History of Columbia Golf & Country Club

“Glenwood Links was organized just before the turn of the century and a modest course was laid out on the westerly side of Worth Avenue on the property now occupied by the New York Hudson Correctional Facility (formerly the New York State Training School for Girls). This was under the ownership of the McIntyre family. The original course of six holes was later expanded to eight when the course was extended over a portion of what is now the Ten Broeck Orchard. There were no clubhouse facilities and members brought their own clubs and took them home with them at the end of the day. It was the era of the “Gibson Girl” and the ladies adopted her dress of a scarlet coat with brass buttons and white pique skirt, while for the men the accepted dress was a Norfolk Jacket and knickers. The golf bag, carried by caddies, sported a driver, kleek, niblik, brassie, wedge and putter. Glenwood was strictly a golf club – social activities were pursued in the homes of the members. 

As interest in the game expanded, the membership grew and soon Glenwood had outlived its usefulness. Then the search began for a location suitable for a full nine-hole course with a modest clubhouse to provide locker space and facilities for limited social affairs. A site was found on Union Turnpike, now Route 66. Leases were arranged, a full nine-hole course installed, a modest clubhouse built, and the Columbia Country Club was in business. The building that served as a clubhouse still stands and is now used for residential purposes. 

As the pressures of Hudson’s urban sprawl began to assert themselves, the need for a better course with a clubhouse that would be available for broader social activities – a real country club was envisioned. 

After surveying the nearby Greenport area, the Capt. William Hogan property, later owned and occupied by Hans Folker, was tentatively selected. This land, lying between what is now Joslen Boulevard and Route 9 to Stottville was adequate for a tight nine-hole course, and had a fine colonial house which offered adequate clubhouse facilities. A prospectus was issued detailing all the attractive features of the property and its future possibilities. However, before an active promotion could get underway, World War I broke out and all thoughts of a new country club were suspended. 

With the end of the War and the signing of a Peace Treaty, thoughts of a new country club were revived. It was felt that whatever new site was chosen, it should be a real “Columbia Country Club” with an appeal to members not only from Hudson and its environs but to those from Chatham, Philmont, Kinderhook and their adjacent areas. 

Finally after a number of exploratory meetings held in the Directors Room of the old Farmers National Bank, a committee was named to view and recommend possible sites for the proposed club. The committee was composed of Harold B. Evans, Henry M. James, Leslie M. Van Deusen, Benedict Gifford, James J. Brennan of Hudson, Lewis Harder of Philmont and Alfred Ogden of Kinderhook. The committee agreed on the former Henry Avery Homestead of 150 acres. 

The prospectus issued by the committee October 7, 1919 noted that “The Homestead is located on the west side of the State Highway leading from Claverack to Philmont, a station on the Boston and Albany Railroad known as Miller’s Crossing from which there arrive and depart eight trains a day. In addition to this service, four modern motor buses pass the clubhouse frequently.” 

The response was sufficiently enthusiastic to warrant incorporation of the Columbia Country Club as a stock corporation, which in later years converted to a membership corporation. The Avery property was acquired, the nine-hole golf course laid out, the old house rehabilitated and refurbished and so the first “country club” was launched on its long career as a social center and civic asset. 

To meet the fixed and running expenses of the Club required annual dues of $25 for men, $15 for women, $35 for man and wife, $10 for a person under 18 years of age, $50 for a family membership including all children under 28 years of age. Each adult member was required to pay an initiation fee of $10 which entitled the member to one share of stock in the club, thereby giving equal voting power to each member. 

In those early days a “do it yourself” attitude on the part of the membership bridged many a financial gap – as members played the game they stopped to clear the fairways of stones. Boy Scouts planted the fine standing pine trees that ornament the hilly terrain at the back of the first nine. A large barn that stood near the present swimming pool was moved up to the house to become the grillroom and ladies’ locker room. Some oldsters recall the “painting bee” that brought many a tired arm and blistered palm.” 

The Founding members 

The first ever CGCC meeting was held on October 7, 1919, and attended by the “Committee”: Harold B. Evans, Henry M. James, Leslie M. Van Deusen, Benedict Gifford, Lewis Harder, James J. Brennan, and Alfred Ogden. 

