Club History
The land for the Club was purchased or leased in February and March 1928. Total acreage was 159 ½ acres and the total price was $179,000.00. It included land from Mary Swartz, Mrs. Betty Wheeler, Mrs. George Ruble, Viva Thomas and the Oak Ridge Fishing and Game Club.
On March 30, 1928, a contract, with plans and specifications from Leonard Macomber, Inc. for construction of a new golf course, at a cost of $35,000.00, was issued. The Golf Pro at the time was Mr. Walter Carberry.
In May 1928, the Building Committee for the new Clubhouse location proposed several sites and after much discussion, the present location on the wooded knoll overlooking the lake was selected. Taking part in this discussion were directors A.M. Metzer, E.J. Hunt, Carlos Lyon, E.B. Evans, C.C. Nicholson, W.M. Bering, W.J. Grady, W.H. Wiley, C.H. Logan, L.W. Mueller, Dr. Will Barnes, T.J. Prentice, A.J. Grimm and F.M. Lindsay. Chairman of the Building Committee was W.J. Grady. Construction started October 1, 1928.
In December 1928, President Logan presented a budget for the new Clubhouse including a sprinkler system, caddy house, Pro Shop, roads and other items of necessity for $85,000. The Decorating and Furnishings Committee consisted of Mrs. Clark McMillen, Chairman, Mrs. Jane Brown, Mrs. David Shellabarger, Mrs. Corwin Jones and Mrs. Carlos Lyon. A $50,000 loan was secured from Millikin Bank and it stipulated a first mortgage on the West 80 acres of Club Property. The Board, at the time, told the Decorating Committee that it could not afford a piano or Victorola at the present, although later notes show that a piano was indeed purchased.
It was a proper day of festivities planned for the July 4, 1929 Grand Opening Celebration of the new Clubhouse. The Decorating Committee, with help from other women, hemmed table linens, polished silver, washed china and glassware, filled vases with flowers and placed the furniture; all in preparation for formal setting. During the day, golf matches for the men and women were held as well. Later in the afternoon, the Club President and Mrs. Logan, with the committee of hosts and hostesses, as well as six surviving charter members, formed a receiving line to welcome the members to the new Clubhouse. About 345 members and guests were present and most signed the original guest book that was set out for the purpose.
At 4:00 p.m. on the west terrace, three dozen helium balloons were released by the children, that was followed at 5:00 by their dinner. The adult dinner began at 7:00 after which the tables and furnishings were pushed against the wall and members danced to Lee Homebrook’s orchestra.
Timeline to a New Club
1926
First mention of hunt for new Club site. It was said that the proceeds from the sale of the, then, current property would be used to finance the purchase of the new site. But prior proper financial arrangements to build a course in another location must first be secured.
October 1927
Relocation Committee reports to the Board that they have employed an expert on golf courses to help select the best relocation site.
December 6, 1927
Board of Directors was authorized to purchase appropriate land in Macon County, Illinois, contingent upon contract for sale of the current Club premises. After the payoff of current indebtedness, remaining monies would be used for purchase of ground as well as plans for layout, improvements, and equipment for all projected facilities.
December 23, 1927
Relocation Committee was authorized to purchase Grady/Ruble parcel of land, not to exceed $55,000, provided that the owners furnished suitable terms.
February 11, 1928
The Committee was given the go ahead to exercise the option on the Grady property (21 acres).
February 14, 1928
Deed was signed selling the property of the initial site of the Country Club of Decatur to the Country Club Real Estate Improvement Corporation for the sum of $125,000. Fifty members of the Club formed this corporation.
February 15, 1928
Exercised a lease option on the Swartz property (40 acres with the right to purchase by 1933 for $19,000). Also, a deed was recorded on this date for the purchase of 50 acres from Viva and John Thomas.
March 3, 1928
Purchased 8 ½ acres from the Oak Ridge Fishing and Game Club.
Purchased 40 acres from Betty Wheeler.
March 30, 1928
The Board approved a contract with Architect Leonard Macomber, Inc. for the plans and specifications of a new golf course costing $35,000.
May 11, 1928
The exact location for the new Clubhouse was chosen. Arrangements for a loan of $60,000 for the building and equipping of the Clubhouse plus other property improvements were made.
Sept. 18, 1928
A construction contract for the new Clubhouse was awarded to George A. Mueller.
October 1, 1928
Clubhouse construction began.
October 15, 1928
Date when ownership of the old golf course transferred to the Country Club Real Estate Improvement Corporation.
October 30, 1928
Special meeting of the Board for the purpose of inspecting new golf course. The course was approved following a walking tour, but was subject to greens 4, 6, and 7 developing satisfactorily during the following spring or they would be redone.
December 18, 1928
Last meeting of the Board of Directors in the old Clubhouse
Club Notes from 1929
The new Clubhouse was open every day for regular events; (at a July 19, 1929 Board Meeting it was decided to close on Mondays). Every Sunday there was a buffet supper and every Tuesday, the men have a dinner. Wednesday was women’s bridge and a golf luncheon. On Thursday was mixed foursome and play with dinner and cards in the evening for all the members. Club dinner-dances were planned for every two or three weeks.