LEGENDS: WISH YOU WERE HERE

By Steffi Posel

Old postcards remind resort guests that good times are eternal.

When the visitor to The Homestead penned these lines on a postcard in March 1918, Mrs. Homer Hastings received one of life’s most underrated pleasures — old-fashioned handwritten correspondence. The message, written in fountain pen and a bit marred by age, carries sentiments that easily could have been written today.

Postcards such as these are small representations of the artifacts that comprise the ClubCorp legend. In 1997, historians from The History Factory began working on “The Heritage Project,” an attempt to preserve ClubCorp’s history by compiling documents and heirlooms from the various resorts and clubs. One of the objectives of the project is to convey pride in belonging to members and employee partners. But the project is not solely focused on the past. It also communicates to members that their actions today are creating the legacy for the future.

The postcards on this page show postmarks from 1909 to 1942. The hand-tinted postcard photographs of Pinehurst capture the vintage look of the 15th tee and fairway and a view of the Victorian-style Carolina Hotel, which, as the oldest wooden hotel in North Carolina, remains the centerpiece of the resort.

Visitors to Pinehurst enjoy the legacy of a resort steeped in great golfing history. The heritage of Pinehurst No. 2, in particular, is forever linked to the famed Scottish course designer Donald Ross, who resided at Pinehurst until his death in 1948.

Pinehurst memories also include foxhunting, tennis, and target shooting — popular attractions at the resort in days gone by. Although Pinehurst no longer sponsors foxhunts or shooting tournaments, tennis, croquet, and lawn bowling have become favorite activities at the resort.

The panoramic postcard offers a view of the 1918 facade of The Homestead, showing the main building, ballroom, and the east wing. The ballroom was later reconstructed to become the clock tower. Travelers began knocking on The Homestead’s door seeking hospitality as early as 1766 and visitors, such as Thomas Jefferson, helped establish the spa ritual of “taking the waters.”

Homestead historian John Hoover says the spa treatments, magnificent mountain scenery, and championship golf courses have made the resort “the playground of presidents and princes.” Such traditions as afternoon tea have been a favorite interlude for decades. And it is still typical to see visitors, between sips, writing a postcard home with the friendly missive of “Having a wonderful time.”

We’re looking for “legends” from your club’s or resort’s annals of history. Send your ideas and/or photos to “Legends,” Private Clubs, 3030 LBJ Freeway, Suite 350, Dallas, TX 75234.