Believed to be the “oldest continuously operating club west of the Alleghenies,” the club has thrived over the decades despite devastating fires, Prohibition and a Stock Market crash.
Here are 10 things to know about the historic club’s early history, according to the 100th anniversary edition of the “History of the Dayton Country Club:”
Early origins. The club is believed to have gotten its start on the Patterson Homestead, known then as Rubicon Farm, between Brown and Main Streets. Many generations of the Patterson family lived on the homestead, including John H. Patterson, the founder of the National Cash Register Co.
The first professional. The Dayton Country Club was founded in 1897 as the Dayton Golf Club. The following year, the club hired Willie Hoare as its first club pro. Hoare was known internationally as the United States record-holder for the longest drive.
From grapes to golf. The present-day Dayton Country Club, on Kramer Road, is on the site of the former Kramer Winery and Pleasure Gardens. William Kramer immigrated from Germany in 1845 and purchased the land for a winery, planting vineyards, shade trees and gardens. Kramer was known for aging his wine for four years before it could be imbibed with "good cheer to the thirsty people who hourly visit him from the city."
A permanent home. Seeking room to grow, the Dayton Country Club purchased the 95-acre winery in 1906. The club was incorporated in 1908, the same year construction began on the clubhouse built with cream colored stucco.
A grand structure. The club, with its nine-hole golf course, formally opened in 1910. Newspaper accounts described grand reception areas for men and women, furniture made from silver gray oak with ivory woodwork and a Japanese tea room decorated with a mural that depicted mountains, foliage and Geisha girls.
Pleasure riding. Golf and tennis were popular activities at the club, and in 1912 new riding stables opened, adding to the recreation opportunities. On opening day, "society women" served tea in the horse stalls to visitors. The riding stables were used by novices who took riding lessons, equestrians who enjoyed pleasure riding through Hills & Dales Park and the surrounding area, and by sportsmen who loved a fast paced game of polo.
Barn tragedy. In 1927 a fire destroyed the stables and killed 64 horses. Many of the horses were rescued from the burning building and tied to trees outside, but the panicked animals broke away and returned to their stalls.
Golf course living. In 1916 lots around the grounds were sold for $5,000 with a stipulation that the homes built had to cost $10,000.
Cheers. During Prohibition the club forbid liquor on the premises but crafty members found ways around it. A bartender in the men's grill brought whiskey from Canada and sold it to members who would find it tucked away inside their lockers.
An illustrious caddie. Martin Sheen worked as a caddie at the club from 1948 to 1958, when he was known as Ramon Estevez. According to Tom Sammons, who caddied with him, Sheen's fellow caddies called him "Isacc." The nickname came about because Sheen wore glasses, and his younger brother told the boys it was because his "eyes were sick."
ABOUT THIS FEATURE
HISTORY EXTRA is a weekly pictorial history feature showcasing the Miami Valley’s rich heritage. If you have a unique set of historic photos found in your parents’ or grandparents’ attic that depicts the past in the Miami Valley, contact Lisa Powell at 937-225-2229 or at Lisa.Powell@coxinc.com.
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