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•t* ' • **,^ „ y. ^pjj^ 7* r^j «>. 1 & - <; •, *""*'" ~ ^ *fcM- * lift (. Hfr. «*^if ,**-»** A *» tftiH w>v»iKh** * &$ » **##- *« • • ,• . . .' ' "' '. • -!"•• f „•• w*' •.•."'%?--.tr»i™ i •5 " " r * " ' ; *' * .'v, " 10 ' "1** ... ' ' ' * *•' ^ l» «fe» tnfe aum.ag^, V* ,' . ' "•' -*'/"*i . • , Volume 64 SECTION TWO McHENRY, ILLINOIS. THURSDAY, MAY 26,1938 M'HERRT GREENS ARE FINEST IN 1 CHICA60LAND LOCATED WITHIN CITY LIMITS J The McHenry Country Club, the o.i> '-'ganization of which McHlenfy citizens . ,,-\aTe so proud, and which today is one " •.S.;>of the finest golf courses in northern ; .^ Illinois, was Organized seventeen years ago, with Harry Hall King and Carl W. Stenger as the principle 'early promoters. Others interested in the project were Richard B. Walsh, Walter F. Vogt, A. H. Pouse, Ben Stilling and Joe McOmber. Formal : organization of the new golf club took place, Sunday morning, August 14, 1921, when a meeting for the purpose was held in the West McHenry State Bank building. On Sunday, May 14, 1921, in the directors' room of the same bank, there was born a new club--the McHenry Country Club. At the organization meeting that Sunday, a board the farm were torn down and the lumber therefrom offered for aale. Also, about thirty acres of the ground to be used for the links was planted to corn, and it was some little time before any work on the strip could be done. However, once the buildings were razed and the land cleared, the space was made to conform with the natural beauties of, the balance of the tract. The ground utilised for the purpose was approximately 3,000 yards in length, and was especially adapted for golf purposes. An underground water system, connecting up with the city water main? at the foot of Waukegan street, assisted very materially in keeping the greens in the very finest condition. Plans were also made for the erection of a commodious clubhouse. Opened July 2, 1922 Sale of memberships was completed the year 1922. One of the first 100 members to buy a membership was the late Sidney Smith, Chicago Tribune's famous cartoonist. The first 100 certificates were sold at $25, plus $25 dues, and 10 per cent tax. The next fifty sold at $50, plus $25 dues, and tax. At the opening July 2, 1922, the membership had passed the century mark. Albert Purvey, who for a number of years had been caretaker of the Woodof seven directors, as well as officers,'stock golf grounds, was acquired by was elected. The personnel of the the local organization to officiate in board was as follows: H. H. King, a like capacity. H« came to the Mc- Richard B. Walsh, C. W. Stenger, Ben Henry club very highly recommended. Stilling, A. H. Hlannafin, W. T. Vogt The auspicious occasion of the openand Atty. A, H. Pouse. The officers ing of the new golf course took place were: H. H. King, president; Richard at 10 o'clock on Sunday morning, July B. Walsh, vice-president; Atty. A. H. 2, 1922, with over 300 visitors and Pouse, secretary; Martin, B. Schmitt,1 members present. Sidney Smith, who assistant secretary, and ,C. W. Good- was accorded the honor of making the THE CLUBHOUSE lig%: '"'Is " ' 4 ' * * - ' * jT~*, 5^ ' ' ' ff^ ^ ^ ^ J* ten years for balance of purchase Price. During 1930 a strip of land along the west boundary of No. 2 fairway was purchased at $1,200, in order to Xke this hole more desirable. The b is now in its seventeenth year and has made substantial payments on purchase price each year, and also has the original sixty acres clear of debt; $9,000 is~ still owing on the additional fifty acres which were purchased. Prom time to time the club has bor-' rowed money to meet obligations and has repaid promptly, thus maintaining a credit of high standing. 1930 Banner. Year ' ; Greens fees each year have ranged approximately frota $5,000 to $19,500, with 1930 the banner year. Annual dues have been $25 which is very reasonable considering the advantages and excellent golf at the club. There has been a percentage of turnover in memberships each year. Now, at the for the summers of '36 and '37. This year the club has secured the services;^ of Jimmy Smith who was associated ; * with the Lake Lawn Club at Delevan* ^ . Wis., for the past nine years, and is' the holder of several golf champion*'" •' ships. : ; A large clubhouse, improved faiirways, greens and tee-offs, along 'w:th.",'*',\ other improvements totaling $3,000^' made golfing at the McHenry Country*';/ Club last summer a greater pleasurt3"^'\ •; | than ever before. This year more • provements have been made and more"!" of club atmosphere will be developed; -; ' with numerous'social events . taking place.. •• . -v v . . "i The 18-rh,61e .bourse, one of the- fin»C V est,,in the 90"untry, is now in top con*?: .; - dition. Last year the No. 17 green -' • was moved back 50 yards toward the No. 18 tee-off, making a most notieeable improvement in the course. Ia v:?:i v •/- , \i •< * V 1 - the past years No. 17 has been one of the easier par fi>ves, but the new present time, there is approximately; green norw increases the total length 50 per cent turnover.. About half of i to 515 yards. The longest hole on ell, treasurer. The Owen estate property, which was owned by a syndicate, composed - of Charles E. Owen of Chicago, Atty. Charles Allen of Cary and C. W. Stenger of McHenry, was tihosen as an ideal site for the grounds. A five-year lease with an optionMo purchase at a certain price per acre, was drawn, covering approximately sixty acres of the land sufficient for nine holes. The work of laying out the course and getting it in shape for -the next season was started immediately after all the old barns, sheds • and other outdoor buildings, which