The book “Columbia County in the World War” combined with other research enabled Patricia to create a brief overview of the founding members: 

• Harold B. Evans was born in Hudson on February 6, 1889. He attended public schools in Hudson, St. John’s Military Academy at Manlius, NY and then went to Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts and was later a member of the class of 1911, Hobart College. He then became a member of the firm of C.H. Evans & Sons in Hudson. On April 2, 1907, Evans was commissioned 1st Lieutenant and assigned to Company F of the 10th Infantry, the local company of the State Guard where he served for the next five years. On July 16, 1917, he enlisted in the US Infantry. On May 10, 1918, he sailed for Brest as 1st Lieutenant in the 108th Infantry, 27th Division. He served in Companies A, E, and I of the 108^th Infantry. He saw active service in the Ypres Salient near Kemmell Hill. On December 6, 1918, Captain Evans was honorably relieved of his commission. 

• Henry M. James was born in Hudson on August 17th, 1885 to Henry M. James and Catharine Moore James. He was educated in Hudson and graduated from Albany Law School in 1909. James worked on the birth of the New York State Bureau of Motor Vehicles and City Clerk of Hudson for seven years. He served as Clerk of Surrogate Court. James purchased the Hudson Daily Star in 1920 and served as Editor for 30 years. In 1925 he was elected the New York State Assembly and was re-elected for the next four years. He served as the President of Farmer’s National Bank for 25 years. Henry James was married to Blanche Walls James. He died on July 31, 1973 and was survived by his wife. 

• Leslie M. Van Deusen was born in Hudson on May 15, 1890. He attended grammar & high school there. In 1912 he graduated from Williams College & that year entered the C.A. Van Deusen wholesale provision house in Hudson. He was Vice President in October 5, 1917 when he was inducted into military service. He served as Private, Corporal & Sargeant and as 2nd Lieutenant of Headquarters Company, 72nd Infantry, 11th Division. On January 20, 1919, he was honorably discharged from military service. He returned to Hudson where he married Miss Helen Doland on February 6, 1920. 

• Benedict Gifford was born in Hudson on June 19, 1889. He attended public schools in Hudson and graduated from Williams College. He became a member of Gifford Wood Co and married Miss Francis Lewis Marsh of New York City on April 25, 1916 and they had a daughter, Francis Lewis. Gifford served as 1st Lieutenant & later Captain of Company F, 10th Infantry NY National Guard. On January 5, 1918, he enlisted in the US Infantry and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to Company B, 371^st Infantry. He was sent overseas on August 25, 1918 and landed in Brest, France. His unit was attached to the 159th French Division and took part in Vosges Sector battle of Fete de Faux. He returned to the US on February 11, 1919 and was honorably discharged on February 22, 1919. Gifford’s older brother Malcolm Jr. joined the Canadian Artillery at Montreal on February 7, 1917 and was killed after two months on Ypres Passchendaele Ridge and Flanders front. Malcolm Gifford Jr. was the “first Hudson boy to make the supreme sacrifice.” 

• Lewis Harder was born in Philmont on June 4, 1891 and received his early education there. He attended the Hill Preparatory School and graduated as a mechanical engineer from Yale University in 1914, After graduation, he was affiliated with the Harder Knitting Mills in Philmont. On May 12, 1917 he registered as a student at the Plattsburgh Officers Training Camp. He married Miss Gertrude Burbank Harris on August 14, 1917 and had a son, Lewis Bradley Harder. At Camp Upton he became an officer of Company C, 302nd Engineers, 77th Division. On March 28, 1918, Harder left with his unit and landed, first in Liverpool, England and then later at a port in France. They were engaged actively on the Toul, Vesle, Aisne, and Argonne sectors. He was severely injured by a high explosive which lacerated his back, arms, legs and face. He was taken to Base Hospital No. 27 and returned to the US on February 22, 1919 with his Unit. He was honorably discharged on March 12, 1919. 

• James J. Brennan was a lawyer in Hudson. (need more information) 

• Alfred Ogden of Kinderhook. (need more information, but he was possibly Breeder of Guernsey cattle in Kinderhook and the Winner Otis Prize at Phillips Academy)