BY FREDERICK D. MEEHAN – March 7, 1952
Good Men and True Have Guided The Country Club Down Through The Years
Of vital importance to any golf course is the greenkeeper. He is, according to nineteenth hole gossip, directly responsible for every match that is lost. Surprisingly, in the forty-four years of the club’s existence there have been but four greenkeepers.
Edward Corbett of Northampton laid out both courses and remained with the club until he was appointed general supervisor of Child’s Park, where he remained until retirement. His brother, William, was selected to assume the responsibility for the upkeep until the appointment of the present greenkeeper, Ralph Parson, in 1924. During a short period when Mr. Parsons was not associated with the club, his duties were assumed by Conrad R. Heon.
Driver Spare the Horses
When Ralph Parsons first arrived as greenkeeper, the equipment for tending the course was extremely limited. The necessary locomotion for running the mowing machine was provided by a horse. In order that its hoofs might inflict the least amount of damage to the course, special attention was given to the animal’s apparel before it was admitted on the turf. Its hoofs were carefully covered by leather shoes, the upper part being strapped to the horse’s legs.
Mowing in All Directions
Upon first observation one might think he was viewing, in reality, the bearer of the Headless Horseman, but in reality it was the golfer’s servant, wearing, for their protection, what appeared to be diminutive snowshoes.
Hoss Tradin’
When a tractor was purchased for use on the course, the real value of the horse was appreciated as it was exchanged with Mr. Ahearn for land on the present fifth hole, thereby permitting the width of the fairway to be extended.
In later years many various stories have been enumerated relative to the purchase of the above mentioned tractor. To set the record straight, the fact is that Robert t. Lee, upon his own initiative, decided to solicit contributions from the members for this purchase. At the time he approached Mr. Thomas McConnell the sum of two hundred and twenty dollars had already been raised.
Bob Lee Lost—The Club Won
In the discussion which followed it was mutually agreed that a coin would be tossed, the loser assuming the entire cost of a new tractor. Mr. Lee lost, purchased the tractor at a cost of six hundred and ten dollars and, according to the agreement, returned the money which he had previously collected. Although, Mr. Lee is no longer a member, he occasionally stops at the club for dinner, and were he to gaze out upon the course he would see his tractor, still going strong after more than a quarter century of loyal service.
The Men Behind
Every organization is as strong as its board of directors and secretary-treasurer. Throughout the years the club has been fortunate in having leaders who operated the organization according to sound financial standards. Consequently, at the present time, the Northampton Country club is in a better financial condition than perhaps any club in the valley.
It is unfortunate that all club records, previous to 1936, were destroyed in the flood, thereby preventing the opportunity to give to present and former members the credit due for service rendered the club. No one member or group can assume responsibility for success: it belongs to many, extending back as far as 1898.
W.C. Clark First Sec.-Treas.
The first secretary-treasurer and longest in terms of years, was William C. Clark, who served until the middle twenties, when he moved to Boston. He was followed by Charles Foster, Fred Cary, and Ralph Harlow. In 1936 Arthur Witherell assumed responsibility and ruled the finance department with an iron hand until his illness forced his retirement in 1946. For his outstanding service he was granted a lifetime membership. The only other member so honored is Mrs. Arthur Warner. Charles Stearns was elected to assume Mr. Witherell’s vacancy, and he still holds this position.
Dues–Then and Now
In 1922, just thirty years ago, the club numbered more than two hundred members, seventy fine being classified as family members. The cost of membership was a far cry from the original Warner Meadow fee–$8 for men, $4 for women: likewise, the contrast between the cost of membership in 1922 and now is apparent. Referring to membership as “ticket”, the 1922 fees were as follows: Family ticket, $35.00; single men, $30.00; women’s’ single, $10.00; per week for out of town guest, $3.00; per day, $.75. Needless to add, membership rates (or “tickets”) are exactly double as compared to thirty years ago.
When Benny Toski Was Pro
The Northampton Country club celebrated its twenty-first anniversary in 1934. Benny Toski, believed to be the youngest pro in the country, was master of the pro shop. The officers of the club who had served during this anniversary year were: President, P. J. Montague; vice-president, Harry Gaylord, and secretary-treasurer, Arthur B. Witherell. The directors were P. J. Montague, Harry Gaylord, J. N. Pelissier, Walter Brown, R. W. Hemenway, and Frank C. Magranis. As the reader can vividly recall, the year 1934 was one of the most rugged of the depression years, and due to the large drop in membership, the strictest economic measures had to be invoked to keep the club financially intact.
(to be continued)
BY FREDERICK D. MEEHAN
The description of interesting golf matches throughout the 53 years of the club’s existence would require a volume. Needless to say, many sleepless nights have been endured by the vanquished, but over a period of time, the scale has been well balanced. Subsequently, good fellowship has always prevailed, and although all activities of the club cease during the winter months, they swiftly reach high gear the first of April; members separated during the winter months, are more than glad to be reunited again, determined to win new laurels. This attitude has characterized the activities of the club, not only recently, but throughout its many years.
Why the Hurry?
In retrospect, the fastest players in the history of the club are Jack Egan and John R. Long, former executive of McCallum’s Hosiery, who were prominent members in 1926. Fortunate were the caddies who served them as it meant a swift trip around and a chance for another “job.” Probably the two fastest players, separated by the years, include Jim Abbott (now retired) and Ed Finn. Neither player believes in ceremony, but let no one underestimate their accuracy.
