4 minute read
Vickie’s Voice: Almost 100 Years of SSCC!
Vickie's Voice (is so loud)
Vickie Hammer, Member Liaison
The first draft came back from the printer reading “Vickie’s Vice”. Ladies and Gentlemen, this was about to be a very different article than the one you’re reading today.
What I want to raise my voice about is a really big-deal anniversary that is approaching in a few short years-
SSCC is turning 100 years old!
Initially formed in 1928, the original golf course has been described to me as “4 holes in a cow pasture”. And today, just look at this beauty:
I’ve been told the dam built to form the lake was constructed with an ox and mules, who worked during dusk and nighttime hours to spare the animals the heavy work in the daytime heat Eventually, “cabin” sites were developed on the east side of the lake by several families - Ashcroft, Cable, Price, Chaney, and others. Some sites also had business affiliations with companies such as Dallas Power & Light, Lone Star Gas, etc.
The “original-original” clubhouse was more just a gathering place than anything like an official clubhouse Located across the lake from the present-day clubhouse, it ultimately burned to the ground.
Recollections may vary, but some claim there was a clubhouse subsequently built on this side of the lake which also burned down The August 9, 1964 edition of The Daily News-Telegram reports a frame building serving as the clubhouse was destroyed by the fire. Next time you’re in the Pub, the framed article and accompanying pictures hang on the wall beside the pool table There’s a picture included of a golfer teeing off while the inferno blazes away behind him. Sounds right.
Most of you know the old clubhouse that existed until about 18 months ago. Built after the fire, it was the scene, I’m sure, of secrets we’d blush to hear about (or bust a gut laughing at) A reliable source tells me there was a weekly dice game in the men’s locker room, women allowed.
Our new Pro Shop has been built in its place.
Today’s clubhouse, completed in 2014, is the beating heart of the property This picture, from April 2013, is just after the foundation had been poured.
This updated picture is from June 2024.
The ‘60s era pool was the scene of many a Marco Polo game, diving contests, a near-drowning or two, innocent flirting between boys and girls.
The deck structure on the right (which did not have an innocent nickname) was a popular hangout When the pool developed leaks and other problems, they attempted to tear it out, but it was so strongly built they had to just fill it in, instead. It was located where the clock tower stands now.
The bars at SSCC have come such a long way since our humble beginnings.
Then
Now
A lot of changes through the years so many good stories. And the Club we enjoy today is thanks to the passion and the vision of John Gillis, carried on by his wife, Debbie. We owe them our gratitude and, in a little more than 3 years, we’ll be lifting a glass to toast the jewel of Northeast Texas, Sulphur Springs Country Club at 100.
