Magill of Tulsa, and Charles Grayson and Mark Cordell of Miami. 

Other Miami boys playing: President's flight--Tom Cordell; A flight--Kenny Gibson; B flight--John Mirjanich won Low Putts, Wayne Anderson, Randy Arndt, Charles Wilmoth, Mike Hylton, Jackie Brown, Tony Montgomery and John Prewitt; C flight--Roy Ober, Dan Heyburn won Low Putts,  Kevin Wadleigh, Jim Hall.

1969 July 20 "Junior Golf"

Junior golf winners Friday at the Miami Country club were: Championship--Scotty Jackson, low gross; tom Cordell, low putts; Class A--Rebecca Mirjanich, low gross and low putts, Janey Adams, low gross, Janey and Jeri Dunbar, low putts; Four-hole--Carol McKinney and John Prewitt; Two-hole--Kathleen McKinney and Jay Jackson.

 1969 July 27  "Junior Golf Results"

 Seventy-nine boys and girls took part in the summer program, with 40 trophies being awarded following a buffet luncheon. Jonya Stapp, competing for the last time in junior programs, won her tournament championship trophy by carding a 38 even par for women on the first nine-holes and 41 on the second nine for a total score of 79.

Bill Giffhorn, who will be eligible age to compete in the junior program again next season, carded a 41-47=89 to take the boys division championship. Seventy-nine boys and girls took part in the summer program, sponsored by the Ladies Golf Association. Other boys and girls winning trophies: Championship flight--Kenny Gibson, driving and runner-up; Tom Cordell and Jonya Stapp, driving; Louis Price and Suzy Wickham, putting. Class A--Rebecca Mirjanich, winner; Melissa Landers, runner-up; Ann Cordell, driving; Kathy Mountford, putting: Class B--Wayne Anderson and Linda Wickham, winners; John Mirjanich and Brenda Brown, runners-up; Tony Montgomery and Jeri Dunbar, driving; Jim Arndt and Barbara Prewitt, putting: Four-hole--John Prewitt and Pam Landers, winners; Mike Hylton and Sandy Jackson, runners-up; Chris Atkinson and Chandy Garrett, driving; Roy Ober and Sonya Austin, putting:  Two-hole--Bobby Garwood and Jenny Landers, winners; John Dick and Debbie Jackson, runners-up; Billy Jackson and Kathleen McKinney, driving; Brent Landers and Mary Ober, putting. 

Co-chairmen of the tournament were Mrs. Lou Mirjanich and Mrs. Wayman Jackson.

1969 August 5 "Jonya Stapp Among Best Shooters in National Golf"

Jonya Stapp, 17, of Miami was among the leading scorers Monday in the opening round of the National Junior Girls golf tournament in Dallas. Miss Stapp, whose father is the golf pro at Miami Country club, carded a 79 on her 18-hole round, just two strokes behind the best score of 77, shared by Nancy Hager of Dallas, Martha Jones of Decatur, Alabama, and Hollis Stacy of Savannah, Georgia. All have won top honors in their respective states. 

 1969 August 17 "Jonya Stapp in Western Meet"

Jonya Stapp, 17, who won Oklahoma's Junior Girls Golf Championship a year ago, will compete in the 43rd annual Western Junior Girls tournament that opens Monday with qualifying rounds on the Woodland Country club course in Carmel, Indiana. 

Miss Stapp, who will be a senior this year in Miami High School, was accompanied to Carmel by her mother, Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp. 

The defending champion of the Western tournament is Mary Jan Fassinger of Pennsylvania, who was a runner-up in the recent National Girls Junior Championship at Dallas. Miss Stapp was among top 32 from the field of more than 140 girls.  

Scores in qualifying rounds at Carmel will determine assignments to flight for match play that will continue through Friday. 

Personal note: In 1969 I lived in Killeen, Texas with my husband Don Rains. Jonya came to visit each summer and winter. In between we wrote letters to each other. This letter came after she failed to qualify at the Western. She wrote in the heart--Indiana was so wonderful, everyone was pulling for me. I wish I could have won. It would have been fabulous. I don't know if I'll ever have a chance again to be a favorite to win like I did in Indiana. 

The bottom left heart reads: I got to be pretty good friends with Nancy Hager. She is the cutest thing on earth. 

The bottom right heart reads: I sprang my ankle the night before we qualified. I was so mad at myself. It was really hard to walk and qualify. It still hurts. 

 

1969 September 7  "Golf Champion"

1969 September 5 "Record Field of 164 for Miami Invitational"

Can Tommy Beck of Tulsa match the record achieved by Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill, who has won the championship invitational three times? Will Pipes add a fourth trophy to his Miami Championship string? Or will some other golfer from the all-time record field of 164 for the 14 annual meet that opens here Saturday take the 1969 crown?

