Luke’s Vision

Long before indoor horseshoe courts in New York were even imagined, Melvin “Luke” Luther knew that someday a first class indoor facility would occupy part of the land he owned in Groton. He didn’t know how or when, but he knew for sure it would happen. He was willing to donate the land and participate in the formation of something no one in N.Y. had any expertise in. His reasoning was, with the short summer season, the indoor concept was really needed, and Groton is centrally located.

At first his enthusiasm inspired just a few, but gradually more and more joined in and eventually the Tri-County Horseshoe Club was formed. About that time, Ed Barrett started “The Pits” in the Binghamton area. Luke heard about it and along with several others from the Groton area participated in league play and tournaments. Consulting with Ed he learned the financial aspect would be the toughest obstacle to hurdle. “If you ever want to make money, you won’t make with indoor Horseshoes.” Ed said. In spite of these words of caution, Ed and others, including George Lovel, and Charlie Reigles, encouraged Luke to go forward with the Groton courts.

He realized it would be crucial to have a membership willing to participate and be wholly devoted to the success of the club. Key players like Gary Mandino, Bill Peterson, Greg Wiley, Gary McKay, Harry and Bonnie Lukasavitch, and Alan Overbaugh, to name a few, came on board. No stone was left unturned to meet the money requirements, all members had a voice, all ideas were considered and to this day, this philosophy remains the key ingredient.

Current President, Tom Sheffler, financial guru, Rich Andrews, Vice President Jim Toolan, Secretary Bill Hornbuckle, Tournament Director Eric Conrad, Editor April Scheffler, Bud Devlen, Dan Ough, Starry Sherwood, Gregg Wiley, Phil Woodin Jesse Wilki, Fred Shelton, Shirley Frost, and many others are influencial. Duel members like The Reigles family, Glen Addicitt, Cliff Bidwell, Dick Kenney, and Tino Deangelo, to name a few, “pitch in” with Groton regulars for work details, and to help with leagues and tournaments.

Pitchers and guests from near and far attend fall and winter tournaments, in addition to the large Dallas Pa. contingent; there are others from several Pennsylvania towns. In NY, they come from Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, Corning, Syracuse, Deposit, Walton, New Berlin, many towns in between, and a hard-core group in the Groton area.

What a great organization has evolved… It’s obvious that “Lukes Vision” has been realized, and it is the horseshoe enthusiasts of today who are enjoying the fruits of his and the original founders, labor of love.. jm

The Tri-County Horseshoe Club is located at 359 Locke Road (St. Rt. 38) in Groton, New York.