USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > History of the Forest Lake Club, 1882-1932 > Part 14
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The question of the eligibility of women as mem- bers first came up in August, 1885, at which time an application for membership was received by the Board
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from Mrs. Barbara E. Donaldson, the widow of James H. Donaldson, who had been one of the charter members. The question was referred to the Execu- tive Committee to take up with the Counsel of the Association and at the same time to ascertain what were the rights of the widows and heirs of a deceased member. Apparently, though the application above referred to was laid on the table at the time and no record is found of its future acceptance, no ruling was made against the eligibility of women, as appears from an opinion of counsel regarding the rights of the heirs of a deceased member. This is set forth in the by-laws, as published in 1889, as follows:
"In the event of the death of a member owning stock in the Association, the husband or widow and minor children, or a brother or sister if designated in his or her last will and testament, shall have the same rights and privileges, subject to all the by-laws, rules and regulations of the Association, including the payment of annual dues, as were enjoyed by the deceased member, for the term of one year from his or her decease, or until the membership share of stock shall have been disposed of by the legal representative of such deceased member."
While the above quoted paragraph could not be construed as denying to women membership in the Club, yet no effort was made until 1919 to declare them eligible in a direct and forthright manner. In February of that year, however, the Executive Com- mittee was instructed to take up and report at the
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next Board meeting a revision of the Constitution and By-Laws with respect to women becoming members and holding property in the Club. The Committee made its report on May 16th, 1919, recommending that women be admitted to member- ship and permitted to hold property as regular mem- bers; and so the little clause under Article XV in the revised by-laws, previously quoted, reading: "Any person of good moral character shall be eligible for membership," raised the barrier and "women's rights" were formally recognized.
Mrs. Mary F. Williams was the first woman mem- ber, she having been elected on May 21st, 1920. Within a few weeks, or on June 10th, Mrs. Mary Lahey and Mrs. Sara Conover Thomas became share- holding members. Mrs. Lillie L. Coster and Mrs. Mary E. Baird attained regular membership on August 17th, 1924. Miss Henrietta Walker became a share- holding member in August, 1926, and Mrs. William Archer was elected to full membership August 22nd, 1931.
Since 1901, associate members have been made welcome. In fact it became the rule to expect a prospective member to qualify by a status of asso- ciate for a year or two before making application for regular membership; and the idea has been that it is incumbent upon the associate to become a regu- lar member within this time, provided he can obtain a share of stock. One can readily see how difficult it would be to carry out the above idea to the letter;
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not only because of the possible inability of the pros- pective member to obtain stock just when he wants it, but because other exigencies have sometimes arisen in the cases of desirable persons, making it necessary to carry them as associates beyond the usual period of time, which in 1906, had been limited to two years. The associate member, elected from year to year, en- joys all the privileges of regular membership, except voting rights, the ownership of property and the privilege of introducing guests.
The question as to just what constituted a mem- ber's family has quite often been brought up for dis- cussion relative to Club charges. In May, 1922, the following interpretation and the one which at present stands, was made: "that wives, unmarried daughters and unmarried sons not more than 25 years of age be charged members' rates."
Up to the present time, there have been admitted to regular membership approximately 225 persons, about 100 of whom, having been admitted prior to 1901, did not serve the associate apprenticeship. On the other hand a considerable number elected to asso- ciate membership dropped out for one reason or another and never became share-holding members.
Of our present members, George N. Williams, Jr., heads the list in respect to the length of time of membership. Mr. Williams became a member in November, 1887. Next in order come George F. Pelham, in 1889, William T. Lahey, November, 1894, and Joseph Van Vleck, March, 1896. In point
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of seniority respecting the length of time they have been coming to the Club, Charles S. MacGregor, who first came up in 1883, and Elmer R. Gregor, who arrived at the Club in 1884, hold the honors.
