The Golf Course - Huntington Woods

FINAL REPORT Rackham Golf Course Historic District Proposal “Rackham Historic District” Presented November 21, 2006 Table of Contents
Charge of the Committee ................................................................................... 1
Members of the Committee ............................................................................... 1
Description and Boundaries ............................................................................... 2
Significance ........................................................................................................ 3
Criterion A ................................................................................................ 4
Criterion B ................................................................................................ 4
Criterion C .................................................................................................4
Cultural Landscapes....................................................................................5
Integrity................................................................................................................5
Historic and Non-Historic Resources .................................................................7
History ................................................................................................................ 8
The Clubhouse ..................................................................................................33
The Greenskeepers’Building ............................................................................48
The Golf Course ................................................................................................53
Cell Tower, Cart Storage and Repair Facilities ................................................97
Conclusion and Recommendations ...................................................................99
Endnotes ..........................................................................................................102
Appendix: ........................................................................................................105
A.
Aerial Photographs/Maps
B.
Baker Land Company and Rackham Deeds
C.
Letters of Support
D.
Donald Ross Course List
E.
Public Hearing Comment, Letters, Minutes
F.
Resolutions of Support
G.
Bibliography
H.
Ruskin Forms
I.
Ordinance
The City of Huntington Woods
The Proposed Rackham Golf Course Historic District
FINAL REPORT
CHARGE OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE
By resolution dated February 21, 2006, the City Commission of the City of Huntington
Woods charged the Historic District Study Committee to study the Detroit Zoological
Park property and the Rackham Golf Course property for consideration as a historic
district in accordance with the State of Michigan Public Act 169 of 1970, Local Historic
Districts Act, as amended.
Early in the study it became apparent that the golf course and zoo were very different and
that each required extensive research. As a result, the study committee decided to
separate them into two individual studies and evaluate each as a potential historic district
based on its own merits. This report contains the findings from the study of the Rackham
Golf Course.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
Richard Dimanin – an attorney; owner and restorer of the historic Baker Farm House,
listed on the State Register of Historic Places.
Jonathan Disbrow – a registered architect with the State of Michigan; architecture
instructor at the University of Michigan; former architecture instructor at Lawrence
Technological University; project architect for the restoration of the Max Jacob
House at Wayne State University (restored from office space back into a residence
and is now the home of the University president), architect for several other historic
homes including a 1930s modern home by Wallace Frost, a project nearing
completion.
Mark Fink – an attorney whose practice includes zoning and land use issues; 32-year
owner and renovator of the 1927 Theron Chase House in the Hill Historic District.
Robert Lebow – an interior designer working in historic restorations; member of
several preservation organizations; involved in the preservation of MacGregor House
at Wayne State University; Chairman of the Historic District Study Committee.
Rae Ruskin – a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); her
projects have included historic homes designed by renowned architects Minoru
Yamaski, Wallace Frost and Albert Kahn; and the Rackham Building in Detroit.
Martha Shrode – an art teacher in the Royal Oak School District with a Bachelor’s
degree in Visual Arts and a Master’s degree in Art Education; currently working on a
W.P.A. mural restoration project.
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Louise Wibbelman – a freelance writer who has had articles published in the
Detroiter Magazine about the restoration of significant theaters in the City of Detroit
(Fox Theater, State Theater, Orchestra Hall); member of the Michigan Historic
Preservation Network; resident of the Hill Historic District, currently restoring the
district’s c. 1917 Hathaway/Bratton House; Vice Chairman of the Historic District
Study Committee.
Kim Zurawski – a marketing consultant with an associate’s degree in Architectural
Design and Construction and a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, owner and
restorer of the 1928 Sydney Powell House in the Hill Historic District.
Staff:
Bonnie Cook - City Planner; staff consultant to the Hill Historic District Study
Committee; founding member of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network; former
Planning Director of the City of Birmingham involved in the creation and
administration of Birmingham’s historic districts.
Hank Berry – Planning Assistant; staff liaison to the Historic District Commission
and the Historic District Study Committee; former Planning Commission Chairman;
former Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman; former Historic District Commission
Chairman; member of Preservation Wayne; member of the Michigan Historic
Preservation Network.
DESCRIPTION AND BOUNDARIES
The proposed Rackham Golf Course Historic District is located in the south-central
section of the City of Huntington Woods, immediately west of the Detroit Zoo and north
of Ten Mile Road/I-696. It contains over 120 acres of land developed as an 18-hole
public golf course. Also on the property is a large clubhouse, a greenskeepers’ building,
three other out-buildings, and a cell tower.
The clubhouse is located near the southeast corner of the property facing west toward the
golf course. The greenskeepers’ building is on the far west side of the course with access
from Scotia Road. The other buildings, two cart barns and a maintenance building, are
just north and behind the clubhouse. The cell tower is next to the parking lot and Ten
Mile Road (also known as the I-696 service drive). Many mature trees of varying species
can be found on the site as well. Large oak trees frame the clubhouse.
The course sits on the southern and western end of a Great Lakes beach ridge that runs
from roughly Woodward Avenue and Eleven Mile Road southwest to the I-696 service
drive. This geological feature is a large ridge of sandy soil with a base of clay. It provides
a slightly elevated view of the course from the clubhouse.
The boundaries of the proposed district are shown on the map below. Additional maps
and aerial photographs are found in Appendix A of the report. The boundaries of the
proposed district are described as follows:
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Part of the S.E. 1/4 of Section 20, T1N, R11E, commencing at the S 1/4 corner of said Section 20; thence N
02E 33’ 21” W along the north-south 1/4 Section line, 221.65 feet to a point on the northerly right-of-way
line of Interstate 696 (Walter P. Reuther freeway); thence S 89E 07’ 21” E along said line, 43.08 feet to a
point on the easterly line of Scotia Road, said point being the point of beginning; Thence N 02E 33’ 21” W
along the easterly line of Scotia Road, 1932.36 feet to a line which is 50.0 feet south of the north line of
Ludlow Ave.; thence N 87E 39’ 07” E along said line 2661.39 feet; thence S 01E 47’ 44” E along the
easterly line of Section 20, 2126.68 feet; thence along the northerly right-of-way line of Interstate 696 for
the remaining six courses, beginning with a curve, concave to the north, having an arc length of 285.02
feet, a radius of 1882.96 feet and a long chord of 284.75 feet which bears N 84E 19’ 15” W, to a point of
tangency; thence N 79E 59’ 04” W 198.86 feet to a point of curvature; thence 835.05 feet along the arc of
the curve, concave to the south, having a radius of 3941.72 feet and a long chord of 833.49 feet which bears
N 86E 03’ 12” W to a point of tangency; thence S 87E 52’ 39” W 888.65 feet to a point of curvature;
thence 298.59 feet along the arc of the curve, concave to the north, having a radius of 5702.58 feet and a
long chord of 298.55 feet which bears S 89E 22’ 39” W to a point of tangency; thence N 89E 07’ 21” W,
142.36 feet to the point of beginning (also known as Sidwell #25-20-476-002).
SIGNIFICANCE OF RACKHAM GOLF COURSE
The Study Committee has determined that Rackham Golf Course is significant under
criteria A, B and C of the Secretary of the Interior’s eligibility criteria for the National
Register of Historic Places and as a Cultural Landscape as defined in the National Park
Services Preservation Brief 36. (For further information, see the History, Clubhouse,
Greenskeepers’ Building and Golf Course chapters).
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Criterion A – Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of our history. Rackham Golf Course is associated with the national
phenomenon that occurred between 1900-1930 resulting in the game of golf becoming
one of the most popular recreational pastimes in the United States. This phenomenon
reached its peak in the 1920s, which is often referred to as the “golden age of golf.” The
single most significant event associated with Rackham, however, was the construction of
the golf course itself. For a wealthy white man to hire the nation’s leading golf course
designer to design a course so superb that one had to qualify on other courses in order to
play it, hire a Harvard-educated architect to design a clubhouse so stately that it parallels
those of private country clubs, and then donate it all to the City of Detroit for the express
purpose of allowing all persons to play it; black and white, rich and poor, male and
female, was an act of kindness unfathomed in 1925. It was an anomaly at this time in our
history when throughout the country, African-Americans were only allowed to set foot on
golf courses if they were serving white men; as caddies, waiters or locker room
attendants.
Rackham continued to be a forerunner of the civil rights movement. In 1936, Earlon
“Ben” Davis was hired as a golf professional, and later became the first AfricanAmerican head golf professional at a municipal course in the United States.1 In the 1940s,
Rackham was the host course for the widely popular Joe Louis Open Golf Tournaments;
one of only a handful of tournaments across the nation where blacks were allowed to
enter. In 1940 and 1961, Rackham hosted two national public links championships, again
tournaments where African-Americans could participate.
Rackham Golf Course is also associated with the development of the City of Huntington
Woods, in which it is located. The very existence of the course encouraged the
development of the area around it, including high quality housing and the early
incorporation of Huntington Woods, first as a village and then as a city.
Criterion B – Association with the lives of persons significant in our past. Rackham
Golf Course was designed by Donald Ross, considered to be the greatest golf course
architect in America from 1910 – 1930. The course was donated to the City of Detroit by
Horace and Mary Rackham, noted Michigan philanthropists whose gifts not only
included the Rackham Golf Course but the Horace and Mary Rackham Fund at the
University of Michigan; the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies at the
University of Michigan; the Horace H. and Mary A. Rackham Building at Eastern
Michigan University; the Rackham School (at Eastern Michigan University) for children
with special needs; the Rackham Building in Detroit; and additional land for the Detroit
Zoo. The golf course is significant for its association with Joe Louis Barrow (better
known as “Joe Louis”), heavyweight boxing champion of the world, who popularized and
encouraged the use of the Rackham course through his sponsorship of the Joe Louis Open
Golf Tournaments. It is significant for its long association with Ben Davis, who was
instrumental in breaking down the race barriers in golf and who together with Joe Louis,
founded the Joe Louis tournaments. As one of only a handful of courses on the United
Golf Association (UGA) Tour, it was played by all the early black pro golfers; Teddy
Rhodes, Bill Spiller, Charlie Sifford, Pete Brown, Calvin Peete and others.2 It is also
significant for its place in Motown history by being the course of choice for Motown
founder Barry Gordy, Jr., Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, members of The Four Tops,
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The Temptations, The Miracles, and many more greats,3 some of whom still play there
today.
Criterion C – Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
construction, or that represents the work of a master, or that possesses high artistic
values, or that represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components
may lack individual distinction. The design and construction of the Rackham clubhouse
is representative of the Arts & Crafts movement in architecture. It was designed by Niels
Chester Sorensen, the noted Detroit architect whose works included Detroit’s original
Cass Technical High School and Detroit Western High School. The extensive use of
Pewabic Pottery tiles on both the interior and exterior of the building is one of its pure
Arts & Crafts elements. Pewabic Pottery itself is a designated National Historic
Landmark in the City of Detroit. The golf course was the work of world renowned master
golf course designer Donald Ross, whose designs were and still are among the finest in
golf today. The revisions to the course, necessitated by construction of the I-696 freeway,
were done by Jerry Matthews, another noted golf course architect whose own course
designs are some of the finest in the Midwest.
Cultural Landscapes – There are four general types of cultural landscapes. Rackham
Golf Course is significant as both a Historic Designed Landscape and as a Historic Site.
Historic Designed Landscape – a landscape that was consciously designed or laid out by
a landscape architect, master gardener, architect, or horticulturalist according to design
principals, or an amateur gardener working in a recognized style or tradition. Rackham
golf course was consciously designed and laid out by renowned golf course architect
Donald Ross. In 1925, Horace Rackham described the development of the land “from a
flat, marsh-like field to its present beautifully-greened, smoothly-fairwayed, cunninglyroughed and expertly-bunkered terrain.”4
Historic Site – a landscape significant for its association with a historic event, activity,
or person. Rackham’s association with the Joe Louis Open, the UGA and the USGA
tournaments make it significant as a historic site. Its association with Horace and Mary
Rackham, Donald Ross, Ben Davis, Joe Louis, the UGA professional golfers, several
Motown entertainers and local civic leaders makes it significant as a historic site. Of the
5,200 plus golf courses in the United States in 1939, only 20 allowed African-Americans
to play.5 Rackham was one of them. Of the 400 Donald Ross designed courses in
existence at that time, it is believed that only one allowed African-Americans to play.
Rackham was that course. Its association with African-American history makes it
significant as a historic site. For more background on the people and events associated
with Rackham, see the History Chapter.
PHYSICAL INTEGRITY OF RACKHAM GOLF COURSE
The Study Committee used the Secretary of the Interior’s seven criteria to assess the
integrity of Rackham Golf Course. Of the seven criteria (listed below), the most relevant
is Association. Next, and of roughly equal importance are Design, Workmanship and
Materials. The lesser relevant criteria, yet still important, are Feeling, Setting and
Location. (For further information, read the History, Clubhouse, Greenskeepers’ Building
and Golf Course chapters).
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Location: the place where the resource was originally constructed or where a
historic event took place. Rackham Golf Course is owned by the City of Detroit but
located approximately two miles north of the Detroit city limits in the City of Huntington
Woods. It is adjacent to the Detroit Zoological Park, also owned by the City of Detroit.
Horace Rackham originally bought 155 acres of land, giving 22 acres to the zoo and
using the remaining 133 acres for the golf course. To the north and west of the golf
course are residential neighborhoods that developed, in part, because of their proximity to
the golf course. The golf course remains in the same location where it was originally
constructed, although slightly reduced in size by the construction of Interstate 696 along
its southern border.
Design: the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure and
style; the result of planning, function, technology, and/or aesthetics. Donald Ross
designed Rackham Golf Course on approximately 130 acres of land. It was smaller than
most courses of that time period, yet he still managed to design a 6,445-yard
championship course. The golf course has recognizable Donald Ross features such as a
9th hole return to the clubhouse, a feature he brought to America from his apprenticeship
under Englishman “Old” Tom Morris, considered to be the father of modern golf course
design. The course also has small well-bunkered greens, a common feature on his smaller
courses. The 1980s brought Interstate 696 through the southernmost edge of the Rackham
course, reducing the size by approximately 11 acres and necessitating the redesign of the
southwestern part of the course. Eleven of the 18 holes are the original Donald Ross
design. The clubhouse, in the Arts & Crafts style, with a sweeping veranda, asymmetrical
facades, exposed timbers and use of natural materials typifies the work of the 1920s. The
exterior design of the building is essentially unchanged since its construction in 1924.
The greenskeepers’ building is original in its Tudor Revival Storybook styling and form,
but the south elevation (originally with large doors) has been bricked in. The Committee
was unable to confirm the date when this change took place.
Setting: the physical environment of a historic property. Setting is how and where a
resource is situated in relationship to natural or man-made elements such as
topography, vegetation, paths, open space or relationships to other buildings. The
property before construction of the golf course was primarily low-lying, nearly flat,
marsh-like land. The construction of the golf course added more relief in the topography
and more vegetation in the way of trees and grasses. Along the eastern edge of the
property is a ridge. The clubhouse was constructed on the highest point of the ridge
overlooking the course. It is visible from virtually every point on the course. Mature oaks
surrounded the clubhouse and some of them still exist today. The entire property is an
oasis of green land and trees in an older, well-established suburban community. If the
newer outbuildings were removed from the site, it would leave the property essentially
the same as it was 80 years ago.
Materials: the combination of physical elements that were combined during a
particular time period and in a particular pattern to form a historic property.
According to a Detroit Times article written shortly before the opening of the golf course
in 1925, “no expense was spared in making it the finest links of its kind. Every green and
every tee is in bent grass, considered by turf experts to be the best turf for golfing
purposes there is to be had.”6
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The clubhouse is constructed of the finest of materials of the period. Its exposed timber
framing, brick and stone walls, terra-cotta roof, hand-crafted metal luminaires and
Pewabic tile have stood the test of time. Only one major change in material has taken
place; the midsection of the clay tile roof (approximately 20% of the entire roof) was
removed and replaced with asphalt shingles approximately twenty years ago. Two of the
original light fixtures have been lost and a few of the original glass panes in the wood
frame windows have been replaced. In the greenskeepers’ building, the original red brick,
cut limestone blocks and half-timbered gable are still the most distinctive features. The
original stable doors have been bricked in and three of the windows have been boarded.
The building has a newer asphalt roof and newer doors.
Workmanship: the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people
during any given period in history or prehistory. Rackham Golf Course is just one
example of the early 20th century influence of Scottish-borne design on the construction
of golf courses at a time when golf was becoming a game of choice for many Americans.
Donald Ross was considered to be the preeminent golf course designer of the time.
Built to be an impressive structure, the clubhouse was constructed to be used and enjoyed
for many generations. The precision of construction, strong materials, and attention to
details are typical of early 20th Century architecture and craftsmanship. The old growth
timber used in the building’s construction was more than 150 years old at the time and is
now approaching 250 years. The decorative tiles and handcrafted luminaires have also
stood the test of time. More than 80 years later, the building exemplifies, retains, and
showcases the attributes of not only early 20th century workmanship but the
craftsmanship so typical of the time. It still serves as an outstanding example of historic
traditional building methods and materials.
Feeling: the expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of
time. Built at a time when Detroit was enjoying the prosperity associated with its
burgeoning automotive industry, this golf course with its modern and luxurious amenities
of the day, typifies a bygone era of high-style and design.
Association: the direct link between a resource and a historic event or person.
Rackham Golf Course was gifted to the City of Detroit by wealthy Detroit-area
philanthropists Horace and Mary Rackham, it was designed by Donald Ross, the most
sought-after golf course designer of the day; it is where heavyweight boxing champion
Joe Louis (Barrow) held his Joe Louis Open golf tournaments for amateur black golfers;
it was where Ben Davis became one of the nation’s first black golf pros; it was one of
only a handful of golf courses where the UGA could hold its national tournaments; it was
where many local civic leaders and celebrities learned to play the game including former
Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer and several Motown entertainers.
