UGCC History

The First Year

On January 2, 1922 an "Agreement and Declaration of Trust" was drawn up "by and between John H. Thornburn, A.T. Burrows, F. Stanley Boggs, Garrett H. Baker, S.E. Huff, Homer Sheperd and Henry I. Green, all of Urbana, Illinois."

These "Trustees" contracted to buy from Franklin Boggs, the executor of the Joseph C. Cunningham estate, approximately 60 acres of real estate located immediately north of the City of Urbana corporate limits. The price was $13,000.00 for the 60 acres. They also negotiated to lease from Mary E. Busey, approximately 50 acres to the north and west of the Cunningham acreage. There was also a piece of land containing 9.55 acres, which they proposed to lease without option to buy. This last acreage was along the Woodlawn Cemetery.

The land was acquired and was to be improved with the intent of leasing it to "individuals or corporation" planning to use it for the general purposes of the "Trustees". The trust was known as Urbana Improvement Association and shares were issued for par value of $100.00 per share. There were to be "no more than 200 certificates, or 200 shares (outstanding), and no shareholder shall hold nor possess more than one certificate or share."

According to handwritten "recollections", which are unsigned, found in the Urbana Archives: "no additional Certificates were issued beyond the original 150." Also noted was the fact that the east side of the course is so hard and requires more care because "Andy Barr of the Sheldon Brick Company skinned the top soil to get to the clay for bricks."

H. Shepherd, Chairman of the Membership Committee, reported in August 1922 there were 246 members in good standing.

The legal documents never specified that the "general purpose of the trust" was to construct a golf course, though that was the intent of the "trustees". Instead, the purpose was couched in the following terms – "not for pecuniary purposes, but for – securing the union of energies, influences and actions – in matters pertaining to the general public welfare of the cities of Urbana and Champaign, and surrounding territory."

Enos Phillips notarized the document on February 3, 1922. February 8th, it was announced, by the law firm of Green & Palmer, that the Charter for Urbana Golf & Country Club had been received. The incorporation papers were signed by the Secretary of State, Louis I. Emmerson, on January 26th. The Charter was filed in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds on February 8, 1922. It was "filed for record this 8th day of June A.D. 1922 at 41/2 p.m." signed by Boyd Blaine, Recorder.

(Editorial comment - note the names that are all connected with the history, and in some cases street and building names, of Urbana. The above information was taken from the legal documents given by Fred Corray)

In 1930, "for one dollar and other good and valuable considerations" the Urbana Improvement Association purchased, from Edmond LaHue, three acres on the west side of LaHue's property, which adjoined the north half of the east property line of the Cunningham land. Another three acres was purchased on the same basis a few months later from John and May Stipes. These additions allowed for the lengthening of #1, and the relocation of the tee for #2, thus creating a slight dogleg in that fairway.

The adjacent property on the east side of #2 fairway, south half, was enclosed by tightly woven wire fencing to control the owner's swine. Golfers, who frequently hooked their shots, were berated by the owner for climbing the stile over his fence. Later the land was sold for residential development. Errant shots continued to land out-of-bounds to the southeast of the second fairway! In April 1956, J. Lloyd and Harriet Brown and Mark and Winifred Brown deeded a triangular piece of land, 0.37 acres in all, to the club, in trade. Stakes were then set at the northwest corner, at 98.5 feet east, and at the southeast point of the diagonal.

The seven Urbana Improvement Association Trustees (John H. Thornburn, President of Urbana Banking Co.; F. Stanley Boggs, Prominent Realtor; Garret H. Baker, Vice-President of Busey Bank; A.T. Burrows, Owner and Editor of Urbana Daily Courier; S.E. Huff, Huff Lumber Co.; Homer Sheperd and H.I. Green, Attorneys with H.I. Green Law Offices) used the revenues from the sale of shares in the Association to build the golf course.

While seeking confirmation of the date UGCC was incorporated, the following information was located in the Urbana Courier. It is amazing to read the accomplishments of these determined men. Champaign Country Club had been formed six years earlier; therefore, many of the individuals who were approached to buy shares in a new golf club were already members of that club.

