The 30's
The Oakwood Realty Company was created in September, 1930, for the purpose of acquiring property north of the club—which was reportedly to become a turkey farm if the club failed to buy it. A group of members purchased stock in the corporation with the understanding that Oakwood itself would later buy the land from them. Bert Berkowitz was the club president and also the leader of the group which established the realty company. A few decades later, the Club’s succeeding boards had not seen fit to buy the land and it was sold to interests which developed the Spofford Home. Considering that in the fall of 1930 the club had dues income from 160 regular members and assorted others of under $31,000 annually, it was clearly untimely to spend the club’s resources on land, but a written agreement might have avoided the frustration of those who thought they had stepped forward to save the club at some cost to themselves.In 1932, Bunny Torpey was named head professional, with permission to occupy a small house at the northwest corner of the Club’s property. Although it seems inconceivable today, his salary was $50 per month, and he was happy to have a job in golf in those days. He was a personable 5-foot 6-inch man who taught many young Oadwoodians the game and made a name for himself as a fine golfer—spending a few winter months on the struggling PGA golf tour of the early 30’s. Torpey was with Oakwood for 25years; he was twice elected President of the Midwest Section of the PGA.
At one time, Torpey held the course record at Oakwood with a 64, and he was ranked the best professional player in the area in 1935-1936.
In 1934 one of his pupils, Eddie Guettel, reached the semi-finals of the Missouri State Championship.
In 1935, the Missouri Women’s Golf Association was revived after a 12-year hiatus, with Oakwood one of twenty charter members.
In 1936, P.L. Pepper came to Oakwood to serve as greenskeeper. His wife, Jean, had been a City Champion, while playing from Swope Park. She won three women’s city titles and three Missouri State titles. In 1938, David Benjamin topped the Oakwood tennis ladder, with Lester Blender second.
In 1938, a third Men’s City Championship was held at Oakwood; it was won by Walter Blevins. Mrs. Harry Terte served as sports chairman of the Women’s Golf Association of Kansas City.
Oakwood continued o struggle through the difficult economic years of the 1930’s by restricting budgets tightly. In 1939, the proposed budget for Greens and Grounds was $9,200 and projected total income was $39,000.
On the west and south sides of the clubhouse there were several cottages, used in the summer by members who had them built two or more decades earlier. In 1939, a pool was built by member subscription, for about $14,500.
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