Books
John Shippen & Oscar Bunn: American Firsts in Golf
The year is 1896, and golf is taking off in America. It quickly becomes clear that America’s best golfers are not from the privileged class, but are Black and Native American caddies working at the nation’s most prestigious country clubs. John Shippen and Oscar Bunn were two of the most talented golfers of their time, and Shippen is regarded as America’s first professional golfer. In the summer of 1896, the two friends and fellow caddies found themselves in the middle of an international incident when the U.S. Open came to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. What happened next speaks to the possibility, but ultimate limit, of talent in a segregated society.
Other Books
MLK & LI: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Long Island
by Allison Singh, Illustrated by Sergio Garzon
This year, give young people a lesson about Martin Luther King, Jr. that didn’t happen miles away. It happened here, on Long Island.
Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Long Island several times to bring attention to the civil rights struggles happening right in our home towns. School segregation battles rocked Amityville and Malverne. Levittown, long celebrated as “America’s first post-war suburban development” prohibited sale to non-Caucasians. There were protests, hunger strikes, marches and burning crosses.
It all happened here.
All of it, and more.
Reviews
“I had so much fun sharing this book with my students. They were so excited to hear about Martin Luther King Jr’s time on Long Island. A must buy.”
Amazon Reviewer, February 2021
“As a Long Island historian, I am fascinated by “MLK & LI.” It is not just timely and relevant. In many ways Allison Singh’s illustrated children’s book is history at its best.”
Amazon Reviewer, April 27, 2021
“Living on Long Island, I did not know that so much MLK history happened here. I’ve found the perfect book and will sharing this book with my children. Plus, the illustration are so lively, timely and informative. A must for all children to read.”
Amazon Reviewer, January 29, 2021
“My kids and I enjoyed this book. MLK’s time on Long Island is overlooked and this book puts it on the forefront.”
Amazon Reviewer, January 27, 2021
“‘On July 18, 1896, John Shippen and Oscar Bunn stepped onto the Shinncock Hills golf course… It was the first U.S, Open…’ and a historical chapter in the world of golf transpired. Allison Singh’s John Shippen & Oscar Bunn: American Firsts in Golf provides a researched non-fiction account of a forgotten chapter in golf.”
Thurman P. Simmons, Sr. Chair and Ruby L. Simmons, Co-Chair The John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation