USA > Pennsylvania > Pike County > History of the Forest Lake Club, 1882-1932 > Part 4
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The above-mentioned enclosure, which later was defined by the picturesque stone walls and entrance posts, several of the latter still standing although the walls have mostly disappeared, embraced, besides the site of the Club House, the apple orchard to the south, still containing about forty trees and in a good state of preservation, which was planted by Mr. Black; the large plot west of the Club House to a line a little
HISTORY OF THE FOREST LAKE CLUB
below the present waitresses' dormitory, and running out to the public road; and the area which now in- cludes the first hole and the larger parts of the eighth and ninth holes of our present golf course.
Besides the walls defining the original Club House Site, the lower meadow was bounded on the east by a wall separating it from the Rowlands and Decker's Mills Road, with entrance posts leading into the Club grounds. This road has, since 1926, been set further east from where it originally ran and the wall is no more. The gate posts are still in evidence, though they too have been removed further down the slope. Still standing, too, is the original stone post and wall bordering the path leading to the former Avis cot- tage.
The old stone walls deserve more than passing men- tion. Strange to say, no record has been found as to just when their building was begun. Their con- struction evidently was carried on over the course of several years and they were probably completed within eight or ten years from the time of the found- ing of the Club. When Mr. Gregor purchased Mr. Black's cottage in 1890, he built the section of wall, which, until recently, stood just south of that cot- tage, to protect it from fire and the encroachment of the woods. It is said that an old German whose working garb habitually included a long black coat and derby hat and who occasionally would bob up from behind the wall and frighten the women stroll- ing about the grounds, was responsible for most of
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TURNSTILE. "TO KEEP THE COWS OUT?"
THE FOUNDING OF THE CLUB
this masonry and for which he was paid the munifi- cent sum of forty cents a rod; but tradition also states that some of our earliest members performed actual manual work on these stone fences when they felt the need of a little physical exercise or, perhaps, to more nearly approach the truth, when the fishing was poor. To Mr. John Davidson is given credit for having himself built some of the stone posts. Turn- stiles were placed between the gate posts at several en- trances to the enclosure, similar to the one still stand- ing in front of the MacGregor cottage; but with the exception of this one, all the rest have long since dis- appeared. These turnstiles were ostensibly for the purpose of keeping the cows out of the enclosure but reference to the accompanying illustration will show that they had their sentimental side as well.
On or about September 1st, the Committee on Buildings and Grounds selected and staked out a site for a club house on the ridge between Long Lake (Corilla) and Wolf Pond, the highest elevation be- tween the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers, about 1500 feet above the sea level and 700 feet above these rivers, and on October 6th, Messrs. Pelham and Og- den presented plans prepared by them for a proposed club house at an estimated cost of $4,000.00. A rec- ommendation was made for the building of an ice house, for purchase of horses and wagons, for laying the foundations of the house (Club) and for clearing the land near the same to obtain a better view, and to prevent fires.
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The Mr. Ogden referred to above was Alfred B. Ogden after whom Mount Ogden was named. He was largely responsible for the surveying and laying out of the property.
Many times the question has been asked as to why Mount Ogden was not chosen as the site on which to erect the Club House because of the magnificent view to be obtained from that point. This had been given serious consideration, but the present site was finally decided upon because of its closer proximity to the lakes and its more sheltered position.
Another mountain, named Mount Hadden after Dr. Alexander Hadden, our first President, rising from the east shore of Corilla Lake, stands sentinel over that beautiful body of water, even as Mount Ogden performs the same duty for Wolf; and it seems peculiarly fitting that the two highest points of our Club lands should carry the names of these preeminent members.
At the above-mentioned meeting on October 6th, 1882, Mr. Williamson, William Hadden, and Mr. Betty were directed to go to Milford, the County Seat, and take oath of office as Association Policemen, and at the same time arrange for official badges. These special policemen were superseded in June, 1883, by Special Constables in the persons of Lafay- ette C. James, at that time the superintendent of the Club, and members of the Executive Committee.
We were very dressy even in the early days. It is recorded, in June, 1900, that Mr. Frame was requested
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THE FOUNDING OF THE CLUB
to see what could be done to secure uniform dresses for the waitresses in the dining room. What his suc- cess was in this direction has not been learned.