formerly comprised the barnyard of first drive, teed off at 10:10. He was followed by County Judge C. P. Barnes, of Woodstock, Otto F. Sohm and H. H. King. The opening was participated in by twelve foursomes, or a total of forty-eight players, many of whom were visitors. George L. Murphy, president of the American National Bank of Woodstock, made the course in 40, one belew par. Scores ranged from 40 to 142. The ftrst annual meeting of the members of the McHenry Country Cfiib took place at the city hall Sunday morning, December 17. The secretary read the financial report which showed the revenue from memberships, social affaira, greens fees, etc., to have been $11,257.10, while the expenses for the year totalled $11,203.07, leaving a net balance of $54.13. At this time, plans were made for the engagement of a professional to give instruction in golf, and to act as manager of the clubhouse. The first golf tournament was neld September 3 and 4, 1922. Postmaster E. E. Bassett, in the handicap event, was awarded the cup, donated by H. H. King. Net score for 36 holes was 162. Rev. W. B. Pipp, one of the Paulist Fathers, who spent considerable time at the Paulist summer home at Pistakee Bay, was second with 164. At this titte the directors weir* seriously thinking of adding another nine holes to the course. From the beginning the club prospered, and with good management and careful handling of funds, there had accumulated on January 1, 1926, $11,000 par value in bonds, in addition to building and maintenance costs. Greens fees in 1926 were $8,241. Walsh Elected President At the annual meeting in January 1926, Richard B. Walsh was elected extension and purchase of fifty acres of land from Jacob F. Jus ten. Replies in excess of 100 were received, all favorable to the extension project. At the regular' meeting in September 1926, the board decided that returns warranted immediate' action and fVfty acres of the Justen farm was selected as suitable for the additional nine holes. Two hundred fifty dollars was paid on contract and $6,000 was paid on January 1927, on delivery of president, succeeding Mr. King. At the papers. Mortgage notes at 6 per this time it was decided to purchase cent interest were given, payable in, the original sixty acres at the price of $27,500; $11,000 in bonds were sold at a profit. A down payment of $10,000 was made. Trust deed notes were given for $17,500, carrying 6 per cent se^ni-annual interest, one note maturing each year to 1936. Note No. 1 was taken up at the time of the purchase, and after that, each note was taken up in sequence. Plan For 18 Holes During the summer of 1926 congestion of the nine holes was a handicap to members who wished to play golf. It was suggested that the course be extended to 18 ho\es. Letters were sent out to member! m July 1926, to get the sentiment in regard to the the original members are still with the club. Although the McHenry Country Club is a membership <ilub, many provisions which apply to other membership clubs would not be practical, since the club also caters to guest players. The course is maintained in the best possible condition at all times to satisfy the paying members and to attract the guest players. To the course is No. 10, with 540 yards. The great hill on the course gives golfers some real exercise for which; they are more than rewarded by th«: wonderful view of the Fox River an# surrounding country from the No. # tee. Two years ago, the Decoration Day weekend was an unusually busy one, and it was estimated by many that the attendance exceeded all records Alber Purvey and his four assistants,' for Decoration Day since 1930. For goes the credit for keeping the course j th three-day holiday 415 guests regin excellent shape at all times. Mc-j istered to play, while the warm weath- Hienry has the distinction of having J er and tournaments in progress the best greens of any golf course in ^ brought trnt an unusually large numnorthern Illinois. | ber of members as well. Prospects at Since its organization seventeen | the present time are very good. Ths years ago, J.he club has had three membership is very nearly filled t#~ presidents, Mr. King, Mr. Walsh and the limit of 150, and it will no doubt; Mr. Sayler. Eber Bassett has been reach this number during the coming secretary since 1922. Present officers season. If so, a waiting list will be are James M. Sayler, president; Frank•! created, and the club will be able to A. Connolly, vice-president; G. J. command a better price for member* Carey, treasurer; E. E. Bassett, sec-j ships. V retary. The board of directors con-; Greater numbers ->f Chicagoanf of George H. Johnson, R. l.j play the e*ch y**r and mang \ : QVerton, A. E. Nye, T. P, Bslger) Alvftiake McHenry their permanent vaca* * feert Krause and D. I. Granger. '""V 1 tion land jm order to work out their / Jimmy Sm th New Pro J energy oR th§ RHttrSng eourse. W The club has had three profession- the complimentary eKpre»»ioiis of out- Is since the year 1922, when Harry (of-town visitors may be taken as i'-'-V.- Morris first acted In that capactiy. criterion, the McHenry club is des** Mr. Morris died in 1936 and Leo Still- tined to achieve a high place within l ing served as the club's professional th golfifie world of the central west. Beautiful 18-Hole Course on Banks of the CLUB HOUSE SERVICE Meals at all Hours; Equipped and Available for Parties and :: Tournaments. Remodeled and Redecorated mmy Located Right in the RATES s '{ csSflt 18 HOLES ALL DAY 18 HOLES III DAY 75* $1.00 18 HOLES, Starting before 8 a.m. ALL DAY AFTER 2 P. M. AFTER 5P.E $1-00 $1.50 ; $1-00 _ 75c •*r - Further Information Write -- JAMES N. SAYLER, Pres. EBER E. BASSETT, Sec'y \ \ ' ^ 40* ^ *5 i ..j&. ... :.i