PACC
History
Princess Anne Country Club
Virginia Beach, Virginia
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Princess Anne Country Club
Established 1916
3800 Pacific Avenue
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
757-428-4141 (main)
757-428-4423 (fax)
e-mail address: [email protected]
Published by the Princess Anne Country Club
2002
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Past Presidents of the
Princess Anne Country Club
History of the
Princess Anne Country Club
Virginia Beach, Virginia
1916 - 2002
Compiled By
Kimberly Greer
With contributions by members of the
85th Anniversary Committee and other club members.
H
While it is impossible to list all the special people and events associated with the Princess Anne Country Club
during the past 85 years, we hope that everyone reading this booklet will enjoy reminiscing about days gone by.
This history was compiled from the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings, Annual Membership meetings,
newspaper articles, the Princess Anne photo albums, and personal recollections of members and local historians.
Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein.
Clarence A. Neff
1916-1920
William H. Darden
William B. Baldwin
1920-1921
James M. Jordan, Jr.
1963-1965
Richard D. Cooke
1921-1924
Charles H. Slingluff
1965-1967
James H. Watters
1924-1927
Roy Charles
1967-1969
William R. Howard
1926-1927
Nere E. Day, Jr.
1969-1971
Samuel L. Slover
1927-1929
J. Frank George
1971-1973
Louis H. Windholz
1929-1933
Sam E. Liles
1973-1975
Sydnor Y. Priddy
1933-1936
Toy D. Savage, Jr.
1975-1977
David Pender, Sr.
1936-1939
Robert R. Beasley
1977-1979
Edward R. Willcox
1939-1941
John B. Syer
1979-1981
Robert J. Throckmorton
1941-1943
H. P. McNeal
1981-1983
William R. Howard
1943-1945
W. Cecil Carpenter
1983-1985
W. Taylor Johnson
1945-1947
William B. Eley
1985-1987
Harry O. Nichols
1947-1949
R. Dawson Taylor
1987-1989
James A. Beasley
1949-1951
William C. Overman
1989-1991
R. R. Richardson, Jr.
1951-1953
James L. Kitchin, Jr.
1991-1993
Charles Syer, Jr.
1953-1955
David Pender, III
1993-1995
Willard R. Ashburn, Sr.
1955-1957
Joseph G. Fiveash, Jr.
1995-1997
Landon Hilliard
1957-1959
George H. M. Rector
1997-1999
George Ware
1959-1961
Philip G. Denman
1999 - 2001
W. Andrew Dickinson, Jr.
2001- present
1961-1963
It is the hope of all of the contributors that this history will bring to the mind of each member many pleasant
memories and stir a sense of pride in our club heritage as we glance back at the past and treasure the many friends
we’ve made along the way.
Princess Anne Country Club
29
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
•
and who knew the player was not the most
dependable putter, spoke out loudly, “Let him
putt it.”
A couple of long drive stories:
It was often related that Mr. Dave Stormont,
a big strapping gentleman, drove the green on
the first hole, a par five. The catch was that
the turf was frozen hard and the ball bounced
all the way to the green.
Another story that made the rounds was that
Mike Soucek, a former Duke football star
and prolific driver on the PGA tour, drove
the fourth green over the trees. He played the
Princess Anne while at the Beach for the
Cavalier Open.
•
•
There was an outstanding group of young golfers
in our club around 1948 and 1949, most of whom
are still members. The Junior Chamber Golf
Chairman during those years had the pleasure of
running the local JC Junior Tournament for
several years and the State Tournament one year
at the Cavalier. As the PGA says, “Those guys
were good.” They included: Joe Fiveash, Roddy
Watson, Frank Smith, Craig Slingluff, Dippy
Pender, Mac Jenkins, and others. Billy
McClanan and Jordan Ball followed in the next
few years.
The Club Championship final match always drew
a large crowed in past years, as did the MemberGuest. Following are some memories of these
events:
A match between Mr. Al Turnbull and
another member. What stands out is that both
gentlemen had on long sleeve shirts and ties.
Hard to imagine these days.
An exciting match one year between Jordan
Ball and his brother in-law, Tom Strange.
•
Another special memory is of mint juleps at the
PACC. Before several remodelings, we used to
enter the club on a large screened porch on the
east side. This great porch was the scene many
nights during the summer of groups in rocking
chairs or around a table sipping delicious mint
juleps. The club kept it’s own large mint bed.
•
Also, summer Saturday nights at the club were
really fun times as many locals and nonresident members gathered for dinner and
dancing. They were very popular and you had
to make reservations quite early. At that time
we had an outside deck adjoining the dining
room to the south were the band played and
tables were set up. The place really used to jump.
•
During the week, the old Moose Bar was the
gathering place. There was a small bar in the
southeast corner with a pull down front. The
old bartender there, Robert, was proud of this
position and rather uppity to new members. He
would pull that roller partition down promptly
at 11:30 p.m. and you had better not have your
hand on a glass under it! It was joked that
Robert was on the membership committee.
•
In the early 60’s at a typical Thursday evening
cookout at the swimming pool, Brad Tazewell
pushed Jimmy Leach into the pool with his
clothes on. When Jimmy Leach climbed out, he
decided to take revenge by dragging the table
at which Brad Tazewell, Nere Day, and the
Honorable Bill Spong were sitting. Fortunately
or unfortunately, Mr. Leach failed in his table
moving attempt.
The Member-Guest final that went seven
extra holes and it was so dark that members’
cars had to be positioned to shine their lights
on the seventh green. Billy McClanan and
his guest won the match. Talbott Dickson and
Wayne Jackson of Hampton were the runnersup.
•
Often times caddies used to bet on the outcome
of foursomes in which they were caddying. A
funny experience happened to one of them. There
was a short putt for a par on the seventh hole and
one of the opponents said it was good. On hearing
this, caddy Hop Dick, who was betting against
The following is a brief history of the Princess Anne from its inception to the present day.
Princess Anne Country Club
Established 1916
It all began in the summer of 1916 when a group of
distinguished gentlemen decided to organize a social
club for their enjoyment. All ninety-two of the original
members met on August 30, 1916 to sign the subscription agreement as follows:
The undersigned, each for himself and not for the other,
subscribe for membership in the Princess Anne Country
Club, to be organized in accordance with the foregoing
prospectus, to acquire and operate the properties mentioned therein, including golf course, tennis courts, etc.
and hereby respectively agree to pay the sum of fifty
($50.00) dollars each for a certificate of membership
therein, such payment to be made on or after twelve
months from this date, in cash, upon the call of the
Board of Directors of said club.