On Friday, January 6, 1922, the front page carried this headline "Urbana's New Golf Course Staked Out". The work was done by Tom Bendelow, from Chicago, a leading golf course expert in the West. He designed the famous Medinah #3 in Chicago. Mr. Bendelow arrived at noon on Tuesday, January 3rd, and began going over the land and outlining plans. The course had been staked out and the whole 18 decided upon by noon on Friday. Beginning at the northwest corner of the Cunningham tract, near the projected site for the clubhouse, the course was to develop around the perimeter, as it does today, and utilize the leased Busey land as well as the Cunningham tract. The remainder of the holes lay inside the first nine for total course yardage of 6400. Harry Gill and the City Engineer, Alfred H. Danely, assisted Bendelow.

Tom Bendelow returned to Urbana on the following Monday, after a weekend in Chicago. A reception was planned to introduce him to the membership, which was close to the planned 200.

Tees and greens were built using teams of horses to pull slip scrapers. The team driver lifted the wheelbarrow-like handles until the sharp front edge sloped into the dirt to be moved. He called to the team to move forward, thus filling the scraper. The driver dropped the handles so the filled scraper slid along the ground to the correct spot; then lifted the handles until the front edge caught in the soil, thus tipping forward and depositing dirt. The soil was leveled with the team and a wooden drag. The steel scraper containers were open at the front, with sides sloping 3 feet to a back, which was 3 feet wide, and 1 ½ feet high. One could hold about two bushels of dirt.

Harry Gill (famous track coach at the U of I) made the original measurements for tees, fairways, and greens. Al Lang, who was a continuous member of UGCC until his death in 1989, assisted him at times.

It is Fred Corray's recollection that play began in 1922. Charter members told that early play was on the east side of the Saline Creek only. Play on the west side began somewhat later; members did much of the work, such as removing trees, stumps, etc. Dorothea Williamson became a member in 1925 and recalls playing the full 18, though she says it was quite rough.

In the early days, players carried their clubs or hired a caddy. There were no handcarts then. Caddies were plentiful and were paid 75¢ if Class A and 50¢ if they were Class B. They were expected to attend the training sessions given by the Pro every Monday morning. There were well-trained caddies in those days. Quite a few of the caddies became members later. Stanley Boggs collected money from his friends for an Annual Caddy Sunday with a Dinner. There were prizes for the caddy tournament and each received a silver dollar at the end of the event. Bob Metcalf tells that early Pros, Charlie Jones & Lou Strong took the caddies and young players to other courses to play. They also played golf with the members.

Among those who caddied were: Ken Baldwin, J. Lloyd Brown, Bill Grant, Ray Kimpel, Maurie Schaudt, Clyde Webster, and Oc Wilson. Bob Poll told of caddying for Thelma Graf and remembered how strictly the rule about "placing the flagstick-on-the-fringe-never-on-the-green" was enforced. Perhaps this was because the stick was really a heavy pole, which was also large enough in diameter to almost fill the hole! No room to chip in in those days! J. Lloyd also remembers that caddies were required to wear clean, starched and freshly ironed white shirts. John Edwards remembers caddying for H.I. Green, who expected perfection.

Tee times were made by placing a golf ball in the three foot elevated pipe on the 1st tee as soon as the player arrived. It was not unusual for there to be a dozen balls in the pipe by eight o'clock on Saturdays and Sundays. When the player's ball reached the cutout at the bottom of the pipe, he and his group were "on the tee". The player would then go to a large wooden box with two compartments, one for dirt and sand and the other for a bucket of water. He would take a pinch of dirt, dip it in the water, walk over and build a dirt tee and place his ball on that, then hit his drive. The first wooden or rubber tees were made in the late twenties or early thirties.

Every golf course needs a Pro Shop, so an old farmhouse on the Stipes property was put to use. There was a front porch from which golfers could observe the tee shots from the first tee, and gather after a round to exchange tales of their prowess. The "caddy shack" was behind the Pro Shop.

