Club History Cont 3
The financing arrangement was unique in that the agreement was that the Club pay $40,000.00 a year in monthly payments for 10 years at no interest which would then reduce the balance to $400,000.00 and Henry agreed to accept at that time a note and mortgage for the $400,000.00 balance, bearing 5% interest, amortized over a 15 year period and give the Deed and Bill of Sale to CHCC so that the corporate entity, in 1973, obtained legal title to the real estate.
The 1963 purchase was contingent on being able to raise $40,000.00 for the initial down payment and when the letters went out to the Club membership asking for $300.00 for this purpose, only 113 responded. So the beginning Columbia Hills Country Club as a member-owned club had 113 Senior Members.
As you would expect, the early years of ownerships were frought with financial manipulations, borrowing from Paul to pay Peter, “negotiations” for new members, and with creditors, but the proof of the pudding is that we now have a beautiful club, one of the best if not the best in the entire area for golf, sociability and friendliness.
Photographs of past presidents are on the walls of the foyer for recognition.
Major improvement after major improvement was made over the years, the primary aim being to develop the golf course to one which will be second to none. Watered fairways and greens, tees and every part of the golf course have been improved so substantially that one who played in 1963 would certainly not recognize the course as it is today.
The clubhouse area was not ignored. In 1971-72 the Patio was added, along with a new Pro Shop and an enlarged kitchen. A major clubhouse renovation was completed in 1989 which included a new members’ dining room dedicated to fine dining with a beautiful view of the 18th hole, a ballroom to accommodate large member functions and outside events, a new enlarged kitchen, the remodeling and enlargement of men’s and women’s locker rooms and a new Men’s Grille Room.
The Club did not rest on its laurels after the major Clubhouse renovation, but continued to upgrade and improve the golf course. In 1991 it completed the construction three new golf greens, located at Holes #2, #4, and #7. These greens were rebuilt and raised so as to avoid possible erosion problems. In connection with the construction it was necessary to move large quantities of soil, which resulted in the course having three new water hazards, on Holes #4, #7 and #8 to catch the errant golf balls, and to add to the character and beauty of the course.
In 1992, further construction and improvement occurred in the construction of the new Halfway House with restroom facilities. In addition, the maintenance building was improved for the use of the greens employees. In 1993 a new front entryway was added, together with an expansion and resurfacing of the driveway and parking lot facilities.
All of the above are examples of how the Club continuously strives to improve and better the Club so as to be more enjoyable for its members and all that is left is for the members to use the course and enjoy its facilities to the fullest.
It all makes us proud of our Club and our course, and its aforesaid history should make us realize the efforts put in by so many to reach our present status. Let us hope that when this history is extended to reflect subsequent periods, the pride and camaraderie which we have in our Club will continue to grow.