Witness our hands and seals this 30th day of August
1916.
A. J. Ackiss
A. W. Brock
C. S. Browne
Jas. E. Barry
A. G. Bailey
E. R. Baird
C. R. Caps
W. C. Cobb
A. Mason Cooke
F. W. Curd
Hugh Davis
J. B. Denny
L. T. Dobie
Jas. Farant
Marsden J. Perry
H. W. Page
F. S. Royster
H. Garrett Smith
Richard B. Tucker
Wm. H. White, Jr.
W. A. Godwin
H. G. Hathaway
Jas. Johnson
J. S. Leard
C. I. Millard
W. L. Parker
F. S. Royster, Jr.
T. S. Southgate
Roland Thorp
H. B. Wells
James T. Avery
W. Hunter Bell
Nathaniel Beamon
C. B. Buchanan
J. S. Barron
C. M. Bain
C. Billups
Alan G. Burrow
W. A. Cox
Willoughby T. Cooke
Lee Counselman
E. F. G. Doyle
C. P. Dugan
Severn Duvall
Pemberton Frame
John D. Gordon
W. S. Royster
W. S. Stanworth
R. C. Taylor, Jr.
E. R. Willcox
Chas. S. Grant
E. D. Hobbs
E. T. Lamb
Walter G. Maher
C. A. Neff
Abner S. Pope
Charles Wales
A. B. Schwarzkopf
T. F. Tilghman
Otto Wells
Robert Beamon
M. C. Ferebee
H. B. Goodridge
A. P. Grice
W. A. Hahn
V. B. Hodgson
Chas. G. Hunter
Chas G. Hume
H. M. Kerr
Emmerson Land
J. A. Lesner
W. R. Mayo, Jr.
L. D. Mathes
R. B. Myers
Edward Michaels
Nimmo Old
W. G. Parker
G. Serpell
C. F. Spotswood
Luther Upton
J. H. Young
M. Glennan
Morris Hawkins
George B. Lee
Barton Myers
W. T. Old
John G. Quinby
L. D. Starke
Jas. C. Tait
J. Cox Webb
W. B. Rodman
In preliminary discussion they approved Clarence A.
Neff as president, A. W. Brock as secretary and fifteen
directors.
Parts of the prospectus referred to, reads:
“This Country Club, with an eighteen hole golf course,
tennis courts and other facilities of the highest order,
will be immediately established in Virginia Beach. The
Virginia Beach Development Company and its
subsidiaries have subdivided a 500-acre tract of land,
extending from the Casino north to the Hollies and
binding on the west Linkhorn Bay, for this purpose, the
layout having been designed by C. A. Neff, of Norfolk,
Virginia.”
Plan of Organization
Active membership will, for the present, be limited to
two hundred members, each of whom will subscribe the
sum of fifty dollars, to be paid upon the completion of
the golf course, which it is estimated cannot be completed until the fall of 1918.
Moose Bar - In the 1940’s
28
Princess Anne Country Club
1
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Certificate of Incorporation
The club was incorporated September 23, 1916 with the
Certificate of Incorporation stating:
The name of the corporation is to be Princess Anne
Country Club.
The number of directors who are to manage the affairs of
the corporation shall be fifteen (15).
The names of the officers and directors who are to
manage its affairs for the first year of its existence are as
follows:
Officers:
C. A. Neff, President
A. W. Brock, Secretary
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Directors:
Nathaniel Beamon
Hugh W. Davis
W. A. Godwin
John D. Gordan
W. A. Hahn
H. M. Kerr
Barton Myers
C. A. Neff
F. S. Royster
Goldsborough Serpell
L. D. Starke
F. F. Tilghman
J. Cox Webb
Joseph H.Young
Alan B. Burrow
Norfolk, Virginia
Va. Beach, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
H
The first meeting of the Board was held on October
25, 1916.
The membership committee composed of C. A. Neff, W.
Hunter Bell, W. S. Royster, John D. Gordan, James
Hume and Hugh W. Davis, were given full power of
authority to issue invitations for membership to such
persons as they or a majority of them may in their
discretion deem advisable.
A special meeting of members was held on February 6,
1917 to adopt some of the following bylaw:
Photo from Virginia Beach by Jordan and Jordan.
2
•
Only women at least 18 years of age and men 21 shall
be eligible. There shall be two classes of membership;
active, who own certificates, and associate who do not,
but are allowed privileges.
The graciousness of the older members in the
Men’s Lounge as they welcomed and accepted
young members. To a man they smiled and greeted
you by name. It gave me a very warm and confident feeling being in the company of these gentlemen. One perhaps stood out in this respect more so
than others. It was Joe Fiveash’s father, Joe Sr.
•
We have over the years had some fine waiters and
bartenders serving us in the “menlunge.” The
current lounge manager, Gary Wolfe, is certainly
one of the best. Others that stood out were Fred
Arthur, George, Joe Ruffin, and of course colorful
Russell in the locker room. As many recall, Joe
Ruffin supplied us with the best crabmeat imaginable each Friday for many summers. Fred Arthur, a
true gentleman, was clearly exceptional. When he
died, the church in Norfolk was packed with
PACC members.
•
Jim, who was revered by all members, was also so
trusted by the manager that he made the daily
deposit to the bank at the corner of 19th Street and
Atlantic Avenue. One summer morning, Jim was
given a citation by an aggressive police officer that
resulted from a parking problem. The case was
heard on the following Tuesday evening at the
town hall on Arctic Avenue. The courtroom was
packed with PACC members who were all ready to
attest to Jim’s character and Mr. Willard Ashburn,
a member and the preeminent defense attorney in
the state, represented Jim. Needless to say all
charges were dismissed. This is evidence of the
General Provisions
The active membership of this club or corporation shall
be limited to five hundred (500) active members, each
of whom shall be the owner of a certificate of membership, transferable and subject to cancellation upon such
terms and conditions and subject to such rules and
regulations as the Board of Directors shall, from time to
time, in its discretion prescribe, and such active members shall, in the event of dissolution of the corporation
and the disposition of its assets, be entitled to participate
equally and ratably in the proceeds, thereof, or so much
as shall remain after the payment of the indebtedness, if
any, of such corporation, and such active members shall
also be exclusively entitled to take part in and vote at
meetings of the members of the corporation, and be
exclusively entitled to hold office therein.
This photograph shows the Princess Anne Country Club under
construction. As can be seen, horses were used to haul the building
materials up to the work site atop a huge sand hill.
Random Recollections
From Members
relationship that our members have enjoyed over
these many years with those who serve them in
the lounge.
