| The premier Rockford Country Club |
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An Enduring Tradition |
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| It was as if the ground itself called out for a golf course . . . |
Spring, 1899. A church group in a small boat drifts slowly down the Rock River toward downtown Rockford to the south. One of the gentlman aboard,William Talcott was speaking to the group regarding the concept of a social life built around the new American rage known as golf. Mr. Talcott himself was at the time a member of Kenosha Country Club in Wisconsin, but longed for a country club in his hometown.
As they drifted along, the group listening intently to Mr. Talcott, the boat drifted past the Eddy farm, a stretch of irregular terrain boardering the west bank of the river. At this moment, Mr. Talcott suddenly rose from his seat and pointed dramatically at the Eddy farm and pronounced, "There, my friends, is the ideal place for a country club."
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| And so it began . . . |
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Almost as soon as he stepped off the board, Talcott began discussing his dream with his son Wait, and those in town who shared his interest in the idea of this exciting addition to Rockford. To most people the thought of a proper golf course, let alone a country club was one that never crossed their mind. In fact, the only course in the Rockford area at the time was a crude six-hole course behind W.W. Bennett's home on Grant Avenue, ironically dubbed, "The Pioneer Golf Links." However, this crude little course was stirring a great deal of interest in many young Rockford residents. William Talcott continued his conversations over the next several months until finally on September 26, 1899 he brought together a group of eighty-three men and women at the Nelson House to discuss the future of Rockford Country Club. To achieve some semblance of order, the group chose John H. Sherratt as acting chairman and W.T. Robertson as acting secretary.
When Talcott spoke to the group, he described the rural setting in some detail. According to Wait, the Eddy farm could hardly have been situated better. The view from the banks of the Rock River was a picture postcard, and the farm's irregular terrain, including ravine, promised grounds that would challenge even the best of golfers.
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| Vision and legacy pay off . . . |
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For his vision alone, many believe William Talcott deserves the title, "Father of Rockford Country Club." But vision was not all that Talcott was willing to offer. Talcott believed so steadfastly in his idea of a country club in Rockford, he offered an incentive to seal the deal: If the club were formed, he himself would buy the 95 acre Eddy farmland and lease it to the club for ten years at an annual rental of three hundred dollars plus payment of taxes. Unfortunately, William Talcott died before he could fully implement his plan and his son, Wait (and his wife), carried out his father's wishes and purchased the land. Wait negotiated a similar agreement to his late father's, he would buy eighty acres for $10,000 and give the club the option to buy the land at the end of ten years at the original amount paid, plus interest. That offer proved to be the greatest factore in the early success of the club, because it relieved the organization of much financial worry. The generosity of it can be seen in the fact that when the option expired, RCC did indeed buy the land, which by then was worth more than seven times what Talcott had paid for it.
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| Officially organized . . . |
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On November 9, 1899, organization of the Rockford Country Club was completed at another meeting at the Nelson House. Colonel Fisher presented the incorporation papers that he had obtained from the Illinois secretary of state and the committee named to draft a constitution and by-laws read its report. The committee that drafted RCC's constitution and by-laws comprised George C. Spafford, A.E. Fisher, F. L. Tritle, Joseph P. Barnes, Frank L. Brown and W.C. Taft.
The plenary group acted quickly. After adopting the rules with only a few minor changes, those at the meeting agreed that officers should be elected annual and, with six others to be elected, constitute the board of directors. For officers, the group chose, John H. Sherratt as the first president; Joseph P. Barnes as vice president; Norman E. Catlin as secretary; W.T. Robertson as treasurer; and Dr. W. B. Helm as captain of greens.
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No time to waste . . . |
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Little time was wasted on trivial formalities. Committees were established on house, grounds and membership. The group decided that members should be divided into classess. Subscribing members, capped at 150, were to pay full fees: $15.00 initiation and $15.00 annual dues. Associate members, those under the age of 21. Junior members comprised children of members. By the end of the year and the century, the Rockford Country Club boasted eighty-six subsribing members and sixty-three associate members.
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The original golf course was nine holes and was designed in 1899 by Herbert James (H.J.) Tweedie; the first professional instructor was Robert B. Bolton, formerly of the Dallas Golf Club. Tweedie was born in Hoy Lake, England.
With the inter workings of the golf course secured. The charter members wasted no time in designing and building a clubhouse. Final plans by architects Bradley and Carpenter were ready on March 15, 1900, the membership approved them the very same day. Work began immediately and on June 12, 1900 coniciding with the opening of the golf season, the members held their first reception at the new club house. |
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The tradition continues . . . |
For over 100 years, Rockford Country Club has offered the Rockford community and the surrounding area and incomparable country club experience in a unique setting of breathtaking natural beauty. The Rockford Country Club has undoubtedly stood the test of time. The first Rockford area club has never waived in its efforts. The lean years strenghtening the foundation to make way for the successful years that lay ahead. The forethought of those founding fathers solidified the foundation for the luxurious club we call home today.
As Mr. Talcott stated that afternoon, as he and his party drifted down the river, "There's really nothing else quite like it."
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We couldn't have said it better. |