HISTORIC AND NON-HISTORIC RESOURCES
The Rackham Golf Course property consists of the golf course, the clubhouse, the
greenskeepers’ building, three newer out-buildings (two cart barns and a mechanic’s
shed) and a cell tower. If the newer out-buildings and cell tower were removed from the
property, it would have much of the look and feel that it had 80 years ago. The
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greenskeepers’ building, although modified, still retains most of its character. The
exterior of the clubhouse is essentially unchanged. Although the golf course itself cannot
be restored to its former layout because of I-696, the vast majority of the original Donald
Ross layout is still intact. The Committee has determined that the designations for the
golf course features should be as follows:
Golf course – historic
Clubhouse – historic
Greenskeepers’ building – historic
Out-buildings and cell tower – non-historic
The Historic District Commission concludes that, at a minimum, 75% of the Rackham
Golf Course property is comprised of historic resources.
HISTORY
In 1821, Territorial Governor Lewis Cass of Oakland County concluded a treaty with the
indigenous people, whereby they ceded the rights to the land in the southern Michigan
Territory that included the present day City of Huntington Woods.
In 1832, the Township of Royal Oak was established, bounded by 8 Mile Road on the
south, 14 Mile Road to the north, and by Greenfield Road and Dequindre Road on the
west and east respectively. Between 1830 and 1837, the land that now constitutes the City
of Huntington Woods was ceded to a dozen landowners in parcels ranging from 40 to 320
acres. In 1836, 320 acres were awarded to Mr. Douglass Houghton, Sen. Henry G.
Hubbard, and Dr. Thomas H. Hubbard. In the late 1840s, Houghton sold his interest in
the land to the Hubbard brothers who, in 1886, leased the land to an oil prospector who
had limited success due to the marshy, swampy nature of the land.
Douglass Houghton is an important figure in Michigan history. He was the youngest
person ever elected Mayor of the City of Detroit. He was also appointed as the State’s
first official geologist, charged with the survey of the State, including the Upper
Peninsula. At the age of 36, Mr. Houghton died while engaged in a new government
survey in the Upper Peninsula. He drowned in Lake Superior when his boat capsized
during a snowstorm. Places in Michigan named for this early Michigan statesman include
Houghton Lake, Houghton County, and the City of Houghton.
In 1890, Fred A. Baker and his partner, William Campbell, bought the Hubbard holdings
for $13,400. Two years later, Campbell sold his interest to Baker, who incorporated the
Black Meadow Dairy Company. Fred Baker was a Detroit attorney who was admitted to
the bar in 1867 and served as a state legislator beginning in 1877. Among his other
positions, he served as corporation counsel for the City of Detroit for three and a half
years; was a member of the Detroit Bar Association; and was a member of the Detroit
Board of Commerce. Baker attended Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State
University) and was a graduate of Eastman’s Business College in New York.
Baker studied law under Colonel Sylvester Larned in Detroit. In 1916, Baker and his
associates formed the Baker Land Company and appointed Charles R. Talbot as its
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president. Soon after, Talbot began purchasing the land, paying $1,000 for each acre of
the Baker holdings. Today, this area includes the Bronx Subdivision in the center of
Huntington Woods and the Rackham Golf Course.
HORACE AND MARY RACKHAM
In 1924, Detroit attorney Horace H. Rackham and his wife Mary acquired approximately
150 acres of land from the Baker Land Company. It was located north of 10 Mile Road,
in what is now the City of Huntington Woods. They gave 22 acres to the Detroit
Zoological Society and used the remaining land to develop the golf course. It was
reportedly the first 18-hole public golf course constructed in the State of Michigan. Mr.
and Mrs. Rackham were both avid golfers and members of the Detroit Golf Club. They
built the course and donated it to the City of Detroit because in Mr. Rackham’s words,
“we should give those who can’t afford to belong to private clubs, the same opportunity
to play and have tournaments.”7
Horace H. Rackham was born in Macomb County, Michigan in 1858. As a young man,
he worked a variety of jobs in Detroit and studied law at night. In 1894, he opened a law
firm. In 1903, Rackham’s neighbor, Henry Ford, asked him to draw up incorporation
papers for his fledgling automobile business. Having little money at the time, Ford paid
Rackham $25 and persuaded him to invest $5,000 in his new company. Disregarding the
advice of the Michigan Savings Bank president who, in an infamous quote, told Rackham
“The horse is here to stay, but the automobile is only a novelty, a fad,” Rackham
borrowed $5,000 and purchased 100 shares of Ford Motor Company stock. In 1908, the
Ford stock split 20-1. Rackham quit his law practice and began his career as one of the
area’s more generous philanthropists. The $12.5 million Rackham realized from his
initial investment would be the equivalent of approximately $150 million today.
Throughout the remainder of his life, he and his wife gave the majority of their
charitable and philanthropic gifts anonymously. The magnitude of the Rackham Golf
Course donation, however, forced the Rackhams to accept a more public role in its
creation.
During the winter of 1914 at age 56, while recuperating from poor health, Horace
Rackham took up golf at Pinehurst, North Carolina. There he met Alex Ross, a
professional golfer, who gave the Rackhams their first golf lessons. In 1916, Rackham
persuaded Alex Ross to become the summer pro at the Detroit Golf Club, where
Rackham was serving as president. The Rackhams never had any children and spent a
great majority of their time sharing hobbies such as golf. Horace Rackham routinely
played three or four times during the week and Mary, his wife, often joined him. It was
the Rackhams’ friendship with Alex Ross that would bring Alex’s brother, the famous
golf course designer Donald Ross, to Michigan to design the Rackham Golf Course a
decade later.
When the Baker Land Company sold the land to the Rackhams there was but one
restriction on the transfer of the land, “it … shall be used only as a public park or golf
course or for other similar purpose.” (Appendix B). When the Rackhams gave the golf
course to the City of Detroit, they further restricted it by stating in the deed, “The said
premises shall be perpetually maintained by said party of the second part (City of Detroit)
exclusively as a golf course for the use of the public and reasonable rules, regulation and
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charges is established by the second party (City of Detroit).” The transfer of the property
was made on November 4, 1924 (Appendix B).
The golf course and clubhouse took over two years to complete. According to the Detroit
Times, “no expense was spared in making it the finest links of its kind.”8 The course was
actually finished in 1923 but Mr. Rackham did not allow it to be used until the turf could
withstand the wear and tear of public play. The clubhouse had “all the conveniences of a
modern country club including showers, lockers, lounge, lunch room, executive offices,
employee’s quarters and a veranda across the front from which every hole of the course
can be seen.”9 The entire cost of the gift was estimated to be over $500,000.
The golf course opened to the public on May 19, 1925 with Mr. and Mrs. Rackham,
along with their close friends Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Guest, playing the first round. John C.
Lodge, then a Detroit City Councilman and later Detroit Mayor, heralded it as “the most
magnificent gift the city has ever received.”10 The Detroit News said the clubhouse was,
“one of the most pretentious structures of the kind in the district.”11 The Detroit Times
said it “is regarded by experts as the finest public links in the United States, if not the
world.”12
The greens fees to play were $1.00 for 18 holes, $1.50 for unlimited play or 50 cents for
twilight golf. Before playing Rackham, players had to qualify at one of Detroit’s other
courses. Horace Rackham’s caddy, William T. Merriweather Jr., is quoted as saying that
on more than one occasion the Rackham manager gave a player his money back and told
him to qualify at Palmer Woods before coming back.13 Horace Rackham was a stickler
for etiquette as well as knowledge of the game. He wanted everyone to play the course
but insisted on basic knowledge of the game and rules. Once that was established then all
were welcome.
Horace and Mary Rackham took very seriously the social responsibility that came with
their great wealth. Not only during but also after their lifetimes they supported many
charitable organizations, including the University of Michigan, many children’s charities,
and others too numerous to name. Upon their deaths, the Horace H. and Mary A.
Rackham Fund was created to be used expressly “for such benevolent, charitable,
educational, scientific, religious and public purposes as…will promote the health,
welfare, happiness, education, training and development of men, women and children,
particularly the sick, aged, young, erring, poor, crippled, helpless, handicapped,
unfortunate and underprivileged, regardless of race, color, religion or station.”14 Horace
Rackham included people of all races, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds in his
will. Mary Rackham continued giving in her husband’s name until her death in 1946. It
was clear that Horace and Mary Rackham, in life and in death, had the public’s interest at
heart.
10
(Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
(Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
Horace and Mary Rackham in front of the Rackham
Golf Course clubhouse (c. 1925)
THE GOLF COURSE AND DONALD ROSS
The Rackham Golf Course was designed by the leading golf architect of the time, Donald
Ross.15 Born in Dornoch, Scotland in 1872, Ross was 14 when he began his foray into the
golf world as a carpenter, building tee boxes filled with sand. Because wooden tees were
not yet available, tee shots were hit off small mounds of sand. The caddies would fetch
the sand for the “tees” out of sand boxes, which became known as “tee boxes.” Ross’
interest in golf and his skill as a carpenter served him well. In 1894, Ross was hired by
John Sutherland, Secretary of the Dornoch Golf Club, to be head professional, club
maker and greenskeeper. Ross’ younger brother Alex later became his assistant. His
interest in course design began during his years at Dornoch. Alex would later become
Horace Rackham’s connection to Donald Ross.
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Robert Willson, an astronomer from Harvard, met Donald Ross during a visit to Dornoch
and recruited Ross to be the pro at his newly formed Oakley Country Club in
Massachusetts. By this time, both of the Ross brothers were accomplished golfers.
Donald Ross redesigned the Oakley course and it reopened in 1901. This was Ross’ first
work in the United States and it was heralded as revolutionary, setting a standard that
defined the game and course design for years to come.
(Tufts Archives)
Donald Ross displaying his champion-caliber swing
Ross left Oakley for the prestigious Essex Country Club in Massachusetts, where
members included then U.S. President William Howard Taft. He went on to design and
redesign many courses during the heyday of course design (1910 – 1930). He ended up in
Pinehurst, North Carolina, a town that was laid out by the famous firm of Olmsted,
Olmsted & Elliot of Brookline, Massachusetts and developed by James Walker Tufts.
Tufts had invited Ross to visit Pinehurst in 1900. In 1901, Pinehurst management gave
public notice that the 27 existing holes of golf would be under the care of Donald and
Alex Ross, the well-known professional players from the Oakley Club. During his time at
Pinehurst, Donald Ross designed the world famous Pinehurst #2, which opened in 1907.
The course would undergo other revisions by Ross during his tenure there. This course is
part of a larger area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ross returned to
Britain for a time and while there, he played and finished eighth in the 1910 British open.
12
(Tufts Archives)
Pinehurst Country Club, North Carolina
During his career, Ross designed more than 400 courses throughout the United States,
Canada, and Cuba, yet he only designed 22 public courses. Rackham Golf Course, an
approximately 6,445-yard AGC (American Golf Council) championship course, is one of
them. Not only did he design the Rackham course, he oversaw its construction and
layout, and was present at its completion. This is significant because many of the courses
he designed were constructed in his absence. He would design a course at his studio using
topographical maps and send his trusted construction crew to complete the job. Rackham
was a course where he was personally involved, staying at the Hotel Tuller in Detroit
during the construction.
Other local courses designed by Ross include Oakland Hills Country Club (site of such
major competitions as the Ryder Cup), Franklin Hills Country Club and the Detroit Golf
Club. Internationally famous course designs like Inverness in Ohio and Pinehurst #2 in
North Carolina, as well as his work at Dornoch, Scotland, made him a world-renowned
designer. According to the Donald Ross Society, “more national championships have
been played over courses designed by the Scottish-born architect, Donald Ross, than by
any other designer.”16 From 1919 through 1931, eight of thirteen U.S. Opens were
contested on layouts he had done or redesigned.17
13
(Tufts Archives)
Note from Donald Ross referencing his completion of Rackham
14
Ross was a founder of the American Society of Golf Course Architects in 1946 and
served as its president until his death in 1948.
Ross’ resume includes more than 400 courses, including:
Seminole
Dunedin Country Club
Augusta Country Club
Oak Park Country Club
Springfield Country Club
Oakland Hills North and South
Pinehurst #2
Inverness Club
Royal Dornoch
Oak Hill East and West
Detroit Golf Club
Franklin Hills
North Palm Beach
Dunedin
Augusta
Oak Park
West Springfield
Bloomfield Hills
Pinehurst
Inverness
Dornoch
Rochester
Detroit
Farmington Hills
Florida
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
North Carolina
Ohio
Scotland
New York
Michigan
Michigan
(Tufts Archives)
Franklin Hills Layout
15
(Tufts Archives)
Donald Ross’ Original Design For Course
16
(Jerry Matthews)
Donald Ross Course as completed
THE CLUBHOUSE AND NIELS CHESTER SORENSEN
Niels Chester Sorensen, architect with the firm of Malcomson & Higginbotham, was
hired by Rackham to design the clubhouse.18 How these two gentlemen came to know
each other is unknown, but for a time, both had their offices in the Moffet Building in
Detroit.19
According to the Michigan Society of Architects, Mr. Sorensen graduated from the
University of Illinois in 1913 with a degree in architecture. Thus armed, he went to
Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he “took charge” of the Architecture Department at
Dunwoody Vocational School. In 1915, with a scholarship in hand, Sorensen went to
Harvard, where he earned his Masters Degree in Architecture. By 1917 Mr. Sorensen was
the Chief Architectural Designer at the prestigious architectural firm of Malcomson and
Higginbotham in Detroit. Sorensen held this position for nearly 10 years. One his first
projects was the old Cass Technical High School. Detroit’s Western High School is
another Sorensen design. Malcomson and Higginbotham did a great deal of work
designing both ecclesiastical and educational facilities along with residences. In the late
1920s, Sorensen left the employ of Malcomson and Higginbotham and began to work
with W.E.N. Hunter, an eminent architect of churches and homes.
17
Sorensen continued to work in the Detroit area for many years and, in the early 1940s,
gained fame as a futurist designer. His futurist plans included an elevated, high-speed
rapid transit system for metropolitan areas. Although never constructed, his ideas can be
seen today in the design of the modern freeway system.
(Walter P. Reuther Library- Wayne State University)
The Rackham Clubhouse, shown here as the course nears completion
RACKHAM GOLF COURSE AND THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON WOODS
Huntington Woods was incorporated as a village in 1926 with only 150 homes and 500
residents. It would not officially become a city until 1932. The construction and opening
of Rackham Golf Course thus preceded the establishment of the city by several years.
Woodward Avenue was just becoming a major thoroughfare linking Detroit with Pontiac
and the small, relatively isolated communities between them, just as the I-696 freeway
linked the east and west suburbs many years later. Although Woodward was the first
paved road in the country, it was clearly not the major artery that it is today, and would
experience major widening in the years to come. The City of Detroit was known as the
“Paris of the Midwest,”20 and Huntington Woods was beginning to develop with some of
the same high-quality housing seen in the city.
Rackham Golf Course was pivotal in the development of Huntington Woods and its
importance cannot be underplayed. The city literally grew up around the active and
popular golf course. Lots were sold to prospective residents by realtors who touted the
18
uniqueness of Huntington Woods with both a new zoological park and state-of-the-art
municipal golf course (see below). These amenities were, and continue to be, a
significant inducement to reside in Huntington Woods, and have been reflected over the
years in the premium prices prospective purchasers are willing to pay.
“No Other Subdivision in the Whole Wide World has These Advantages”
AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND THE GAME OF GOLF
The Professional Golf Association (PGA) had a rigid Caucasians-only policy that barred
all non-whites from membership in the PGA.21 The clause existed in their official bylaws from 1934 until 1961 but was practiced by the PGA from its inception in 1916. The
United States Golf Association (USGA) did not have such a clause but the wealthy white
men who dominated the organization did nothing to promote racial equality. The AfricanAmerican golfers had no choice but to form their own United States Colored Golfers
Association, later to become the United Golf Association (UGA). This black-run
organization was every bit as serious about golf as its two white counterparts.
19
“The UGA and other predominantly black organizations could not have existed if there
hadn’t been facilities available to people of color. Before World War II, AfricanAmericans were denied access to most municipal courses and private clubs. In 1939,
there were 5,209 golf facilities in the United States. More than 3,000 of them were
private, 1,200 daily fee and 700 municipally owned. Fewer than 20 were open to blacks...
The UGA took its annual showcase event to Sunset Hills near Kankakee, Ill., Douglass
Park in Indianapolis, Rackham in Detroit, Mohansic in New York, Highland Park in
Cleveland, Cobbs Creek in Philadelphia and Palos Park in Chicago.”22 Of the above
courses, Rackham was the only golf course designed and built by Donald Ross.
To understand the importance of Rackham, one must understand what life was like for an
African-American golfer for most of the last century. When Horace and Mary Rackham
gave their golf course to the City of Detroit in 1925, it was with the understanding that it
was open to all people regardless of their race or gender. Blacks could play golf, eat at
the same lunch counter, and use the same lockers and shower facilities as whites. This
was at a time when blacks were not only barred from golf courses, including Detroit’s
other golf courses, they were prohibited from buying houses in “white neighborhoods”
and were forced to use separate sections of restaurants, theaters, public restrooms, busses
and other facilities.
“Shortly after Joe Louis retired from the ring (in 1951), he flew to New Orleans for a
boxing exhibition. He was accompanied by Leonard Reed, his confidant/advisor. The two
of them thought they’d get a round of golf in that morning before the exhibition, so they
boarded an airport shuttle van to the hotel to drop off their baggage and race to the
course. After a few minutes, Reed got off the van and asked the driver, who was standing
curbside, what was the delay. The driver responded, ‘Mister, I can take you but I’m not
allowed to take no Coloreds.’ Reed, a light-skinned black, turned two shades of red. ‘Do
you know who that man is?’ he asked. ‘That’s Joe Louis.’ ‘Don’t matter,’ said the driver.
‘I still can’t ride no Coloreds.’ Louis, who had overheard the confrontation, got off the
van and hailed a taxi. As the two of them started to get into the cab, the driver ... stopped
them. ‘Sir, I don’t mean no harm but I can’t ride no white man,’ he said. ‘This here cab’s
for Coloreds only.’ Reed and Louis didn’t even try to explain. Louis got in the taxi; Reed
hailed another one; and the two of them headed for the hotel .…”23
Six years before golfer Pete Brown played in the 1962 Michigan Open, he was lying in
Herman Kiefer Hospital in Detroit. He had come to Detroit from Mississippi to teach
successful businessman Randolph Wallace and his family how to play golf. He
contracted a form of polio that left him virtually paralyzed. His recovery was slow but
after a full year, he was able to leave the hospital and return to Mississippi. Through
sheer determination, he worked his way back to health and golf. In August 1962, he
entered the Michigan Open. It was the first time the tournament was opened to blacks.24
As Pete Brown was about to stroke a putt at the Farmington Country Club, someone
yelled out, “Hey, Nigger! What are you doing?” The crowd froze. The shout had violated
one of golf’s cardinal rules – silence while players are striking their shots. Brown had
handled hecklers before, he was from the deep south, but this was an important
tournament and he did not expect this in the north. Brown shook his head and laughed.