•
One change that has evolved over the years is
the reduced participation by members in various
club tournaments. Years ago in the club championship there would be as many as nine flights
completely filled. Young members had the
opportunity to play with many older members.
•
Starting times were never really required. You
simply arrived and Lee Palhon, who was respected by all members, determined when you
would tee off.
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper
(1955)
Beachcombers’ Shindig
The Princess Anne Country Club resembled one of the
more remote islands in the South Seas as the guests
assembled there on Saturday night for the “Beachcomber
Party.” Harold Stewart (left) and Mrs. Lee Bonney were
there to greet J. C. Aspinwall (right). Other “islanders
exchanging greetings” were Mrs. Willard Ashburn, Jr.,
Dick Boisseau and Mrs. Sidney Kellam.
Princess Anne Country Club
27
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
The next meeting of record of the Board was held two years
later on February 18, 1919, and adopted two significant
resolutions. The first to purchase the club site for $2,500 from
Sea Pines Corporation and the second to pay the Virginia
Beach Development Company $4,608.68 for construction of
the golf links.
Members were notified of any meeting through notice published in the local paper, as well as a mailed notice to the post
office nearest their residence.
Lot “C” map of Linkhorn Park consisted of five acres for the
clubhouse and Plot no. 30 was reserved for the boathouse.
On June 4, 1919, the Board for the first time since the club’s
inception, elected six new members: Julian Osborne, William
Howard, H. H. Hume, Frank C. Lewis, W. H. Nash, and E. M.
Stribling.
Another very significant special meeting of the members was
held November 10, 1919, and resolved to:
The new pool which was built in 1991.
event, from the entire league, then continued on to
compete in the All Star competition for the area’s top
summer league swimmers. PACC boasts a long list of
champions.
Tommy Clements came to the club in 1985 as the dive
coach and later became pool manager. Tommy led the
dive team through the years when other local clubs were
forced to drop their dive teams due to waning interest
and higher insurance costs. Diving and swimming were
separated into different leagues. Under Tommy’s excellent coaching, the interest in diving at the PACC continued. We joined the James River Aquatic League in the
early 1990s competing against Richmond dive teams.
This dedicated, enthusiastic team continues to travel to
Richmond for meets and championships. During
Tommy’s years as pool manager, the swim team flourished under coaches Kevin Simms, Tommy Gill, Robin
Randall, and Nelson Workman.
The magnificent new pool was built in 1991. The
expanded facilities included a diving well, enlarged
baby pool, Pavilion Grill, locker rooms, and gracious
deck area that has become a model for others.
In 1994 Scott Evans joined the PACC as swim coach,
later as pool manager, and now aquatics director. Scott
was joined by Kristen Cummings, Kelley Harkins and
Joe Holland as swim coaches. With Scott’s enthusiasm
and leadership the pool runs smoothly, with a full
calendar of events for the swim/dive teams and full club
membership. Early morning adult lap swim, float nights,
dive-in movie nights, water aerobics, dances, cook-outs
and celebrations, along with busy swim and dive team
26
schedules, offers something fun for every age group. Pool
use has risen over the years. The swim team has had as
many as 180 swimmers and the dive team 35 members.
In 1997 Chad Triolet, and later his wife Amy, joined the
pool staff to coach diving. They continue to bring great
expertise and enthusiasm to the diving program at the
pool. With great anticipation, the pool was heated in the
spring of 2001. This enabled the pool season to be
extended in both the spring and fall and added to the
pool’s comfort in the early summer.
In July of 1996 a Swim Team Reunion was held for
everyone that swam during “The Cedric Johnson Years.”
The event drew a huge crowd, as over 100 parents,
grandparents, children, and grandchildren attended,
celebrating the memories and friendships fostered
through swimming at the PACC.
The new century finds life at the Princess Anne swimming pool very much the same as it was 50 years ago.
Styles have changed, cook-outs are a bit more extensive,
swim and dive team competition is heightened, and life
in 2002 offers more choices and fuller schedules. But the
family fun continues at the pool. The littlest children
still love the baby pool. Swim lessons continue. Parent
volunteers continue to go beyond the call of duty planning events, working the swim and dive meets, serving
on the pool committee, and carpooling children. The
lifeguards and coaches remain role models and mentors
for the children. The PACC pool continues to be a
special place for all ages to gather, to eat, to play, and to
enjoy friendships during the glorious summer months.
Clarence A. Neff
Clarence A. Neff was the first president and the
architect of the Princess Anne Country Club and
its golf course. Among many other structures, Mr.
Neff designed the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia
Beach, the original Norfolk Yacht and Country
Club and Foreman Field in Norfolk. He also was
the architect for the Country Club of Virginia
located in Richmond.
Mr. Neff’s son, A. Parker Neff, donated a portrait
of his father which currently is displayed in the
clubhouse.
T
H
1. Proceed with the construction of a clubhouse at
Seapines, Virginia, not to exceed $50,000. With
provisions for water, sewage and servant’s quarters
and garage.
2. Proceed to complete the golf course not to exceed
$50,000.
3. To enter into a contract with Mr. Parker Burbank as
the club’s first manager.
4. Purchase additional real estate for the improvement
of the golf course not to exceed $1,500.
At the next meeting on November 23, 1919, 235 new members were elected, which helped form the base of the current
club.
On December 9, 1919 a contract for the clubhouse was
awarded to Mr. Aronberg for $46,000.
During the early years, the business of the club was conducted
in meetings held in downtown Norfolk. Today, meetings are
held at the club.
he Club was originally conceived as a real estate promotion wherein a land syndicate offered the land to a
group of well-known local young men. The arrangement specified that the land for the course would be given to
the young men providing they formed a club, built a clubhouse and built the golf course. In addition, the course
had to be designed in such fashion that the land for future home site development had to border both sides of
each fairway. This specification created two unique situations; over one hundred and twenty-five homes border
the course and the course is crossed at ten different places by the lanes and roads that provide access for the
homes.
Over the years some of the clubs very popular events included: weekly poolside cookouts in the summer (members
did the cooking); ‘Ham What Am’ Christmas gifts (over 4000 lbs. one year); a ‘Turkey on Every Table’ at Thanksgiving; Red Cross lifesaving courses, golf, tennis and swim tournaments and meets; plus an array of special club
parties that has run the gamut from a ‘Poverty Party’ to a ‘Lobster Bake.’
Princess Anne Country Club
3
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
N
W
Pool History
E
For many of us, summer memories center around the
PACC swimming pool. The original 25-meter, 6 lane
pool was built in the late 1950’s. The fun was just
beginning. Gordan Ham was one of the first swim
coaches and Herman Butt coached diving.
