MONDAY MUSINGS: GOLF

1938 caddying for all the top players in the PGA, my Father, Ivon (that was his signature on his artwork and what everyone called him) in his glory. Next to Ruthy and Nena, his wife and daughter….it was his life and he excelled at it, but then he was a natural born athlete. Being the daughter, and only child of a major jock, I learned at a very early age if I wanted to spend special time with my Daddy, I needed to love sports as well. I can assure you I have no athletic prowess what so ever but do love to attend or watch sporting events, especially football (my favorite) and golf….I spent many hours walking golf courses as well as going to see the Bears and Cubs, with him, we were “North Siders” after all!!!!. As much as he loved playing he never wasn’t there for his family. He would play early matches and be home early….he even played with colored balls in the winter.  We would stop at the golf range to hit a few buckets of balls on weekends, it was across the street from Indian Boundery Park, we were there all the time.  In addition, I went with him to play the Evanston Community Course, now Canal Shores Golf Course on Central Street, a course, I thought was fairyland with its water features and charming set up. Still there after a century and being rehabilitated,

He was working on plans and a patent for a new driver that he felt would revolutionize the sport when he died suddenly in 1957.

 

A mocked up photo (I can’t imagine what he would have done with today’s technology)….fooling around while taking the sport very seriously, same year 1938.

He won so many trophies year after year the organizations retired them.  For years he had been asked to go Pro.  He finally decided he would and we would relocate to Texas, having spent many summers, when I was a child, in Midland with relatives for my health, it seemed the logical location.  Having said good bye to our friends we left for West Texas and Daddy would go back to Evanston and sell the house, etc.  All I can say is when we stepped off the train we realized we were making a very big mistake, stayed for 2 weeks and came back home!!!!!  The golfing didn’t stop, but the thought of going pro did!  He didn’t regret his decision at all.

A couple of trophies I found at The Green Doorat Randolph Street Market My photos.

And one very similar to those Daddy won…photo found on Pinterest.  

One year he had a custom hand-tooled leather golf bag made at a Midland saddle shop, known for their fabulous boots (yes, I had them in white!!!!)  I gave the bag and all his wooden shaft clubs to a dear friend who adored my father and golf….wonder if he still uses them!!!!! Below a similar bag I found on Pinterest

A few more photos of him in action…these from 1929, he was so young…center photo from 1938…love that he is perfectly dressed, I can’t recall many golfers in blazers, shirt, tie and pocket square….oh, did I mention he was a fabulous dresser….I loved going shopping with him to help add to his wardrobe (did that with Mom as well….)

And here with some of his chums, circa mid-1940’s….love the cap (not really) and not my favorite photo of him….but here you see one of his trophies. They were stunners. Many sterling, some silver plate, all engraved. One of our housekeepers decided she liked them so much she decided to take them!  Sad but true….at least I can picture them in my mind. A bit of golf history…it seems it’s origin is China, not Scotland, although it is most certainly the Scots who can lay claim to it’s popularity.

A few golf paintings of Scottish and English scenes and golfers.

From the oldest golf club in England, Royal Blackheath Golf Club, Henry Callender,Love this by Norman Rockwell. 

What you say, where are the ladies…..here you go, can you imagine playing any sport in these garments….seriously!!!!!

 

All the photos of Ivon from my scrapbooks all others unless, otherwise noted, found on Pinterest photo credits unknown.

                                              FROM NENA’S RECIPE BOX

DADDY’S SATURDAY NIGHT CREPES

1/2 cup flour

1 Tablespoon sugar

4 eggs

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup water

4 shakes Angostura bitters (Daddy always included bitters in his recipes, it’s what makes all the difference!!)

Usually does 6 crepes in an 8-10 inch pan…move in a small pan  best to serve immediately.

Either mix until fluffy or put into a blender. He always used a cast iron skillet generously buttered. Pour thin layer into hot pan…let get golden then quickly flip.  All goes quickly…first crepe is usually a throw away.

I always liked mine with butter and sugar then rolled, Mom and Dad often did jam.  We also did a creamed chicken or shrimp (or lobster) filling for savory crepes.  I like to do a cream filling with salmon caviar for a starter at a formal dinner party….my wine of choice, champagne or my new favorite Haute Couture Bubbles (served at the nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club).  Enjoy!