The crowd laughed nervously with him and the moment passed. Nevertheless, his
concentration was broken and he missed the putt.25
20
Teddy Rhodes was a handsome and charismatic golfer who was no stranger at Rackham.
He grew up in Nashville where he began playing golf in the city’s public parks because
he was not allowed on the city’s golf courses. He eventually became a caddy, which is
how most black golfers learned the game. In the 1930s, he joined the Civilian
Conservation Corps and then, during World War II served in the Navy. At the end of the
war, he was hired by Joe Louis to be Joe’s personal instructor. Being on Louis’ payroll
gave him the resources he needed to join the tour. Between 1946 and 1947, Rhodes won
six consecutive tournaments culminating at the 1947 Joe Louis Open at Rackham where
he scored 8 under par.26 Years later, Teddy and Joe “left the locker room and headed for
the first tee, only to encounter a woman who stared at them with such unvarnished hatred
that they stopped in their tracks. Before they could get off the first tee, the woman had
gathered enough support from others to force them to move their belongings out of the
locker room and into the caddies’ quarters. They did so courteously, quietly, without
complaint.”27 Such were the indignities that all black golfers had to endure.
The Wake Robin Golf Club was formed in 1937 and became the first formal organization
of African-American women golfers. For years, these women golfers in Washington D.C.
had coped with both racial and gender discrimination. When they asked to become an
auxiliary of the Royal Golf Club, they were rejected by their own male counterparts.
They decided to form their own club with the help of a few “defectors” from the Royal
Golf Club. At Wake Robin Golf Club’s 50th anniversary in 1987, one observer noted,
“Under a system of racism, in an atmosphere of sexism, black women playing golf was
not a light matter. It was a political act.”28 In 1941, the women were successful in getting
the Secretary of the Interior to desegregate the public courses in Washington D.C. They
also protested their exclusion from leadership positions in the UGA, and they paved the
way for black women golfers to compete in national tournaments. One of the first was
Ann Gregory, the first African-American woman to play in the U.S. Women’s Amateur.
The year was 1956. In the 1960s, Ann confronted the bigoted officials at the Gleason
Park public golf course in her home town of Gary, Indiana. Until that time, black golfers
were confined to a 9-hole course while white golfers enjoyed an 18-hole course. As a
taxpayer who paid to support the courses, she demanded her right to play. She paid her
fee and played a round without interference. Through her action, park officials abandoned
their racial double standard.29
Just after Charlie Sifford had taken the lead in the 1962 Canadian Open, a message was
posted on the bulletin board announcing that, “The Masters Golf Tournament will not
offer an automatic invitation to the winner of this year’s Canadian Open.” When asked if
this was a coincidence Charlie responded, “I don’t think so.”30 Sifford went on to become
the first African-American to win a PGA event in 1967.
The Master’s Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club was one of the last
battlegrounds for emancipation. In the late 1950s, Clifford Roberts, one of the club’s
founders and long-time chairman of the Masters Committee, said in response to growing
criticism, “As long as I live, there will be nothing at the Masters besides black caddies
and white players.”31 Ironically in 1975, Roberts himself welcomed Lee Elder, the
Masters’ first African-American player.
In 1997, Eldrick “Tiger” Woods made history when he became the first AfricanAmerican to win the Masters Tournament. He said, “I must admit, the first time I drove
21
down Magnolia Lane I was not thinking about Bobby Jones or all the Masters stood for. I
was thinking about all the great African-American players that never got a chance to play
there.”32
In the foreward to Pete McDaniel’s book, Uneven Lies, Tiger wrote, “Golf has afforded
me a stage for free expression. That freedom, however, was a gift paid for by many
determined people who endured all kinds of indignities just to be able to play the game. I
and every person of color who enjoys this great game can do so because of their
determination and grit. I’m reminded of that every time I tee up. I know where I’ve
been.”33
BEN DAVIS
In 1936, Rackham Golf Course became home to well-known golfer Ben Davis. Born in
1912 in Pensacola Florida, Davis began his golf odyssey as a caddy at the Oceola
Country Club at the age of 7. It was there that he learned to play golf. Ben was left
handed, but at that time there was no such thing as left-handed equipment so he had no
choice but to learn to play right handed. He was taken under the wing of Mark Myers, a
prominent Florida businessman. Myers bought clubs for Ben and invited him to play the
course on days that caddies were allowed to golf. Myers’ help allowed Ben to get better
at the game. According to Ben, his father (a butcher by trade) would slaughter a cow and
sell the meat to local markets door to door. It was hard work and money was tight for the
Davis family.
Ben later moved to Detroit and found work in the Packard Motor Car factory. He was
initially hired in 1933 to work at Detroit’s Palmer Park course, but in Ben’s words,
Rackham was the “father” and everyone wanted to work there.34 In 1936, Ben was
offered the job of assistant golf pro but was only allowed to teach African-Americans.
When Lou Powers took over as head professional at Rackham in 1948, he allowed Ben to
teach full time and to teach white students as well. Powers took a chance hiring an
African-American as a full-time professional at a time when it wasn’t clear if he would
be accepted. When Lou Powers retired in 1968, Ben assumed the duties of head pro at
Rackham, the first time the nation would see an African-American man hold that
position.35 Ben had gained a strong following and his clientele slowly grew as did his
reputation for being one of the best golfers in the area.
22
Ben Davis
(Irving and Betty Baron)
Davis featured in Michigan Golfer magazine
(Michigan Golfer-Art McCafferty)
Well-known civic leaders, judges, athletes and musicians sought lessons and golf advice
from Ben Davis. Hall of Fame Detroit Lions Cornerback Lem Barney was a regular at the
course as well as Bob Lanier and Dave Bing of the Detroit Pistons. Mayor Coleman
Young and other local politicians also played Rackham and took lessons from Ben. From
the pounding fists of Joe Louis to the sweet sounds of Motown, Ben Davis taught them
all. Davis’ long and successful teaching career at Rackham spanned some sixty-plus
years.36
In addition to teaching, Ben entered a few of the tournaments open to blacks, such as
Tam O’ Shanter in Chicago, organized by George May in the 1930s and 1940s. When
asked how he did in tournaments he simply states, “ I held my own.”37
Mostly he stayed in Michigan and Florida because he didn’t have the financial backing
necessary to pursue a touring career. While the others battled the color line across the
nation, Ben had his own battles here and in Florida, where he went to play during the
winter months on what became known as the Florida mini-tour. Detroiter Betty Baron
had come on the scene as Ben’s manager and ran his lessons and tour schedule. It was
then she discovered that Ben, while playing and playing well on the Florida tour, was
being charged three times the entry fee and twice the room and board of his white
counterparts. Ben then gave up the Florida tour. When asked about the discrimination he
experienced over the years, Ben said, “I never dwelled on that, it wasn’t good. I like to
look forward not back. My thoughts were how and when would I get to play again, just
get me to the next tee.”38
Another time, while playing a tournament in Battle Creek, Davis and Baron recalled that
when he tried to get his cart for the event, they refused to give it to him. Baron explained
to the starter that he was a touring pro and was participating in the event. Finally, the
official just threw the keys at him. Again, while being questioned about the trials he faced
23
as an African-American golfer, he said “the only thing that really bothered me was that I
couldn’t play with the same guys that I would golf with out here at Rackham every
day.”39
In 1994, the Golf Association of Michigan honored Ben with the Distinguished Service
Award.40 He is also a member of the African-American Hall of Fame, the Michigan Golf
Hall of Fame and was named Golf Man of the Year by the March of Dimes in 1974.41
Karen Peek, one of Ben’s former students, LPGA Professional and also an AfricanAmerican said, “I’ve seen a lot of parallels between Jackie Robinson’s life and Ben
Davis’. He’s the consummate gentleman.”42
JOE LOUIS
During World War II and the years leading up to it, Detroit’s Joe Louis was one of the
most famous athletes in the world. Americans, black and white, thought of Joe’s matches
with Germany’s Max Schmeling as symbolic of the Western Allies fight against the
Nazis. On June 19, 1936, when all of America had their radios tuned in for the fight,
Schmeling knocked Louis out in the twelfth round. Everyone in America felt defeated.
Years later, Louis admitted that golf was partially to blame. Instead of relaxing and
putting on weight before the bout, as his trainers advised him to do, Louis was out on the
golf course practicing his newly acquired passion. Two years later, Louis got a rematch
with Schmeling and this time, he was ready. John H. Kennedy, in his book A Course of
their Own said, “Hitler’s Superman lasted only two minutes and four seconds in the first
round, and then recovered in the hospital. It was redemption -- for America, for Louis, for
Negroes.”43
As Joe Louis’ career expanded, so did his love of golf. In 1941, Rackham Golf Course
became the place where the world heavy weight boxing champion would hold his Joe
Louis Open, a United Golf Association tournament for black golfers.44 Louis was one of
Ben Davis’ star pupils. Davis, together with Bob Seymour, “conceived the idea of
establishing the Joe Louis Open golf tournament. The ‘Brown Bomber’ wholeheartedly
endorsed the proposal.”45
24
(Detroit Free Press)
Joe Louis practicing his putting stroke at Rackham
Louis donated the $1,000 purse for the tournament and also paid entry fees and
transportation costs for many of the black golfers who would not have been able to
participate without his financial assistance.46 When Louis was drafted to serve in World
War II, the Joe Louis Open Tournament took a temporary hiatus. However, in 1945 a Joe
Louis Open was held and he was given special permission from his superiors to attend.
When Louis returned from his military commission, he restarted the tournaments with a
larger, $2,000 purse. The tournament was a popular event on the black circuit and Louis
was regarded as “patron saint of black golfers.”47 Louis also had a penchant for gambling.
He often played matches with better golfers because he knew they needed the money but
were too proud to take an outright gift. It is estimated that he lost more than $500,000 on
the golf course.
Because of his fame and wide acceptance by whites, Joe Louis became the first black
man to play a number of private country clubs across the country. In 1952, he was invited
to play in the San Diego Invitational. The week before the tournament, he was informed
by Horton Smith, the then President of the Professional Golf Association (and head golf
pro at Detroit Golf Club) that he and two other black players would not be allowed to
play. Joe said, “all this made me mad as hell.”48 He called Walter Winchell and had the
story on the national news that night. Winchell said “…the PGA President would not give
an OK to the ex-champion to play in that Open, because … he is a Negro.”49 Louis left
25
for San Diego the next day to confront the PGA. He said “I want the people to know what
the PGA is. We’ve got another Hitler to get by.”50 A lot of negotiations took place, and in
the end Louis, but not the others, was allowed to play. The racial barriers of the PGA
were beginning to break down. Louis told reporters that it was “the biggest fight of my
life.”51
U.S.G.A. PUBLIC LINKS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The United States Golf Association held four tournaments a year; The National Amateur,
The National Open, The National Women’s and The National Public Links
Championship. The National Public Links Championship was the brainchild of James D.
Standish, Jr., a native Detroiter who wanted a tournament for all amateur golfers who
could not afford to belong to country clubs. In fact, it was a requirement that its
participants play only on public courses. There were no entry fees for either the players or
the spectators. It was a radical idea at a time when golf was considered a sport of the elite
and, initially, Mr. Standish did not get a lot of support for his idea. The first tournament
was held in Toledo in 1922. Every year it was held in a different city and every year its
popularity grew. By 1938, it was the single largest tournament in the U.S. The U.S.G.A.
had to initiate sectional qualifying rounds to determine the tournament entry list. In 1940,
when the tournament came to Rackham Golf Course, 38 locations throughout the country
held qualifying rounds for the 2,600 entrants. The final 192 entrants were from 31 states,
districts and territories. J.D. Salsinger wrote, in the tournament program, “No one who
plays golf today is denied an opportunity to compete for a national title,”52 a philosophy
of equality practiced at Rackham since its inception. A second Public Links
Championship was held at Rackham in 1961.53
RACKHAM GOLF COURSE AND MOTOWN
The late 1950’s and 1960’s brought a new beat to Rackham. Motown recording artists
discovered golf and found solace from the road at Rackham. It became a place where
they could unwind and enjoy the camaraderie.
Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Motown recording artist and original member of the The Four Tops,
began his career in the 1950’s with friends Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Lawrence Payton,
and Levi Stubbs. Barry Gordy, Jr. put them together with the Holland/Dozier/Holland
songwriting team in 1964. They combined on such mega-hits as “I Can’t Help Myself,”
“Baby I Need Your Loving,” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Fakir recently described
Rackham as “Motown’s golf course.”54 He still plays there today, and in his opinion, “it
is one of the finest public golf courses anywhere in the country.”55 He also said:
“In my career as a recording artist with Motown and The Four Tops, I
have seen segregation, prejudice and discrimination. Rackham was a
place that exemplified all that was right with society…I support the
creation of a Historic District at Rackham and strongly urge interested
parties NOT to destroy Detroit’s History” (Appendix C, p 35).
In addition to The Four Tops, Rackham was the home course for other Motown greats
such as Smokey Robinson, members of The Miracles and The Temptations, and Marvin
26
Gaye. Marvin Gaye’s collection of hits includes “Ain’t that Peculiar,”a re-release of
“Heard it through the Grapevine,” and “Dancin in the Streets” which he co-wrote with
Martha Reeves. Martha Reeves, whose hit song “Heatwave” is still a crowd favorite, took
lessons from Ben Davis at Rackham. She is currently serving on the Detroit City Council.
Motown manager, Barry Gordy Jr., also a regular at Rackham, was so enamored with
Ben Davis that he took him with him on trips and tours as his personal golf instructor.
Chet Jawor, head professional for Detroit’s six municipal courses in the 1960s, kept his
headquarters at Rackham. He said, in addition to the Motown entertainers, Rackham was
the place to meet and play for many of the area’s judges, doctors, politicians, top athletes
and media personalities, many of whom were members of private clubs.56
RACKHAM GOLF COURSE AND JERRY MATTHEWS
The 1980s brought Interstate 696 (I-696) through the southernmost edge of the Rackham
course and necessitated the redesign of parts of seven holes. I-696 is part of the original
interstate highway system outlined in 1956-58. It was built in three stages with the first
one opening in 1962, and the last in 1989. It links I-96 on the west side of the Detroit
metro area, I-75 in the center, and I-94 on the east side. I-696 is also known as the
Reuther Freeway, named after UAW labor leader Walter P. Reuther. It travels through
Detroit’s northern suburbs and has proven to be a vital part of Detroit’s highway sysem.
The last stage of construction included the segment that affected Rackham Golf Course. This section has
some of the most unique features of any freeway in Detroit and, indeed, the nation. It has three tunnel
sections in less than three miles between Coolidge Highway and Southfield Road on which parks have been
constructed and maintained by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Along Rackham Golf Course, the
freeway runs below grade while the service drive is at grade level. This design minimizes the noise and
visual impact on the golf course.
To accommodate the loss of approximately ten acres of the golf course in a manner
consistent with and requiring the least reconfiguration of the original Donald Ross
design, prominent Michigan-based golf course architect Jerry Matthews was hired to
make the necessary changes. He modified only what was necessary, with a deliberate eye
to maintaining the character and integrity of the course, in some cases using parts of one
hole in the redesign of another. For example, the new hole #2 has most of the original
fairway and the original green of Donald Ross’ hole #3. In the end, parts of seven holes
were changed to varying degrees but only six tees and greens were reconfigured. For a
map of the changes, see the Jerry Matthews’ diagram below.
27
(Jerry Matthews)
Matthews himself is an award-winning designer with many accomplishments to his
credit. His experience and familiarity with Donald Ross, and his respect for Donald Ross’
course designs made him a natural choice to help with the alterations. His approach to the
changes needed at Rackham is embodied in his following statement:
“Greatness is only determined over a long period of time. History is the
only thing that can tell which courses are great. Look at the work of
Donald Ross. Over the years, his work stands the test of time. You don’t
remodel or do a lot with his courses, because they are great to start
with.”57
Matthews’ list of credentials includes:
•
•
•
Member of American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) for more
than 35 years serving as its Treasurer, Co-chairman of the Environmental
Impact Committee, Chairman of Speaker’s Bureau, Secretary, VicePresident, and in 1993, President.
State of Michigan Board of Landscape Architects – Appointed by Governor
1988-94
National Golf Foundation Board of Directors - 1993-94
28
•
Michigan State University Instructor “Golf Course Design and Construction
Techniques” - 1993-2004
Awards to Jerry Matthews’ courses include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chena Bend, Alaska - Best Courses in Alaska 1999-2000 - Ranked 2nd Golf
Digest
Chena Bend, Alaska - Best Courses in Alaska 2001-2002 - Ranked 2nd Golf
Digest
Elk Ridge, Atlanta, Michigan - Best New Public Golf Course 1991 - Ranked 2nd
Golf Digest
Elk Ridge, Atlanta, Michigan - America’s Top 75 Upscale Public Courses 1996 Ranked 47th Golf Digest
The Lakes Course at Michaywe, Gaylord, Michigan - Best New Public Golf
Courses 1988 - Ranked 3rd Golf Digest
St. Ives Golf Club, Stanwood, Michigan - Top Ten in America Best Courses for
Women 1999 - Ranked 6th Golf for Women
St. Ives Golf Club, Stanwood, Michigan - Best New Affordable Golf Course 1997
- Ranked 5th Golf Digest
Timber Ridge Golf Course, East Lansing, Michigan - Places to Play in North
America 2002 - Ranked in top 12 Golf Digest Readers
Other courses designed by Matthews include:
The Torch at A-Ga-Ming
Twin Lakes Golf Club
The Grand Hotel Golf Course
Antrim Dells
Wildcat Creek Golf Course
Kewadin
Rochester Hills
Mackinac Island
Ellsworth
Kokomo
Michigan
Michigan
Michigan
Michigan
Indiana
Course designs such as the ones above, along with Matthews’ impressive credentials,
clearly cast him as one of the top golf course designers in the Midwest.