A building 20x12 had already been erected on the Association grounds for the accommodation of the superintendent, and there had been sent up to him a stove, some bedding, farm utensils and a team of horses at a cost of $75.00.
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III THE ORIGINAL CLUB HOUSE
T HE members of the Club of the present genera- tion have little idea of the difficulties that beset the founders and pioneers. They literally carved this garden out of the wilderness. The names of the active spirits in the organization appear time and again in the records and the many meetings aside from the stated ones called for by the by-laws attest to the great amount of thought and effort these men put into their project.
Dr. Alexander Hadden, the first President and the presiding officer for so many years, was a great leader; and he was fortunate in having, among others, such able lieutenants as Edward G. Black, Dr. James V. S. Wooley, Robert Betty, J. H. Van Etten, Charles R. Gregor, Dr. Frank P. Foster, Thomas G. Wall, George B. Pelham, William W. Ladd, Jr., Alfred B. Ogden and Dr. Daniel Lewis. These men were not only ex- cellent organizers, but many of them possessed tech- nical and practical knowledge in surveying, plan- ning and building that proved exceedingly valuable. Indeed, the Club has always been fortunate in having so many men of this type among its members. The plans prepared by George B. Pelham for the proposed club house were adopted in November of 1882 and
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THE ORIGINAL CLUB HOUSE
thereafter various bids for the cost of erection were asked for and received.
The immediate problem was one of financing, and the early records throw considerable light on the dif- ficulties encountered. On January 3rd, 1883, at a Directors' meeting the Treasurer reported that there were no funds in the treasury and that the Associa- tion was in debt to the extent of $50.00. The min- utes of several later meetings attest to the same deplorable state of affairs and several ways and means were proposed to raise money.
At the first meeting of the Directors in August 1882, the Treasurer had been directed to call in all balances due on subscriptions within ten days of the date of the meeting and at the expiration of that time to sell, at not less than $200.00 each such shares as might still remain unpaid for-such shares being declared by the resolution to be forfeited to the As- sociation; and on November 20th, it was resolved that unpaid certificates of stock or subscriptions be offered for sale by the Treasurer at $200.00 each, subject to the election of purchasers.
At the same time it was resolved that the Clerk institute proceedings to increase the capital stock by seventy shares as soon as the formalities of the law would allow and that the provisions for associate membership be abandoned. The increase of the capi- tal stock by 70 shares, making the entire capitaliza- tion $10,000.00 was accomplished March 7th, 1883. That part of the above resolution relating to associ-
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HISTORY OF THE FOREST LAKE CLUB
ate membership apparently did not preclude such membership, but referred to an earlier resolution re- garding the right of an original subscriber to pay for his own subscription by supplying an associate mem- ber. The dues of regular and associate members were fixed semi-annually and at this time and for many years afterwards were $12.50 for the half year.
On January 22nd, 1883, there was discussed the advisability of charter members paying an additional sum of $100.00 to the Association so as to make their subscriptions $200.00 and equal to the price to be asked for the stock about to be issued. It was finally resolved to appoint a committee to solicit from mem- bers subscriptions for shares of stock upon the fol- lowing conditions: First That twenty shares of stock at $200.00 each be subscribed for within thirty days from date. Second With the right to members sub- scribing to turn into the Association within six months from date an acceptable new member in lieu of their subscriptions or to pay the subscription price thereof, $200.00, in such installments as the Board of Directors may prescribe. Third Such subscriptions to make up a fund for erecting a club house, etc. Fourth Such subscription shares to be free from dues while held by the persons subscribing for the same.
By February 19th, eight or nine signatures to the 'above subscription shares had been obtained, and on March 7th the balance of the twenty shares had been subscribed for, the President taking two. The Ex- ecutive Committee was therefore authorized to pro-
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ceed to erect a club house at a cost not to exceed $4,000.00 and with power to alter plans and specifi- cations so as to keep within this amount. Three pre- vious estimates for the cost of the erection of the Club House had been received; one for $9,500.00, one for $6,000.00, and one for $5,000.00.
