The Country Club of Farmington, 1892-1995 is a historical account authored by James A. Frost and published in 1996. The book traces the evolution and significance of the Country Club of Farmington from its establishment in 1892 to the culmination of 1995.[2] The narrative offers insights into the club's societal, cultural, and athletic importance, providing a rich understanding of its enduring legacy.[3]
 Limited edition (English) | |
| Author | James A. Frost |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | The Country Club of Farmington |
| Publisher | Phoenix Publishing |
Publication date | June 1995[1] |
| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 195 |
| OCLC | 33983571 |
Background and contents
editThe Country Club of Farmington, situated in Farmington, Connecticut, is one of the oldest country clubs in the United States, with its inception dating back to 1892. Since its establishment, the club has proudly served as a central hub within the community, offering various social and recreational activities, including golf.[1]
In his publication, James A. Frost meticulously chronicles the club's evolution over a century. The narrative expertly delves into the club's inception, the visionary ideals of its founders, and the various challenges and successes woven throughout its history.[3]
Founding and early years
editThe publication begins with a detailed account of the establishment of the Country Club of Farmington in 1892, encompassing the motivations and foresight of the club's founding members, who were prominent local figures aspiring to establish a venue for leisure activities and social engagement. The early years are marked by the establishment of initial infrastructural facilities, including the construction of the inaugural clubhouse and the development of the initial golf course. The publication emphasizes the challenges encountered during this era, such as procuring funding, enticing members, and surmounting logistical hurdles. Including anecdotes and historical documents contribute to a comprehensive narrative of the club's foundational years.[3]
Expansion and growth
editWithin this section, Frost examines the club's expansion with its membership and physical infrastructure. It provides a comprehensive overview of the successive stages of growth, including incorporating additional facilities and dining amenities. The publication will analyze the club's responsiveness to evolving member requisites and preferences. Prominent achievements, such as impactful membership initiatives and substantial construction endeavors, will be underscored. Furthermore, the club's progression will be contextualized within broader social and economic patterns, illustrating its alignment with the advancement of the surrounding community.[4]
Sporting events and achievements
editThe Country Club of Farmington has a deep heritage in sporting activities, particularly golf. This publication chronicles the significant tournaments and competitions the club hosts. It showcases the achievements of esteemed club members who have excelled in these sporting pursuits locally and nationally.[5] Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive account of the development of the club's golf course, encompassing redesigns and enhancements.[6]
Illustrated with photographs and enriched by first-hand narrations, this publication imparts a profound insight into the club's role in nurturing and endorsing athletic prowess.[7]
Social and cultural impact
editBeyond sports, the Country Club of Farmington has played a significant role in the social and cultural of the community. This theme delves into the club's impactful involvement in social affairs, encompassing events such as dances, galas, and community gatherings. The publication scrutinizes the club's function as a social nexus, nurturing relationships and community cohesion. It also examines the club's participation in philanthropic endeavors and advocacy for local causes. Through personal anecdotes and historical accounts, the publication depicts the club's influence on Farmington's cultural milieu.[8]
Modernization and challenges
editThe Country Club of Farmington encountered the imperative to modernize its facilities and services in response to evolving times. This narrative encompasses the diverse initiatives undertaken to refurbish the club, encompassing advancements in technology, renovations, and alterations in governance. It also delves into the challenges of economic downturns, evolving social perspectives, and competition from other recreational establishments. Additionally, the narrative sheds light on the strategic decisions the club's leadership implemented to address these challenges while upholding the club's traditions and fundamental principles.[9]
By providing a detailed exploration of these critical themes, The Country Club of Farmington, 1892-1995 presents a thorough and captivating chronicle of its legacy, underscoring its significance as a social and recreational establishment in Farmington.[9]
Reception
editThe Country Club of Farmington, 1892-1995 is a limited edition publication detailing the history of the Farmington Country Club in Farmington, Connecticut. Recognized for its research and comprehensive content, the publication is a definitive historical account of the club. It sets a precedent for chronicling the histories of social and recreational club, emphasizing the significance of preserving local heritage.[10]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b "Club History". The Country Club of Farmington. 15 July 2024. Archived from the original on 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ Berlet, Bruce (11 September 1996). "Humor Suited to a Tee". Hartford Courant. p. 41. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c Gorman, Kathleen (19 June 1995). "Golf club marks first century". Hartford Courant. p. 3. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Farmington Country Club's Art Auction". Hartford Courant. 7 March 1996. p. 106. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Leaders in Farmington Country Club Tournament". Hartford Courant. 15 July 1951. p. 46. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Bob Toski May Play In Manchester Open; Tumble Brook Event Attracts 30 Teams". Hartford Courant. 9 September 1953. p. 32. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Three courses to rotate as sites for CIAC boys". Hartford Courant. 22 May 1996. p. 40. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Poluton, Arthur (1 April 1957). "Unknown Bill Whedon Fired Two Acres In His ICO Round". Hartford Courant. p. 4. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Gorman, Kathleen (19 June 1995). "Farmington Golf Club marks its first century". Hartford Courant. p. 6. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "On History". The Daily Star (Oneonta). 3 April 1983. p. 83. Archived from the original on 4 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
Bibliography
editPrimary Sources
edit- Country Club of Farmington, minutes of the Board of Governors and the Waterville Road Realty Corporation Directors. The great fire of 1901 destroyed the club's early records, and subsequent minutes of the Board of Governors have not been carefully preserved. They were found on the third floor of the clubhouse. After the author read them, they were placed in the house manager's office, and since that time, the minutes for the period prior to 1920 have disappeared. The minutes are very useful but often refer to reports which are missing. Entries are sometimes cryptic, containing comments easily understood only by persons familiar with what was happening. Nonetheless, they are an excellent source, and for the period 1943-1974, the minutes of the Waterville Road Realty Corporation's directors often mirror those of the club's governors, thereby providing corroborating evidence. The Waterville minutes were also discovered on the third floor of the clubhouse and are now kept in the club manager's office. Valuable reports are sometimes filed with the Waterville minutes. There is an unindexed file in the club office that contains materials relating to the work of the governors and the presidents. It has been continuous since 1983 and has useful materials, including reports of the Long Term Plan Committee and data on the membership demographics.