(Jerry Matthews)
Matthews’ philosophy of allowing the topography of the land
to govern the layout and changes to courses is evidenced by
one of his personal favorite holes, #13 at Antrim Dells in
Ellsworth, Michigan.
29
RACKHAM’S 65TH ANNIVERSARY
In July 1990, the Friends of PARTNERS, an organization of volunteers from the
metropolitan Detroit area who commit their time and talents to the City of Detroit’s
Recreation Department, organized a golf tournament and celebration to salute Rackham
Golf Course on its 65th anniversary. Lem Barney, Chairman of the Friends of
PARTNERS, was the Master of Ceremonies. Ben Davis along with Lou Powers,
Rackham’s Pro from 1950-57 and Walton Lewis, who led an effort to renovate the
clubhouse in the 1980s, were honored for their dedication to Rackham.
Also recognized was the Junior Golf Program, begun at Rackham by Powers in the
1950s. In the 1960s, Chet Jawor held golf schools in conjunction with the Detroit Free
Press, Detroit Times and Detroit News. Among the alumni of the junior golf program are
Joyce Kazmierski, an All-American at Michigan State and LPGA Tour player who
became President of the LPGA and was inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame;
Bob Proben, who played the PGA Tour, and Janina Parrot Jacobs, who is one of the
leading amateurs in the State. In 1990, there were over 1600 participants in the junior
golf program.
In letters honoring Rackham’s 65th anniversary, many state and local officials, including
former Governor Jim Blanchard and former Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young, touted
Rackham’s place in Detroit’s history (Appendix C). These accolades included the
following:
“Donated to the City of Detroit by Horace Rackham in 1925, Rackham
Golf Course was for many years the only course on which black citizens
could play golf. Host site of the Joe Louis Golf Tournaments in the 1940s
and 1950s, Rackham Golf Course has for decades fostered true
sportsmanship through its unmitigated commitment to equal opportunity
for all.”
⎯ Former Michigan Governor James Blanchard
“Horace H. Rackham’s gift to the City of Detroit has become an
institution in the world of golf. True to Rackham’s wish, golfers from every
walk of life have enjoyed the excellent design of its public fairways.” ⎯
⎯ Former Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young
“Sixty-five years ago much of the land in the area was open fields and
farms, and the fulfillment of the dream of integrated recreation facilities
and other institutions was decades away. …Rackham has earned a
distinguished place in the history of this region and the State of Michigan,
and continues to serve as a reminder of past achievements in the struggle
for racial equality.”
⎯ Former Royal Oak Mayor Patricia Paruch
30
“It is important that we acknowledge those who recognized the need, and
gave unselfishly of their means in order that others may also benefit and
enjoy the treasures of Detroit.”
⎯ Former Detroit City Council President Maryann Mahaffey
RACKHAM’S RECENT HISTORY
Karen Peek began playing at Rackham as a junior golfer in the late 1960s and watched
the course’s steady decline through the 1970s and 1980s due to Dutch Elm disease and
cuts in the city budget. She was hired at Rackham by Kelly Sullivan, the golf pro shop
manager, in 1982. Peek, an African-American LPGA Professional, is a former student of
Rackham’s Ben Davis. Peek became head pro in 1988 and was later appointed General
Manager, becoming one of the few African-American females in the 1980s to hold that
position. In 1988, she said “I think the course has gotten better in each of the last three
years. The City of Detroit … has made a commitment to making Rackham once again
assume the position of a major factor on the local golf scene.”58
When Peek was promoted to General Manager of Rackham it was just beginning its slow
journey back to its glory days of the public links championships of 1940 and 1961 and
Peek wished for some help to bring it back to its original luster. “ I love this course,”
Peek said. “This, to me, is more than just a job. It’s always been a place that I love to
be.”59 Her help came in the form of American Golf Corporation and the course saw
immediate results with 61,000 rounds played in the 1991 season. Peek said, “ People
always related to Rackham, it was a comfortable course to play.”60 Karen Peek left
Rackham in 2005 and to this day she says, “ Rackham is tremendously important to golf
and history.”61
Looking to privatize the management of it courses, the City of Detroit entered into a tenyear contract with American Golf to manage four of the city’s municipal courses
(Rackham, Chandler Park, Rouge Park and Palmer Park). Changes were immediate.
American Golf quickly forged a partnership with local business leader, Detroit Piston and
NBA Hall of Famer Dave Bing, and the company invested $2 million in the four courses.
Improvements included planting trees, turf repair, bunker restoration and much, much
more.
At the time American Golf assumed management of the course, Rackham had been
maintained more as a lawn rather than a golf course, with many of Ross’ trademark
rectangular- or square-shaped green’s sheared into a more standard round. Working with
an architect and old aerial photographs of the course, American Golf’s Dave Hollens
began to implement his plan to restore the famous course back to its original challenging
splendor.62 In three short years, the restoration process was seeing its effect as Rackham
was named as one of the top 10 municipal courses in the state by Michigan Golfer
magazine.63 In 2002, it was named one of the top 10 public courses designed by Donald
Ross in the United States by Travel and Leisure Golf magazine.64 With its new drainage
system, defined and maintained tees and greens, Rackham has been restored and is
currently the only one of the four courses to turn a profit.
31
THE FIRST TEE - MICHIGAN
In addition to its role of welcoming adult golfers, Rackham is also part of the The First
Tee family of courses. The First Tee is an ambitious cooperative program instituted by
the PGA TOUR. Its national director is the famously named son of boxing legend Joe
Louis, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. The mission of The First Tee program is to impact the lives
of young people around the country by providing learning facilities and educational
programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the
game of golf. The goal of The First Tee of Michigan is to provide youngsters with a total
golf experience - one that encourages kids to learn the lifelong game of golf as a fun
pursuit or as a sport they might play at the highest level. At the same time, an equally
important goal is to expose the participants to personal and social skills, along with the
core and life values that golf teaches.
32
The Clubhouse
(Hank Berry / Robert Lebow)
This Arts & Crafts Movement structure has Prairie and Romanesque Revival influences.
It is constructed of brick, stone, wood and decorative Pewabic tiles. The brick is laid in a
common bond pattern with header courses every fifth course. Decorative brick panels
with a buff colored brick as a frame and Pewabic tile decorative elements in the center of
each are found throughout the entire structure. In addition to the Donald Ross-designed
course, the Rackham clubhouse is a magnificent structure designed by architect Niels
Chester Sorensen. Reminiscent of great Arts & Crafts buildings by Eliel Saarinen, Edwin
Lutyens and Albert Kahn, Sorensen created a structure that successfully marries
characteristics of the Romanesque Revival style and the Arts & Crafts movement through
his use of a Prairie-style roofline, asymmetrically balanced facades, exposed timbers, and
incorporation of naturalistic materials. The clubhouse included marble baths, 100 lockers,
a lunchroom and lounge, and living quarters for the course manager.
Beyond the basic structure of the clubhouse, the decorative aspects are most important to
recognizing the overall beauty and relevance of the design for that time period.
33
Windows, doorways and balustrades are sized and arranged to create horizontally implied
lines across each façade. All brick is layered four courses end-to-end with shallow raking.
The common bond brick pattern with header courses also creates a strong horizontal
pattern which directs the viewer’s eye across the façade. It provides visual interest which
is stimulating yet subtle. Throughout the entire structure, decorative brick panels are
created by using buff colored brick as a frame and integrating tiles into the pattern to
accent or bring emphasis to the panels like jewels might accent a chalice. This is in
keeping with the Arts & Crafts affinity for decorative aspects of medieval design. A
similar pattern is created to enhance archways, again using the buff-colored bricks and
Pewabic tiles. The tiles are glazed in a limited palette of earth tones, turquoise, and the
iridescence for which Pewabic Pottery was so famous. These colors are also repeated in
the original roof tiles and serve to visually tie the building together and give it a grounded
feel. This large building appears to hug the ground. Through its unique design, the
architect was successful in setting a very large structure naturally into the landscape.
34
(Hank Berry/ Robert Lebow)
(Hank Berry/ Robert Lebow)
Brickwork detail with Pewabic Pottery Inlays
35
(Hank Berry/ Robert Lebow)
Arch Detail with Pewabic tile inlays shown with limestone key
36
(Hank Berry/ Robert Lebow)
.
In order to understand the significance of this architectural gem, one must be aware of the
views that were driving the Arts & Crafts Movement. Born out of response to the
Industrial Revolution, this movement was concerned with the degradation of work and
destruction of the environment due to the rise of factories. The shift in work from
craftsman to mere production by unskilled laborers changed the quality of goods and
redefined the way in which society now lived. Arts & Crafts advocates believed that a
return to hand craftsmanship would restore individuality and quality to the work process.
The interpretation of this thinking resulted in a style of art and architecture which
advocated simplicity, unity, and decorative motifs inspired by nature in place of elaborate
ornamentation, brilliant colors and multiple patterns popular in Victorian design. It was
not a movement confined to a single style but drew upon many styles, chosen on moral as
well as aesthetic grounds. The reformers condemned as artificial the principles of
symmetry and proportion characteristic of classical architecture. They rejected styles
37
developed for grand buildings and noble patrons as unresponsive to human needs. They
turned instead to artistic and architectural solutions that had evolved in response to
climate and geography. The idea that buildings and their contents should be integrated
with the landscape and should use indigenous materials was central to the Arts & Crafts
movement.65
Architects and designers were particularly inspired by Gothic churches for several
reasons. In contrast to Classical and Renaissance buildings, they were asymmetrical and
their exteriors reflected the arrangement of interior spaces. Their ornamentation was
based on motifs found in nature and they were perceived as having been hand built by
artisans who took pride in their work.66
In viewing Sorensen’s clubhouse design, one can clearly see how aspects of the Arts &
Crafts Movement affected the outcome. This design is truly reflective of the time in
which it was created and serves as a visual reminder, if not the epitome, of the history of
this region.
(Hank Berry/ Robert Lebow)
38
(Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
An added feature of Sorensen’s design was his decision to use Pewabic tile for the
decorative patterns and motifs. Artist/craftsman Mary Chase Perry Stratton, founder of
Pewabic Pottery, was an important figure in her own right. She and her partner, Horace
Caulkins (developer of the Revelation Kiln), founded Pewabic Pottery in 1903, at the
height of the Arts & Crafts Movement in America. The Pottery’s first home was a stable
on Alfred Street in Detroit. Four years later, Pewabic Pottery moved to a new facility on
East Jefferson designed by architect William Buck Stratton in the Tudor Revival style. In
1991, the building (which still houses Pewabic Pottery) and its contents were designated
a National Historic Landmark and today is Michigan’s only historic pottery.67
An important figure in Detroit’s artistic and cultural life, Mary Stratton was a founding
member of the Detroit Arts & Crafts Society and later served as a trustee of what is now
the Detroit Institute of Arts. She established the Ceramics Department at the University
of Michigan, taught students in Wayne State University’s ceramic program and received
honorary degrees from both schools in recognition of her accomplishments. In 1947, she
received the coveted Charles Fergus Binns Medal, the nation’s highest award in the field
of ceramics. Stratton died in 1961, but the pottery continued to operate for another five
years under the direction of her former assistant. In 1966, ownership was transferred to
Michigan State University, which operated the Pottery as part of its continuing education
program. In 1979, the private nonprofit Pewabic Society was established to administer
the Pottery’s operation and in 1981 Pottery ownership was transferred to the Society,
whose board of trustees continues to serve as the Pottery’s governing body.
39
West Elevation
(Hank Berry / Robert Lebow)
(Hank Berry/ Robert Lebow)
40
WEST ELEVATION
The two-story portion of this structure is oriented to the west, centered within long low
wings oriented to the north and to the south, each end having a gable projection. The
center structure has a large clipped roof with a row of double hung wood windows,
ganged in pairs, tucked in below the exposed eaves. Above the windows, running the
entire façade and immediately below the eaves is a series of diamond shaped medallions
built of decorative brick and Pewabic tiles. The windowsills are limestone with
decorative brick soldiering below the sills. Below the windows are a series of three
arches elaborately trimmed in Pewabic tile, decorative brickwork and keystones in the
shape of a shield. The same treatment is found on the interior of the arches. This is the
main entry to and from the fairways.
(Hank Berry / Robert Lebow)
The Pewabic tiles are used on the interior arch, and both arch faces. Every seventh course
of brick is replaced with seven Pewabic tiles; two square and five rectangular tiles,
creating a frame. The use of Pewabic tiles in bands and decorative brickwork link the
three arches. The Clubhouse veranda extends the entire length of the west façade,
offering uninterrupted panoramic views westward to the greens. The veranda has an
arched entry at both the north and south ends. Centered between the two is the main triple
arched entry. Facing west is another arch, detailed with Pewabic tiles, four large
rectangular openings, viewing portals, followed by a tall vertical recess and finally the
main entrance. The design is repeated from the north moving south to the main entrance.
41
The brick columns forming the eight large rectangular openings are octagonal,
terminating in the wooden roof structure. The interior of the roof, which forms the
veranda ceiling, is exposed timbers and planking. A total of eight timbers form the
support. Between each set of timbers is an original suspended luminaire built of metal
and glass in a traditional cylindrical lantern form with detailed vertical dividers and a
cone shaped cap. The entire veranda interior is a blast of decorative brickwork and
Pewabic tile used in profusion. Within every arch is a keystone and layers of decorative
brickwork. The views offered from the veranda are exceptional. The roof over the north
and south wings is the original heavy red/orange/yellow and blue tile roof. The roof over
the center section has been replaced with asphalt shingle. With the exception of center
roof, a few windows, and two light fixtures, all appears to be original.
(Hank Berry)
Terra Cotta roof tiles with internal gutter system
42
The west elevation is framed by some of the original oak trees.
(Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University)
Note the trees as they were during construction of the course.
( Hank Berry )
Note the same trees in their present state. By virtue of their
original and current sizes, date it can be ascertained that
these trees are in excess of 100 years old. The tree labeled #1
shows evidence of storm damage suffered in August 2006.
43
South Elevation
( Hank Berry / Robert Lebow)
SOUTH ELEVATION
The south façade shows an asymmetric roofline with the Western portion dropping low to
create the veranda roof. Within the veranda roof is a small gable articulated with an
arched opening. The tile roof includes a hidden gutter system terminating in copper
downspouts at both the eastern and western ends of the south façade. The hidden gutter
creates a strong horizontal element within the softly hued tile roof. The juxtaposition of
arched tiles and the straight edges of the recessed gutter is striking. Under the exposed
eaves and rafters is a row of six wood framed windows with cut stone sills. A similar row
of six windows is aligned directly below the upper six. The lower six windows are taller
than the upper six and are separated by decorative brickwork and a centered Pewabic tile
medallion. The decorative brickwork is a vertical link from the sill of the second floor
window to the top of the first floor window. The effect is one of strong vertical elements,
similar to a column. An arch with stone steps, brick walls and stone caps create the
veranda entrance at the western end of the south façade. A course of limestone runs from
the top step of the entrance terminating at the southeast corner of the structure.
44
North Elevation
(Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
NORTH ELEVATION
Two banks of symmetrically arranged windows, each bank composed of four windows
on either side of centered window and juxtaposed with an elaborate and grand arched
entrance to the veranda. The windows at grade level are composed of a rectangular on the
vertical axis lite with an upper and lower rectangular on the horizontal axis lite. The
emphasis is on the height of the windows and it’s visual relationship with the towering
chimney. These windows are wood framed and glazed. The second story windows are
shorter with only two divisions, the main lite and a second lite at the top of the main
glazed area. The visual affect of the two windows above one another is one of a towering
narrow section as the grade and upper story windows are linked by decorative brickwork.
The rhythm of the taller windows at grade and shorter windows at the second level mimic
the brick and stone divisions on the chimney rising behind these windows. As the grade
level windows are designed to impart the feeling of height, the second story shorter
windows do the opposite by hunkering in just under the generous and heavy eaves.
Between the east and west banks of windows is a solitary window slightly higher than
midway up the façade. At the east end of the north façade is the arched opening to the
veranda, this arch, two banks of windows and center window very neatly and discretely
divide the façade into beautifully balanced thirds. Decorative brickwork and Pewabic
tiles adorn the exterior and interior of the arch. The dramatic and elegantly sloping roof
of the veranda bring a beautiful quality of human scale to a large structure set in open
land.
45
East Elevation
( Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
( Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
Note the highly articulated brickwork and the original lighting fixture over the doorway.
Also visible are the carved rafter ends and the tile roof.
46
(Hank Berry)
Chimney with limestone and Pewabic tile rising above the clay tile roof.
EAST ELEVATION
The east elevation is the service façade of the structure. Architectural details are the same
as in the balance of the building with the addition of a massive chimney built of brick, cut
stone and Pewabic tiles. The chimney is truncated in Art Deco styling with a cut stone
cap, two horizontal stone bands close to the top, and a center horizontal band with a
Pewabic medallion composed of nine tiles. Just above the chimney base are sculpted
blocks of stone serving as a visual anchor and suggesting vertical movement to elevate
the viewer’s eye to the medallion and on to the chimney cap. The greater overall
influence of the structure is the sweeping horizontal movement anchoring the clubhouse
to the grounds. The luminary over the south service door is original, the one over the
north door was replaced in the 1980s.
47
Greenskeepers’ Building
(Stable)
This attractive little building is a Tudor Revival Storybook style. Storybook styling
gained popularity in the early 1920s and imbued a sense of fantasy. The somewhat
exaggerated elements of this building lend it to the Storybook style. The structure was
built with high quality red brick, cut limestone blocks and half-timbering. Copper gutters,
downspouts and roof valleys follow the structural materials in quality and may indicate
an original roof of slate or tile. The roof style is hip with one gable end. Currently, the
building has an asphalt roof. Building corners and strapping are limestone. From an
inspection of the original stalls still visible on the interior of the building and discussions
with current and former staff, the Committee believes the building was originally used as
a stable for horses that pulled the grass cutting equipment. This little jewel of a building
must have been impressive when new, set amidst the rolling fairways of the golf course
and surrounded by open fields.