S
Cedric Johnson joined the PACC in the mid 1960’s
beginning his 20-year legacy. Cedric was the pool
manager and swim coach. He also coached diving for
several years, taught swim lessons, and set the tone for
years of special memories for all pool-goers. During the
late 60’s and through the 70’s, the swim and dive teams
competed together with meets on Thursday mornings.
Practice was mandatory and swim team membership was
extremely popular among children from 5 to 14 years
old. We competed in the Tidewater Swim League
against Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, Mallory Court,
Cavalier Yacht Club, Churchland Swim and Racquet,
and The Capes/Oceans. This summer recreational league
did not allow year-round swimmers. After humble
beginnings, we went ten years undefeated! Cedric’s
motto, “100% and happy” stayed with his swimmers. Do
your best and you will be happy – win or lose. At the end
of the swim/dive season, outstanding swimmers from
each club competed for individual championship status
and an overall team championship.
The highlight of the summer for many was the Club
Championship. There were races for each age group, in
each event culminating with the very popular mother/
daughter, father/son relays. Alternating years switched to
father/daughter and mother/son. This allowed for great
fun and family participation. The bubble race was always
a favorite for the youngest PACC swimmers. At the end of
the season “dress-up” banquet, the coaches presented
silver awards to the swimmers and divers recognizing their
achievements, hard work and success during the summer.
Those years brought the excitement of chartered bus
rides to away meets, poolside parties, water ballet
classes, life saving instruction, endless games of Marco
Polo, snack bar favorites including french fries with
house dressing, and the ever popular, Thursday night
cook-outs. It was truly a cook-out, as we each cooked
our own hot dog, hamburger, or steak. As Cedric said,
“There was great family fun and wonderful camaraderie
around that pool.” Cedric Johnson left the PACC in the
early 80s after 20 great years.
By the late 1980’s the Tidewater Swim League folded. We
joined the Virginia Beach Swim
League competing against a
wider variety of clubs. This
league is divided into divisions
based on ability. Year-round
and high school swimmers
through age 18 are allowed to
compete along with the summer
swimmers. Swim meets moved
to Saturday mornings, still
relying on throngs of volunteer
parents. The regular season with
5 meets is followed by a
divisional championship meet.
The top 12 swimmers, in each
The original plan for the Princess Anne
Country Club, as designed by
Clarence A. Neff.
The painting above has been copied from the “Map of
Linkhorn Park,” property of the Virginia Beach Development Company, which is dated November 9, 1916.
J. M. Baldwin, Civil Engineer.
4
Cookout 1966
Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Emanuelson and daughter, Milford.
The original pool and snack bar.
Princess Anne Country Club
25
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Fun at the pool!
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper (1963)
Local Swimmers Capture State AAU Diving
Honors
The newly
built clubhouse
opened July 24, 1920
with a party for its
members. Club records
indicate that $600 was
appropriated for the
celebration, but later
figures show that
nearly $900
was spent.
Two young swimmers from Princess Anne Country Club
captured first and third places in the state AAU women’s
one-meter diving championships in Richmond Saturday.
Pam Fuller, 14, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Fuller,
scored 108.57 points to dethrone Mary Ellen Hoppe of
James River, who was seeking her seventh straight
women’s crown. Miss Hoppe had 108.22 points. Third
place went to George McQuilkin, 12, daughter of Cmdr.
and Mrs. W. R. McQuilkin.
Both girls have trained under the guidance of Herman
Butt of Norfolk, a wholesale florist who devotes a great
deal of his time to the Princess Anne Country Club for
diving instruction. In addition, he instructs divers at
swim clubs in Norfolk and at the Norfolk Naval Base.
Neither girl has been defeated in the past four years in
her age group. Miss Fuller placed 3rd in state three-meter
competition recently, a feat made especially notable by
the fact that her practice was confined to the one-meter
board at the Princess Anne Club.
Saturday’s meet was open to divers 12 years of age or
older. Competition was based on the same five compulsory dives as required in national competition, plus six
alternate dives.
The pair have rolled up an impressive record in the agegroup and open meets in which they have participated.
Miss Fuller has scored four firsts, two seconds and two
third place awards.
Miss McQuilken has a record of five first place awards,
two seconds and two thirds.
Princess Anne Country Club 1926.
“The Twenties”
Established a non-resident membership for persons not
residing within a 25-mile radius of Norfolk, $25 initiation fee, and $25 annual dues.
The new clubhouse opened in the summer of 1920.
Set room rates at $4 per day or sleeping porch at $2 per bed.
Annual dues raised to $50 for active members and $50 for
associate and non-resident members beginning July 1, 1920.
In 1992 club member Theodore R. Wolf was ranked
#1 nationally in tennis doubles by the USTA in the
85 and older age group. He partnered with Malcolm
Clarke to win the USTA Men’s 85 Doubles competition. In the same year he was ranked #2 by the
USTA in the Men’s 85 Singles category. Mr. Wolf
was later featured on the cover of Tennis Magazine
in 1997 as they saluted an remarkable senior player.
24
As of October 1, 1920 there were: 351 active, 15
associate and 8 non-resident members. Women could
visit the club with their member husbands, but not alone
unless they were associate members.
The first associate members were elected August 1930.
Mrs. Hugh W. Davis
Mrs. William P. Dickson
Mrs. R. Baldwin Myers
Mrs. James S. Barron
Mrs. Alice Seamons
Miss Virginia Roper
The first non-resident members elected were:
Mr. William Pretlow, New York, New York
Mr. Draper Crosby, Warrenton, Virginia
Mr. Ben J. Finny, University, Virginia
Active members who left the community could
keep their certificates, become non-resident members with no dues and upon return, be reinstated to
active members.
Ted Wolf
The construction of the course was nearly completed in
September 1920 with an expected opening in October 1921.
Through the years non-resident members have been
very important to the Princess Anne, especially the
large contingent from Richmond.
President elect of the United States, Warren G. Harding
and his wife were elected honorary members for life
without dues on January 12, 1921.
In February 1921 the Club hired Mr. Walter Beckett, pro
at the Norfolk Country Club, to be in charge of completing the golf course (scheduled for May 1921).
Duck
Braithwaite was
the proprietor of
Duck’s Drive-In
located in downtown
Virginia Beach. This
was one of the
“places to hangout” in the
1930’s.
On April 25, 1921 the Board agreed to
admit unmarried sisters of members
with dues of $15 (until January 1,
1922).
Club member, Chief Justice of the
Virginia Supreme Court, John W.
