Local History with Dede Terns-Thorpe

Today's tidbits are about one of the mountaintop's warmer-weather outdoor sports, golf. Although warm weather is not what we experienced this past week, it will be here before we know it. (I promise!)

Before too long, many of us will be cleaning our golf clubs and getting ready for a year of, hopefully, great golf. Since I recently became aware of the change in the course's management, I thought I'd share some tidbits on the Tannersville Country Club (T. C. C.), better known as Colonial Golf Club. (Sarah and John Smith, the owners and fantastic operators of the Rip Van Winkle Golf Club in Palenville, will soon spearhead our mountain course. Exciting!)

This information is from the Catskill Examiner Centennial Edition 1830-1930. It shares historical tidbits of each hamlet, village, and town in Greene County.  

It noted that a brand-new mountaintop organization was incorporated in October. 1929. The story told about a golf course that opened on the edge of Tannersville Village on May 1, 1930, and that it has been busy ever since. 

It said the Links, nine holes on a course of 110 acres, played over a beautiful piece of ground under the shadow of the mountains. The stucco clubhouse, now, I believe, a private residence, was purchased from Julius C. Dolan and the course from Louie Allen. The course was public then, but the beautiful clubhouse was reserved for members only. 

The article said: "Golf, amidst beautiful and appealing surroundings on the new sporty and alluring nine-hole golf course where real zest from a natural course awaits you. Every hole presents an individual problem. The course has rolling hills, maple, evergreen groves, running brooks, and mountain springs with two natural water hazards, a hog's back, and a wash bowl green." 

It noted that the setting was a masterpiece of nature and would thrill the most fastidious golfer. It said the course is as beautiful and complete as the hills it rests on.

Many residents will recognize the more prominent and familiar names of the officers of the Tannersville Country Club. Milo Claude Moseman, President; Michael Lackey, Jr., Vice President; Julius C. Dolan, Secretary and Treasurer. The directors were Leroy W. Atwater, Julius C. Dolan, Aaron J. Levy, Louis Allen, Michael Lackey, Jr., M. Halperin, and Milo Claude Moseman. (Milo Claude Moseman also tried to keep the Mountains National Bank and the Catskill Mountain House solvent for as long as possible.) 

The Tannersville Country Club was also known as the Craig Golf Course. Before Howard and Mary Leach purchased the course, Lucy Craig was a past property owner. Howard Leach said the property had been neglected for some time and was in poor condition when they bought the course. The family eventually brought it to the condition it is in today, and its present owners, The Hunter Foundation, have kept it in prime shape. 

Thanks so much for reading. Hopefully, you're enjoying the weather this week.                                        Take care, and stay safe.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunter Historian