America Bound

“He came to America to see if he could advance himself” says Magdalene “Joyce” Miller, the oldest of his two daughters, both of whom live in Columbus. “The war was over. Instead of going home to England, he decided to come to America.” He came to Staten Island, N.Y. to live with his sister, Lucy and her family. In New York, Haskins did a little bit of everything. He worked for his brother-in-law Walter, who was in the import/export business. He tarred roofs. He cut hair. He even gave indoor golf lessons at a golf school in New York City.

“He was determined he wasn’t going back home” says Mary Fay “Paddy” Blackmar, his youngest daughter. He eventually found work at a golf course called St. Georges in Long Island, NY and it was there, at last, that he found his calling. From St. Georges, Haskins went to Grosse island Club in Dearborn, Michigan, and from there to East Lake Country Club in Atlanta in November of 1921. 

Excerpt from:

Steve Adameck Article

Ledger Enquirer Newspaper

June 30th 1985

“There is a new addition to the Atlanta golfing colony out at the east Lake Country Club in the person of Fred Haskins. Mr. Haskins just arrived a few days ago, to take up his position of assistant to Stewart Maiden, who is one of the most widely known professionals in the United States. The newcomer is an Englishman, and only a short time ago arrived in the United States. Mr. Maiden is also a native of the British Isles and the two should make a great team. Mr. Haskins is already at work, and making friends by the score.”

Excerpt from:

Atlanta Georgian Newspaper

1921