KCC History

From the Arthur Graphic-Clarion

August 19, 1943
GOLF MEETING NEXT TUESDAY EVENING
AT FLEMMING FUNERAL HOME
All persons interested in the new proposed golf club to be established at Arthur Martin's land south of Chesterville are invited to a meeting to be
held next Tuesday evening at 7:30PM at the Flemming Funeral Home.

The committee will give a report on the steps that have been taken so far and wants an expression of opinion and a general discussion of the
project by all golf enthusiasts.

Bert Montresser, golf professional of the Southside Country Club, Decatur, has inspected the location and suggested a plan for the course. He will
be present at this meeting as will Mr. Bearmore of Decatur who is an authority on golf greens.

The committee is desirous of having a large crowd present at this meeting and urges all persons interested to attend.

August 26, 1943
MANY PRESENT AT GOLF ORGANIZATION MEETING
An enthusiastic group of men and women attended an organization meeting of the new country club and golf association at the Flemming Funeral
Home Tuesday night. Representatives were present from Arcola, and Mattoon besides a large delegation from Arthur.

The committee had Bert Montresser, the golf pro from Southside Country Club in Decatur, present and he outlined for the audience his survey and
proposed layout of the golf course whish is to be located on the Arthur Martin "Rockome" farm south of Chesterville.

The general plans of organization were discussed and a committee was appointed to call surrounding golf clubs to get information regarding the
best business procedures and corporate plans. There are to have there report ready for another meeting next Monday night at 7:30 at the same
place, Flemming Funeral Home.

At this next meeting a board of managers will be elected for one year and a big attendance is desired, as directors from each community represented
in this project are wanted. Also plans will be made as to the subscription for membership, annual dues, etc.

According to the best reports and based on Mr. Montressers statement the members should be able to play on the course next year if a lot of work
can be finished this fall. Temporary sand greens will be installed until after the war when grass greens can be put in for permanent use. Mr
Montresser said this will be one of the nicest nine-hole courses in this part of the country and one that all can be proud of.

This is a fine community project and all who are interested from surrounding towns are invited to join. It's not an Arthur or Arcola or Mattoon
affair but strictly a community project.

September 2, 1943
GOLF CLUB PLANS NEARING COMPLETION

The second public meeting to complete plans of the "Rockome" Golf Club was held in the Arthur High School on Monday night of this week. The
meeting in charge of W.P. Woods temporary chairman and a report was made by the committee appointed to check with golf clubs in this vicinity
as to their methods of organization such as purpose of corporation, number of directors, by-laws, etc.

It was definitely decided that the local organization should be a non-profit corporation; a necessary application has been filed with the Secretary of
State.

At this meeting a board of twelve managers or trustees was elected to serve for one year meantime the by-laws will be drawn up and adopted when
the state charted is received authorizing the club to carry on business matters.

There are five trustees from Arthur, five from Arcola, and two from Mattoon. There was further discussion as to membership fee and various plans
of financing the club construction and operation but it was finally agreed to leave the definite plans to the board of trustees.

After the meeting the trustees who were present proceeded to get the preliminary work on the by-laws with the idea of having them ready for
submission to all the members at the next meeting.

Also, several plans were offered as to how the land could be purchases where the golf course would be located as almost everyone feel that this is
the best procedure and it gives the guys something of value on which to base long-range planning in the construction of the golf course and
improvements.

The next meeting will be announced by postcard and in the paper a before. Interested proposition continues and definite plans for procedures can
soon be announced, as it is the desire to do a lot of work on the course this fall.

May 4, 1944
WORK ON GOLF COURSE PROGRESSING RAPIDLY

At least one post-was plan in Douglas County has left the drawing board and the committee room. Work on the golf course near Chesterville,
tentatively named the "Rockome Country Club" is progressing so well that the organization believes that by the time the war is over few finishing
touches will be needed to put the course in playable condition.

Volunteer workers entirely from the membership, have been spending spare time and weekends working on the grounds. More that 150 stumps
have been blasted from the side of the 80-acre plot and much of the brush along the south edge has been grubbed. Almost a half-mile of fencing
and posts were removed when work was first started on the project in March and a nice stand of grass, considered good enough for fairways,
already covers the east 40 acres.

The west side of the plot, which was farmed last year, soon is to be cultivated and planted with either oats or bluegrass. Officials of the club hope
to put the land itself in shape for a course yet this year however only a little work toward laying out fairways and greens will be done before the war
is over.

This is ticketed as a post-war project in part for the benefit of scores of young men from the area who now in the service. Construction of the golf
course however is only one phase of the plan. In outlining the total program the officials of the club commented: "it is the plan and intention of the
organizers to make it more that just a place to golf as they want it to be a community affair for the fold and their families from Arcola, and other
nearby towns. There is plenty of room for expansion so we can have a fine clubhouse with parties, dances and various kinds of club meetings. We
hope to locate clubhouse in a fine grove of big trees on a hill overlooking the river from a high bluff. This can be developed into a picnic and
playground where the whole family can go and enjoy themselves even if they never take hold of a golf club.