Heap Big Chief
The elder members undoubtedly recall the famed Indian, Chief Caupolican (also known as Emile Barrangon), not because of his loud war-whoops, nor his tendency for capturing scalps, but his prowess as a golfer. He first established the club record of playing 96 holes in one day.
‘Round and ‘Round They Go
Not to be outdone (1926), Lester Heon (a member of the well-known golfing family of Leeds, for some time the golf professional at Montpelier, Vt., now in the monument business) and Edward Sarazen, caddied by “Joe Pete” played 102 holes in one day. Play was begun at about 9 in the morning, and after lunch continued until 5:15. This involves 11 trips around the course, plus the seventh, eighth, and ninth hole for dessert. The record still stands. Hats off to them!
Bob Toski Holds Record of 63
As mentioned previously, Bob Toski, the assistant pro, and idol of golfers from coast to coast, holds the course record at 63. Few realize that his brother Jack, now pro, scored a 32 and 36, including a hole-in-one! Other low scores include a 30 by Bill Barrett on the afternoon of July 4, 1940 after being defeated for the club championship in the morning. Francis Bernache of Leeds also distinguished himself by a score of 32 for nine holes in the summer of 1946. In point of years, the oldest golfer, who still plays daily—and at a very rapid pace—in the low eighties, is Archibald Galbraith, former headmaster of Williston academy, who according to Who’s Who was born on Sept. 22, 1987.
The Vanished Records
Unfortunately, it has been impossible to find the names of the club champion down through the years. Each successive year has produced outstanding golfers who blandly challenge par continually. With the return of the club’s younger members from service in 1946, there has probably been more and better golf played than at any time since the club was founded.
Outstanding among the better golfers, Karl B. Ullman, Jr. remains supreme. Karl first won the club championship in 1928, at the tender age of 17, defeating Fred Cary. He also won this coveted prize in 1930 and again in 1932. During the last six years he has victorious three times. From 1928 until the present, Karl has been club champion at least nine times—an enviable record.
Others who have won the championship include Peter O’Kulsky—present assistant pro, Ray Balise, Les Heon, Fred Cary, Larry Balise.
All Honor to Charles Walker and Fred Cary
Although during the 64 years of golf many changes have been made, and members have come and gone, two of Northampton’s more prominent citizens have been staunch members for many years.
Charles W. Walker joined the Warner Meadow Golf club in 1899, and through the years has always been a loyal and generous member. Although he discontinued playing golf some years ago, he still retains his membership, and frequently takes part in social activities.
Fred D. Cary joined in 1902 and was issued the first certificate of stock in the Northampton Country club, dated October 8, 1908, and signed by Robert L. Williston, then president of the club. During Mr. Cary’s long term of membership he has served as club president, secretary-treasurer, captain of the golf team, golf champion, and chairman of the green committee for many years.
When Fred steps onto the course in April (after having kept in form during the winter at Jack Toski’s indoor Golf school) he will round out a half century of uninterrupted golf! Lest any optimistic neophyte, who might migrate to the club from Al Bontempo’s golf range, challenge Mr. Cary in a golf match, let him think twice.
May All the Years Be Bright
With an increase in membership from 145 in 1945 to 260 in 1951, the club faces the 1952 season with optimism. The officers for the season include: President, Jean A. Lontin; secretary-treasurer, Charles A. Stearns. The directors are Jean A. Longtin, Herberst C. Salls, Karl B. Ullman, Jr.; John L. Banner, Oliver B. Bradley, Jr.;Norris Supenant, and James Wragg. Jack Toski will again be the professional, with Peter O’Kulsky, assistant pro. Charles Ostafin will return as chef.
Women Champions
In the women’s division Mrs. O. Wendall Edwards won the championship year after year until defeated by Mrs. Verna Alden. Perhaps the closest competitor was Mrs. Joseph Collins. Mrs. Alden, having held the top position among the women golfers for several succeeding years, was eventually displaced by Edna (Rolland) Heon, who won the crown seven times. Not t be outdone by her sister Martha has one tone championship six times, Leah, twice, and Verna, once. Sixteen victories for members of one family is not a bad score! The present club champion is Eleanor Doppmann, who has won the title three times. In the field of golf Leeds and Haydenville really produce champions.
Hole-in-One Club
The dream of every golfer is member ship in the Hole-In-One club. The members thereof would not admit that luck was involved – rather scientific playing. Be that as it may, membership in the local exclusive group includes Fred Cary, who dropped his tee shot on the old second hole (212 yds.) and Dr. G. J. Hickey, Joe Laurion, Larry Balise. George Hosie, Fred Meehan, and E.K. Abbott, who have mastered the eighth hole. The latter and his companions, after having vainly searched the traps, the fairways, and the woods for the ball, fired the caddy. The luckless one had neglected to look into the hole! Former pros to accomplish the feat were Al Porter and Benny Toski; likewise Ed Twohig (present pro at Amherst) and Jack Toski, the present pro. Ernest Thrasher, by a strange twist of fate, hit two balls out of bounds, but his third landed in the cup! Pat Montague and George Gustafson still hold the record on the seventh holes with perfect drives.
Whereas in distant years the prizes for a Hole-in One were highly lucrative, the increased national participation in the game in recent years has substantially reduced the volume of prizes.