During the next three months the building of the Club House went forward. On April 18th, at a Di- rectors' meeting, progress was reported, and on June 2nd, 1883, a verbal report was made by the Executive Committee to the effect that the Club House was standing, the inside beams were laid and the interior partitions partly erected.
No record has been found as to the exact date on which the Club House was finally finished and open for the reception of members and guests, but it would seem from certain items noted in the minutes of meetings held during the spring and summer of 1884, such as an authorization "to make a scale of charges for carrying persons to and from the depot and the club house, $.50 for adults, and half price for children from 4 to 12 years of age" and again "to buy a number of Fire Grenades and place the same in the club house," that the house had probably been ready for occupancy since the fall of the pre- vious year, that is, since the fall of 1883; while still another indication that this latter date is probably correct is shown in a resolution passed September 24th, 1883, relative to the engagement of Austin H. Lake as manager and caretaker of the Association
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HISTORY OF THE FOREST LAKE CLUB
property, Club House and grounds. He was to take charge for six months beginning October 1st, 1883, at a monthly salary of $25.00 and board for himself and wife and daughter.
The Club House as originally built, and which is the central part of our present building, was forty feet long and thirty-two feet in depth, three stories high, with a large open attic above and comfortable piazzas on the ground floor, giving four large double and fourteen single rooms, besides parlor and dining room. The piazzas extended at first along the east and north sides only; later, one was built along a portion of the west side.
The arrangement of the main floor was as follows: To the right and left, as one entered from the front porch, were two rooms each about 10 to 12 feet in depth; the former, used as the office and men's recrea- tion room and the latter the ladies' parlor. In each of these rooms was a small fireplace and in the parlor, among other furnishings were a wood stove and a piano. The piano was apparently rented each year for the season; for in May, 1887, there is noted in the min- utes an authorization for hiring a piano for use at the Club House; and as far back as February 24th, 1885, there was a rule laid down as follows: "The piano shall be played only between the hours of 9.00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M. Children and nurses not permitted to play on same unless by special permission of the superintendent." In February, 1888, Miss Mame E. Davidson, the present Mrs. James Baird, presented to
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ORIGINAL CLUB HOUSE
THE ORIGINAL CLUB HOUSE
the Club, on behalf of several subscribers, the piano then in use. The dining room occupied that half of the present lobby facing the large fireplace and when the south wing was built and the dining room placed there, the original dining room became first the la- dies' parlor and later, the billiard room. The original ladies' parlor later became the children's dining room and so remained until about five or six years ago. The men's recreation room, or, as it came to be known for a good many years, the "Muggins Room," disappeared when the north wing was built and the office was rearranged. The kitchen of the establish- ment occupied an extension built on the southwest corner of the main house.
In those early days, the "Muggins Room," aside from the dining room, was the most popular meeting place in the Club. Here it was that this famous game, which, by the way, was played with dominoes, in which the count was made by fives or multiples of five, went on almost nightly. There were eight or ten regulars who furnished the hilarity and they are herewith made known to posterity as follows: John Davidson, James A. Frame, John Livingston, John Graham, William A. Avis, Charles R. Gregor, Wil- liam Shields, A. B. Johnson, Charles Whitlock. The first two gentlemen mentioned were responsible for most of the fun. For practical joking, general fool- ing and arch dissimulation, Mr. Davidson wore the laurel wreath. Indeed! He was no mean magician;
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HISTORY OF THE FOREST LAKE CLUB
and the way the dominoes would appear and disap- pear without adequate reason was remarkable.
On the other hand, Mr. Frame's impeccable hon- esty and habitual dignity, alone, were more than enough to tempt the former to try all the tricks at his command. Not only that, but the culprit would deny his guilt, though the evidence was as plainly to be seen as was his patriarchal white beard. But would he blush with shame? Not he. On the con- trary, he would glory in his iniquity, shaking with laughter, while Mr. Frame would be on the point of exploding with indignation. But what is a game of "Muggins" between friends, even as played by Mr. Davidson? And what friends they were.
Several important resolutions were passed by the Directors during the spring and summer of 1883, looking towards the improvement of the Club in gen- eral, and, in particular, towards placing it upon a firmer financial foundation.