The first tee was originally located near and partially on the southwest corner, of the current practice putting green. The area of the present tee was often used for Lawn Bowling. When the course was first opened for play #2 tee lay on the flat surface to the west side of today's #1 green. The green for #1 was further to the west, thus making the first hole shorter than the one we play today. The east property line of the Cunningham Estate, which ran straight north from Country Club Road beginning at the southeast corner of #3 tee, dictated the layout.

A.T. Burrows wrote in an editorial for the Urbana Courier in the fall of 1923 that "last year only a temporary course could be played - - - . This year - - the opening of the full 18-hole course on Memorial Day - - - brought patient attention to rules and care in playing - - ." He concluded with "The Urbana Golf and Country Club is a huge success, and it is an institution that will never die, because we have found out by experiment that we need it in our business, and truly marvel that we ever got along without it".

Wednesday, January 11, Joseph Royer was hired to prepare plans for a clubhouse to cost approximately $7500.

January 19th, the first officers were elected. The President was Stanley Boggs, Vice President – Professor George A. Goodnough, and Secretary – Charles Keller. Fifteen were elected to the Board of Governors – E.V. Kirby, George M. Bennett, T.A. Burt, C.O. Gere, Alfred Danely, W.G. Palmer, J.A. Glover, Paul Freeman, Charles W. Halley, Harry Gill, Professor Roger Adams, H.T. Scovill, O.A. Leutwiler, E.H. Cameron, and P.L. Stevens.

February 27th, Tom Bendelow returned to inspect the work, in progress, on the course. He also spoke to U of I Seniors in Landscape Gardening regarding work on laying out golf courses.

At the July 5th meeting of the Officers of the Club, Harry Gill was authorized to proceed with building 18 greens and preparing 2 fairways – 1 north of the club building and 1 east of the Saline Branch. Royer reported that the clubhouse should be completed in August, but not furnished by then. He was authorized to build a concrete terrace on the west side of the clubhouse. At this meeting, Duke Richlik from Flossmoor, was hired as Golf Pro. He was headquartered at the pump house on the grounds. It was also announced that the total membership had reached 239.

Society News yielded this information – "UGCC members held a "Family Picnic" in the grove. 400 attended, enjoying the food and approach shot and putting contests". July 15.

On July 20th, a "Blind Bogey" event was held for both gentlemen and lady golfers. Six temporary holes were ready and three more are expected to be ready in a few days. Two holes are east of the Saline, teeing off near the clubhouse to the new greens.

August 2nd headline read "Country Club May Limit Membership to 300". In the article, the opening of the clubhouse was projected to be about September 1. The members were also told the greens were being completed and would be seeded in September so they would be ready for play in May 1923.

October 27, 1922, "Country Club Holds Open House". There was a reception and dance at the dedication of the new building.

WHAT A YEAR!!

The first clubhouse was designed and construction supervised by J.W. Royer. He also "originated the furniture and hand-wrought iron fixtures". The interior included a ballroom, reception room, kitchen, and locker rooms with showers on the first floor. There was a balcony and the ladies' locker room with showers upstairs. Mrs. Royer planned the decorating scheme, with the assistance of Ralph T. Sutton, an architect in her husband's office. Some of the lady members did needle work, which made the locker room very attractive. The building was considered a lodge design with a "huge fireplace in the reception room". The cost was $15,000.

It is reported that the members provided about $2000 to build the concrete slab from the end of the brick pavement on Broadway to the bridge. Smoother access!

The unsigned writer of "Recollections" - "Your officers had in mind providing the members with a moderate-cost family type club". Mrs. MacDonald was the first manager and there was a small social budget so members formed groups to help serve Thursday night dinners. This was a wonderful way to become acquainted with all the members. The season began with a Banquet on Decoration Day. Club dinners were on Thursday and Sunday, with luncheons on Wednesday. The season ended with the President's Ball, though there was a New Year's Eve Party. At one period, the club was closed from October until April 30th.

Water was a problem, though there was a well under the roof outside the kitchen. On holidays, the extra showers often caused the pump to clog and stop functioning. The solution was to take up a collection to pay for a 6" water line from the city limits at North Broadway to the clubhouse. Later, with the cooperation of the Urbana Fire Department, an 8" line was installed for fire protection.