There will be fishing, trapshooting, boating, swimming, tennis, horseshoe pitching, softball in-fact, and just about all kinds of outdoor sports. It is
also hoped that a place for boy and girl sports can be arranged for their summer camps. Of course, the membership will have to be limited to the
number that can be accommodated on the nine-hole golf course and its other facilities, so they urge all that are interested to see the membership
committee.

You can get your name in the pot and not be in a position in a year or two of having to say you didn't know they were planning anything like that. I
wish I had gotten in on it.

This same official added that work will be going on every weekend throughout the summer on the course putting everything in order. More
volunteers are needed to do cleanup work and their help will be greatly appreciated.

May 11, 1944
BIG TURNOUT AT COUNTRY CLUB PICNIC

Sunday evening a number of the members of the new country club enjoyed a wiener roast at the picnic grounds. During the day the men cleared a
nice spot for the affair and after a full day's exercise there were many a good appetites. The place chosen for the picnic was a wooded knoll
overlooking the river.

About six in the evening families started to arrive and by seven the party got underway. Dozens of hot dogs and other things were consumed during
the evening. A cool evening though the natural surrounding helped to make it an enjoyable get together. Tonight at the village hall the lady
members are organizing a Special Activities Committee to promote similar affairs. All lady members are urged to attend.

June 29, 1944

Members of the Kaskaskia Country Club will usher in their summer social activities with a picnic supper Sunday, July 2 at 6 p.m. at the picnic
grounds of the new club.

The event will be given in honor of Dr. John Phillips of Arcola who leaves soon for indoctrination study in the medical corp. of the U.S. Navy. Dr.
Phillips was active in helping found the club and is now a member of the Board of Directors. One of the first to take a membership, he has been
influential in signing several members in the Arcola area. The picnic is being sponsored by the women's auxiliary of the club. All arrangements are
being made by the social committee of the auxiliary.

In the event of inclement weather, the picnic will be held in the old gymnasium of the Arthur Township School.

Ninety-nine people from Arthur and Arcola have now taken memberships in the club according to W.P. Woods of Arthur, president.

"We plan to stage an intensive drive for additional members during the month of July." Woods reports. "It is our hope to sign up at least
twenty-five more members during the month with membership of one-hundred-twenty-five we can be certain of having one of the finest golf
courses in the central Illinois," he added.

October 5, 1944
COUNTRY CLUB GREENS COMMITTEE APPOINTED

With the foundation of eight greens and most of the tees now built, president W.P. Woods stated that the Kaskaskia Country Club, has appointed a
greens committee to plan final contours and arrange for the planting of grass.

Ralph W. Fitzjarrald of Arthur is chairman of this important committee. He will be assisted by the following: P.M. Mace and H.C. Irle of Arcola, F.
Vernon Wright and Max W. Vest of Tuscola, A.C. Huckaba and Alex Summers of Mattoon, and Carl New-comer and Rich Baker of Arthur.

The committee will first arrange to level off the dirt thrown up for greens and tees and call the expert to supervise the grading for contours
according to Mr. Fitzjarrald. Plans will also be made to start a nursery for the growing of bent grass. Transfer of this grass to the greens will wait
upon the construction of a pipeline and pump system needed to supply water. It is doubtful if the necessary pipe and other equipment can be
obtained until the war is over. Fitzjarrald plans to call a meeting of the committee in the very near future to make all final plans for the completion
of the greens.

Lyle Hatfield, greens keeper at the Urbana Country Club, and Frank Terry, a veteran manager of that club, visited Kaskaskia last week to give the
local committee pointers on the desired care of the tees and greens. The Urbana club is noted far and wide for the excellence of its course and the
local group feels it is fortunate to have the expert help of two of its representatives.

November 9, 1944
COUNTRY CLUB TO HOD ANNUAL MEETING

The regular annual meeting of the certificate of ownership holders of the Kaskaskia Country Club will be held Thursday evening at 8 at the village
hall in this city. The purpose of the meetings is to furnish members with a financial report of the condition of the club and making plans for the
new year and the election of new directors. Twelve directors are to be elected, four for one year, four for two years and four for three years and
then each year there after four directors will be elected for three years. President W.P. Woods urges all members present to hear the report and to
take part in electing the new board of directors. All of the placing of the dirt for the nine greens and tees has been completed and ready for shaping
and it would appear that the course will be ready for grass seeding early next spring. Considering the condition of the ground when purchased, the
committee deserves a lot of credit for what has been accomplished this summer on the property.

November 16, 1944
ANNUAL MEETING OF COUNTRY CLUB HELD

The following directors were elected for terms of one, two, and three years: one year - Dick Horton of Arcola, Roy Jones of Bourbon, H.A. David
and E.L. Jurgens of Arthur, two year - Henry Moore of Arcola, Max Vest of Tuscola, Carl Newcomer and Clyde Beals of Arthur, three years- P.M.
Mace of Arcola, Vern Wright of Tuscola, Alex Summers of Mattoon, W.P. Woods of Arthur.