Eggleston was the Virginia State
Tennis Doubles Champion in the
early 1920’s. He later became an
excellent golfer. His great grandson, Michael Hays, is the current
PACC golf champion.
Coach Herman Butt congratulates Pam Fuller (center) and Georgia
McQuilken. (1963)
Princess Anne Country Club
5
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Certificate of Incorporation
The club was incorporated September 23, 1916 with the
Certificate of Incorporation stating:
The name of the corporation is to be Princess Anne
Country Club.
The number of directors who are to manage the affairs of
the corporation shall be fifteen (15).
The names of the officers and directors who are to
manage its affairs for the first year of its existence are as
follows:
Officers:
C. A. Neff, President
A. W. Brock, Secretary
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Directors:
Nathaniel Beamon
Hugh W. Davis
W. A. Godwin
John D. Gordan
W. A. Hahn
H. M. Kerr
Barton Myers
C. A. Neff
F. S. Royster
Goldsborough Serpell
L. D. Starke
F. F. Tilghman
J. Cox Webb
Joseph H.Young
Alan B. Burrow
Norfolk, Virginia
Va. Beach, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
H
The first meeting of the Board was held on October
25, 1916.
The membership committee composed of C. A. Neff, W.
Hunter Bell, W. S. Royster, John D. Gordan, James
Hume and Hugh W. Davis, were given full power of
authority to issue invitations for membership to such
persons as they or a majority of them may in their
discretion deem advisable.
A special meeting of members was held on February 6,
1917 to adopt some of the following bylaw:
Photo from Virginia Beach by Jordan and Jordan.
2
•
Only women at least 18 years of age and men 21 shall
be eligible. There shall be two classes of membership;
active, who own certificates, and associate who do not,
but are allowed privileges.
The graciousness of the older members in the
Men’s Lounge as they welcomed and accepted
young members. To a man they smiled and greeted
you by name. It gave me a very warm and confident feeling being in the company of these gentlemen. One perhaps stood out in this respect more so
than others. It was Joe Fiveash’s father, Joe Sr.
•
We have over the years had some fine waiters and
bartenders serving us in the “menlunge.” The
current lounge manager, Gary Wolfe, is certainly
one of the best. Others that stood out were Fred
Arthur, George, Joe Ruffin, and of course colorful
Russell in the locker room. As many recall, Joe
Ruffin supplied us with the best crabmeat imaginable each Friday for many summers. Fred Arthur, a
true gentleman, was clearly exceptional. When he
died, the church in Norfolk was packed with
PACC members.
•
Jim, who was revered by all members, was also so
trusted by the manager that he made the daily
deposit to the bank at the corner of 19th Street and
Atlantic Avenue. One summer morning, Jim was
given a citation by an aggressive police officer that
resulted from a parking problem. The case was
heard on the following Tuesday evening at the
town hall on Arctic Avenue. The courtroom was
packed with PACC members who were all ready to
attest to Jim’s character and Mr. Willard Ashburn,
a member and the preeminent defense attorney in
the state, represented Jim. Needless to say all
charges were dismissed. This is evidence of the
General Provisions
The active membership of this club or corporation shall
be limited to five hundred (500) active members, each
of whom shall be the owner of a certificate of membership, transferable and subject to cancellation upon such
terms and conditions and subject to such rules and
regulations as the Board of Directors shall, from time to
time, in its discretion prescribe, and such active members shall, in the event of dissolution of the corporation
and the disposition of its assets, be entitled to participate
equally and ratably in the proceeds, thereof, or so much
as shall remain after the payment of the indebtedness, if
any, of such corporation, and such active members shall
also be exclusively entitled to take part in and vote at
meetings of the members of the corporation, and be
exclusively entitled to hold office therein.
This photograph shows the Princess Anne Country Club under
construction. As can be seen, horses were used to haul the building
materials up to the work site atop a huge sand hill.
Random Recollections
From Members
relationship that our members have enjoyed over
these many years with those who serve them in
the lounge.
•
One change that has evolved over the years is
the reduced participation by members in various
club tournaments. Years ago in the club championship there would be as many as nine flights
completely filled. Young members had the
opportunity to play with many older members.
•
Starting times were never really required. You
simply arrived and Lee Palhon, who was respected by all members, determined when you
would tee off.
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper
(1955)
Beachcombers’ Shindig
The Princess Anne Country Club resembled one of the
more remote islands in the South Seas as the guests
assembled there on Saturday night for the “Beachcomber
Party.” Harold Stewart (left) and Mrs. Lee Bonney were
there to greet J. C. Aspinwall (right). Other “islanders
exchanging greetings” were Mrs. Willard Ashburn, Jr.,
Dick Boisseau and Mrs. Sidney Kellam.
Princess Anne Country Club
27
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Mr. Windholz gave up the gavel in October 1933 and
strongly urged the club to acquire beachfront property for
development of beach activities.
In 1937 Richard Payne was the Virginia State Amateur
Champion. Subsequently, in 1953 he captured that title
again, and in 1970 won the first of his three consecutive
Senior State Championships. Learning golf as a small
boy, he used a putter which was designed by his father,
Robert Lee Payne, III, M.D., who was a prominent
surgeon and avid golfer.
Circa 1930 . The screen porch on the left of the Club, appropriately
called “The Birdcage,” had been added.
Picture from Virginia Beach, Wish You Were Here by Joseph W.
Dunn, Jr. and Barbara S. Lyle.
Also in the 1930’s, Morton McCarthy was the Middle
Atlantic Golf Champion.
“The Forties”
“The Thirties”
In October 1930 the Board authorized the tennis committee to spend not in excess of $300 to convert the
tennis courts, then sown with grass, into regular tennis
courts.
It also authorized $500 to the golf committee to construct a nine hole putting green behind the first tee and
to beautify the grounds surrounding the clubhouse.
In July 1931 a very significant change in the bylaws was
made: Active members shall be limited to 300 and a
waiting list would be established, if needed.
Chandler Harper was the Princess Anne’s golf champion
in 1931 and later became one of the United States’
premier golfers, winning the PGA Championship and
many times the Virginia State Open Championship.
It was recorded that any member called to active duty
after September 1, 1940 shall be carried on the membership rolls without payment of dues.
An addition to the north end of the club was approved in
February 1941 consisting of extending the locker room
to provide a large room for a bar, card tables and a
second story to provide new sleeping rooms.
A new golf shop was authorized in November 1941.
In January 1943 the club sold the boathouse Lot #30 for
$1,500 to Mr. George Meredith in exchange for Lot
#140.
