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-(history)-
BHCC was formed in the early part of the Boom period in late 1924. It's incorporators read like the
"Who's Who" of Western Massachusetts. Some were members of the Pittsfield Homestead Company, Inc., who
purchased hundreds of acres of land from then extinct Allen Farm, for the purpose of creating new
industry, building of new homes, and a general improvement of the surrounding areas.
With financial backing, along with others of influence in the community, and of the General Electric
Company, 120 acres of land was purchased on December 22, 1924 for $25,000. A.W. Tillinghast
was employed to design the golf course layout. Please read Tillie's letter
to the Board of Director's following the first time he walked the proposed site.
Being active farm land, there was little problem in raising lush turf grasses from its fertile soil, however,
the big problem was in shaping the land contours to satisfactory teeing and putting surfaces.
click for a larger view
Tom Peters was the first golf professional and Tom Nocker the greenskeeper. The early membership consisted
of 306 founder members. A picturesque and practical clubhouse started in August, 1927, was completed
that same year.
Golf the first few years was somewhat sketchy, but the membership enjoyed what they called "cross-country"
golf - which is passing those holes under construction and playing those nearly completed. Some holes
were played twice to ensure an 18 hole round.
In 1928, the complete 18 holes were opened. The organization grew, strengthened and improved until
hit by the depression years. With most people out of work and some working only a few hours a week, there
was little family money left to spend on golf. Membership and activity fell off and improvements and capital
purchases were practically eliminated.
The hardship of these years knit the membership into a tight knit group with the club's problems becoming each
member's worries. These dark days with a decreasing membership and very little money were only a fore runner
to even darker days to come.
In March of 1941, the clubhouse burned to the ground. Seventy five members, not so hard hit by the depression,
got together and signed obligations to the bank to build a new clubhouse from their own funds if the club
defaulted. A rambling new country style house was completed by mid summer.
With the organization heavily in debt, and then came Pearl Harbor and the beginning of World War II. Some fifty members
served in the military from an already depleted roster. After great debate, these men recommended that the club
continue operating and keep the grounds up as much as possible. The justification of this was keeping
the equipment in readiness condition in case required to assist in the development of air fields, landing
strips, etc. Also, since golf is a healthy sport and developer of young men, it was found advisable to
proceed for their sakes as well as for the rehabilitation of returning veterans.
Having surmounted the headaches of it's severest test, the problems of BHCC in the post war years were
insignificant in comparison. With good management during this period, the organization flourished. Improvements
included new locker rooms, new modern greens equipment and buildings to house it. Additional land was
acquired to provide more elbow room from adjacent housing. Finally, a large amount of landscaping
and course beautification was done. By the mid 1950's, the corporation was completely out of debt with all
mortgages paid off.
During the 1990's, conversations were held in regards to building a new clubhouse. Improvements to the
current building are necessary to meet building codes, reduce high maintenance costs and address a need in
the community for a larger hall with picturesque views. Any news regarding the proposed new building project
can be found in the clubhouse section of this web site.
[reference: Golfweb Library & "The Course Beautiful" by A.W. Tillinghast]
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