The depression era was difficult for everyone. Some of the members resigned, while others rented their membership (with permission from the Board of Managers) to avoid giving it up. The rental fee was $50.00, which covered dues for the year. Summer memberships were also permitted with no initiation fee. The initiation fee was $100.00 and could be paid in installments of $25.00 per year for four years. About 35 people availed themselves of the opportunity and most became permanent members, paying the initiation fee later.

Thanks to Dorothea Williamson, the following tidbits were gleaned from 1935 newsletters. Stanley Boggs was serving his eleventh term as President, S.E. Huff having served two years and John Glover one year, since 1922.

UGCC Course Changes

Built in 1922 and enjoyed ever since, Urbana Golf and Country Club Members have been witness to changes, which continue to this day (1997).

Like many Central Illinois courses – Decatur Southside, Jacksonville, Crestwick in Bloomington, Mattoon and Oak Crest in Springfield – part of the course is open and level & part is rolling and wooded. One of the first changes came at the time that the LaHue and Stipes lands were acquired. The #1 green was built, as it is played today, and a new #2 tee was developed.

Bob Metcalf remembers that the south bunker by the 16th green was put in in the 1930's. He also recalls that the first means of crossing the Saline Branch was on wooden suspension bridges. Bill Grant recalls that the banks of the Saline were not as steep as they are now and that a few wooden steps down the east side and across the wooden bridge to steps up the west side were used to cross #4. He remembers leaning over and picking the ball out of the water on #12. Bob started playing golf with his father in the 1920's and states "in the early days of the golf course, Urbana played like a Scottish Links Course". Many of the fairways were lined with tall grasses and prairie wildflowers. Golfers had to search for their, errant shots, or hit them straight down the fairway.

Bill Richert, whose father also belonged to the club, designed the first concrete and iron bridges at #4, #12, and #8. The members did most of the construction. Richart also designed the "pavilion" at the end of #14. Later these bridges had to be widened to accommodate the riding carts. Orin Shoemaker donated the bridge on #4. In the early 1980's, the car bridge was rebuilt with the assistance of Shoemaker and Kimpel. They used concrete beams obtained from the Illinois Highway Department.

Bill Grant has located the original pipe, which was part of the distance markers 200 yards out from the original 1st tee. Lee Andert has located the pipes on 16 & 17. They marked the distance from the tee rather than to the green.

Sometime in the mid-1930's, attractive stone benches were placed next to several of the tees where players waited their turn to tee off. Dolph Swenson, who owned a stone company in Rantoul, provided the large stone tops on the fronts of, which were carved the names of a golf four-some. Each member of the four-some paid $50.00. These benches were moved to the "Picnic Grove" (to the left of #11) in the 1960's, so the ground crew didn't have to hand trim around the bases. Vandals demolished the benches, leaving rubble in the grove.

Originally, the approach to numbers 8 and 9 were very steep rises, cliff like, and #10 dropped off sharply. It was almost impossible to mow or to walk up and down them. Nine was shorter and a good drive left one with a daunting niblick shot. In the 1950's, Don Street was both Pro and the Groundskeeper. It was his recommendation to the Board that creating a more gradual elevation would make both better golf holes, so Don was directed to regrade the abrupt rise on #9, which makes a longer, lower approach area. #10 was regraded at the same time. The regrading of #8 made it possible to run a drive up on the green. The 1996 addition of sand bunkers on the hillside of #8 changed that strategy.

The only changes to #9 since then involve lengthening the hole by moving the men's tee north several different times and the regrading of the green in the late 1970's after Bill Lowery became Groundskeeper. When the men's tee was moved back, the ladies' tee was placed on the hill where it is now.

However #10 seems to have had several face lifts since the face of the cliff was altered. The ladies teed off at the edge of the precipice in the early days. After the regrading, the men and women teed off where the present white tees are. The "lower" men's tee was constructed in 1980, and the current ladies' tee was added in 1991 at the time the retention pond was enlarged.

Until the late 1950's, there was ladies' tee on #4 to the right and near the drainage swale. However, at that time the Board applied to Chicago District Golf Association to make changes in the handicap rating on the scorecard. The CDGA representatives inspected the course and advised that #16 did not qualify as a par 5. The men's 16th tee was moved west, which dictated the removal of the ladies' tee, since it was too close.

