I was born in Jenkins, Kentucky on June 28, 1920. When I was six months old we moved back to Rutherford County, North Carolina. I grew up in Rutherford County.
I left home when I was 12 years old to work in the home of a private family. I worked and lived near Forest City, North Carolina with the family for a couple of years. I was making a $1 a week.
Then I left for Marion, North Carolina to work for another family and I was earning about $1 – $2 a week. I was trying to better my life and send money back to support my family.
When I was 15, I left North Carolina for New York to work for a new family. I was able to learn about life in the big city. I worked for a buisnessman and his family and was able to listen and learn about business and industry from being in his home.
During the 1930’s I visited golf courses and was caddying for .50 cent for nine holes and $1 for 18 holes. I was interested in golf and would play swing with the clubs. I was told, “Leave the clubs alone because you will never learn how to play golf.”
I have always been a quick learner and interested about learning different things. My desire to learn more about golf was put away during this time, but the fire would always burn deep inside.
When I was working in New York I was able to earn up to $10 a week. Then World War II broke out. In 1944, I left for Baltimore to work at the Baltimore Harbor, building ships for the war industry.
I also got m
arried to my life long partner, my wife Estelle who grew up in Wilson, North Carolina. I was love struck and we married shortly thereafter meeting and began a family. We lived in Baltimore and had three children Natasha, Jacob, Jr. and Francesca.
After the Allies won the war on V-Day I left the docks. I went in business for myself. I had a grocery store, restaurants and a thriving bread business. I worked day and night as a small business owner trying to put food on the table. I took care of my wife and children off my income.
My company was known as Daddy Logan Bread Company. I chose this business name because of the charisma and popularity of “Sweet Daddy Grace”, a preacher that I admired.
I operated my bread business for 11 years. I had 17 trucks and employed over 25 people. I also gave several families assistance by helping those in need. I supported two bands that provided entertainment for neighborhood families and children. Many of the artists that played in the bands came from the same neighborhoods they performed.
I was succesful in the bread business until the 1968 riots came through Baltimore. Most of the stores that purchased my bread where burned down. I had to adapt so I had grocery stores on wheels. I had 10 of my trucks refitted to include shelves so I could sell different food stuffs.
In 1993, I finally retired at the age of 73 years old. After retirement I was trying to figure out what to do next with my life. I was in good health and sound mind. I was watching Oprah Winfrey’s show on television and Tiger Woods was talking about his golf career.
I remembered how much I enjoyed watching golf when I was younger caddying and how I always wanted to learn how to play. I was listening to Tiger Woods and he said, “You do not have to go to school to be a good golf player.” His words stuck with me, because I never finished school. He kept talking about applying yourself and being dedicated to fine tuning your skills. I had a good friend of mine named Mr. Jim, who used to work with the Baltimore Orioles, show me the correct swing motion and teach me the basic course rules.
Since, I left home and school so young, I figured I might be able to learn how to play golf and develop a good game. I began practicing in the yard around my home. I would watch golf on television and listen to different pointers. I began visiting the local golf course and listening and learning more each day.
Since, I was retired I had all day and night to eat, sleep and dream golf. I continued learning more and more until I bettered my game and skill. After 14 years of learning and building my game, I now play wherever and whenever. If someone my age wants to play I look forward to having a good time and a friendly challenge. I rarely, come across 87 year old golfers who are in the shape I am in and able to endure 18 holes of golf.
I play in all condiitons, except for extreme cold and wet weather. Yet, if there is a little drizzle going over head and they haven’t closed the course, I usually stay out there and continue to play through.
This is my website for other seniors or retirees to enjoy and be inspired.
I learned to play at 73 years old, so can you!
You are never too old to learn and have a golf game!