East Elevation
( Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
48
( Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
EAST ELEVATION
The east façade of the greenskeepers’ building is asymmetrical incorporating a large
garage door in the center and a smaller single garage door, currently bricked in, to its
south. Originally the bricked in garage bay would have been fitted with heavy wooden
doors. The columns adjacent to the garage bays and on the corners are alternating courses
of cut limestone block and brick. A small window is tucked in under the eave at the south
end of the wall. To the north of the large bay is small bump-out with two rectangular
windows, each with four lights. Cut limestone blocks act as sills and headers to the
windows with a Proto Art Deco arrangement of header blocks. The corner blocks are a
device used in Art Deco styling but, as this building pre-dates the Art Deco movement, it
is termed “Proto Art Deco.” The cut limestone sills form a strap across the face of the
building.
49
South Elevation
( Hank Berry / Robert Lebow)
SOUTH ELEVATION
This simple façade is beautifully scaled and balanced by a well-proportioned hip roof and
modest overhang. The original wooden doors most likely filled the entire area currently
bricked in, creating a very balanced and yet simple form. The opening has been filled in
with brick that does not match the original brick and a new single door is centered in the
space.
50
North Elevation
( Hank Berry / Robert Lebow )
NORTH ELEVATION
This is the only original façade of the structure. It has a half-timbered gable of wide
planks and hand stuccoing not found anywhere else on the structure. There are three
rectangular windows trimmed with the same stone treatment as all other windows. This
end of the structure is narrower than the rest of the structure and projects out, creating its
own Storybook appearance. The limestone banding creates a strong visual rhythm and the
horizontal emphasis is enhanced by the half-timbering of the gable.
51
West Elevation
( Hank Berry/Robert Lebow )
(Hank Berry/Robert Lebow )
WEST ELEVATION
The limestone quoining and banding continues on this façade. The north end offers a
change in roof height and roof style. Toward the north end, the building bumps out
slightly with a nicely scaled hip roof and two smaller windows. The metal door is not
original. South of the bump-out are two bays, currently bricked in, but originally were
most likely fitted with large wooden doors.
52
The Golf Course
Rackham Golf Course was designed by Donald Ross and is a 6,445-yard AGC
Championship course. It has an 18-hole layout with a large putting green directly in front
of the clubhouse. The course was specifically designed with spacious tees, intermittent
grassy roughs, defined bunkers, rolling greens and plenty of sand traps. There is no water
on the course. It was designed to accommodate more than 600 players a day. The grounds
are well maintained by American Golf Corporation, a private company under contract
with the City of Detroit to operate the golf course.
Unique to Rackham alone, is its location next to the Detroit Zoo. Golfers on the 15th hole
are regularly treated to the smiles and waves of passengers traveling on the zoo train
between the African Safari and North American stations. They are occasionally treated to
“birdies” of a different sort calling from next door, as well as the sounds of other exotic
animals.
Current scorecard and configuration
53
The following is a pictorial 18-hole tour of Rackham Golf Course
(Hank Berry)
( Hank Berry )
View from 1st tee down the fairway
54
( Hank Berry)
Fairway shot showing the well placed bunkers in front of the green
( Hank Berry)
1st green with sand traps
55
(Hank Berry)
( Hank Berry)
2nd hole tee and fairway
56
( Hank Berry )
2nd hole green with pin placement
57
(Hank Berry )
(Hank Berry)
3rd hole tee showing fairway framed by trees
58
( Hank Berry )
3rd hole approach
( Hank Berry )
3rd hole approach and green
59
(Hank Berry )
( Hank Berry )
4th hole tee with dogleg back to the right
60
( Hank Berry )
4th fairway
(Hank Berry )
Approach over rolling fairway
61
(Hank Berry )
4th green
62
(Hank Berry )
(Hank Berry )
5th hole tee with the cart path off to the left
63
( Hank Berry)
5th hole approach
(Hank Berry )
Side view of the green showing pitch
64
( Hank Berry)
View from 6th tee
65
(Hank Berry)
6th fairway approach
( Hank Berry )
6th approach with green in background
66
( Hank Berry)
Sixth green at the corner of Ludlow Ave. and Scotia Road. This is one of the most
visible points of the course. Walkers, joggers and cyclists can take in the game
from just outside this point.
67
(Hank Berry )
( Hank Berry )
View from 7th tee
68
( Hank Berry )
7th fairway view
(Hank Berry )
7th approach
69
(Hank Berry)
7th green with trap
70
( Hank Berry)
(Hank Berry)
View from tee of the par 3 number 8 hole
71
( Hank Berry)
8th green with bunkers and pin placement on the green
( Hank Berry )
Direct approach to the green
72
(Hank Berry )
( Hank Berry )
The 9th hole return to the clubhouse
73
(Hank Berry )
9th fairway
(Hank Berry)
Elevated green with tile roof of the clubhouse in background
74
(Hank Berry )
The 9th green with full view of the clubhouse
75
( Hank Berry )
( Hank Berry )
View from 10th tee
76
(Hank Berry )
Approach to the green.
( Hank Berry )
Pin placement on the green surrounded by bunkers
77
(Hank Berry)
( Hank Berry)
View off the 11th tee
78
(Hank Berry )
Approach to the green bordering Ludlow Avenue
(Hank Berry )
Approach to the green
79
( Hank Berry )
Pin placement on the green with Ludlow Avenue homes in the background
80
(Hank Berry)
(Hank Berry)
12th tee and fairway
81
(Hank Berry)
Approach to green
(Hank Berry)
Sand trap and pin placement
82
( Hank Berry)
(Hank Berry)
The approach with Ludlow Avenue in the background
83
(Hank Berry)
The green with a right side pin placement
(Hank Berry)
Side view of the green
84
(Hank Berry)
(Hank Berry)
Approach to the green
85
(Hank Berry)
Elevated green with a left to right slope
(Hank Berry)
Pin placement and a side view of the green
86
(Hank Berry)
The 15th hole shares a border with the Detroit Zoological Park on its left
87
(Hank Berry)
Zoo Train through east boundary fence
(Hank Berry)
The green with traps flanking the approach
88
(Hank Berry)
( Hank Berry)
View from Tee
89
(Hank Berry)
Approach to the green
(Hank Berry)
View of the green from the side
90
( Hank Berry)
( Hank Berry)
Hole 17 is a shorter par 4
91
(Hank Berry)
Traps and bunkers
(Hank Berry)
Green next to Ludlow Avenue
92
(Hank Berry)
Hole 18 heads back toward the clubhouse
(Hank Berry)
93
(Hank Berry)
Approaching the green
(Hank Berry)
94
(Hank Berry)
Side view of 18th green
(Hank Berry)
View of the Clubhouse from the top of the green
95
(Hank Berry)
View from green up to clubhouse
As one finishes hole #18 and heads up the cart path, the architecture of the clubhouse
clearly unfolds before the viewer’s eyes; the elongated veranda, the colorful tile roof and
the articulated chimney rising above the roofline. This completes 18 holes on what was
described by the as the “most splendid public course in the country.”
96
Cell Tower
(Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
East elevation
(Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
North elevation
Constructed on the south end of the property in the 1990s, this structure was built to
replicate the architecture of the clubhouse. While it is not nearly the quality of the
clubhouse, care was taken to match its brick, roofline and colors, even adding decorative
panels on the sides.
97
Cart Storage and Repair Facilities
(Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
(Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
(Hank Berry/Robert Lebow)
These three buildings serve as the storage and repair facilities for the more than 72 carts
used on Rackham Golf Course. They are newer non-historic structures.
98
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
After nearly nine months of intensive study, it is clear that Rackham Golf Course, from
its very inception in the 1920s, was destined to be an important part of Detroit’s history
and by association, Huntington Woods’ history. The indelible mark it has left on the
historic fabric of the city and the region is without a doubt significant from many
different perspectives.
When Horace and Mary Rackham decided to gift a golf course to the citizens of Detroit,
it was with the understanding that all people no matter of race, religion, sex, economic
station, etc. would be welcome to play. Although it was intended to be given
anonymously, the magnitude of the golf course gift made it impossible to keep the
Rackhams’ secret. The act thrust the Rackhams into the limelight from which they had so
often avoided, sometimes even threatening to rescind the gifts they had pledged if they
were named as the donors.
Through a friendship with his brother Alex Ross, the Rackhams hired the renowned golf
course designer of the day, Donald Ross to design this notable municipal golf course.
Unlike many of the courses that Ross designed in-studio, he was present at the Rackham
site personally overseeing its development. This golf course is one of the few jewels from
Detroit’s prosperous and opulent past that lies outside the city’s limits. Its stately
clubhouse designed by Niels Chester Sorensen is true to the Arts & Crafts style that was
so prevalent at that time in our nation’s architectural and design history. It is complete
with its Pewabic Pottery details, metal luminaires, tile roof and hidden copper gutter
system, seeing minimal changes over the years. It stands today true to the day it was
built.
At a time when the nation was segregated along racial lines and feminism was in its
infancy, Rackham Golf Course, like the zoo to its east, was barrierless, a non-segregated
course in a city whose deed restrictions forbid non-Caucasians from living within its
borders. This trend of progressive tolerance toward different races continued through the
1930s and beyond with noted African-American golfer Ben Davis becoming one of the
first black golf pros in the country. Then again with Detroit’s own heavyweight boxing
champion Joe Louis holding his own golf tournament for amateur black golfers at
Rackham, years before he would confront the leaders of the PGA, forcing them to
reconsider their race restrictions that barred him from playing on their courses. Louis
would become the first black golfer allowed to play in a PGA Tour event; the 1953 San
Diego Open.
Throughout these past 80+ years, Rackham Golf Course has welcomed local and national
sports figures, political leaders, musicians, and golf enthusiasts of every skill level. It has
also stayed true to the Rackhams’ dream of making the game of golf available to all
people. The incredible genius of Donald Ross has been painstakingly resurrected by
Rackham’s management company through a long and deliberate restoration process and
their continued maintenance of the course.
Rackham Golf Course has never faltered in its perennial indenture to the public. It has
proven itself to be an enduring mirror of the time in which it was built and has stayed true
99
to the ideals of its inception whereby “the common man should be given a chance to play
golf too.”68
It is the belief of the Historic District Study Committee that it has complied with the
requirements of the Local Historic Districts Act, Public Act 169 of 1970 as amended.
The Study Committee finds that Rackham Golf Course is significant under the Secretary
of the Interior’s eligibility criteria for the National Register of Historic Places as
evidenced under the criteria and integrity sections of this report. For all the reasons set
forth in this report, it is the recommendation of the Study Committee that the Rackham
Golf Course Historic District be created preserving this treasure for future generations
and the continued enjoyment of the public without exclusion. It is our further
recommendation that a National Register nomination be pursued.
100
ENDNOTES
1
Afro-American Sports Fall of Fame, Third Annual Induction Dinner booklet.
2
Ben Davis, Oral History as told to Hank Berry and Bonnie Cook, October 2006.
3
Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Oral History as told to Hank Berry, August 2006.
4
The Detroit Times, May 20, 1925.
5
Pete McDaniel, Uneven Lies; The Heroic Story of African-Americans in Golf, The
American Golfer, Inc. 2000, p. 59.
6
The Detroit Times, April 12, 1925.
7
Bob Murphy, 1940 Amateur Public Links Championship booklet.
8
The Detroit Times, April 12, 1925.
9
The Detroit News, May 20, 1925.
10
The Detroit Times, May 20, 1925.
11
The Detroit News, May 17, 1925.
12
The Detroit Times, April 12, 1925.
13
Paul Dunn and B.J. Dunn, Great Donald Ross Courses You Can Play (Derrydale Press
2001), p.130.
14
Marjorie Cahn Brazer, Biography of An Endowment; The Horace H. Rackham and
Mary A. Rackham Fund at The University of Michigan (Rackham Board of Governors
1985), p. 7-8.
15
Dunn, Great Donald Ross Courses You Can Play, p. x.
16
Bradley S. Klein, www. donaldrosssociety.org.
17
Bradley S. Klein, Discovering Donald Ross (Clock Tower Press 2001), p. 113.
18
1940 Amateur Public Links Championship booklet.
19
City of Detroit telephone directory, 1917.
20
History of Detroit, MI, www.wikipedia.org
21
Calvin H. Sinnette, Forbidden Fairways; African-Americans and the Game of Golf
(Sleeping Bear Press 1998), p. 125.
22
Pete McDaniel, Uneven Lies; The Heroic Story of African-Americans in Golf, p. 59
(emphasis added).
23
Id., p. 161.
24
John H. Kennedy, A Course of Their Own; A History of African-American Golfers
(University of Nebraska Press 2000), p. 143.
25
Id., p. 142.
26
Sinnette, Forbidden Fairways, p. 84-85.
27
Kennedy, A Course of Their Own, p. 51.
101
28
Sinnette, Forbidden Fairways, p. 99.
29
Id., p. 104.
30
Charlie Sifford, Just Let Me Play (British American Publishing 1992), p. 175.
31
Id., p. 175.
32
McDaniel, Uneven Lies, p. 8.
33
Id.
34
Ben Davis, Oral History as told to Hank Berry and Bonnie Cook, October 2006
35
Afro-American Sports Fall of Fame, Third Annual Induction Dinner booklet.
36
Betty Baron, Oral History as told to Hank Berry and Bonnie Cook, October 2006
37
Ben Davis, Oral History as told to Hank Berry and Bonnie Cook, October 2006
38
Id.
39
Id.
40
Joe Ballor, Michigan Golfer, February/March 1995, p. 30.
41
Id.
42
Id.
43
Kennedy, A Course of Their Own, p. 67.
44
Dunn, Great Donald Ross Courses, p. 128.
45
Sinnette, Forbidden Fairways, p. 178.
46
Steven Goodwin, “The Fighter,” www.Golfonline.com, June 12, 2006.
47
Kennedy, A Course of Their Own, p. 67.
48
Joe Louis, Joe Louis: My Life (The Ecco Press 1978), p. 221.
49
Kennedy, A Course of Their Own, p. 71.
50
Kennedy, A Course of Their Own, p. 65.
51
Kennedy, A Course of Their Own, p. 77
52
J.D. Salsinger, 19th Annual Public Links Championship booklet, 1940.
53
The Daily Tribune, May 31, 1992.
54
Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Oral History as told to Hank Berry, August 2006.
55
Historic District Study Committee Public Hearing Minutes, September 27, 2006.
56
Jack Berry, Michigan Golf News, June 2004, Vol 4, No. 23
57
Don Vanderveen, www.michigangolfmagazine.com, 2005.
58
The Daily Tribune, June 1, 1988.
59
Id., May 31, 1992.
60
Karen Peek, Oral History as told to Hank Berry, November 2006.
61
Id.
102
62
The Daily Tribune, February 9, 1994.
63
Id.
64
Travel & Leisure, July-August 2002, p. 48.
65
Wendy Kaplan, “The Art that is Life”: The Arts and Crafts Movement in America,
1875-1920, 1987, Museum of Fine Arts
66
“The Art that is Life”: The Arts and Crafts Movement in America, 1875-1920,
Exhibition brochure, The Detroit Institute of Arts, 1988.
67
68
www.PewabicPottery.com, July 5, 2006.
1940 Amateur Public Links Championship booklet.
103
Appendix A
Arial Photographs
(Access Oakland)
Current Arial
104
Rackham Arial with surrounding communities
(Semcog)
Golf course with surrounding neighborhood
105
(Google Earth)
Site location map with boundaries
(Semcog)
Rackham’s proximity to Woodward Avenue and I-696
Appendix B
106
Deed to Horace H. Rackham
from Baker Land Co.
and
Deed from Horace H. Rackham
to the City of Detroit
107
108
109
110
Appendix C
Letters of Support
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
DEFENSE OF PLACE
A Project of the Resource renewal Institute
129
Fort Mason Center
San Francisco, CA 94123
415.928.3774
http://defenseofplace.org
23837 West Lebost
Novi, Michigan 48375
June 20, 2006
Mayor Ronald F. Gillham
City Manager Alex R. Allie
City Commissioners
City of Huntington Woods
26815 Scotia Road
Huntington Woods, MI 48070
Dear Mayor Gillham, Mr. Allie and City Commissioners,
As Michigan residents throughout the state observe the situation regarding the future of Rackham
Golf Course, they will certainly applaud the efforts of the community and City of Huntington
Woods. Honoring the deed restriction and the public trust to preserve the Rackham Golf Course as
a public park and open space for future generations is indeed a worthy endeavor.
Parks are set aside for future generations, as Rackham Golf Course was so clearly set aside. This
valuable recreation resource is for the City of Detroit to keep for generations of Detroiters. Your
community’s willingness to take on the stewardship of this park, should the city of Detroit decide to
sell it to developers, is truly remarkable. Many Michigan cities are turning toward their open space
and parklands as lines of credit and squandering these valuable public assets. The City of
Huntington Woods provides an example of a community’s environmental ethic and good public
policy for all Michigan communities to follow.
Selling such a valuable public asset as the historic Rackham Golf Course sets a dangerous
precedent that eventually threatens all public parks. With each sale, our heritage is diminished and
with it, our pact with future generations.
Defense of Place is the organization in the United States devoted solely to assuring that parks, open
space, and wildlife refuges stay protected forever.
Please don’t hesitate to call on us if we can be of further assistance as you continue your efforts to
preserve this historic park.
