Mineola

Written accounts of the very earliest activities of the Mineola Country Club are not to be found in any of the records now on file. However, consultation with the Lotts and the Collinses, long-time members, does throw some light on the subject

Mr. Harry Meredith and Dr. T.B. Reed started working on the project of a Country Club in about the year 1925. In the late 1920's, those interested in the plans purchased from the Jennings family, their old home place on 83 acres of land, former location of the Jenning's Dairy, and before that the property of the Ray family. The transaction involved a down payment, plus regular installments for some years into the future. Compliance with the latter proved to be most difficult.

The old home served as the first club house. The ladies' bridge group played on the screened front porch, east side of the house.

There was no keeper for a number of years, but a man was hired to take care of the greens and fairways.

John McReynolds laid off the golf course, with sand greens. Nobody knew how to play, and there was no teacher for several years; nevertheless, the game went on. Not only that, but tournaments with players from other towns were held for both men and women. When Taylor Greer, Dr. Reed and H.O. Rogers appeared on the course attired in knickers, Howard Lott was so shocked that he gave up golf—almost. He transferred his interest to a swimming pool, and in 1934 there was a swimming pool built with $18,000 borrowed from Mineola Federal Savings and Loan. Non-members of the club were permitted to use the pool for a fee of 35¢ apiece per swim.

According to one observer, if a Mineolan had need of a doctor in those days, his best bet was to go to the golf course to consult Doctors Buchanan and Reed. Also, John Shipp ran a drug store (at the present location of Jim Rogers) where golfers came to buy balls, clubs, and other equipment. The swinging and testing of golf clubs sometimes proved hazardous to the merchandise.

Other club activities included family suppers, with food prepared by the members, and 4^th of July picnics, to which Taylor Greer always brought a supply of Dr. Pepper, product of his bottling works.

The date given for the incorporation of the Mineola Country Club is January 16, 1932, but the earliest minutes of record are dated January 12, 1934 and there are many skips in the records that do exist. On the other hand, I find extra copies of many records. For instance, there are 11 copies of the minutes of the directors meeting on July 8, 1969, and 29 copies of the membership list of 1969.

The first directors were: Harry W. Meredith (President), Dr. T.B. Reed (Vice-President), Taylor Greer (Secretary), H.G. Puckett, Leonard Bruner, Dr. A.P. Buchanan, G.N. York, and Miles Caudle.

Lack of money was the big headache, and every idea imaginable was advanced to cope with the situation. At their very first recorded meeting the directors sought to determine a method by which the club might become eligible for aid from “C.W.A.” in the way of workmen, material, etc. to complete and beautify the golf course. It being evident, according to reports from a committee who had consulted authorities in Austin, that a project receiving that aid must be a political subdivision such as city, school, etc., the directors voted that the club, ofr $10.00 and other considerations, lease to the City of Mineola for a period of 10 years, its property for park purposes. A committee was appointed, and allowed $25.00 for expenses to go to Austin and perfect the plans for this arrangement. I regret to state that the outcome of this effort is not recorded. However, it obviously was not carried out, and the club continued to struggle.