The Forest Lake Club has always taken a pardon- able pride in the character of its membership and so, as a matter of information, not only to the present generation but to those who in after years may read this story, some data regarding a number of the men who were destined to become prominent in the Club's early history may be pertinent. The vocations of the thirty charter members showed considerable variety; and though business somewhat predomi- nated, the professions, especially that of medicine, were well represented. There were seven physicians, four lawyers, one of whom was a Supreme Court Judge, one surveyor, one architect and one clergy- man. And then, a few years later, begins a list of names of incoming members several of whom stand out as representative of present families. In Novem- ber, 1886, the name of William A. Avis appears. In 1887, there are noted the following: William C. Davidson, George Mulligan, William Forster, George N. Williams, George N. Williams, Jr., Benjamin A. Williams, John Livingston, James A. Frame, Francis Lahey; in 1890, John Graham; in 1891, William Archer and Joseph Van Vleck. These names are set down in the hope that this casual survey will give the reader some glimpse of the foundations on which is built this structure called The Forest Lake Club.
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Let us go back for a moment to the medical pro- fession. There was never an official Club Physician, although a resolution authorizing such an appoint- ment was passed by the Board in June, 1901. Why this suggestion was not carried out does not appear. Perhaps with so many physicians as members, it was thought unnecessary. Two years before, however, Dr. Everett W. Gould, recently graduated from Medical School, had been invited to the Club to serve as the unofficial medico and he evidently proved to be so popular that future aspirants were discour- aged. Just how much real service the doctor ren- dered is not in the books, but we do know that he surrendered unconditionally to the attractions of the place.
There have been, probably, during the summer seasons, few times, and then for only very short periods, when there was no physician at the Club who could be called upon in case of necessity; and while, in the earlier days the distance to the nearest town doctor seemed a long one, it can now be bridged in fifteen or twenty minutes, if necessary. An emergency medicine chest was fitted up by Dr. Gould and it is inventoried and replenished each season with the more commonly needed remedies.
And so, with builders, architects, business men, clergymen, lawyers and physicians always to be found among its members, The Forest Lake Club has to a great extent been a self-sufficient organization.
The Forest Lake Club is unique in many ways and
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not the least of these is the fact that for a period of almost thirty-six years the annual dues remained at the original figure of $25.00. This is the more re- markable because of the very moderate board and room rates charged throughout these many years. Beginning January 1st, 1890, an initiation fee of $25.00 was established, this applying both to asso- ciate and regular members and a fee of $10.00 was also required for the transfer of a share of stock. In March, 1891, the Board directed that a notice be given to stockholders of a proposed amendment to the by-laws changing the dues from $25.00 to $30.00 a year, but at a stockholders' meeting held April 16th of the same year this proposed amendment was laid on the table, and there it evidently remained; for it was not until February 1st, 1918, twenty-seven years later, that the annual dues were raised from $25.00 to $40.00. It is of some interest to record that it has always been the policy of the Board to attempt to take care of the fire insurance, taxes, interest on mortgages and the New York expense from the receipts from initiation fees and dues, and the time had arrived when it became absolutely nec- esssary to increase these receipts.
In 1920, when it again became necessary to raise the dues, the Directors, on February 27th, adopted a resolution that from that date the annual dues for associate members be made $50.00 and that on and after August 1st, 1920, the annual dues for regular members be raised to the same figure.
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A change in the initiation fees for associate mem- bers was made at an Executive Committee meeting on February 8th, 1922, raising them to $50.00 and on an associate becoming a regular member an addi- tional fee of $25.00 was required. The Board also voted that dues should not be charged to estates, as, in the opinion of Club Counsel, membership termi- nated at the death of a member and the stock is not liable in itself for dues, and that the Treasurer be instructed to cancel any charges against estates for dues which were made February 1st, 1922, or prior thereto, and still remained unpaid. On February 16th, 1923, the Board passed a resolution increasing the dues of both regular and associate members in the amount of $10.00 per annum, and shortly after- wards $25.00 additional was added to take care of the Entertainment, Fish, Game and Forestry, and Church Committees, these three departments of the Club's activities having depended prior to this time on voluntary contributions.
The very moderate increase in the dues over a fifty-year period is illustrative of the policy of the Club to make membership therein exclusive and limited not by the interposition of a financial bar- rier, but only by selection as to character and general fitness.