- Country Club of Farmington, Yearbooks, are published annually and always contain a membership list. The early editions include the constitution, by-laws, house rules and pictures. The club archives have the original or a photocopy for 1899, 1902, 1905, 1912, 1926 and from 1966 ot date.
- Country Club of Farmington, Fair-ways, is a membership newsletter. Sometimes, it has been published under a different title; sometimes, the dates are lacking. Occasional issues are available prior to 1987, and since that date, the field has been completed. The newsletter carries information on a wide variety of matters but is especially useful in tracing bowling and platform tennis activities.
- Country Club of Farmington, Women's Golf Records, and the Nine-Hole Women's Golf Group's minutes book. The Women's Golf Records are unindexed. They are maintained by the Eighteen-Hole Women's Golf Group and contain the minutes of meetings, financial information, lists of winners, and assorted information. The Nine-Hole minutes book records the minutes of both board meetings and membership meetings and is complete from 1975 to date.
- Country Club of Farmington, Controller's Records. In addition to financial data, the records include information concerning club staff members, personnel policies, and the information filed by club members at the time of admittance.
- Country Club of Farmington, pictures. The club owns many useful pictures, including portraits of the club's presidents, which were found in the Grill, sometimes showing golfing costumes or the garb for curling. Other pictures in the Grill show the original clubhouse, the replacement clubhouse built in 1901-1902, and the changes made to the replacement clubhouse. There are also 18 albums of photographs in the clubs' archives containing snapshots showing people, the golf course, the clubhouse grounds, and parties. The albums began in 1950 and, except for 1955 and 1965, continued unbroken through 1983.
- Farmington Library's Farmington Room is a treasure trove for students of the club's history. It has almost all the secondary sources cited here and has primary sources, including pictures of the first clubhouse and the subsequent rebuilding and expansion, a copy of the Yearbook for 1902, early records of the Farmington Central School District, and the Farmington Dog Register for 1903.
- Farmington Land Records provide direct information on land purchases and sales, revealing the gradual development of the present land holdings. Recorded mortgages provide information concerning finances and often include detailed information concerning the relationship between the lender and the borrower.
- Borough of Farmington, Connecticut, Journal #1, has information concerning the parking dispute of 1916 and reveals some unpleasant feeling toward club members.
- State of Connecticut, Special Acts Passed by the State of Connecticut. Publication follows each legislative session. The following are useful: charter, 1897; charter amendment, 1923; act permitting merger with Waterville Road Realty Corporation, 1973.
- State of Connecticut, Register and Manual, published annually. Persons who have held high governmental offices are listed. A number of club members are included.
- Connecticut State Golf Association, 1994 Media Guide, lists state champions in various categories, year by year, and the courses on which the championships were held.
- Connecticut Womens Golf Association, 1994 Handbook, lists state champions in various categories, year by year, and the courses on which the championships were held.
- Waterbury and Naugatuck Directory and its successor, Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Watertown Directory, both published annually by Price and Lee, New Haven, Connecticut, and available at the Silas Bronson Library, Watertown. Directories were consulted for 1891, 1894, 1896, 1905, 1912, 1920, 1924 and 1927. They were useful in tracing Joshua K. Smith and John P. Elton. Connecticut Womens Golf Association, 1994 Handbook, lists state champions in various categories, year by year, and the courses on which the championships were held.
- Davis, Brooks, and Crosby, architects, drawing of clubhouse plans, August 1, 1901. The exterior and interior of the building are shown in detail. Copy is in the club's archives.
- Scudieri and Mankey, architects, "Specifications for Swimming and Tennis Center for the Country Club, Farmington, Connecticut," on a date but probably prepared in 1962. Copy is in the club's archives.