Nature was in charge of watering the course and frequently the weather was dry in August and September. What roll we got then! The fairway watering system was installed in the sixties. However, the retention pond was dug in 1977 to solve the problem of silt in the lines, which clogged the sprinkler heads.

There was only one men's tee on #14, located on the east side of the Saline Branch. Around the same time that #16 was changed the second men's tee was built on the west side of the road. #14 was a slight dogleg and about 200 to 220 yards out there was a large tree (either a Walnut or a Shagbark Hickory) in the fairway, which dictated the strategy for playing the hole. Bill Grant pointed out that the ladies teed off from the foot of the hill on #7 until the 1950's, when their tee was moved to the front of the top of the hill and a new men's tee was formed farther west (on the second tier). Hole #7 was pictured in several golf magazines as "most scenic". (Leavitt) In 1986, several new tees were built for the ladies -- #1, #14, and #16. The new tees for ladies on #2, #6, #12 and #18 were added in 1995 and first played in 1996.

Can we "fool Mother Nature"? Many attempts have been made at Urbana Golf and Country Club!!

Fred Corray recalled riding his pony from his home on Perkins Road to watch the engineers straighten the west branch of the Salt Fork, which meandered through what later became the Urbana Country Club course. There were many tributaries on the present #7, #8, #9, and #10. The main stream crossed behind the tenth green and angled south and west until it and the branches joined an old channel running south. The engineers' purpose was to improve drainage from the farm areas north of the current club. Fred said the work was done in the early 1900's, probably around 1910.

When the course was developed, there was a creek that ran along the south side of #7 and flowed into the Saline Branch. The western portion entered the course property from the north at the base of the hill below the tee blocks. This made it necessary for the club to build a walking bridge in order for the members to continue onto the fairway – especially after spring and fall rains. The bridge was on the north edge of the property and for several years a family of mink lived under the bridge. Remember there were no carts of any kind so a few planks served the purpose.

In April 1958, Al Lang, Grounds Chairman, told Fred Corray that the state engineers had reversed the flow of the drainage parallel to I-74 and the run-off was causing problems on the 7th fairway, even though the club had installed a catch basin. Fred talked to the engineers in the Highway Department. They met at the club to look at the situation. The engineer admitted that the flow should enter the Saline north of the 8th tee, but what to do with the dirt? General Paving moved the dirt to the south of #7 and spread it in the old channel without charge. Frequently, since that time, the club has worked on the drainage problems occurring on fairways #7, #8, #9, and #10. The last big project took place in 1995 and 1996.

The tree line on the north side of #7 was the original fence line between UGCC and the farms to the north. After I-74 was built, it was discovered that the required 300' right of way had not been measured correctly. Fred Corray negotiated with the Paris Highway Department Officer and the three property owners to acquire the additional strip of right of way, which widened the 7th fairway. Ray Kimpel performed the necessary legal work at no charge. These events took place in April and May of 1962.

Clubhouse Changes

Stanley Boggs proposed the first major improvements in 1937. During the depression years, 1931-35, income had dropped substantially, but in 1936, there was an increase and the debt was reduced enough that changes could be proposed. The first talk of tennis courts, an open-air dance pavilion and shuffleboard combination began. New locker rooms, a new dining room, solarium, sheltered entrance and enlarged kitchen were in the plans. The committee appointed at the Annual Meeting in December 1936 (J.W. Royer, R.W. Webber, C.L. Metcalf, F.P. Cogdal, and H.I. Green) suggested the order of importance, with the clubhouse improvements being first. Following the Improvement Committee report, a Finance Committee was appointed to "ascertain if a plan could be adopted by which these improvements could be realized". A sketch of the proposed building was found in the Urbana Library Archives, along with a complete financial plan. It would have been beautiful, but never came to fruition. (A copy is in the history scrapbook.)

The 1940's were busy years at UGCC. Under the leadership of such fine Presidents as Frank Terry, Ora Dillavou, T.E. Larson and particularly Fred Corray, the Club grew in membership, expanded the Club facilities, and made improvements to the golf course.

