History
A Retrospective
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. "
– Gandhi
1903 was a year of “firsts” in America. The first teddy bear was created, the very first Model A Ford was sold, and the first box of Crayola crayons was made and purchased for 5 cents. Eliot Ness, John Dillinger, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope were born, and Calamity Jane died.
The Wizard of Oz premiered, a new bicycle race called the “Tour de France” was announced, and the Pepsi-Cola Company was formed.
Closer to home, a few local businessmen met in the back room of a downtown tailor shop to discuss the possibility of starting a country club. That seed of an idea germinated then blossomed and a sanctuary of tradition and charm was born: The Wooster Country Club.
"Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success. "
– Dale Carnegie
In 1903 the city’s population hovered around 6,000 people and the largest employer was the Underwood Whip Company, which manufactured whips and employed around 64 people.
Prospects for a social hub and golf mecca were low, but enthusiasm was high and the following spring 14 partners leased 33 acres of land. They were determined to create a golf course.
The land was cleared with a hay mower. Tees, fairways and greens were created and “The Country Club Golf Links” (a three-hole course) was christened.
As the decades passed both the City of Wooster and Wooster Country Club reveled in the good times and weathered the bad. Boom times gave way to near economic collapse when major corporate players left Wooster.
Those remaining stood side-by-side and ferociously held the Club together, against all odds, making it the premier family-oriented private club it is today.