Wakefield, Michigan
on a Warm, Misty Night

By Mike Ardelean
WSHPA member, Lake Orion TD
and 2001 WT participant

On Saturday, July 28, I headed off to Hibbing, Minnesota, at 9:15 a.m. from Auburn Hills, Michigan. After about 10 hours, I knew I would have to stop somewhere for the night. Being unfamiliar with the Upper Peninsula, I didn't know where that would be. It was getting to be about a quarter to eight and the rain was just coming down in a fine mist when all of a sudden I saw off to the right a sign saying, "Bingo's Bar & Motel."

I noticed many people out in the semi-circle layout near their cars. Off to the right was the office. It was dark inside and obviously not open. Looking back over at the people, I saw many children, too. They didn't seem to mind the drizzle. That prompted me to ring the doorbell anyway. After several attempts and no response, I returned to my car. I needed something from my trunk so I spent a moment and all of a sudden a lady appeared walking toward me. She asked me what I needed and I said, "A room, please." She said to wait while she opened the office. In her house-like office she asked if I would not mind the "noise," saying there was a large family reunion of people from North Dakota and Michigan. I said, "No problem." She gave me the last room at her going rate of $30.00 and a key. (Room 19, by the way).

The purpose of my trip came up in conversation, and the lady quickly mentioned she sponsors one of the best pitchers in the state. I asked who that was and she replied, "Ray Hill" "Ray Hill?" I answered. "Why, he holds records in Michigan that have not been broken," I said. She smiled in agreement. She said he pitches in their league and plays every Tuesday night. I inquired about his age, and she said he was over 80.
She asked if I would be paying with Master Card or Visa. I said neither. "Cash." She smiled and said "That would be better."

As I drove around the courtyard to the room, I had to finagle my car in a place somewhat near the door. As I exited the car, several guys greeted me and asked me about my horseshoe signage on my

car. They excitedly told me there were pits right behind the motel. I was amazed at their jubilance. One gentleman, Terry Richardson, invited me to attend their banquet, which was about to get underway. I said, "No, but thank you," not wanting to intrude. He insisted, and I joined them in the banquet room off the bar after I had put my luggage and a pair of horseshoes in the room. I had shown them the horseshoes briefly in our conversation.

As I entered the "Bar," I was greeted by an older gentleman named Eugene, nicknamed "Bingo." He made me feel quite welcome and proudly boasted of his horseshoe league, Ray Hill, and all the trophies prominently displayed. I told him I had never met Ray Hill, but had once been state secretary and knew of his amazing accomplishments. He smiled and we laughed together about the coincidences.

Again, Terry came out to the bar and invited me join the banquet. I did and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was introduced to the roomful of people as a horseshoe pitcher on my way to big event.

I went back to my car and grabbed my camera and took many shots of the group and of the owners, Eugene and Charlotte Vittone, then headed off to bed.

I left in the morning after a restful night and with the weather being better, said "Goodbye" to all the people and thanked them for their hospitality.

After the tournament I made a point of timing my return trip to stop again at "Bingo's." This time the semi-circle was empty and the bar was closed! It was only 11:15 a.m. I saw another building that had a door open and noticed two gas pumps up near the building. Needing fuel I backed up to a pump and out the door comes Eugene! He asked me how I had done and provided me with some gas. His bar didn't open till later, but he recommended "Antonio's" just 18 miles down the road for a good meal.

I thanked him and took him up on his recommendation.


Dean's note: Everyone has more than one good horseshoe pitching story. Please write it down as Mike has done, and I'll take care of the rest. Send by e-mail to deanMschmitz@cs.com or mail to me at the address on the Ringer Report cover. Also, send me copies of articles about horseshoe pitching that appear or have been in your local newspaper.