The next time remodeling of the clubhouse was presented to the membership was by T.E. Larson in 1947. The improvements were presented in two parts, to be voted upon separately. At this time, construction of a swimming pool was discussed. However, the pool was not built until 1953 and was funded through a separate drive among members. The clubhouse remodeling plans were carried out in 1949 under Fred Corray's leadership.

In the summer of 1949, extensive work was done to the clubhouse. The screened porch on the west end, overlooking #12 and #13 holes, was enclosed in glass. The view was always interesting as golfers approached and teed off, but was particularly spectacular in the fall when the trees on #5, #12 and #13 blazed with reds, oranges and golds. At that time, new locker rooms, a new Grill Room and new Manager's office were built inside, while the exterior was painted and maintenance work, such as guttering and insulation was done. In the Main Lounge area, a large Crest was placed over the fireplace – a reproduction of which was on the 70th Anniversary Invitation. The crossed golf sticks used on the original crest were wooden clubs.

The next major remodeling was in 1966. In 1964, a Building and Planning Committee was formed. On the committee were: Don Laz, J.C.T. Rogers, Jack Bell, Edith Ingle, Dorothea Williamson, Jane Walker, John Chaney, Joe Frank, Ross Martin, Harlan Bareither, and Lloyd Worden. Laz and Edwards were the architects; the blueprints were presented in June of 1965. Dean Evans Company was the General Contractor. The existing enclosed porch, ballroom, kitchen location, and Grill Room remained with few changes. A folding divider made it possible to have a private party at the north end of the porch while club members were using the south end. Service and storage areas were added to the north, while the major additions were to the south. The manager's office and private dining room with a small bar were designed at the south end of the porch and ballroom. A portico was added to the west and members entered through a lobby, which led to a long Gallery with windows, the full length of the clubhouse from the lobby to the Grill Room. Restroom and coat closet facilities were to the south of the lobby. There were two dining areas on a raised level above the Gallery and to the south of the kitchen. The Gallery had slate flooring and was wide enough to have a cocktail party. Sadly, this lovely clubhouse burned in May of 1968.

That weekend, Pres. Harlan Bareither and members worked to salvage what they could; they had moved Bill Grant's equipment out of the Pro Shop the night of the fire. Little was standing but the north brick wall and parts of other walls, plus the Pro Shop. The new President was Dean Stewart, and he and his board had to deal with settling the insurance claim and a new planning committee. The summer of 1968, we all pulled together and had some terrific parties in what remained of the east end of the old building, the former Men's Locker Room. The current building is the result of the efforts of the committee, Don Laz, Ray Carroll, and the Board, to best utilize the money available.

Noteworthy

We all owe many thanks to Fred Corray. His contributions to these history articles are numerous, not only the interesting stories he relates, but also the time he spent locating and copying the pertinent documents and typing his recollections. (All the original and copied documents and letters are in the history scrapbook.) Fred spent many hours negotiating with the Highway Department before and after the construction of I-74 and the Sanitary District, when the sanitary drainage system was installed and later when other work needed to be done. His years of active service to UGCC extend from the 1940's through the 1960's and his interest in its well being continued until his death in 1983. That is some record of volunteer achievement!

Originally, the Highway Department proposed to build I-74 along Country Club Road, through Busey Woods and on out Bradley. Fred mustered a group of engineers, who drew up alternate route suggestions with full blueprints, went to Paris, IL to meet with the head of the Regional Department. In addition, they hired a golf course designer, by the name of Harris (who later consulted with the builders of Sullivan Country Club, and also built his own course and club in Delray, Florida.) Mr. Harris agreed that the Urbana course would be ruined as an 18-hole course if the highway went that way. The people in Paris looked at the blueprints and reiterated their intentions to go through on the south of the course, taking all of #3, the 2nd green, parts of #16 & #17, and #4 tee. Armed with this information, Fred began calling members who he felt would share his concern. He had heard that the Stipes farm on the north edge of UGCC might be for sale. He contacted the executors (Morris Hecker and Rooney Stipes) to verify and learn the price. The group, Country Club Development, agreed to each loan $1000 for the purchase. The purchase included 88 acres, the crop and the livestock on the property, the sale of which would be divided equally between the purchasers and the sellers. Later the Highway Department decided to build I-74 to the north, but not as far as Leverett Road, as suggested on the blueprints.