In April of this year, there came up for considera- tion, the matter of a telephone connection between the Club House and the Mast Hope telegraph station. Several years passed before this plan could be carried out, but in the winter of 1889, Mr. John Minturn very generously presented to the Club the telephone wire. The gift was gratefully accepted, and the line installed. A fee of ten cents was charged for each message not relating exclusively to the business of the Association. In 1894, Mrs. Minturn graciously transferred to the Club the share of stock left to her
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"TAKEN AT HAWLEY"
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THE ORIGINAL CLUB HOUSE
by her husband, with the request that the income from the proceeds of the sale of the stock be used towards the upkeep of the telephone line.
Referring again to the summer of 1883, a team of horses was bought for the good round sum of $300.00, showing that the horse market had apparently gone up since some six months before, when a team had been secured along with some other necessary equip- ment for $75.00.
On June 9th it was recommended that a written prospectus of the Association be prepared. Just what was done about this matter at the time does not ap- pear, but in April, 1885, there was printed a brochure containing the By-Laws, Regulations, Offi- cers and Committees of The Forest Lake Association, prefaced by a very pleasing description of the Club as it was at that time.
The Membership Committee had been doing some intensive work, and between April 18th and June 9th there had been twenty-one new members elected, giving an approximate membership up to this latter date of fifty-one.
A new seal of the Association was also decided upon representing to the left a sportsman kneeling behind bushes and in the act of firing at a bird flying in the right upper corner, with clouds in the left upper corner, a lake in the center, and a wooded shore on the right hand, the whole enclosed in a circle containing the name of the Association. A
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HISTORY OF THE FOREST LAKE CLUB
new seal was adopted in 1906 when the name was changed to The Forest Lake Club.
Turning again to the problem of finance, we find that on April 18th, 1883, an assessment was levied on subscribers to the building fund of fifty dollars for each share of stock subscribed for, payable in seven days thereafter. Also a resolution to the effect that "all moneys paid into the Treasury as purchase money on purchase of shares of stock by new mem- bers shall be applied to repay, pro rata, the advances of subscribers to the Building Fund after $4,000.00 has been received from assessments and purchases of stock by new members."
At a meeting of the Directors on August 30th, 1883, the Treasurer was requested to procure a loan of three thousand dollars. This resolution was re- scinded at a subsequent meeting on September 24th, and another resolution adopted to wit: "That a mortgage securing payment of 100 bonds of $100.00 each bearing interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, maturing in five years from October 1st, 1883, be made to Charles Whitlock, as Trustee, on lands of the Forest Lake Association, excepting one acre in the center of which stands the cottage of Edward G. Black, and that the same be executed by the President and Clerk of this Association and that said bonds be sold and disposed of at not less than par to meet the debts of the Association."
On November 12th, it was decided that sufficient stock of the Association at its par value be issued to
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THE ORIGINAL CLUB HOUSE
pay in full all claims of members of the Association in the sums determined by the Auditing Committee, and that "Bonds in the sum of $100 each with in- terest at six per cent per annum payable semi- annually maturing in five years, with principal and interest payable in the Treasurer's office, be issued in a sum equal to one-half of the amount of stock of the Association paid in after issuing of stock in pay- ment of claims of members against the Association. Such bonds to be secured by a mortgage on the real estate of the Association in Pike County, Pennsyl- vania, which mortgage shall be made to Charles Whitlock Jr. as trustee for the bondholders. Such bonds to be sold by the Treasurer at no less than par; and such bonds and mortgage to be approved as to form by the Counsel of the Association and to be executed by the President and Treasurer; said bonds and mortgage being hereby authorized to be exe- cuted for the purpose of borrowing money for use of the Association."
We have seen that, whereas the price to the char- ter members for each share of stock was $100.00, it was resolved, very soon after the Club was incorpo- rated, that unpaid certificates of stock or new sub- scriptions be offered for sale at $200.00 each. In all, only three new subscribers bought stock at this latter price, and on January 10th, 1884, when the price of shares was reduced again to $100.00, there was issued to each of these subscribers one share of stock
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HISTORY OF THE FOREST LAKE CLUB
of the value of $100.00 to equalize the price hereto- fore paid by them with the price now asked.