Sincerely yours,
/s/
LuAnne Kozma
130
131
132
133
134
135
Appendix D
Appendix D
136
Donald Ross Course List
137
Courses Designed by Donald J. Ross as provided by the Donald Ross Society
Note: This list is undergoing revision and verification
Course
City
State Holes
Year
New
On
Remodel Plan
Course
Site
Country Club Of
Alabama - East Birmingham
Course
AL
18 holes
1927
X
Country Club Of
Alabama - West Birmingham
Course
AL
18 Holes
1929
X
Country Club Of
Mobile
Mobile
AL
18 Holes
1928
X
Mountain Brook
Country Club
Birmingham
AL
18 holes
1929
X
Peninsula Golf
& Country Club
San Mateo
CA
9 holes, 9
holes
remodel
1923
Algonquin
New
Brunswick
Canada 27 Holes
1927
X
Banff
Banff Springs
Canada 18 holes
1917
X
Brightwood
Dartmouth,
NS
Canada 18 holes
1934
X
Elmhurst
Winnapeg,
Manitoba
Canada
Remodeled 9
Holes
1923
Elmhurst
Winnapeg,
Manitoba
Canada
Added 9
Holes
1923
X
Essex
LaSalle,
Ontario
Canada 18 Holes
1929
X
X
Canada 18 Holes
1929
X
X
Liverpool (White Hunts Point,
Point)
NS
Pine Ridge
Winnipeg,
Manitoba
Canada
Remodeled
18 Holes
Riverside
New
Brunswick
Canada 18 Holes
Rosedale
Toronto
Canada
Rosedale
Windsor,
Ontario
Canada 27 Holes
Rosedale
Windsor,
Ontario
Canada
St. Charles
Winnapeg,
Manitoba
Canada 9 Holes
Remodeled
18 Holes
Remodeled 9
Holes
1937
X
X
X
- Now Closed
X
added
X
X
X
X
X
X
1924
X
X
X
X
1920
X
X
X
X
CO
18 holes
1918
Lakewood Golf
Club
Lakewood
CO
Remodeled
18 holes
1916
Wellshire Golf
Club
Denver
CO
18 holes
1926
X
X
Country Club of
Waterbury
Waterbury
CT
18 holes
1926
X
X
Greenwich
Country Club
Greenwich
CT
Remodeled
18 holes
1946
X
Hartford Country
West Hartford
Club
CT
Remodeled
14 holes
1914
X
Hartford Country
West Hartford
Club
CT
Remodeled
14 holes
1946
X
Hartford Country
West Hartford
Club
CT
4 holes
1946
X
Shennecossett
CT
18 holes
1916
X
138
- remodeled
X
Broadmoor Golf Colorado
Club
Springs
Groton
X
X
X
1919
1921
X
X
1919
Note:
X
X
added
X
Golf Club
Shennecossett
Golf Club
Groton
CT
Remodeled 3
holes
1919
Wampanoag
Country Club
West Hartford
CT
18 Holes
1924
X
Havana Biltmore Havana
Cuba
18 Holes
1927
X
Havana Country
Havana
Club
Cuba
18 Holes
1911
X
Belleair Country
Bellair
Club -East
Course
FL
18 holes
1925
X
Belleair Country
Club -West
Bellair
Course
FL
18 holes, 9
remodeled
1915
Belleair Country
Club -West
Bellair
Course
FL
9 added
1915
X
Belleview Mido
Country Club
Bellair
FL
18 holes
1925
X
Biltmore
Country Club
Coral Gables
FL
18 holes
1924
X
Bobby Jones
Golf Course
Sarasota
FL
18 holes
1927
X
Boca Raton
(Cloisters)
Boca Raton
FL
18 Holes
1925
X
X
X
Bradenton
Country Club
Bradenton
FL
18 holes
1924
X
X
X
Brentwood Golf
Club
Jacksonville
FL
18 holes
1924
X
X
X
Country Club of
Orlando
Orlando
FL
18 holes
1918
X
Daytona Beach
Golf & Country
Club - North
Daytona
Beach
FL
18 holes
1946
X
Daytona Beach
Golf & Country
Club - South
Daytona
Beach
FL
18 holes
1922
X
Delray Beach
Golf Course
Delray Beach
FL
18 holes
1923
X
X
Dunedin
Country Club
Dunedin
FL
18 holes
1926
X
X
Florida Country
Club
Jacksonville
FL
18 holes
1922
X
Fort George
Jacksonville
FL
18 holes
1927
X
Fort Meyers Golf
Fort Meyers
& Country Club
FL
18 holes
1928
X
Gulf Stream
Golf Club
Delray Beach
FL
18 holes
1923
X
Handley Park
Golf Club
New Smyrna
Beach
FL
9 holes
1922
X
Hyde Park Golf
Club
Jacksonville
FL
18 holes
1925
X
Keystone Golf & Keystone
Country Club
Heights
FL
9 holes
1928
X
Lake Wales
Country Club
Lake Wales
FL
18 Holes
1925
X
X
Melbourne Golf
Club
Melbourne
FL
18 Holes
1926
X
X
Miami Country
Club
Miami
FL
9 Holes,
(remodel 9)
1919
139
X
X
X
- Now Closed
X
X
added
X
- Now Closed
X
- remodeled
X
X
X
X
-British
Course
- Now Closed
X
X
X
X
- Now Closed
X
X
- Now Closed
New Smyrna
New Smyrna
Beach Municipal
Beach
Golf Course
FL
18 Holes
1922
X
Palatka
Municipal Golf
Course
Palatka
FL
18 Holes
1925
X
Palm Beach
Country Club
Palm Beach
FL
18 Holes
1917
X
Palma Ceia Golf
Tampa
Club
FL
Remodeled
18 Holes
1923
Palma Sola Golf
Bradenton
Club
FL
18 Holes
1924
X
Panama
Country Club
Lynn Haven
FL
18 Holes
1927
X
Pinecrest on
Lotela
Avon
FL
18 Holes
1926
X
Ponce de Leon
Resort &
Country Club
St. Augustine
FL
18 Holes
1916
X
Puntra Gorda
Country Club
Puntra Gorda
FL
18 Holes
1927
X
X
X
- was
formerly St.
Augustines
X
- was S.
course of
Biltmore
Hotel
Riviera Country
Club (Miami
Biltmore)
Riviera
FL
18 Holes
1924
San Jose
Country Club
Jacksonville
FL
18 holes
1925
Sara Bay
Country Club
Sarasota
FL
18 holes
1925
Seminole
Country Club
North Palm
Beach
FL
18 Holes
1929
X
X
X
St. Augustine
Links - South
Course
St. Augustine
FL
18 Holes
1916
X
X
X
Timuquana
Country Club
Jacksonville
FL
18 holes
1923
X
X
X
University of
Florida Golf
Club
Gainesville
FL
18 Holes
1921
Athens Country
Club
Athens
GA
18 holes
1926
X
Atlanta Athletic
Club
Atlanta
GA
18 holes
1923
X
Augusta
Country Club
Augusta
GA
Remodeled
18 Holes
1927
Bacon Park Golf
Savannah
Course
GA
18 Holes
1926
Bon-AirVanderbilt
Atlanta
GA
18 holes
1927
Brunswick
Country Club
Brunswick
GA
9 Holes
1938
X
Country Club of
Columbus
Columbus
GA
18 Holes remodeled
twice
1925,1938
?
East Lake
Country Club
Atlanta
GA
Remodeled
18 Holes
East Lake
Country Club
Atlanta
GA
Forest Hills Golf
Augusta
Club
Gainesville
Municipal Golf
Course
Gainesville
X
X
X
X?
- was
Whitfield CC
X
- was
Gainesville
CC
X?
X
X
- Now Closed
X
X
X
X
X
?
X
1914
X
X
X
Remodeled
18 Holes
1925
X
GA
18 Holes
1926
X
X
X
GA
9 Holes - has
closed
1920
X
140
- Now Closed
- Now Closed
Highland
Country Club
La Grange
GA
9 Holes
1922
X
Roosevelt
Memorial Golf
Course
Warm Springs
GA
18 holes-9
Holes
abandone
1926
X
Savannah Golf
Club
Savannah
GA
9 Holes-9
remodeled
1927
X
Savannah Golf
Club M2
Savannah
GA
18 Holes
1927
Design?
Savannah Golf
Club M3
Savannah
GA
18 Holes
1927
Design?
>?
Savannah Golf
Club M4
Savannah
GA
18 Holes
1927
Design?
>?
Sheraton
Savannah
Resort &
Country Club
Savannah
GA
18 Holes
1929
X
Walthour Golf
Club
Savannah
GA
18 Holes
1928
X
Washington
Wilkes Country
Club
Washington
GA
9 Holes
1925
X
Beverly Country
Chicago
Club
IL
18 Holes
1907
X
Bob O’Link Golf
Club
Highland Park
IL
18 Holes
1916
X
Calumet
Country Club
Homewood
IL
18 Holes
1917 1922
X
Evanston Golf
Club
Skokie
IL
18 Holes
1917
X
Exmoor Country
Highland Park
Club
IL
Remodeled
18 Holes
1914
X
Hinsdale Golf
Club
Clarendon
Hills
IL
Remodeled
9, added 9
1913
?
Indian Hill Club
Winnetka
IL
18 Holes
1914, 1922
X
La Grange
Country Club
La Grange
IL
Remodeled
18 Holes
remodeled
1921
X
Northmoor
Country Club
Highland Park
IL
18 Holes
1918
X
Oak Park
Country Club
Oak Park
IL
18 Holes
1916
X
Ravisloe
Country Club
Homewood
IL
18 Holes
1915
X
X
Skokie Country
Club
Glencoe
IL
18 Holes
1915
X
X
Broadmoor
Country Club
Indianapolis
IN
18 holes
1921
X
Fairview Golf
Club
Fort Wayne
IN
9 Holes
1927
X
French Lick
Springs Resort
French Lick
IN
18 Holes
1922- Hill
Course
X
Cedar Rapids
Country Club
Cedar Rapids
IO
18 Holes
1915
X
Shawnee
Country Club
Topeka
KS
remodeled 9,
added 9
1924
X
Idle Hour
Country Club
Lexington
KY
18 Holes
1924
X
Bass River Golf
Course
South
Yarmouth
MA
Remodeled added 9
Holes ( 2)
1914
X
Belmont
Country Club
Belmont
MA
18 Holes
1918
X
141
X
X
X
-was General
Oglethorpe
Hotel
- Now Closed
X
X
X
X
X
-remodeled
X
X
Remodeled
X
remodeled
X
- remodel
1924
X
X
added
X
- was
Ashland CC
X
added
X
Brae Bunr
Country Club
West Newton
MA
18 Holes
1912
Brae Bunr
Country Club
West Newton
MA
18 Holes
1947
Charles River
Country Club
Newton
Centre
MA
18 Holes
1921
X
Cohasse
Country Club
Southbridge
MA
9 Holes
1916
X
Cohasse
Country Club
Southbridge
MA
4Holes
1927
X
Cohasse
Country Club
Southbridge
MA
4 Holes
1930
X
Cohasset Golf
Club
Cohasset
MA
9 Holes
1922
X
Commonwealth
Golf Course
(Newton)
Newton
MA
18 Holes
1921
X
Concord
Country Club
Concord
MA
9 Holes,
added 9 in
1928
1915 &
1928
X
X
Ellinwood
Country Club
Athol
MA
9 Holes
1920
X
X
Essex Country
Club
ManchesterBy-Sea
MA
18 Holes
1909
X
George Wright
Golf Course
Hyde Park
MA
18 holes
1938
X
X
Greenock
Country Club
Lee
MA
9 Holes
1927
X
X
Hyannisport
Club
Hyannis Port
MA
Remodeled
& added 5
holes (9)
1936
X
Hyannisport
Club
Hyannis Port
MA
9 holes
1936
design?
Island Country
Club
Martha’s
Vineyard
MA
18 Holes
1913
X
Kernwood
Country Club
Salem
MA
18 Holes
1914
X
X
X
Longmeadow
Country Club
Longmeadow
MA
18 Holes
1921
X
X
X
Ludlow Country
Club
Ludlow
MA
18 Holes
1920
X
Merrimack
Methuen
Valley Golf Club
MA
18 Holes
1906
X
Nantucket Golf
Links
Nantucket
MA
9 Holes
1917
X
New Bedford,
Country Club of
North
Dartmouth
MA
added 9
Holes
1924
X
New Bedford,
Country Club of
North
Dartmouth
MA
Remodeled 9
holes
1924
North Andover
Counrty Club
North
Andover
MA
9 Holes
1920
Oak Hill Counrty
Fitchburg
Club
MA
18 Holes
1921
Oakley Counrty
Club
Watertown
MA
remodeled 9
Holes & add
9
1900
X
Orchards Golf
Club
South Hadley
MA
9 Holes
1922
X
Orchards Golf
Club
South Hadley
MA
added 9
1931
X
Oyster Harbors
Golf Club
Osterville
MA
18 Holes
1927
X
142
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
- Remodel
1917
X
- Now Closed
X
- Now Closed
added
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Remodeled
Petersham
Country Club
Petersham
MA
9 Holes
1922
X
Pittsfield,
Country Club of
Pittsfield
MA
18 Holes
1921
X
Plymouth
Country Club
Plymouth
Center
MA
remodeled 9
Holes, add 9, 1921, 1929
+9
Plymouth
Country Club
Plymouth
Center
MA
add 3
1934
X
Pocasset Golf
Club
Pocasset
MA
18 Holes
1916
X
Ponkapoag Golf
Canton
Club-1
MA
18 Holes
1931
X
Ponkapoag Golf
Canton
Club-2
MA
18 Holes
1939
Salem Country
Club
Peabody
MA
18 Holes
1925
X
Sandy Burr
Country Club
Walyand
MA
18 Holes
1925
X
Springfield
Country Club
West
Springfield
MA
18 Holes
1924
X
Tatnuck Country
Worcester
Club
MA
18 Holes
1930
X
Tedesco
Country Club
Marblehead
MA
added 1 hole
1937
X
Tekoa Country
Club
Westfield
MA
9 Holes
1923
X
X
ToyTown
Tavern Club
Glub
Winchendon
MA
18 Holes
1924
X
X
Vesper Counrty
Club
Tyngsboro
MA
Remodeled 9
holes
1919
Vesper Counrty
Club
Tyngsboro
MA
added 9
holes
1919
Vesper Counrty
Club
Tyngsboro
MA
9 holes
1947
Wachusett
Counrty Club
West Boylston
MA
9 Holes
1911
X
Waltham
Counrty Club
West Boylston
MA
9 Holes
1921
X
Wellesley
Country Club
Wellesley
MA
9 Holes
1911
X
Weston Golf
Club
Weston
MA
9 Holes
1916
X
Weston Golf
Club
Weston
MA
added 9
holes
1923
X
Whaling City
Golf Club
New Bedford
MA
9 Holes
1920
X
Whitinsville Golf
Whitinsville
Club
MA
9 Holes
1925
X
Wianno Golf
Club
Osterville
MA
Remodeled 9
1913, 1920
holes
Wianno Golf
Club
Osterville
MA
added 9
1920
X
William J.
Devine Golf
Course
Dorchester
MA
remodeled 9
holes, added
9
1922
X
Winchester
Country Club
Winchester
MA
18 Holes
1903
X
Winchester
Country Club
Winchester
MA
18 Holes
1928
143
?
X
Remodeled
X
X
X
X
X
X
- Now Closed
X
X
added
design
X
- Now Closed
X
added
X
X
added
X
X
- remodeled
Woodland Golf
Club
Auburndale
MA
18 Holes
1928
Worcester
Country Club
Worcester
MA
18 Holes
1913
X
X
Wyckoff Park
Golf Course
Holyoke
MA
18 Holes
1923
X
X
Bannockburn
Glen Echo
MD
18 Holes
1924
X
Chevy Chase
Club
Chevy Chase
MD
18 Holes
1910
X
Congressional
Country Club
Bethesda
MD
18 Holes
1930
X
Fountain Head
Country Club
Hagerstown
MD
18 Holes
1926
X
Island Spring
Golf Club
Silver Spring
MD
18 Holes
1922
X
Price Georges
Country Club
Landover
MD
18 Holes
1921
X
- Now Closed
Silver Springs
Country Club
Silver Springs
MD
18 holes
1921
X
- Now Closed
Augusta
Country Club
Manchester
ME
9 Holes
1916
X
Biddeford-Saco
Club
Saco
ME
9 Holes
1927
X
Cape Neddick
Country Club
Cape Neddick
ME
9 holes
1919
X
Cape Neddick
Country Club
Cape Neddick
ME
Remodeled 9
holes
1920
Kebo Valley
Club
Bar Harbor
ME
18 Holes
1926
X
Lake Kezar
Country Club
Lovell
ME
9 Holes
1924
X
Lucerne Hills
Golf Club
Lucerne
ME
9 Holes
1926
X
Northeast
Harbor Golf
Club
Northeast
Harbor
ME
added 9
Holes
1922
X
Penobscot
Valley Country
Club
Orono
ME
18 Holes
1924
X
Poland Springs
Poland
Springs
ME
Remodeled 9
holes
1913
Poland Springs
Poland
Springs
ME
added 9
Holes
1913
X
Portland
Country Club
Falmouth
ME
18 Holes
1923
X
York Golf &
Tennis Club
York
ME
18 Holes
1923
X
York Golf &
Tennis Club
York
ME
added 9
Holes
1930
X
Barton Hills
Country Club
Ann Arbor
MI
18 Holes
1920
X
Bloomfield Hills
Country Club
Bloomfield
Hills
MI
18 Holes
1936
Dearborn
Country Club
Dearborn
MI
18 Holes
1925
X
X
Detroit Golf Club
Detroit
- North
MI
18 Holes
1916
X
X
X
Detroit Golf Club
Detroit
- South
MI
18 Holes
1916
X
X
X
144
X
- Now Closed
- remodeled
Blue Course
X
- Now Closed
X
- remodeled
X
added
X
X
X
X
X
added
X
added
X
X
also
remodeled
1936
Detroit Golf Club
Detroit
- South
MI
18 Holes
1934
Elk Rapids Golf
Club
Elk Rapids
MI
9 Holes
1923
X
X
Franklin Hills
Country Club
Franklin
MI
18 Holes
1926
X
X
Fred Wardell
Country Club
Detroit
MI
9 holes
1920
X
Grosse Ile Golf
& Country Club
Grosse Ile
MI
18 Holes
1920
X
Grosse Ile Golf
& Country Club
Grosse Ile
MI
9 Holes
1920
Hawthorne
Valley Golf Club Dearborn
(Brightmoor)
MI
27 Holes
1925
X
Highland Park
Golf Club
Grand Rapids
MI
Remodeled 9
holes
1922
X
Highlands
Country Club
Grand Rapids
MI
added 9
holes
1927
X
added
Kent Country
Club
Grand Rapids
MI
Remodeled 9
holes
1921
X
X
Kent Country
Club
Grand Rapids
MI
added 9
holes
1921
X
added
Monroe Golf &
Country Club
Monroe
MI
18 Holes
1919
X
X
Muskegon
Country Club
Muskegon
MI
18 Holes
1911
X
X
Oakland Hills
Country Club North
Bloomfield
Hills
MI
18 Holes
1923
X
Oakland Hills
Country Club South
Bloomfield
Hills
MI
18 Holes
1917
X
Rackham Golf
Course
Huntington
Woods
MI
18 Holes
1925
X
Rogell Golf
Course
Detroit
MI
18 Holes
1921
X
Shadow RIdge
Golf Club
Ionia
MI
9 Holes
1916
X
St. Claire River
St. Claire
MI
18 Holes
1923
X
Warren Valley
Wayne
Golf Club - East
MI
18 Holes
1927
X
Warren Valley
Wayne
Golf Club - West
MI
18 Holes
1927
X
Western Golf &
Country Club
Redford
MI
18 Holes
1926
X
Interlachen
Country Club
Edina
MN
18 Holes
1921 )
X
Minikahda Club
Minneapolis
MN
18 Holes
1917
X
Northland
Country Club
Duluth
MN
18 Holes
1927
X
White Bear
Yacht Club
White Bear
Lake
MN
9 Holes
1912
X
White Bear
Yacht Club
White Bear
Lake
MN
9 holes
1915
X
Woodhill
Country Club
Wayzata
MN
18 Holes
1917
X
Woodhill
Country Club
Wayzata
MN
18 Holes
1934
X
MO
18 Holes
1917
X
Hillcrest Country Kansas City
145
X
X
- Now Closed
Design
- Now Closed
- Now Closed
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
added
X
X
Club
Midland Valley
Country Club
Overland
MO
18 Holes
1919
X
Alamance
Country Club
Burlington
NC
18 Holes
1947
X
Asheville,
Country Club of
Asheville
NC
18 Holes
1928
X
Benvenue
Country Club
Rocky Mount
NC
18 Holes
1922
X
Benvenue
Country Club
Rocky Mount
NC
18 Holes
1946
Biltmore Forest
Country Club
Asheville
NC
18 Holes
1925
Blowing Rock
Country Club
Blowing Rock
NC
remodel 9
1922
Blowing Rock
Country Club
Blowing Rock
NC
add 9
1922
X
Buncombe
Country Golf
Course
Asheville
NC
18 Holes
1927
X
Cape Fear
Country Club
Wilington
NC
Remodel &
add 7
1926
X
Cape Fear
Country Club
Wilington
NC
18 Holes
1946
X
Carolina Golf &
Country Club
Charlotte
NC
18 Holes
1928
X
Carolina Pines
Golf Club
Raleigh
NC
18 Holes
1932
X
Catawba
Country Club
Newton
NC
18 Holes
1946
X
Charlotte
Country Club
Newton
NC
Remodeled
18 Holes
1925
X
Charlotte
Country Club
Newton
NC
Remodeled
18 Holes
1942 &
1947
X
Forsyth Country WinstonClub (#2Course) Salem
NC
18 Holes
1929
X
Forsyth Country WinstonClub (Twin City) Salem
NC
18 Holes
1911
X
??
