FROM THE EDITOR

The celebration and spirit of this Fourth of July will be shared with America by much of the world, a world that is different from this time last year.  And although this holiday has traditionally connected members at ClubCorp clubs and resorts, the plans for a good ol’ fashioned Independence Day 2002 have taken on new meaning and new heights of activities, including fireworks, barbecue buffets, and all types of musical entertainment.

Canyon Creek Country Club is joining with a Richardson, Texas, homeowners association for its first official neighborhood parade. The Bienville Club in Mobile, Alabama, will give its members the best seat in the house for the annual Tall Ships Parade. And Crow Canyon Country Club member Chuck Taber, also conductor for the all-volunteer San Ramon Symphonic Band in California, will be performing to a sold-out Evening at the Pops audience. The club event, which will include the unfurling of a 72-foot American flag during the concert, has been so popular with members the past five years that, before the final fireworks display, members are making their reservations for the next year. The list of activities goes on …

And, of course, there’s the traditional party, lighting of rooms, and spectacular fireworks at The Homestead, the celebration we have featured on this issue’s cover. (Lee Greenwood is among this year’s featured entertainment.) July and August are beautiful months in Hot Springs, Virginia, and as America’s “first resort,” The Homestead and its soothing spring waters have attracted many notable guests over its centuries, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and others.

This issue of Private Clubs salutes the renewal of a patriotic spirit — and you, our readers. As our gift to you, we offer the beautiful, limited-edition poster of the American flag pictured here. The impactful photo of the antique flag was taken especially for us by RJ Hinkle of Quad Photo in Dallas. His experience includes photojournalism, action photography, and commercial photography — a level of versatility that is difficult to match. In addition, we invited other photographers to participate in the “Old Glory” photo essay.

We also hope you enjoy this issue’s focus on Washington, D.C., and its environs, its clubs and members, its mood.

Best wishes for a safe and happy summer.

Patricia Baldwin
Editor in Chief