In short time the directors will meet and elect the new officers to fill the positions of president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer and the
various committees will be appointed.

A report was made of the work that has been accomplished in the first year of the organization. Plans were made for carrying on the completion of
the work as fast as labor and materials are available.

June 30, 1945
WORK RESUMED AT KASKASKIA COUNTRY CLUB
With the abrupt ending of World War II local golf fans have resumed work on the proposed Kaskaskia Country Club near Chesterville. Since early
last week workmen have been leveling greens and preparing them for grass. If the weather is favorable for the next three days all greens should be
ready for planting.

Crews of volunteer workers from Arthur, Arcola, and Tuscola hauled dirt and helped with leveling of mounds during the weekend. Now that the
labor shortage has eased somewhat in this are, club officials have been able to hire help to work during the week.

The fairways area of the course was sowed in soybeans last spring. The plan is to plant that acreage in blue grass. If this plan can be carried out, the
golfers should be able to play the Kaskaskia course next year.

One of the most welcome improvements at Kaskaskia is the fine new road leading into the club from the township road. This now provides a
broad well-drained roadway to the club grounds and back to the site of the proposed clubhouse at the south end of the acreage. The committee is
considering means by which a clubhouse can be built sometime next year when materials and labor are more readily available.

Richard Baker of Arthur is chairman of the greens committee, "the advance guard" of the battalion, which will put the course into final shape. "We
need all the volunteer help we can possibly get while the good weather lasts." Mr. Baker said. "With good luck, good weather, and a lot of good
help we can have one of the finest golf courses in this part of the state and can have it ready for play next year." This optimistic opinion is
seconded by Wendell Woods, club president, who is helping to supervise the overall program at Kaskaskia. In addition he is in charge of the
grading work of all tees. All club officials emphasize the need of volunteer help. They plan to accomplish a great deal during the coming weekend
and ask all members who can possibly spare the time to "drive out to Kaskaskia and help finish up the golf course."

Same issue:
HEART ATTACK FATAL TO DR. WILLIAM DEVLIN
Dr. William Devlin, Arthur dentist, died suddenly about 7:45 Wednesday evening at Kaskaskia Country Club golf course southeast of Chesterville
as a result of a heart attack.

Dr. Devlin, Wendell Woods, and Richard Baker went to the golf course last evening to spend a couple of hours working there. Woods and Baker
were driving tractors and the doctor was merely serving in a supervisory capacity, doing no heavy work. Shortly after they arrived at the golf course
he complained to Baker having difficulty in breathing but after a few minutes he drove Baker's car a short distance down the course while Baker
drove the tractor. Late evening the doctor was directing Woods who was plowing and grading with the tractor removing rocks of the tees when
Wendell noticed he was holding his hand on his chest. When asked if he had been hit there, the doctor answered in the negative but again
complained of having difficulty breathing.

A few minutes later Wendell say that the doctor had laid down on the ground and when Woods went to him he was unconscious and breathing
hard. Wendell fanned him for a few minutes and then rat to get Baker who was about a quarter mile away. Wendell then went to the home of
Ernest Fanslet and called Dr. C. O. Norris. Before Dr. Norris arrived at the scene the stricken man had passed away. Dr. Devlin was 65 years old,
his birthday being the he died. He practiced dentistry in Chicago for 27 years. Wishing to get away from the stress of the city life, he moved to
Findlay about five years ago where he practiced until coming to Arthur last January. During the few months that he had been here, Dr. Devlin had
built up a large practice and made many friends. He had a very pleasing personality and friendly disposition. He was particularly interested in
Kaskaskia Country Club and never missed an opportunity to go there and help with the work, which is underway.

Dr. Devlin's daughter, Mrs. R Loverlre, is expected to arrive this afternoon and it is understood that the remains will be taken to Chicago tomorrow
for burial.

September 6, 1945
MEMBERS WANTED FOR THE KASKASKIA COUNTRY CLUB

The membership committee of the Kaskaskia Country Club is making an effort to secure new members. The grounds committee is actively at work
again and now that the war is over material will soon be available to complete this fine community project. If you are a member maybe you have a
friend who is not. Give someone on the membership committee his information and he will be contacted.

The membership committee in Arthur consists of E. L. Jurgens, chairman, S.E. Robins, chairman, D. G. Watkins and R. A. Galbreath. Bourbon
members of this committee are Mr. Jones and George A. Jones.

September 27, 1945
NURSERYMAN PRAISES WORK ON GOLF COURSE

Ralph Bond of the Old Orchard Turf Nurseries, Madison, Wis. Was in Arthur Tuesday to inspect the number nine green at the Kaskaskia Country
Club golf course, which has been recently completed. Mr. Bond said, "Gentlemen, for inexperienced help and knowing nothing about planting grass
stolons, you have done a wonderful job. I admit I am surprised. I didn't expect it to look this good.

Mr. Bond also offered a few corrective suggestions in regard to work to be done in the future.