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ORIGIN OF THE SAN DIEGO INDOOR SPORTS' CLUB

What does the San Diego Indoor Sports' Club mean? — what is its origin? — its history?

 

It all began with a radio announcer by the name of  C. Allison Phelps from Culver City. Because Phelps had a broken leg and was confined to his home, the radio station set up a remote control system at home whereby he could continue his broadcasting. He read poetry and bits of wisdom for an hour each day. As he did this from his bed, he began to think of the many people who were permanently disabled and never got away from home. He told his shut-in listeners that if they were interested in corresponding with each other, he would help them out with the cost of postage and envelopes. The response was tremendous!! Through the exchange of greetings among Phelps and his listeners, a bond of friendship began without people having even met each other. One of the young girls, Edna Enoch, who was bedfast, suggested that a club be organized. When Phelps announced this over the air, suggestions for names poured in. The name that was selected was the Indoor Sports' Club, because of the members being indoors most of the time. Thus, in April, 1930, G. Allison's Indoor Sports' Club was organized.

 

At the suggestion of Claude Wheeler and other Indoor Sports, a sponsor Club known as the Good Sports was organized.

 

It was all during this year, 1930, that I, Sunshine Adams, being bedfast with a heart ailment, listened to all the happy times the groups were having in Los Angeles, and having written many letters to G. Allison and some of the Indoor Sports, decided that as soon as I was well again I would set about forming a group here in San Diego.

 

It was in April, 1931, that I was well enough to plan a luncheon for the first Good Sports; Mrs. Don Homer, Mrs. W.N. Douglas, Mrs. Nell Roberts and myself.

 

I shall never forget what a beautiful day it was and such a happy one. Our aim was to find a few Indoor Sports here that we might visit, write to, and have a small party for once a month. Our only desire was to bring happiness to someone who did not get out too often.

 

The three asked me to write to C. Allison and find out if there were any Indoor Sports from San Diego. The answer came back promptly with these names: Josephine Anderson, Margaret Funcheon, Eva Cromwell of San Diego, and Charles Boyd of El Cajon.

Our first act was to call on Josephine Anderson, and she was delighted with our plan.

At first we had no organization. Then several people decided to open their homes for a party. Then they called on their friends who were interested to donate cakes and cookies. We also made arrangements for the Indoor Sports to be brought to the party which we held there in the afternoon.

After the first two parties, Forrest Warren became interested in the Club and with his well-timed publicity and pictures, membership in both clubs grew very rapidly. From the beginning there was a sweetness of fellowship that created friendships that have lasted down through the years.

 

The first party for Indoor Sports (February, 1932) was held in the home of Mrs. Nellie Roberts, Wellington Steward, Eva Cromwell, and Margaret Funcheon attended. The Good Sports were Mrs. Nell Homer, W.M. Douglas, Helen Owens, Mrs. Yancy Adams, and Mrs. Roberts. The Emery Ambulance Company brought Margaret Funcheon from National City.

 

In June, 1932, we met at the home of Josephine Anderson to organize the ladies into groups for the June, July, and August parties coming up. The summer of 1932 was indeed a happy one for both groups. There have been many pleasant trips planned for Indoor Sports: trips to Los Angeles, boat rides over San Diego Bay, trips to Catalina Island, fish fries, beach parties, picnics in the country, theater parties, weddings, and trips to the World's Fair in 1935 and 1936.

 

San Diego Good Sports became an organization on November 8,1933, and our first officers were these Jack Neill, Sr., President; Florence Giles Vice President; Edith Anderson Secretary; Mary Applegate Treasurer; Archie Cairns, Agnes Chandler, and Mr. Merkley, Directors.

 

As the months turned into years, the two organizations grew, and as the membership got larger, it became necessary to have a larger place to meet. Through the efforts of Forrest Warren's publicity, donations of money and labor were offered from the public, and the property at 3030 Front Street (the present site of the San Diego Indoor Sports' Club) was purchased and a clubhouse was constructed. In 1937, Josephine Anderson was elected the first president; Henry Williams, Vice President; Jack NeiIl, Jr., Treasurer; and Marjorie Sies, Secretary of the San Diego Indoor Sports' Club.

 

In November of 1950, a Day of Thanksgiving was celebrated, and the San Diego Indoor Sports' and Good Sports had their first party in their new clubhouse. They have met on the fourth Sunday from September through April of every month since that day, except for the months of May, June, November, and December they meet on the third Sunday. Each Club has its separate officers and bylaws, with the Good Sports always working for the good of the Indoor Sports. They are both nonprofit organizations and rely on the money they make from fund raising events and donations to operate the club.

 

Compiled by Good Sports Sunshine Adams (Mrs. Yancy Adams) early 1950's

Recompiled by Indoor Sports - Maude Whiting, with help from

Indoor Sports - Marjorie Dillon in September, 1982.

Recompiled by Indoor Sports - Lee Wolf in 2001

 

NOTE. May we ever strive to work for the good of all, that we create all the joys and happiness it is in our power to give. May this history, brief as it is, bring to you who came into the groups down through the years, the smiles, the tears, the hopes and the efforts of those, who, one by one, leave their footprints in the sand of time.