Readers Remember

In 1956, I founded and built El Caballero Country Club in the San Fernando Valley. It was the nation’s first nonsectarian, nonprofit, member-owned golf and social club.

Most golf courses before that date were private country clubs operating in an openly discriminatory manner. They rejected applicants for membership on the basis of race, ethnicity, religious heritage, national origin and gender.

Being of Jewish heritage, I resented such mindless bigotry. Accordingly, the organization’s bylaws, which I prepared, laid out the qualifications for membership based on personal characteristics over which people do have control: education, social conduct, community activities, business or professional reputation, philanthropy, etc.

I take great pride in that accomplishment.

BERNARD M. SHAPIRO

Westlake Village

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One last hurrah for Uncle Charlie Vincent, who died Nov. 5 at the age of 107. What a guy!

For the past 30 years, he alone kept his house in Ohio neat and clean, in good repair. Three weeks before his death, he was up on the roof making sure it would weather the approaching winter.

Every day Uncle Charlie walked two miles to have lunch with those in awe of his stamina. To go farther distances, he drove--without glasses.

Uncle Charlie was buried 100 feet from the house where he was born. May he rest in peace!

JANE McCANN

Yucca Valley

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The editors of The Times thank all the readers who so enriched the “Stories That Shaped the Century” series with their important and meaningful memories. More than 2,000 people submitted personal stories; we were able to publish only a tiny fraction of them.