Mr. Leo Kernan was hired as golf professional in August
1943 to succeed Mr. Skipper. Mr. Kernan was instrumental in the growth of junior golf at the club.
Princess Anne Country Club
In the 1940’s
Junior Invitational Tournament
August 1965
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper (1965)
Lure of the Beach Aids Tennis Tournament
Virginia Beach - “This is the biggest tennis tournament
ever held in Virginia Beach,” said Earl Myers, tennis pro
at the Princess Anne Country Club, as he looked over
courts and lawns filled with white-clad youngers.
About 127 boys and girls from 12 to 18 years of age, are
participating in the second annual Princess Anne Junior
Invitational Tournament which will run through Friday.
The youngsters come from throughout Virginia and North
Carolina, Washington and Maryland. One participant is
second in her age group in the
state of California.
Tuesday evening the Princess Anne Country Club
provided them with a cookout and music by “The Town
Criers,” a young group of Norfolk musicians.
During the day, it was singles, doubles and swimming.
For the tennis-oriented youngsters, it was the beach that
was a novelty and elicited most of their enthusiasm.
“That’s why we’re here,” chorused a group of boys who
were watching the tennis tournaments while discussing
the best way to catch crabs.
Ernest Ball, who organized the
event for the Princess Anne
Country Club, feels that tennis
has a great potential as a
drawing card for Virginia
Beach. He would like to see
city interest in the sport and a
tennis center at the Beach with
public courts.
“We draw many of these young
players and their parents
because we are at Virginia
Beach,” he said. “Many
combine the tournament with a
family vacation.”
Before the matches came a cookout for the young tennis players. Mrs. G. S. Jordan (center) chats
with players David Kalmon of Richmond and Mimi Cooke of Norfolk.
“We’ve drawn many more
players than last year,” said Mrs. G. S. Jordan, woman’s
chairman of the event, “and it could grow even larger.”
As an Aside . . . The junior tennis program at the
“Planning a tennis tournament of this size takes months
of work,” said Ball.
club remains strong. Many of our young players
continue to compete in local, state and national
Sixteen courts throughout the city are in use. About 65
of the youngsters came without their parents and housing
was found for them with Virginia Beach families.
tournaments. Our junior play on high school and
college teams. The junior club tournament held each
Many of the youngsters in the tournament are experienced tennis competitors and follow the Middle Atlantic
tennis circuit during the summer months.
6
Princess Anne Country Club
summer fields great inter-club competition.
For the past few years, the club has hosted the
Virginia State Girls 16’s and under tournament.
23
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Women’s Tennis Doubles Champions
Willard Ashburn, Jr.
Men’s Tennis Doubles Champions
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
22
Tommy Rueger – John O. Wynne
Tommy Rueger – John O. Wynne
Harry Cross – Broun Dameron
Tommy Rueger – John O. Wynne
Harry Cross – Broun Dameron
Harry Cross – Broun Dameron
Harry Cross – Broun Dameron
W. S.Braithwaite, Jr. – Guy Dougherty
Tommy Rueger – John O. Wynne
Conrad Shumadine – John O. Wynne
Tommy Rueger – John O. Wynne
Randy Harrison – Clay Robinson
Britt Visser – Roger Visser
Britt Visser – Roger Visser
Harry Cross – Bill Vaughan
Britt Visser – Roger Visser
Mike Brogan – Vince Thomas, II
Mike Brogan – Vince Thomas, II
Jeff Breit – Anthony Velo
Jeff Breit – Anthony Velo
Scott Pachter – Britt Visser
Scott Pachter – Britt Visser
Scott Pachter – Britt Visser
Worth Remick – Anthony Velo
Scott Pachter – Britt Visser
Jeff Breit – Anthony Velo
Anthony Velo – Tommy Thomson
Ricky Stevens – Britt Visser
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Alice Braithwaite – Isabel Yates
Millie McGuire – Shu Shook
Sugar Stormont – Virginia Syer
Millie McGuire – Shu Shook
Bev Land – Isabel Yates
Bev Land – Isabel Yates
Bev Land – Shu Shook
Terry Broecker – Joanne Renn
Sharon Fraim – Betsy Price
Millie McGuire – Joanne Renn
Millie McGuire – Joanne Renn
Millie McGuire – Betsy Price
Millie McGuire – Betsy Price
Betsy Price – Joanne Renn
Millie McGuire – Betsy Price
Katie Harrison – Sheila Schara
Katie Harrison – Joanne Renn
Katie Harrison – Joanne Renn
Talbott Jordan – Sally Kitchin
Talbott Jordan – Sally Kitchin
Talbott Jordan – Sally Kitchin
Talbott Jordan – Sally Kitchin
Kathy Bennett – Deborah Savell
Sally Kitchin – Joanne Renn
Suzy Reigel Breit – Toby Fanney
Suzy Reigel Breit – Toby Fanney
No Event
Anderson Cup Champions
1989
T
he club has frequently offered memberships to the ranking military leaders in the area. They, and the many
retired military members, have been great assets to the club.
Late in World War II, George H. W. Bush was a young Naval officer stationed in Virginia Beach. The following is
from pages 24 and 25 of Barbara Bush: A Memoir:
“The next time I joined George was in Virginia Beach. I had been warned by an older friend from Rye that I
should go down early to get a place. She also suggested that we try to join the Princess Anne Country Club, which
had several very inexpensive service memberships available. We ended up with a tiny basement apartment in a
really big private home right across the street from the club, and for six dollars, we became members of this little
gem of a place. The food was good, and the golf course was beautiful. The woman we rented from, a Mrs. Grandy,
was an absolutely crazy woman. We had a tiny bathroom across the hall from our little room. Mrs. Grandy rented
out space on her living room floor and said that our bathroom went with it. So I instantly became the cleaner of a
public bath. She had wild, dyed red hair and wandered around that big house in her nightgown. There were
hundreds of stories about her, and I believed them all. The one I liked best was the fact that she hated hairy men
and made her late husband sit in a bathtub of Neet hair remover. We never heard how he died, but we guessed it
was a very painful death.
It was a fun summer. We sat on the beach, partied, and entertained guests. George’s sister, Nancy, came to visit
and lived on the beach. We warned her about the sun, but she said she didn’t burn. Famous last words. We sent
her home on the train with a burned faced and closed eyes.
George took up golf with Max Moore, another young pilot, who remained a friend for life. The boys would send
me into the fairway about three hundred yards ahead. Then one of them would hit, and I’d hear a yell: “Left.”
