Bobby Jones’ golf clubs could help statue effort

Joe Ruble has had to battle through some health issues, including heart surgery and nearly losing his left leg, but he said he wants everyone to know he’s still on task to erect a statue for Squire Boone. Ruble has been at the forefront of working to get the statue at the eastern entrance to Shelbyville, where Main and Washington streets split off of U.S. 60, near Governor’s Square. “After October 17 we’re going to start having meetings again,” Ruble said of the Boone Committee, which is overseeing the fundraising effort. “And we’re going to have a reception this fall where we plan to invite a lot of the Shelby County horsemen and as many people as we can.” A date has not been set for the reception. Ruble remains diligent to the cause of honoring one of Shelby County’s most famous first citizens. “He founded Shelby County, and I think we should recognize him for that,” he said. Ruble has also pledged a donation that he is hoping can fetch a good price to be donated for the statue. A self-described “antique nut,” Ruble has a set of 1920s-era golf clubs and a shadow box with memorabilia, including a Bobby Jones card and several sample golf clubs and balls. The clubs are stamped with Bobby Jones’ signature. “It’s something unique that I think someone would really like,” he said. Ruble, who has had the clubs for more than 30 years, said the clubs are available to be evaluated by calling him, and he said he would have them at the reception this fall. So far, he said, the committee has raised about $6,000 of the $65,000 needed for the statue.

Todd Martin

Joe Ruble of the Squire Boone Statue Committee has donated these antique golf clubs and this shadow box to be sold, with the proceeds going to the Squire Boone statue (with it’s mock-up shown).

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