Casual reference is made in several instances to some one of the Club's superintendents, though the records and length of service of a number of the earlier ones, as obtained from the Board's minutes,
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are not very well defined. Some of the older mem- bers may recall the following names: John M. Wil- liamson, Lafayette B. James, W. D. Nichols, Thomas D. Gale, Edward C. Winnie, F. A. Dam and John H. Gale. Of the later superintendents, however, most of our members will very well recall Albert L. Bishop, who rendered faithful service from about 1910 to 1920. Mr. Bishop was succeeded by the genial and ever-accommodating Charlie Sadler until about 1923, when our present superintendent, Frank Dexter, took charge.
Mr. Dexter was born within a few miles of the Club. As a small boy, he often drove an ox-team to the Club to deliver farm produce and he has been, therefore, an eye-witness of the Club's growth almost from its beginning. He is a veritable mine of in- formation concerning this particular locality and has furnished valuable data for our history. In express- ing an appreciation of the faithful and efficient services of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dexter, the writer feels that he voices the unanimous sentiment of our members.
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AS s we look back over the half century since the organization of The Forest Lake Club, the names, and, to some of us, the personalities of many of the members who were pre-eminent in its growth and progress stand out in memory. These men did valiant work. They were not fair-weather sailors, but able seamen, who weathered the ship through many storms.
In beginning these sketches, the name of the man who had so much to do with the actual founding of the Club, Dr. Alexander Hadden, comes first to mind. And then, without thought of priority or comparison, come the following: Charles R. Gregor, George B. Pelham, Alfred B. Ogden, John Davidson, John Livingston, Joseph Van Vleck, William Archer, John Graham, William A. Avis, Benjamin A. Wil- liams, George N. Williams, James A. Frame, John D. Weston, James Baird.
Each of these men made his impress on the Club. Sometimes it took the form of financial assistance; again it was time and effort, as officer or commit- teeman, given generously and cheerfully, without thought of personal advantage, to the end that the purposes of the Club might be carried out.
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DOCTOR ALEXANDER HADDEN
As one who unquestionably took the chief part in its organization, Dr. Alexander Hadden may justly be called the "Father" of The Forest Lake Club.
Professionally, Dr. Hadden had attained consider- able success. In addition to a lucrative private prac- tice, he was for many years an attending physician at the Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, and he was one of the founders and on the attending staff of the North Eastern Dispensary, still situated in East 59th Street and to this day an outstanding charitable institution.
Dr. Hadden was the Club's first President, having been unanimously elected at a meeting of the Direc- tors in 1882, and he continued to hold that office for twenty-three years. This long term of service speaks for itself. He had a strong personality, was outspoken but kindly withal and always had the wel- fare of the Club at heart no matter how rigorous his rulings might be.
The Board meetings in the early years, except dur- ing the summer season, were held at the residence of some one of the officers or directors; most frequently, over a period of several years, at the home of Dr. Hadden. A perusal of the minutes of these meetings tells a vivid story of his leadership. Very early in the history of the Club we have records of financial help extended by Dr. Hadden, and this continued at intervals up to the end of his life. He very gen-
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erously, at various times, allowed the interest on his notes and bonds to run indefinitely, and voluntarily reduced the rate of interest on more than one occa- sion. Indeed, his disinterestedness was an inspiration to other members and we find throughout the years, many examples of equal generosity and unselfishness.
Dr. Hadden was a lover of nature and possessed the poetic instinct to a considerable degree. In fact, he was quite apt at expressing himself in rhyme. When the question of building the dam at Forest Lake came up for discussion, Dr. Hadden did not at first take kindly to the idea, and on one occasion voiced his protest in a poem called "Friendly Ad- vice," the last three verses of which follow:
"Don't stop the slow and turbid streams That wind their way through bogs In hopes to make some crystal lakes That'll be mere pools for frogs.
Don't build on banks of stagnant pools Your summer health resorts
Not e'en a shack for fishermen Or lodge for way-side sports.