Then I’d charge into the woods to the left and try to find the ball. Those two lost more golf balls than you can
believe. We laughed our way through the summer with Jacquie and Doug West, Milt Moore, Jack and Bea Guy,
and Max Moore.
But again, the undercurrents were strong. George and his new squadron, VT 153, were getting closer and closer
to going back overseas, probably to be involved in the anticipated invasion of Japan. By now I realized that what
my dad had told me before I married was true. He said that every day you stay married, you fall more and more in
love with your husband or wife. It was certainly true in my case, and I did not want George to return to the war.
Many of our friends were dying. V-E Day came and went, and yet the Japanese fought on. Then the atomic bombs
were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Horrid as those bombs were, they saved many, many American and
Japanese lives. I’ve always respected Harry Truman for making that courageous decision. I was also very grateful.
V-J Day arrived in August, and the rejoicing on the streets in Virginia Beach was loud, wild, and fairly liquid.
And why not? There was a lot to cheer about. Before the day ended, George and I went to a little church to thank
God for ending that war and to pray for all who had not lived. What a waste of so many good men and women,
Left to Right Sally Kitchin, Peggy Dunnington, Tennis Professional
Mike Miller, Joanne Renn, Talbott Jordan, Cherie Downing, Sharon
Fraim and Betsy Price.
including many friends.”
Princess Anne Country Club
H
7
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Men’s Tennis Singles Champions
In the 30’s . . . Left to Right W. R. C. Cocke, Teddy Willcox, Robert Throckmorton, Randolph Cooke, Nat Bundy, and William Howard
Victorious Princess Anne Country Club Linksmen
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Hunt Harris
John F. Rixey
Hunt Harris
W.S. Braithwaite, Jr.
John O. Wynne
John O. Wynne
Harry Cross
John O. Wynne
Harry Cross
Harry Cross
Maxey Bryant
Harry Cross
Clay Robinson
Maxey Bryant
Vince Thomas, II
Britt Visser
Britt Visser
Britt Visser
Andrew Downing
Britt Visser
William J. Vaughan, Jr.
Vince Thomas, II
William J. Vaughan, Jr.
Anthony Velo
Anthony Velo
Britt Visser
Britt Visser
Britt Visser
Worth Remick
Pat Devine, Jr.
Britt Visser
Britt Visser
H
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1986
1987
1988
Millie McGuire
Millie McGuire
Sally Old
Sally Old
Virginia Syer
Joanne Renn
Tracy Eubank
Joanne Renn
Talbott Jordan
Talbott Jordan
No Event
Talbott Jordan
No Event
Barbara Chapman
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Barbara Chapman
Joanne Renn
Joanne Renn
Talbott Jordan
Talbott Jordan
Talbott Jordan
Talbott Jordan
Joanne Renn
Deborah Savell
Toby Fanney
Joanne Renn
Joanne Renn
Toby Fanney
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper
Tennis Tournament
Hamilton Richardson vs. Vic Seixas August 1959
Tennis Stars Appear
Two of America’s finest amateur tennis players will play an
exhibition match at the Princess Anne Country Club today.
Ham Richardson ranked No. 1 in 1958 by the United States
Lawn Tennis Assn., and former national and Wimbledon
champion Vic Seixas will appear at Princess Anne at 2:30
p.m. then move on to the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club for
another match Sunday.
Richardson and Seixas, both members of the United States Davis
Cup squads in the past, will hold a brief clinic to open the
program. Then they will play a two-set match, followed by
workouts with some of the younger players at the Princess Anne.
Warren Johnson, the Princess
Anne tennis professional, first
had planned to name a local
doubles team to play the visitors.
“But we had no one to stand up
to them and I think the kids and
the members will enjoy seeing
our youngsters play a few games
with Ham and Vic.” Johnson
said.
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper
Seaside swingers who yesterday defeated the Cavalier Yacht and Country Club, 14– 4 . . . Front Left to Right Frank Atkinson, Brad Tazewell, Jr.,
Joe Fiveash, Jr., Jordan Ball, Brink Evans; back, Fred J. (Pete) Dean, Walter Bott, Al Mailhes, Lyle Ramsey, Harry McCready and Ben Walkley.
8
Women’s Tennis Singles Champions
Princess Anne Country Club
21
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
A Glance at Personalities Behind the Program
In the early years, tennis professionals came to the Princess Anne
in the summer months only, usually spending the winter at a club
in Florida. Warren Johnson became the first part-time professional
in the 1950’s. Wells Peck followed for a brief time. Earl Myers
then succeeded him in 1965.
Junior
Tennis
Stars
In the early 1970’s the club hired the first full-time tennis professional, Dick McKee who had been a National Indoor Doubles
Champion. McKee at the Princess Anne for a brief time and was
followed by Jim Champagne who stayed until the mid 1970’s.
Hunt Harris
Ralph Flohre came to the PACC in 1974 from a club in Richmond. During his tenure, Ralph was responsible for greatly
increasing the popularity of tennis at the club and the amount of
play. He encouraged players at all levels to enjoy the game and he
strengthened the junior program. The first indoor courts were built
during his tenure and play continued year round.
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper (1959)
Various champions who were honored last Wednesday at Awards Night . . . Left to Right are: C. T.
Dickson, medalist, runner-up of Windholz Handicap; Bill Kellam, Windholz champion; A. L.
(Pon) Lippitt, Vincent Thomas, Handicap champion; Cmdr. Brink Evans, winner of Father and
Son Tournament (Brink Jr. absent from picture); Dr. Robert McAlpine, runner-up, Vincent
Thomas Handicap; Frank Atkinson, senior champion . . . Al Mailhes, club champion, absent when
picture was made.
Mike Miller followed Ralph, coming to the club in 1988. After a
ten-year stay, Mike was succeeded by the current pro, Mitch
Adler, who was hired a Director of Tennis in 1999. Mitch was
named USPTA Mid-Atlantic Professional of the Year in 2001.
Through the years the tennis professionals have been assisted by
many able staff members. Assistant teching pros have included
Tom Shelton, Kris David and the current pros, Andy Hinkle and
Michael Jordan. Brigitte Sutherly has managed the shop for more
than fifteen years. Nancy Garber was the club’s first Director of
Tennis Activities and is followed ably by Beth Gregory. Rex
Rouse beautifully maintained the courts for many years and his
work continues with Jeff Partin.
Linda Koch
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper (1967)
Harris Upsets Hoff as Net Juniors Win Titles
The sun in the sky was hot, but 14-year old Hunt Harris cooled off and whipped defending
singles champion Dick Hoff of the Navy 8-6, 4-6 and 6-3 in the second annual City Tennis
Tournament on the Princess Anne High courts in greater Virginia Beach.