In very truth, what with mortgages, bond issues and the difficulties of obtaining subscriptions, the founders of our Club trod a decidedly stony path to success, and many times were called upon literally to "put their hands in their pockets" to keep the Club a "going concern." But the plans were working out. It was now over a year since the Club House had been built. A large and substantial barn, ice house and storage building had been erected. Excellent drinking water from a spring near the "Big Corilla" was furnished to the Club House by means of a force pump-the same never failing spring that still sup- plies us with such good water; a large vegetable garden was maintained and a sufficient stock of cows gave an abundant supply of milk.
Early in the year 1885, it was decided to formu- late and adopt House and General Rules for the pro- tection of the Club property, also rules regulating Fishing, Hunting and Shooting, not only to coincide with the Laws of the State of Pennsylvania relating thereto, but also for the purpose of carrying out, as set forth in the Charter, one of the main objects of the Association-namely: The Preservation and Propagation of Fish and Game.
On February 10th, these proposed rules, with rules providing penalties for violation of the same, were read, discussed and adopted. Amendments in sev- eral particulars were subsequently made, thereby
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corresponding to the By-Laws, Rules and Regula- tions as published in April, 1885. They were as follows:
HOUSE AND GENERAL RULES
I. Applications for rooms must be addressed to the Superintendent, Mast Hope, P. O., Pike County, Pennsylvania.
Rooms will be allotted by the Superintendent in the order of application.
2. Rooms reserved and not occupied must be paid for by applicant for the period of one week un- less sooner disposed of, in which case the applicant shall pay for pro rata portion of such week. A person unable to occupy rooms on the date fixed, may have the same further reserved for him one week by notice to the Superintendent, to be re- ceived by him within twenty-four hours after such date.
3. Terms, invariably cash with weekly settlements.
From September 15th, to July Ist, $8.00 per week for adults and children over nine years of age; half rates for servants and young children not under three years.
From July Ist, to September 15th: Second- story rooms, double, not less than $18.00 per week and $8.00 per week for each person in ex- cess of two.
Second-story rooms, single, not less than $9.00 per week and $8.00 for each additional person.
Third-story, single rooms, not less than $8.00 per week and $7.00 for each additional person.
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HISTORY OF THE FOREST LAKE CLUB
Children over three years of age and under nine years, half price.
Servants occupying rooms with children, half price.
Transients being persons not members; staying less than one week, $2.00 per day at all seasons. Table board $6.00 per week.
Breakfast and tea each fifty cents; dinner, seventy-five cents.
Lodging per night, fifty cents.
4. Meals will be served in rooms only in case of sick- ness.
No articles will be permitted to be carried from tables to rooms.
5. Washing done for $1.00 per dozen.
Opportunities for washing children's clothing by nurses will be afforded at the laundry. No washing will be permitted elsewhere.
6. Meal hours: Breakfast, 7:30 to 8:30 A. M .; Din- ner, 1:00 to 2:30 P. M .; Tea, 6:30 to 7:30 P. M.
The dining room will be closed promptly at the last named hours; meals supplied after hours charged extra.
This rule shall not apply to persons arriving from or departing to meet trains.
7. The board of guests shall be two dollars additional per week to that prescribed for members.
8. On notice by telegraph to the Superintendent at Mast Hope, Pike County, Pennsylvania, or by [62]
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THE ORIGINAL CLUB HOUSE
letter mailed two days prior to intended depar- ture, transportation will be furnished at fifty cents each way for adults and half price for chil- dren over three and under nine years of age. Baggage free.
9. Children under nine years of age unaccompanied by parents or guardians, shall not be allowed to remain at the Club House.
10. Members keeping dogs on the grounds shall be charged fifty cents per week.
No dogs or other animals shall be allowed on the piazza or inside the Club House.
II. No vocal or instrumental music shall be allowed except between the hours of 9:00 A. M. and 10.30 P. M. unless by special permission of the Superintendent.
Children or nurses are not permitted to play on the piano.
I2. Complaints must be made to the Superintendent or in writing to the Executive Committee or Clerk of the Association.
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