Mosquitoes there will hold their sway And chant their little ims While in the flesh of visitors They plant their poisonous stings."
He himself was not fond of outdoor sports and was seemingly not always in sympathy with those who were so inclined. A long walk was much to be preferred, in the Doctor's eyes, to a tennis game, and
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a favorite remark to the restless ones was, "With such wonderful air and such pure water, what more can you wish?" After all, this shows how intense was the Doctor's appreciation of the natural beauties and advantages of this bit of country that he and his friends had found and made their summer play- ground.
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ALFRED B. OGDEN
In the chapter entitled "Improvement of Grounds," considerable mention of Mr. Ogden has been made. Desiring to avoid repetition, the writer makes but a brief addition.
Mr. Ogden was a charter member of The Forest Lake Association, serving on its first Board of Direc- tors and for several years thereafter. As Surveyor, Landscape Engineer and official Map-maker during the Association's early years, Mr. Ogden's services were invaluable. He delighted in his work and during his seasons at Forest Lake, was untiring in his devo- tion to it as the records show.
Mr. Ogden was a tall, handsome man, in personal appearance quite suggesting the artist, and the re- sults of his labors are proof of his artistic ability. He was decidedly the out-of-doors man, very fond of trout fishing, and he was accustomed to travel all over the country to enjoy this sport.
Alfred B. Ogden stands out not only as a strong personality, but as one of the constructive pioneers of The Forest Lake Club.
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GEORGE B. PELHAM
George B. Pelham was one of the charter members of The Forest Lake Association. He was one of its first Directors, serving on the Board and also on the Executive Committee for several years.
In August of 1882, Mr. Pelham was appointed a member of the Committee on Buildings and Grounds and was the architect for the first unit or present center portion of the Club House. He also drew the plans for the south wing, but his death in 1889 pre- vented his completion of the final plans and details, which work was carried on by his son, Fred Pelham.
While living in England during his early years, Mr. Pelham had been a member of a rowing club; and so it was that rowing, as his particular hobby, continued to be his main diversion during his visits to Forest Lake, although fishing, as a pastime, was by no means neglected.
The records of the early years show George B. Pel- ham to have been a very active and valuable member of The Forest Lake Association and one who gave most generously of his time and ability to further its progress.
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CHARLES R. GREGOR
Charles R. Gregor was one of the fortunate persons who was induced by his friend and physician, Dr. Hadden, to go up to Corilla and try the fishing. An expert and enthusiastic angler, Mr. Gregor lost no time in joining the fishing group and shortly afterwards became a charter member of The Forest Lake Association, then in the process of organization.
Mr. Gregor took great interest in the affairs of the Club, serving on the Board continuously from 1888 to 1899, and as Vice-President of the Club from 1894 to 1899. His counsel was looked upon as wise and timely and his many acts of kindness were done in a quiet and unpretentious manner. Charles R. Gregor was a highly esteemed and useful member of The Forest Lake Association.
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JOHN DAVIDSON
John Davidson was one of the pioneers who blazed the way for us who now enjoy the comforts of our Club.
In his day the old stage with its spike team, which plied between the station and the Club House, took two hours to make the trip up the mountain. The seats were too large for two and too small for three. And, as the primitive shock-absorbers operated at that time, it was an arduous journey. In those days if one wanted a boat house, he built it himself. If there were too many stones in the paths, they were carefully gathered and a stone wall was made of them. If a tree obstructed the view of the lake, it was chopped down. This was the construction period and everyone worked at it.
Mr. Davidson served on the Board from 1886 to 1891, and during at least half of this period was Chairman of the Executive Committee.
John Davidson was a contemporary of Livingston, Frame, Benjamin and George Williams, Gregor, Hadden, Ogden and others who in the early eighties, through their energy, wisdom, foresight and broad vision, laid the foundations of what has proved to be a haven of rest and relaxation to us who toil in the big city.
