Club History

The longest memories recall that in 1898 Mr. H. LeRoy Randall and several others built a four hole golf course on property leased from Edward Gustaveson which contained the old Hitchcock race track, the remains of which are all too well-known to those who have since played golf on what our deed calls "High Ridge". The earliest records indicate that the Golf Club was orgainized in 1903 when the course was extended to nine holes, all southerly of the present road which divides the Club property. Shortly thereafter a large open-sided Club House was built a few yards from the present Tool Shed.

In those days each golf hole had a name. The first hole was “The Old Oak” which stood at the elbow of present No. 2. The next hole was called “A Wee Bit”—llO yards. Then came “The Race Track”, “Ash Swamp”, “Stubble Hill” (present No. 6), “The Meadow”, “Kent Hollow” and “Home Again”.

Even before the inception of the Golf Club, the Lake Waramaug Yacht Club was a most active organization with motor boat and sailing races, water sports and regattas. Its social Headquarters were in a leased boat-house, known later as the Felt Cottage.

On July 4, 1916, at a joint meeting of the two Clubs, it was decided to join Forces and to organize a Club to be known as The Lake Waramaug Country Club. A year later a Realty Company was incorporated to purchase the Gustaveson farm and then to lease the property to the Club. War delayed further plans to build a Club House until 1920 when action was taken to start construction on the knoll by the present tennis courts, that unfortunate location being the compromise between those who wanted the Club House on the High Ridge and those who wanted the Club House on the High Water Mark.

During the next several years the property to the north of the crossroad was purchased to add two new golf holes, the old holes to the south being lengthened and rearranged as at present. The Club House, tennis courts, golf shop and bath house were also completed. No furniture, furnishings, planting or other consumable equipment were provided by the Realty Company under the agreement with the Club. The ladies took over the job of outfitting and making the Club as attractive as possible. Money was raised by hard work from teas, dances, bridge parties, fairs and “Harvest Suppers”.

The earliest records of the club contain many of the names of present members whose families have enjoyed the club for several generations. Bates, Brush, Bonynge, Hopkins, Mead, Mygatt, Pickett, Randall, Staub and White. In the twenties and early thirties other familiar names of many still active members began to appear on the club roster.

Among them, Anderson, Beers Couch, Foster, Larsen, Lombardi, Nichols, Putnam, Pagano, Placek, Plumb, Weidlich, and many others who have contributed their time and effort through the years.

By 1937 it was beginning to be apparent that a conflict of interest between the Realty Company and the membership would eventually develop. Almost all of the stock of the Realty Company was owned by a few families, mostly original members. Operations were supported by the Club members, most of who had no financial responsibility or interest. As the first step toward having all members become stockholders and own equal share in the Club, the two organizations were combined in 1937, but further steps were delayed too long to avoid the abandonment of the properties when the Second World War came. Without revenue the Realty Company had no funds to pay taxes, interest or to maintain the properties. Club membership dropped to six persons when gasoline rationing and other war measures made it difficult to use the Club. In two years the greens were completely destroyed; the fairways had reverted to hayfields; the tennis courts had gone to seed and the Club House and other buildings were in desperate need of repairs.

Two of the original families met again in 1944 to consider the Future. With the end of the war in sight, it was agreed that the stockholders should double their investment and then invite others from the nearby communities to join in the refinancing, reorganizing and rebuilding of a family club to serve as a social, recreational and community center. Mr. Graham M. Brush was elected President of the Corporation; its capital was increased and a basic pattern was agreed upon for future operation. The plan contemplated moving and redesigning all buildings with the Club House to be on top of the ridge. Our artist neighbor, John Zamotin, painted two water colors showing the proposed layouts. These paintings are today among the prized possessions of the Club and were invaluable in helping many persons to visualize what was contemplated.

The response from those who live over the hills was most enthusiastic. By Christmas 1944 the Club House was on top of the ridge. In September 1945 the annual meeting was held at the Club. In June 1946 the Club House was officially opened with a dinner dance at which 176 members and guests were present.

During the first year, foundations of new friendships were laid among young and old alike. The succeeding years have proven the values inherent in a simple family club. We are all a part of it; we own it; we support it; we work for it; we love it, and we hope you will be proud of it too.

Excerpts taken from
‘L.W.C.C.—An Historical Sketch’ by Judge Walter M. Pickett