Greensboro
Country Club
Greensboro
NC
18 Holes
1911
X
X
Grove Park Inn
& Country Club
Asheville
NC
Remodel 18
Holes
1926
Hedersonville
Country Club
Hedersonville
NC
18 Holes
1927
X
??
Highland
Country Club
Fayetteville
NC
18 Holes
1945
X
X
Highlands
Country Club
Highlands
NC
18 Holes
1928
X
X
X
Hope Valley
Country Club
Durham
NC
18 Holes
1927
X
X
X
Lenoir Golf Club Lenoir
NC
9 Holes
1928
X
X
Linville Golf
Club
Linville
NC
18 Holes
1928
X
Mid-Pines Golf
Club
Southern
Pines
NC
18 Holes
1921
X
X
Mimosa Hills
Golf Club
Morganton
NC
18 Holes
1928
X
X
Monroe Country
Monroe
Club
NC
9 Holes
1927
X
Mooresville Golf
Mooresville
Club
NC
9 Holes
1948
146
- Now Closed
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
added
X
X
X
X
- remodeled
- Now Closed
X
X
X
design
?
X
- Irving Park
Course
X
X
Design
X
- remodeled
(Moore Park)
Myers Park
Country Club
Charlotte
NC
18 Holes
1945 &
1947
X
Myers Park
Country Club
Charlotte
NC
Remodeled 9
Holes & add
9
1930
X?
Overhills Golf
Club
Overhills
NC
9 Holes
1910
X
Overhills Golf
Club
Overhills
NC
added 9
Holes
1918
X
Penrose Park
Country Club
Reidsville
NC
9 Holes
1928
X
Pine Needles
Country Club
Southern
Pines
NC
18 Holes
1927
X
Pinehurst #1
Pinehurst
NC
5 Holes
1913
X
Pinehurst #1
Pinehurst
NC
13 Holes
1900
X
X
Pinehurst #1
Pinehurst
NC
18 Holes
1922
X
X
Pinehurst #1
Pinehurst
NC
18 Holes
1937
X
X
Pinehurst #1
Pinehurst
NC
18 Holes
1940
X
X
Pinehurst #1
Pinehurst
NC
18 Holes
1946
X
X
Pinehurst #2
Pinehurst
NC
9 Holes
1901
Pinehurst #2
Pinehurst
NC
9 Holes
1903
Pinehurst #2
Pinehurst
NC
9 Holes
1906
Pinehurst #2
Pinehurst
NC
18 Holes
Pinehurst #2
Pinehurst
NC
Pinehurst #2
Pinehurst
Pinehurst #2
X
- remodeled
X
added
X
X
X
X
X
X
added
X
1922
X
X
2 Holes
1923
X
X
NC
18 Holes
1933
X
X
Pinehurst
NC
3 Holes
1934
X
X
Pinehurst #2
Pinehurst
NC
18 Holes
1935
X
X
Pinehurst #2
Pinehurst
NC
1 Holes
1946
X
X
Pinehurst #3
Pinehurst
NC
18 Holes
1936
X
X
Pinehurst #3
Pinehurst
NC
9 Holes
1907
X
Pinehurst #3
Pinehurst
NC
9 Holes
1910
X
Pinehurst #3
Pinehurst
NC
2 Holes
1946
Pinehurst #4
Pinehurst
NC
6 holes
1912
X
Pinehurst #4
Pinehurst
NC
3 Holes
1914
X
Pinehurst #4
Pinehurst
NC
9 Holes
1919
X
Pinehurst #4
Pinehurst
NC
9 Holes
1936
X
added
X
abandoned
Pinehurst #4
Pinehurst
NC
9 Holes
1937
X
added
X
abandoned
Pinehurst #5
Pinehurst
NC
9 Holes
1928
X
X
Pinehurst #5
Pinehurst
NC
9 Holes
1929
X
X
Raleigh
Raleigh
NC
18 Holes
1947
X
NC
9Holes
1926
X
Richmond Pines
Rockingham
Country Club
147
X
X
added
X
X
X
X
added
X
X
X
X
abandoned
Roaring Gap
Club
Roaring Gap
NC
18 Holes
1926
X
Ryder Golf Club Fort Bragg
NC
9 Holes
1922
X
Salisbury,
Country Club of
NC
Remodeled
18 Holes
1927
X
Sedgefield
Greensboro
Country Club #1
NC
18 Holes
1926
X
Sedgefield
Greensboro
Country Club #2
NC
18 Holes
1929
X
Southern Pines
Country Club
Southern
Pines
NC
18 Holes
1928
X
Southern Pines
Country Club
Southern
Pines
NC
18 Holes
1923
X
Stryker
Fayetteville
NC
18Holes
1946
X
Tryon Country
Club
Tryon
NC
9 Holes
1916
X
Waynesville
Country Club
Waynesville
NC
9 Holes
1924
X
Wilmington Golf
Wilmington
Course
NC
18 Holes
1926
X
Bald Peak
Colony
Moultonboro
NH
18 Holes
1922
X
Balsams Grand
Resort Hotel
Dixville Notch
NH
18 Holes
1915
X
Bethlehem
County Club
Bethlehem
NH
Remodeled 9
Holes
1912
Bethlehem
County Club
Bethlehem
NH
added 9
Holes
1912
X
Carter CC
(Farnum Hill
Golf & County
Club )
Lebanon
NH
9 Holes
1923
X
Kingswood
County Club
Wolfeboro
NH
18 Holes
1926
X
Lake Sunapee
Country Club
New London
NH
18 Holes
1928
X
Lake Tarleton
Club
Pike
NH
18 Holes
1916
X
Manchester
Country Club
Bedford
NH
18 Holes
1923
X
Maplewood
Country Club
Bethlehem
NH
added 9
Holes
1914
X
Maplewood
Country Club
Bethlehem
NH
Remodeled 9
Holes
1914
Mount Crotched
Francestown
CC (Torey
Pines?)
NH
9 Holes - has
closed
1929
Mount
Bretton
Washington Golf
Woods
Club
NH
Remodeled
18 Holes
1915
Mount
Bretton
Washington Golf
Woods
Club
NH
added 9
Holes
1915
X
Wentworth-bythe-Sea Golf
Club
Portsmouth
NH
9 Holes
1910
X
Crestmont
Country Club
West Orange
NJ
18 Holes
1923
X
Deal Golf &
Country Club
Deal
NJ
remodel and
add 3
1915
X
Salisbury
148
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Panorama
X
added
X
- Now Closed
X
added
X
X
- Now Closed
X
added
X
Echo Lake
Country Club
Westfield
NJ
18 Holes
1919
Englewood
Country Club
Englewood
NJ
18 Holes
1916
Essex Fells
Country Club
Essex Fells
NJ
18 Holes
1923
X
X
Homestead
Country Club
Spring Lake
NJ
18 Holes
1920
X
X
Knickerbocker
Country Club
Tenafly
NJ
18 Holes
1915
X
Lone Pine
Country Club
New
Brunswick
NJ
18 Holes
1925
X
Montclair Golf
Club
Montclair
NJ
27 Holes
1919
X
Mountain Ridge
Country Club
West
Cauldwell
NJ
18 Holes
1930
X
X
X
Plainfield
Country Golf
Plainfield
NJ
18 Holes
1921
X
X
X
Plainfield
Country Golf
Plainfield
NJ
15 Holes
1928
X
Plainfield
Country Golf
Plainfield
NJ
3 Holes
1928
X
Ridgewood
Country Golf
Ridgewood
NJ
18 Holes
1916
Riverton
Country Golf
Riverton
NJ
18 Holes
1916
X
X
X
Seaview Resort
(Marriott)
Absecon
NJ
18 Holes
1918
X
X
X
Apawamis Club
Rye
NY
added 3
holes
1930
X
Belleview
Country Club
Syracuse
NY
18 Holes
1914
X
Brook Lea
Country Club
Rochester
NY
18 Holes
1926
X
Buffalo, Country
Williamsville
Club of
NY
18 Holes
1926
X
Chappequa
Country Club
Mount Kisko
NY
18 Holes
1929
X
Chautauqua
Golf Club
Chautauqua
NY
Remodeled 9
Holes
1921
Chautauqua
Golf Club
Chautauqua
NY
added 9
Holes
1921
X
Elmsford
Country Club
Elmsford
NY
18 Holes
1919
X
Fairview
Country Club
Elmsford
NY
18 Holes
1912
X
Fox Hills
Country Club
Staten Island
NY
18 Holes
1928
Glenburnie Golf
Course
Lake George
NY
remodel add
3
1915
X
Glens Falls
Country Club
Glens Falls
NY
18 Holes
1923
X
X
Hudson River
Country Club
Yonkers
NY
18 Holes
1916
X
X
Irondequoit
Country Club
Rochester
NY
9 Holes
1916
X
Irondequoit
Country Club
Rochester
NY
added 9
Holes
1916
X
Mark Twain Golf
Elmira
Course
NY
18 Holes
1940
X
X
Monroe County
NY
18 Holes
1923
X
X
Pittsford
149
X
X
X
- Now Closed
X
- Now Closed
X
X
- Now Closed
X
added
X
- Now Closed
- remodeled
X
X
X
X
- Now Closed
X
added
- Now Closed
X
X
- Now Closed
X
- Now Closed
- Now Closed
X
X
added
X
- Now Closed
Club
North Fork
County Club
Cutchgue
NY
9 holes + 9
holes
Oak Hill County
Club - East
Rochester
NY
Oak Hill County
Club - West
Rochester
Rochester,
Country Club of
1912, 1922
X
18 Holes
1924
X
X
NY
18 Holes
1924
X
??
Rochester
NY
18 Holes
1913
X
Sagamore
Resort & Golf
Club
Bolton
Landing
NY
18 Holes
1928
X
Siwanoy
Country Club
Bronxville
NY
18 Holes
1914
X
Teugega
Country Club
Rome
NY
18 Holes
1920
X
Thendara Golf
Club
Thendara
NY
9 Holes
1921
X
Tupper Lake
Country Club
Tupper Lake
NY
18 Holes
1915
X
Whipporwill
Country Club
Armonk
NY
18 Holes
1925
X
Wykagyl
Country Club
New Rochelle
NY
18 Holes
1920
X
Arcadia Country
Lyndhurst
Club
OH
18 Holes
1923
X
Arlington Golf
Club (Alladin
CC)
Columbus
OH
Remodeled 9
holes + add
9
1921
X
Athens Country
Club
Athens
OH
9 Holes
1921
X
Brookside
Country Club
Canton
OH
18 Holes
1922
X
Columbus
Country Club
Columbus
OH
remodel 18
Holes
Columbus
Country Club
Columbus
OH
Congress Lake
Club
Hartville
Dayton Country
Club?
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
- Now Closed
X
1920 &
1940
X
Remodeled 9
holes + add
9
1914
X
OH
remodel 18
Holes
1926
X
Dayton
OH
18 Holes
1919
X
Delaware Golf
Club
Delaware
OH
9 Holes
1925
X
Odevene
Elks Country
Club
(Columbus?)
Worthington
OH
18 Holes
1923
X
- Now Closed
Elks Country
Club
(Portsmouth)
McDermott
OH
18 Holes
1920
X
X
Granville Golf
Club
Granville
OH
18 Holes
1924
X
X
Hamilton Elks
Country Club
Hamilton
OH
18 Holes
1925
X
X
Hawthorne
Valley Country
Club
Solon
OH
18 Holes
1926
X
X
Hyde Park Golf
& Country Club
Cincinnati
OH
18 Holes
1926
X
Inverness Club
Toledo
OH
Remodeled 9
holes
1920
Inverness Club
Toledo
OH
added 9
1920
150
X
X
X
X
X
X
added
X
X
Holes
Lancaster
Country Club
Lancaster
OH
Remodeled 9
Holes
1926
X
Maketewah
Country Club
Cincinnati
OH
Remodeled 9
Holes
1919,
remodel
1929
X
Manakiki
Country Club
Willoughby
OH
18 Holes
1928
X
Mayfield
Country Club
Euclid
OH
18 Holes
1935
X
Miami Shores
Golf Club
Troy
OH
18 Holes
1947
X
Miami Valley
Golf Club
Dayton
OH
18 Holes
1919
X
Mill Creek Park
Golf Club North
Youngstown
OH
18 Holes
1928
X
Mill Creek Park
Youngstown
Golf Club South
OH
18 Holes
1928
X
Mohawk Golf
Club
Tiffin
OH
9Holes
1917
X
Oakwood Club
Cleveland
OH
(9 holes) 18
Holes
Piqua Country
Club
Piqua
OH
9 Holes
1920
X
X
Scioto Country
Club
Columbus
OH
18 Holes
1916
X
X
Shaker Heights
Country Club
Shaker
Heights
OH
18 Holes
1916
X
X
Springfield
Country Club
Springfield
OH
18 Holes
1921
X
X
Westbrook
Country Club
Mansfield
OH
18 Holes
1920
X
Willowick
Country Club
Willoughby
OH
18 Holes
remodeled
1917
X
Wyandot Golf
Course
Centerburg
OH
18 Holes
1922
X
Youngstown
Country Club
Youngstown
OH
18 Holes
remodeled
1924
Zaneville
Zaneville
OH
18 Holes
1932
Allegheny
Country Club
Sewickley
PA
Added 3
holes
1933
Aronomink Golf
Club
Newtown
Square
PA
18 Holes
1928
Aronomink Golf
Club
Newtown
Square
PA
9 Holes
1928
design
Aronomink Golf
Club
Newtown
Square
PA
18 Holes
remodeled
1930
X
Bedford Springs
Bedford
Golf Club
PA
remodeled 9,
added 9
1924
X
Buck Hill Golf
Club
Buck Hill Falls
PA
27 Holes
1922
Cedarbrook
Country Club
Blue Bell
PA
Remodeled
1921
1921
Chester Valley
Country Club
Malvern
PA
18 Holes
1928
X
Edgewood
Country Club
Pittsburgh
PA
18 Holes
1921
PA
9 Holes
1925
Elkview Country
Carbondale
Club
remodeled
1915 &
1920
151
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
- Now Closed
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
- Now Closed
Green Oaks
Country Club
(West)
Verona
PA
18 Holes
1921
X
Gulph Mills
Country Club
King of
Prussia
PA
18 Holes
1919
X
Kahkwa Club
Erie
PA
18 Holes
1918
X
Kennett Square
Golf & Country
Club
Kennett
Square
PA
9 Holes
1923
X
Lewsitown
Country Club
Lewsitown
PA
9 Holes
1945
X
X
Lu Lu Country
Club
North Hills
PA
18 Holes
1912
X
X
Overbrook
Country Club
Overbrook
PA
18 Holes Remodel 9,
added 9
1922
X
X
Philadelphia
Country Club
(Florto???)
Philadelphia
PA
Remodeled
18 Holes
1914
Pocono Manor
Golf Club
Pocono
Manor
PA
18 Holes, E.
Course,
Remodeled?