John Davidson had a strong sense of humor. He loved to play practical jokes on his friends. In the evening, after a day spent in fishing on the lake, any
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unusual uproar in the "Muggins" room meant that he was playing pranks on his old cronies by manipu- lating the dominoes. Shouting from the billiard room was always advance notice from the elderly Mr. Williams, as he pounded his cue on the floor, of the gleeful pronouncement, "That was a John Davidson shot!"
His was a great spirit, which it is well to keep alive in these days.
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WILLIAM A. AVIS
When one attempts to draw a likeness of William A. Avis that will appeal to those who knew him and at the same time truly picture him to those who had not that pleasure, so many characteristics of his per- sonality flash up in memory that it is difficult to begin the description.
From the time he joined The Forest Lake Club in November, 1887, until his death in 1918, he was the model of the devoted member. A devotion to the Club itself, yes-no task to be done, disagreeable or otherwise, but what he was at hand, ready to serve- but, outstanding, after all, was his devotion to his fellow members and his enduring friendship.
Mr. Avis served on the Board of Directors for many years. He was Treasurer for two years and, succeeding Dr. Hadden in 1905, became the second President of the Club, holding that office until 1907.
Some excerpts from the minutes of the Board meetings in the early days may help the sketch.
October 8, 1907-Vote of thanks tendered to re- tiring President, William A. Avis. Given great credit for prosperity of Club.
November 15, 1910-Mr. William A. Avis unani- mously extended the privilege of the floor at Direc- tors' meetings during ensuing year.
May 16, 1911-Mr. Avis elected Editor-in-chief to issue publication giving notes of interest pertain- ing to the Club. (Most likely a circuit of the Club
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House porch on any clear evening furnished many interesting items for this early tabloid.)
October 10, 1914-Mr. William A. Avis made Di- rector Emeritus of the Board in appreciation of his faithful devotion to the interests of the Club and his wise counsel in Club affairs.
Not only was he loved and appreciated by his fel- low workers in the Club, as shown by the above references, and in more concrete form by the presen- tation to him of a loving cup some years before his death, but he was endeared to every member of the Club-old and young alike. Who can forget his unlimited fund of stories, his instant wit-but always without sting-his proneness to break into rhyme?
Let us linger for a moment over the stories. They always had point, they frequently led in a definite direction and, when it came time to check up on the Gratuity Fund for which Mr. Avis was a col- lector without a rival, they invariably led to a success- ful "touch." The poor innocent victim would perhaps be sitting on the porch rail, enjoying his after dinner cigar, congratulating himself on his good fortune in having been invited to spend a few weeks at Forest Lake, and at peace with the world. Along the porch, with more or less apparent indi- rection but bearing unerringly upon his quarry, would sidle William A. Avis, wearing a most dis- arming smile and rubbing his bald head in the jerky, nervous manner so familiar to his friends. A slight witticism would start the story going and just as its
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climax most convulsed the listener, he would look up to find himself confronted with a list of names and figures which for the moment would mean noth- ing to him. A quick explanation and always an apology for having to approach one on such a dis- agreeable errand left nothing for one to do but-sign on the dotted line.
A letter was received from his son-in-law, Alexis Darling, in August, 1918, tendering to the Club the loving cup which had been presented by the Direc- tors to Mr. Avis; the cup to be returned to the heirs should circumstances ever arise to make it im- possible to continue to keep it on exhibition in the Club House. A suitable framed photograph of Mr. Avis was at the same time offered to the Club to be hung over the cup. The offer was gratefully ac- cepted, and the cup and picture placed in the parlor of the Club, where they still remain.
A committee was appointed in August, 1918, of which William L. De Bost was chairman, to raise a fund and suggest a suitable memorial to Mr. Avis; and the project was consummated in May, 1919, by the erection of the sun dial which stands just north of the first tee of our golf links. The memorial was formally presented to the Club in August, 1919, and bears the following inscription: "Time passeth but memory lingereth always."
William A. Avis' death took something from The Forest Lake Club that could not be replaced.
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He had passed along the highway smilingly, often with jest and cheering word smoothing the path for those of his fellow travelers who possessed not his own courage and equanimity.
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