From the archives of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library:
A number of us cherish delightful memories of enjoying time on a miniature golf course, navigating whimsical obstacles and challenging traps in our pursuit of a hole-in-one.
The earliest documented course, termed a Gofstacle, was initially mentioned in 1912, although it largely functioned as a reduced-scale version of a standard golf game.
In 1926, Garnet Carter conceptualized what eventually became known as Tom Thumb Golf in Georgia, USA; in contrast to earlier versions of mini-golf, this included more playful, fantastical features. With its diversions, ornaments, and sculptures, it mirrored the game as we recognize it today, leading to a rapid surge in popularity. Carter secured a patent for the game and franchised it. It became a phenomenon throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s; by 1930, the USA alone was home to an estimated 25,000 Tom Thumb Golf courses.
Sault Ste. Marie was not exempt from the excitement. Soon, local plans evolved to construct a Tom Thumb Golf Course on the International Hotel Grounds at Queen and Bruce, the site of a catastrophic fire that consumed the building in 1916. The course was expected to feature 18 holes, artificial turf, and parking for several hundred vehicles. Governed by Mr. M Frankel, it promised to be “the finest [course] this side of Florida.”
Originally scheduled to launch on Saturday, July 26, 1930, the grand opening was moved to one day earlier due to early completion of construction. The inaugural game was contested between Mayor Jack McLarty and notable Rotarian Bill Marshall.
Bill Marshall was confident in his miniature golfing skills; he familiarized himself with the course beforehand and told the Sault Daily Star, “I don’t require any practice to defeat the mayor in that game.” However, his confidence might have been somewhat misplaced, as the mayor defeated him 88 to 114.
The management of the Tom Thumb Golf Course knew precisely how to attract crowds, hosting fundraisers for Rotary Day and offering prizes; in one contest, they presented $5 in gold to the competitor with the lowest score that week. In August 1930, they promoted free miniature golf for children under the age of fifteen for one morning… and were inundated with participants.
As reported by the Sault Daily Star, “Approximately 300 children surged into the course’s entrance this morning and overwhelmed the peewee greens, to the dismay of those trying to maintain the smoothness of the greens. Most of the youngsters weren’t content with merely one round, which contributed to the chaos. Two policemen were necessary to maintain order in the queue at the entrance, and in doing so, they inadvertently broke a portion of the fence.”
As much as it was adored by children, the Tom Thumb course was also appreciated by adults. The Sault Daily Star remarked that it was “seeing considerable use from the female participants,” who found success with “a broom-swinging stance.” The columnist observed, “if it helps keep our grandmothers off the corners and out of the pool rooms, all the better.”
Nonetheless, there were some who were displeased with the golf course’s popularity, particularly on Sundays. Some contended that, similar to many other establishments, it should close on Sundays. Others argued there should be no disparity in treatment between Tom Thumb courses and traditional golf courses, which were permitted to remain open.
The Lord’s Day Alliance petitioned the city council to close the golf course on Sundays; however, this request was ultimately refused because it would necessitate altering the license the council had initially provided to the course.
The fervor for miniature golf was so significant that a second course opened shortly after, in August 1930, called the Golfette. Situated at the Old Stone House, it sparked some confusion during construction, with at least one visitor to Sault Ste. Marie asking if the excavation was in pursuit of hidden historic treasures. It wasn’t… but the digging inadvertently uncovered the remains of a stone wall that had once served as a jail cell.
The Golfette offered afternoon tea, live entertainment, a dance floor, and additional amenities. In its advertisements, it promoted itself as “enhanced miniature golf.” Similar to Tom Thumb, it featured eighteen holes, but these were “original” and “[offered] the golfer food for thought, along with the chance to display real putting skills.” Regular tournaments boasted rewards like “a genuine Algoma turkey,” silk stockings, chocolates, potatoes, bacon, coal, sugar, ham, and similar items.
Ultimately, the miniature golf sensation of the 1930s would subside but not entirely. Courses would continue to emerge, enjoyed by players young and old, albeit likely not with the same fervent popularity experienced by Tom Thumb and the Golfette.
Each week, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and its Archives extend a glimpse into the city’s history for SooToday readers.
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