Many golfers from a wide area were on the Miami course today for a practice round. Their 18-hole qualifying scores Saturday will determine assignments to six flights.

1969 September 8  "Collins of Springdale Takes Miami Golf Championship"

Dwight Collins, a clothing merchant in Springdale, Ark., won the Miami Golf Invitational defeating champion, Pursie Pipes of Mt. Vernon, Ill. on the fourth hole of a sudden death playoff Sunday afternoon. The men tied at 148 for 36 holes. Collins, formerly of Okemah, Okla., was a shortstop on the University of Oklahoma baseball team in the mid-1940's and never played golf until leaving the university. He now has been the champion at Springdale a number of times. 

Charles Strahan, a senior at Kansas State college, was a stroke behind the top tow with a 147 for third place.In a three-way tie for fourth place here Sunday were former Miamian, Bob Hill, Jr., of Parsons, Kans., 148, Chi Galloway and Bob Klein of Miami each with a 148. Next in championship flight were Dick Neel, 150; Bill Harsch, 153; Dr. W.D. Jackson, 153; Bob Snook, 153; Lloyd Tate, 156; Kent Jeffries, 158; Woody Painter, Jr., 162.

Other Miamians playing: President's flight--2nd place John Robinson, Jr., 159; John Robinson, Sr., 161; Tom Cordell, 163; Tom Forbes, 163, Jack Doan, 163; Dick Lowry, 165; Joe Whipple, 166, Corbin Shouse, 169, Mark Wojcik, 177.

First Flight: 1st place, Steve Conatser, Bartlesville with a 164; Dr. W.D. Neal, 165; Dick Lillard, 168; Delmer Barnes, 169; Ed Dudgeon, 179; Bud May, 172; Maj. Gen. George G. Russell, Jr., Ft. Sill, 175; Bill Hirsch, 177; Scott Myers, 180.

Because of a late start the remaining flights only played 9 holes Sunday for a 27-hole round. Second Flight: 1st, Al White, Woodrow Painter, George Wojcik, Lou Mirjanich, David Robinson, John Elmburg, Bill Hatfield, Dr. R.R. McKinney.  Third Flight--1st, Jerry Blevins, Rex Painter, Dr. Harry Ford, Henry Garwood, Dan Mailath, John Garrett, George Romick, Jim Rutter, K.C. Jeffries. Fourth flight--John Burford, Bill Oliver, Bob Garwood, Jack Brown, H.D. Robinson, Dail West,

1969 September 21 "Best in Tournament"

 1969 October 19  "Jonya Rated No. 16 Among U.S. Junior Girl Golfers"

Jonya Stapp of Miami is ranked No. 16 among the nation's junior girl golfers by "Golf-USA," a national magazine for country clubs, amateur golfers and club professionals. Jonya, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnie F. Stapp, 209 H northeast.

The  cover page of the October issue features a picture of Janey Fassinger of New Wilmington, Pa., acclaimed the nation's No. 1 junior girl golfer Next in order of the magazine's ratings were Nancy Hager, Dallas; Hollis Stacy, Savannah, Ga.; Martha Jett, Little Rock; Martha Jones, Alabama; Suzanne Jackson, Georgia; Jane Renner, California; Sandra Baker, Ohio; Sue Dougherty, Washington; Paula Eger, Missouri; Debbie Grove, California; Teresa Weinshilboum, Ponca City (who regained the Oklahoma title last summer after losing to Jonya in the 1968 championship match); Debbie Skinner, California; Cindy Barnard, Missouri; Mary Budke, Oregon; Susie Long, Texas; Jonya Stapp; Laura Baugh, California. Diane Lukken of Tulsa, former champion of Miami Junior girls tournament, received honorable mention. 

1969 November 30  "Jaynes To Observe Anniversary at Tea"

 Miami Jaycee Jaynes will look fondly back at past achievements and look enthusiastically at the future as they observe their 20th anniversary at a tea on Sunday, December 7. A special invitation is extended to all local past presidents,state presidents, and vice-presidents to the tea set for 3:00-5:00 pm at the Miami Country club. 

Trophies will be on display as well as scrapbooks and dresses of the 1950 period, the organization date. Ottawa County's new Junior Miss, talented Debbie Ginn, and two runners-up, Debbie Hudspeth and Starr Erwin, will appear on the program. 

Mrs. L.J. Bamberl, Jr. is current Jayne president. Lois Weston (KI 2-6291) and Jud Trenery (KI 2-6848) will take reservations. 

Ottawa County Sports Heroes