In 1953, Country Club Development sold the north acreage to Urbana Country Club. When the "north acreage" was sold to Orin Shoemaker and Lois Leverich for development of Timber Hills, UGCC retained an area 480 by 1200 for the club. Thanks to this group of farsighted members, we have the best practice range in the entire area!

In 1968 the Board of Directors proposed that the club membership be changed in order to obtain funds for rebuilding of the clubhouse. The membership voted to establish an "Equity Membership". "Each Equity member --- shall own one prorata share of the net assets of the Club with all other Equity members." The fee was $1000 per share with the guarantee that the return would be $1500. "Total number of Equity memberships outstanding at any one time shall not exceed 225 in number." There were 212 who subscribed and are on the Equity Membership List dated 7/16/69.

Don Leavitt wrote in the Courier, July 14, 1968, "the Clubhouse can be rebuilt. The Course itself has the history and character which, if lost, could never quite be recaptured."

Social & Golf Events

From the beginning of the club through the early 1960's, it was the hub of social activities for the members and their families. Memorial Day weekend signaled the season was open. There was always a tournament followed by a banquet and the awarding of prizes.

Several members and former members have told about club picnics, family gatherings and multi-family parties in the grove on the left of #11 fairway. Pitch and putt contests were held along with baseball games. There was a large stone fireplace for cooking, not as we do now over the grill, but using big cast iron skillets, plus the old-style big coffee pots.

Fond memories remain of the "big day" on the 4th of July. There was a Flag Tournament for golfers, Driving and Putting Contests, a three-man team (called Lady-Pro Am) Tournament, the Club Picnic and Fireworks by Bloom & Hadfield. Until several years after the University began having a firework display, the club was the only place to be that night. Spectators came from surrounding communities, as well as Champaign and Urbana. All of the roads were packed with parked cars and spectators.

The biggest weekend of the golf season was Labor Day. It began with the Auction and a Dinner Dance, then two days of play. In the beginning the competition was on an individual basis. Teams of two-men and one-woman were auctioned, but the actual play was in foursomes of men and foursomes of women. Winners were the single players with the best low net scores. Some year after 1965 the format was changed to two man teams. Play was in foursomes, one best ball for each team of two. According to a pairings sheet from 1972 that format was still in effect. At some point before 1981 the format changed; first to four-man teams playing 2 best balls, then to four-man teams playing 2 best balls the 1st day and 3 best balls the 2nd day.

The term "Calcutta" was used for some time, but like slot machines, which the club had at one time, was frowned upon and changed to Sweepstakes. Bob Suter did all the Paramutual work, and paid off the winners after play was completed, for many years. Several years after the death of a former President and ardent supporter of the club, the event was called "The Emmet Sweeny Memorial Sweepstakes." As time passed and new members didn't know who Emmet was, it was decided to call the Labor Day Event "The Urbana Memorial Sweepstakes" (TUMS) honoring all former Presidents and Champions who had deceased. With the advent of the computer, the Paramutual work is simplified and faster.

Labor Day weekend was more than the golf event. Family participation was planned for all. There was volleyball, badminton, putting contests and a large picnic. In the 1950's and early 1960's, pony rides were arranged in a circle on the Practice Fairway. Some years, Mr. Highschmidt brought a pony cart and/or small wagon so the smaller or more timid children could also enjoy the ponies. One year he provided chariots, which the adults tried with enthusiasm.

The pool guards, swim team members and friends planned water shows. The participants made costumes for the synchronized swim show. The Keller and Hatch boys performed comic diving tricks and exhibition diving – to the delight of everyone. Some of the swimmers played water polo; others attempted to capture a greased watermelon or dove for prizes, which were tossed into the pool. There were also races and tag games.

Everyone gathered around after the picnic as the young people enjoyed the pool until 9:00pm. Then, Ken Trigger, the member who voluntarily took care of the pumping system, sounded the final call and the pumps were shut off for the year. End of summer – back to school and work!