1919
X
Rolling Rock
Club
Ligonier
PA
9 Holes
1917
X
Rolling Rock
Club
Ligonier
PA
Remodeled 9
Holes
1947
Schuylkill
Country Club
Orwegsburg
PA
Remodel 9,
added 9
1945
X
Silver Creek
Country Club
Hellertown
PA
18 Holes
1947
X
St. Davids Golf
Club
Wayne
PA
18 Holes
1927
X
Sunnybrook
Country Club
Flourtown
PA
18 Holes
1921
X
TorresdaleFrankford
Country Club
Philadelphia
PA
added 9
Holes
1930
X
TorresdaleFrankford
Country Club
Philadelphia
PA
Remodeled 9
Holes
1930
Tumblebrook
Golf Club
Coopersburg
PA
9 Holes
1931
X
Wanango Golf
Club
Reno
PA
9 Holes
1913
X
Whitemarsh
Valley Country
Club
Lafayette Hill
PA
Remodeled
18 Holes
1930
York, Country
Club of
York
PA
18 Holes
1928
Agawam Hunt
Club
Rumford
RI
Remodeled
18 Holes
1931
Metacomet
Country Club
East
Providence
RI
18 Holes
1921
Misquamicut
Country Club
Westerly
RI
Remodeled
18 Holes
1923
X
X
Newport
Country Club
Newport
RI
Remodeled
18 Holes
1915
X
X
Point Judith
Country Club
Narragansett
RI
Added 9
Holes
1927
Point Judith
Country Club
Narragansett
RI
Remodeled 9
Holes
1927
152
X
X
X
remodel
bunkers 1927
- Now Closed
X
- remodeled
X
X
X
X
X
X
added
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
added
X
X
X
X
-now
abandoned
-
Rhode Island
Country Club
West
Barrington
RI
18 Holes
1912
X
Sakonnet Golf
Club
Little
Compton
RI
18 Holes
1921
X
Triggs Memorial
Providence
Golf Club
RI
18 Holes
1932
X
X
X
Wannamoisett
Country Club
Rumford
RI
18 Holes
1914
X
X
X
Wannamoisett
Country Club
Rumford
RI
18 Holes
remodeled
1926
X
Warwick
Country Club
Warwick
RI
9 Holes
1924
X
X
X
Winnapaug
Country Club
Westerly
RI
18 Holes
1921,
added 9
1928
Winnapaug
Country Club
Westerly
RI
Added 9
Holes
1928
Camden
Country Club
Camden
SC
18 Holes
Remodeled
1939
Cheraw Country
Cheraw
Club
SC
9 Holes
1924
X
Fort Mill Golf
Club
Fort Mill
SC
9 Holes
1947
X
Lancaster Golf
Course
Lancaster
SC
9 Holes
1935
X
Royal Dornoch
Dornoch
1921
X?
Belle Meade
Country Club
Nashville
TN
18 Holes
1921
X
Brainerd
(municipal)
Chattanooga
TN
9 Holes
1925
X
Chattanooga
Golf and
Country Club
Chattanooga
TN
18 Holes
1920
X
X
Scotland 18 Holes
X
X
X
X
X
X
added
X
X
X
X
?
X
X
Cherokee
Country Club
Knoxville
TN
18 Holes
1910
remodel,
1925 3 new
holes
Holston Hills
Country Club
Memphis
(Knoxville?)
TN
18 Holes
1928
X
Memphis
Country Club
Memphis
TN
18 Holes
1910
X
Richland
Country Club
Nashville
TN
18 Holes
1920
X
Ridgefields
Country Club
Kingsport
TN
18 Holes
1947
X
Tate Springs
Golf Club
Tate Springs
TN
18 Holes
1924
X
Galveston
Municipal Golf
Course
Galveston
TX
18 Holes
1921
X
X
River Oaks
Country Club
Houston
TX
9 Holes
1924
X
X
River Oaks
Country Club
Houston
TX
Added 9
1927
1927
X
Sunset
GrovevCountry
Club
Orange
TX
18 Holes
1923
X
Army-Navy
Country Club
Arlington
VA
18 Holes
1944
X
Belmont Park
Golf Course
Richmond
VA
Remodeled
18 Holes
1940
153
remodeled
X
X
X
X
X
- Closed club moved to
another
X
- Now Closed
- Now Closed
added
X
X
-formerly
HermitageCC
Hampton Golf
Association
Hampton
VA
18 Holes
1930
X
X
JeffersonLakeside Club
Richmond
VA
18 Holes
1921
X
X
Petersburg,
Country Club of
Petersburg
VA
18 Holes
1922
X
The Homestead
Hot Springs
Golf Club
VA
remodeled 6,
add 12 Holes
1912
X
Washington Golf
Arlington
& Country Club
VA
18 Holes
1915
X
Westwood Golf
Club
VA
18 Holes
1916
Woodberry
Woodberry
Forest Golf Club Forest
VA
9 Holes
1910
X
Burlington
Country Club
Burlington
VT
18 Holes
1930
X
Woodstock
Country Club
Woodstock
VT
18 Holes
1938
Kenosha
Country Club
Kenosha
WI
18 Holes
1922
X
Oconomowoc
Golf Club
Oconomowoc WI
18 Holes
1915
X
Richmond
X
X
-was
Hampton
Roads GC
- Now Closed
X
X
X
- Now Closed
X
X
X
X
X
Appendix E
Public Hearing Comment, Letters
and Minutes
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
Excerpt from the Planning Commission Minutes
July 24, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Glenn Lapin at 7:34 p.m.
PRESENT:
Steve Behrmann, Trey Brice, Glenn Lapin, Lisa Momblanco*(arrived 8:10 p.m.),
Commr. Bob Paul, Joe Rozell, Jan Turner, City Staff: Bonnie Cook, Hank Berry
ABSENT:
Joe Heaphy, Beth Radner
Rackham Golf Course Historic District - Preliminary Report
Robert Lebow, Chairman of the Historic District Study Committee, introduced himself to the
Commission. He said that in January 2006, the City Commission appointed the HDSC to
consider a historic district at the Detroit Zoo and Rackham Golf Course. The HDSC divided the
project into two studies and began researching Rackham. They found that Rackham is
historically significant, not only in southeast Michigan but throughout the State and the nation. It
has a long history of equality, both racially and religiously, pre-dating the civil rights era by
many years. Robert said he is presenting the preliminary report to the Commission for its review
and recommendation in accordance with the State Law.
Hank said all preliminary reports are a “work in progress” and they welcome any comments or
suggestions over the next couple of months. He said this report has already been sent to the State.
Robert said they will be adding recently discovered information about the architect who designed
clubhouse.
Glenn suggested including the ads for the subdivisions surrounding the golf course. He also
suggested contacting Tom Horton, a golf pro who was an assistant to Ben Davis.
Joe said it was an excellent compilation of history. He thought the deeds were particularly
significant.
Hank said the course is of national importance in the de-segregation process. Glenn said that is
evident from the clippings in the newspaper, the Joe Louis "opens," and other events. Hank said
Ben Davis' life chronicles the golf course. Glenn suggested contacting the Association for the
Study of African American Life and History.
Steve said his son is currently in a program called "First Tee of Michigan." He suggested getting
input from them.
Glenn suggested adding tabs to link up to the table of contents.
Bonnie said she would like the Commission to review the report over the next month and make a
recommendation at the next meeting.
It was moved by Joe Rozell and supported by Trey Brice to receive and file the Rackham
Golf Course Historic District Preliminary Report. The motion passed unanimously.
203
Excerpt from the Planning Commission Minutes
August 28, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Glenn Lapin at 7:33 p.m.
PRESENT:
Steve Behrmann, Trey Brice* (left 9:38 p.m.), Joe Heaphy, Glenn Lapin, Lisa
Momblanco, Commr. Bob Paul, Joe Rozell, City Staff: Bonnie Cook
204
ABSENT:
Beth Radner, Jan Turner
Rackham Golf Course Historic District
Bonnie reported that the public hearing to consider the creation of the Rackham Golf Course
Historic District will be September 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Recreation Center. She has the
Commissioners’ comments and suggestions from the last meeting but wanted to know if there
are any more. They plan to add the tabs and the summary recommended at the last meeting.
Hank said his committee is continuing to do research and they have already made several
additions that will become part of the final report. He recently received a number of comments
back from the State. The study committee will be working on the final report for the next couple
of months.
Bonnie said they are continuing to gain information in the form of oral histories from former
workers and golfers at Rackham, research at various libraries and universities, contacts with the
people and organizations that have benefitted from the Rackham’s generosity, architects, golf
course architects and more.
Moved by Joe Rozell and supported by Joe Heaphy to recommend to approval of the
Historic District Study Committee’s preliminary report to the City Commission. The
motion passed unanimously. (Vote did not include Trey Brice)
Appendix F
205
Resolutions of Support
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
Appendix G
Bibliography
Published Sources:
Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame, Third Annual Induction Dinner booklet
Austin, William, 1974, The First Fifty Years, 1974, The Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak,
MI
Bak, Richard, 1996, Joe Louis the Great Black Hope, DaCapo Press, Dallas TX
Ballard, Ray, 1976, The History of Huntington Woods, Huntington Woods Study Club,
Huntington Woods, MI
Barkow, Al, 1986, Getting to the Dance Floor, Burford Books, Atheneum Press, Short Hills, NJ
Berry, Jack, “Gift Course Turning 50,” The Detroit News, April 1, 1975
Berry, Jack, “Still up to Par at 62, Davis Wins Seniors,” The Detroit News, September 4, 1974
Berry, Jack, Michigan Golf News, June 2004, vol4, No.23
Ballor, Joe, “Ben Davis,” Michigan Golfer, vol. 13, No. 1 February/March 1995, p30
Brazer, Marjorie Cahn, 1985, Biography of Endowment – The Horace H. Rackham and Mary A.
Rackham Fund at the University of Michigan, Rackham Board of Governors, Ann Arbor, MI
Burton ,Clarence M. & Burton, M. Agnes; History of Wayne County and the City of Detroit,
Michigan, Volume 3, 1930
The Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library –Clipping file
Detroit Free Press 6/23/33, 6/15/33, 6/14/33, 8/26/33
Detroit News 5/17/25, 5/20/25, 6/14/33, 8/29/33
Detroit Times 4/12/25, 5/20/25
Detroit Saturday Night 6/20/25 Section 2 p.5
The Daily Tribune, February 9, 1994, May 31,1992, June1,1988
City of Detroit, Phone Directory, 1917
The Detroit News Collection: Rackham Horace H., Capitalist & Philanthropist, Nos. 64932,
64932_2, Mrs. H. Rackham, Capitalist & Philanthropist, Nos. 64932, 64932_2,
215
Dunn Paul, and Dunn B.J., 2001, Great Donald Ross Golf Courses You Can Play, Derrydale
Press, New York, NY
Fay, Michael J., 2000, Golf, As It Was Meant To Be Played, Universe Publishing, New York, NY
George, Harold M., “Rackhams Give Course to City,” newspaper article
Golf Travel & Leisure, July-August 2002
Goodwin, Stephen, “The Fighter,” Golf Magazine
Goss, Ralston, “Times to Stage Tourney for Public Links Golfers at Rackham Club,” The Detroit
Times, April 12, 1925
Goss, Ralston, “Ten New Private Clubs Added to List in Detroit,” The Detroit Times, April 5,
1925
Goss, Ralston, “10 Scores in a Row will be Necessary for Golfers to Qualify Now,” The Detroit
Times, June 7, 1925
Historic District Study Committee Public Hearing Minutes, September 27, 2006
Kaplan, Wendy, 1987, The Art that is Life: The Arts & Crafts Movement in America, 1875-1920,
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Kennedy, John H., 2005, A Course of Their Own, University of Nebraska Press, Kansas City,
MO
Klein, Bradley, 2001, Discovering Donald Ross – The Architect and His Golf Courses, Clock
Tower Press, Ann Arbor, MI
Louis, Joe, 1978, Joe Louis: My Life, The Ecco Press, Hopewell, NJ
McDaniel,Pete, 2000, Uneven Lies, The American Golfer, Greenwich, CT
Murphy, Bob, “Rackham Championship Golf Course,” 1940 Amateur Public Links
Championship - U.S.G.A.
Murray, Dave; “For 50 Years He’s Been on Course,” The Daily Tribune, September 30, 1986
The Royal Oak Tribune,May 19, 1925,
Salsinger, J.D., 19th Annual Public Links Championship booklet,1940
Sifford, Charlie and Gullo, James, 1992, Just Let Me Play, British American Publishing, Latham,
NY
Sinnette, Calvin, 1998, Forbidden Fairways, Sleeping Bear Press, Chelsea, MI
216
Smead, Susan E. and Wagner, Marc C., Assessing Golf Courses as Cultural Resources
Vartan Kupelian, Mike O’Hara, “Rackham’s Pro Says Woods is the Real Thing,” The Detroit
News, September 1, 1996
Walter, John, “He Brought Them to Detroit,” newspaper article, June 23, 1933
1925 “Rackham Links in Use Today,” The Detroit Times, May 20, 1925
1925 “Club, Course Are in Shape,” The Detroit News, May 17, 1925
2006 “Historic Ohio Course Turns 60,” USA Today, October 6, 2006
Non Published Sources:
Brown, Jeffrey D., National Register of Historic Places Nomination - Clearview Golf Club,
Stark County Ohio, 2000
Ligibel, Ted, National Register of Historic Places Nomination – The Inverness Club, Toledo,
OH, 1993
The 19th Amateur Public Links program booklet, USGA July 1940
The 65th Anniversary of Rackham Golf Course program booklet,
Friends of PARTNERS Detroit Recreation Department, July 21, 1990
“The Art that is Life”: The Arts & Crafts Movement in America, 1875-1920, The Detroit
Institute of Arts program brochure, December 1987
Oral Interviews; E. Ben Davis, former Golf Professional at Rackham Golf Course, interviewed
by Hank Berry, July and August 2006
Oral Interview; E. Ben Davis, former Golf Professional at Rackham Golf Course, interviewed by
Hank Berry and Bonnie Cook, October 2006
Oral Interview; Betty Baron, former employee of Ben Davis at Rackham Golf Course,
interviewed by Hank Berry, August 2006
Oral Interview; Betty Baron, former employee of Ben Davis at Rackham Golf Course,
interviewed by Hank Berry and Bonnie Cook, October 2006
Oral Interview; Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Motown recording artist and founding member of The
Four Tops, interviewed by Hank Berry, August 2006
Oral Interview; Jerry Matthews, Natural Course Designs President, interviewed by Hank Berry,
September 2006
217
Oral Interview; Sherie Bolick EMU Secretary Rackham Education Building, interviewed by
Bonnie Cook, September 2006
Oral Interview; Jill Mc Donough University of Michigan Rackham School of Graduate Studies
University of Michigan, interviewed by Bonnie Cook, September 2006
Oral Interview; Karen Peek, former General manager Rackham Golf Course and LPGA
Professional, interviewed by Hank Berry, November 2006
Oral Interview; Michael Fay, Executive Director Donald Ross Society, interviewed by Hank
Berry, July 2006
Web Sources
www.golfonline.com - Golf Magazine
www.tuftsarchives.org - Tufts Archives
www.wikipedia.com - History of Detroit
www.rackham.umich.edu/history - The University of Michigan, Rackham Graduate School
www.modelt.org - “The American Automobile Centennial 1896-1996,” June 10, 2006
www.donaldrosssociety.org - The Donald Ross Society
www.pewabicpottery.com – Pewabic Pottery
www.michigangolfmagazine.com - Vanderveen, Don, 2005
218
Appendix H
Ruskin Forms
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
Appendix I
Ordinance
230
CITY OF HUNTINGTON WOODS
OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 87, HISTORIC
PRESERVATION, OF TITLE VIII, BUILDING REGULATIONS, OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON WOODS BY
ADDING A NEW SECTION 8.342 TO ARTICLE III, HISTORIC
DISTRICTS.
THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON WOODS ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Article III, Historic Districts, of Chapter 87, Historic Preservation, of Title VIII,
Building Regulations, of Article III, Historic Districts, of the Code of Ordinances
of the City of Huntington Woods, is hereby amended by the addition of a new
section to Article III, Historic District, which shall read as follows:
Sec. 8.342
Rackham Historic District
The Rackham Historic District is hereby established and is bounded and described as
follows:
Land in the City of Huntington Woods, County of Oakland, State of Michigan,
more particularly described as follows:
Commencing at the south quarter corner of Section 20, T.1N.,R.11E.; thence N
02°33’21”W. along the north-south quarter section line, 221.65 feet to a pont on
the northerly right of way line of Interstate 696, (Walter P. Reuther Freeway);
thence S.89°07’21”E. along said line, 43.08 feet to a point on the easterly line of
Scotia Road, as widened to 86 feet by the Village of Huntington Woods in 1928,
adopted by the City of Detroit and recorded on September 25, 1928 in J.C.C.
Pages 2577-2578, said point being the point of beginning of the above described
parcel; thence N.02°33’21”W. along the easterly line of Scotia Rd., 1932.36 feet
to a line which is 50.0 feet south of the north line of Ludlow Ave., thence N.
87°39’07”E. along said line, 2661.39 feet; thence S.01°47’44”E. along the
easterly line of Section 20, 2126.68 feet; thence along the northerly right of way
line of Interstate 696 for the remaining six courses, beginning with a curve,
concave to the north, having an arc length of 285.02 feet, a radius of 1882.96 feet
and a long chord of 284.75 feet which bears N.84°19’15”W., to a point of
tangency; thence N.79°59’04”W.,198.86 feet to a point of curvature; thence
835.05 feet along the arc of a curve, concave to the south having a radius of
3941.72 feet and a long chord of 833.49 feet which bears N.86°03’12”W. to a
point of tangency; thence S87°52’39”W., 888.65 feet to a point of curvature;
thence 298.59 feet along the arc of a curve, concave to the north, having a radius
of 5702.58 feet and a long chord of 298.55 feet which bears S.89°22’39”W. to a
point of tangency; thence N.89°07’21”W., 142.36 feet to the point of beginning,
containing 120.7092 acres more or less.
231
SECTION 2. Severability
No other portion, paragraph or phrase of the Code of the City of Huntington Woods,
Michigan shall be affected by this Ordinance except as to the above sections, and in the
event any portion, section or subsection of this Ordinance shall be held invalid for any
reason, such invalidation shall not be construed to affect the validity of any other part or
portion of this ordinance or of the Code of the City of Huntington Woods, Michigan.
SECTION 3. Effective Date
This Ordinance shall be effective twenty (20) days from the date of adoption and shall be
published as required by the Charter of the City of Huntington Woods.
MADE, PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Commission of the City of Huntington
Woods on this
day of
, 2006.
____________________________________
RONALD F. GILLHAM, Mayor
I, RUTH FRANZONI, duly authorized Clerk of the City of Huntington Woods, Michigan, do
hereby certify that the foregoing ordinance was adopted by the Commission of the City of
Huntington Woods at its regular meeting held on
, 2006.
______________________________
RUTH FRANZONI, City Clerk
232