Contests & Winners

How many original 1928 greens and tees are still in play?

June 2008 .

17 of the original 18 greens still exist (old #7 is the only one missing). 16 of the original tees are still in play, though some of the hole numbers and yardages are different. Several people guessed one or the other. Willie Takacs was the only person to guess BOTH correctly. See the picture below:

How much was a hand pump for a well drilled for JW Butler in 1937?

September 2007 .

The winner was Burt Rice. It was $10.00.
Click to see the invoice.

Ralph's grandfather, Charles Nill, had a small business in McKeesport on Walnut St at Spring St. -- what was it?

August 2006 .

The winner was Chris Pignoli. It was a shoe store.

Click for a larger image.
Many people guessed Nill's Bakery, which was on Rt. 30 and was owned, we understand, by a distant cousin. Others guessed Nill's Candy, which was on 5th Ave near delicious Minerva bakery. That was owned by Ralph's father, Henry. Henry bought it from his uncles. It had a realllllly scrumptious aroma and a cool old elevator. We don't know much about the shoe store.

What was painted on the roof of 700 Walnut St. in 1925?

September 2005 -- Thank you to all entrants -- nobody guessed entirely correctly. That's not surprising, so we'll award prizes to three people whose combined answers solve the mystery.

The roof said Ford McKeesport, and there was a large arrow that pointed to Bettis Field. Click here to see a photo. Lauren & Adam S. guessed that an ARROW pointed toward the airport at what is now the golf course. John Ross remembered the Chrysler CAR DEALERSHIP with the showroom on the first floor (Ford was first). Tim Fenton knew that it was popular at the time to paint TOWN names, mileage to airports, and even compasses on roofs. Other guesses included a strawberry, a chicken, a robot, a golfer, wording to "Golf at Butler's", and even "Vote for Coolidge"! Thanks to everyone for participating. Each of the three winners above can pick up two 9-hole passes in the Golf Shop.

What animal did Uncle Theodore Butler allow to run on the roof of the McKnight house?

August 2005 -- Thank you to all 73 entrants -- 14 people guessed correctly.

The winner was Robyn T. Theodore raised chickens upstairs. Perhaps his olfactory system was not very sensitive (quite a smell!). He opened the door in the dormer for the peeps to run. Many people guessed raccoons, squirrels, bears, rabbits, ducks, cats, mice, goats, groundhogs, and even pigeons. Click here to see the balcony.

Guess the yardage of old #9

July 2005 -- Thank you to all 64 entrants -- 9 people guessed correctly.

The winner was Larry B., who responded in the first ten minutes! Before our third nine was added in 1963, old #9 began at the current #8 tee on Woodside and ended at the current #9 green. It was 605 yards. Old #6 was 600 yards. Click here to see the pre-1963 scorecard.

Tall Tale (Fish Story)

April 2005 -- Thank you to all entrants -- we had a good time reading these!

The winner, with a creative story tailored to Butler's, is: Bob R. He earned a free 9-hole round and a $10 restaurant gift certificate. Runner-up is Carol S., with a strong women's vote. Special thanks to Lucas Van Der Geest and snopes.com for the added details.