Harris’ win in the semi-finals last Sunday set up a finals match against John Deckwitz, an
Australian-born net man, at Princess Anne this coming Saturday, July 29. Deckwitz beat attorney
Robert Furniss in the semi-finals 6-1, 4-6 and 6-1.
Talbott Jordan
Linda Koch
went on to be
the president of
Randolph Macon
Women’s College in
Virginia and is
currently the Vice
President and
Secretary of Yale
University.
The doubles finals for men in the citywide tournament also will be Saturday. Hoff and Deckwitz
teamed up to gain a berth in the finals, but the other finals pair was not set by Virginia Beach Sun
at press time.
Two youngsters also gained laurels in the women’s division of the city tournament. Miss Talbott Jordan, 17, won the singles title
by downing Miss Pam Furniss, 15, with a 6-0 and 6-1 romp. Then Miss Jordan teamed with Linda Koch, 15, to take on veterans
Lib Langley and Betty Leitch in the doubles finals Sunday. The youngsters won 6-3 and 9-7.
Harris said he plans to play in the Princess Anne Country Club Junior Invitational July 31 to Aug. 3. Invitations have been sent to
120 players in Virginia, Maryland, the Washington, DC area and Ottawa, Canada.
Miss Jordan plans to begin a trip next week with her usual doubles companion, Mary Hotckiss of Norfolk. They plan to make the
Intersectional in Greenwich, Connecticut, and later go to the Philadelphia Cricket Club tournament for top 18-year-olds in the
nation.
20
“The Fifties”
H
Throughout
the years the
Princess Anne was
very cooperative
with reciprocal
agreements with
other country
clubs.
The golf course was used in 1954 for qualifying for the
U.S. Open.
Tom Strange, Jr. was elected as a junior member in June
1954. Mr. Strange won the Club Championship three
times. Subsequently his son, Curtis, won the U.S. Open
two consecutive years.
In the 1950’s Martha Smith came into prominence as an
outstanding golfer and later won the Club Championship
many times, as well as the Virginia State Championship.
After her death in 1994 the Ladies’ Member - Guest was
renamed the Martha Macklin Smith Memorial Member Guest in honor of her.
In May 1955 the Board approved an increase in active
memberships from 500 to 525 and set the limit of nonresidents to 325.
The quota for non-residents was increased to 350 in
March 1958.
As of December 1958, there were 160 on the active
waiting list and 32 on the non-resident waiting list.
Princess Anne Country Club
Mr. Roy M. Niel, Jr., manager, presenting Mrs. John Cocke with
the award for the “Best Name for the Old West Porch” ~ “The
Prince Charles Room” was chosen because of the present
Princess Anne and Prince Charles, children of Elizabeth II.
Spring 1956.
9
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Tennis History
“The Sixties”
The non-resident memberships were increased to 400 by
the Board in February 1960.
The fifth tennis court was added in the spring of 1961.
A major renovation was approved March 1962 to enlarge
and improve the men’s locker room, the men’s lounge
and allied facilities.
The official state handicap system was inaugurated in
April 1963. It was billed at $1 per year.
Mrs. Vincent Thomas, Mrs. H. A. Terjen and Mrs. R. E. McAlpine
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper
(August 1959)
Party Postscripts
Those who cancelled their dinner reservations at Princess Anne Country Club because of a little downpour of
rain missed a good party. But many did brave the elements. “There was a crowd,” Mrs. Vincent Thomas said,
“and everybody had a real good time!” . . . When H. A.
Terjen escorted Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. McAlpine to the
location of their table, Mrs. McAlpine was aghast. “We
can’t go in there!” she exclaimed. “It’s the men’s locker
room!” The overflow crowd eating there Saturday night
included Mr. and Mrs. Toy Savage, Mr. and Mrs.
Stockton Tyler, Mr. and Mrs. J. Warren White, Dr. and
Mrs. John Oast, Mr. and Mrs. Nere Day, Adm. and Mrs.
David Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wrenn and Mr. and Mrs.
Harvey L. Lindsay.
In 1968 the
Virginia State
Legislature passed
the “whiskey by the
drink” law, which
permitted the club to
serve mixed drinks
thereby eliminating “special”
lockers.
Mr. James G. Parke passed away and due to his many
contributions to the club, the Board authorized a trophy
to be purchased in his honor and designated the annual
member - guest golf tournament in his memory.
In 1965 the New York Times reported that the oldest
person to register an ace was George D. Booke, 86, of
Virginia Beach, who scored at the 155-yard second hole
of the Princess Anne Country Club.
In March 1965 construction of a new tennis shop overlooking the tennis courts on the eastside of the clubhouse
was approved at a cost of $20,000.
A major renovation was approved in October 1966
costing $430,000. The plan included a modern kitchen
(on same level as dining room), a luxuriously appointed
dining room, a larger dance floor, a permanently covered
entrance way, and an automatic elevator, all designed by
Williams and
Tazewell.
As of December
1968 there were
107 senior members, 525 active,
173 single lady
and 400 nonresident members.
August 22, 1963
th
marked the 10
Anniversary of an
extraordinary
manager, Mr. Roy
M. Niel.
Pictured above are Mrs. William Kellam and Mayor F. Dusch.
10
The Early Years
Like the rest of the history of the Princess Anne Country
Club, tradition on the tennis courts dates back to the
roaring twenties when the club built its first two grass
courts. The spot of land was in so perfect a setting that
only the strong northeast winds could ruin the game.
Tennis in the early years at the Princess Anne was played
on two grass courts, situated where the present day
parking lot in front of the main clubhouse is currently
located. The setting was unique to the times with the
ocean in the background and rolling grass hills for the
spectators. Many of the game’s greatest players graced
our courts in the early years. Because the Cavalier Hotel
was steeped in tennis tradition, it was rumored that many
of the most excellent players practiced on the PACC
courts, including the great Bill Tilden himself. Perhaps
our proudest moment was when Vic Seixas played
Hamilton Richardson in an exhibition match in 1959.
In the 1930’s, the two grass courts were converted into
clay courts, for a grand total of $300. These were some
of the earliest clay courts in the area. It should be noted
that the first tennis fee of $.50 cents per day was put into
effect in April 1929, a high fee for the times. The
Princess Anne joined the Norfolk Yacht Club, Westover
Tennis Club, and the Cavalier Hotel to be one of the
early pioneers of the sport in the Tidewater area.
An Evolving Facility and Program
Virginia. Janine Underwood, USTA Executive Director,
stated, “On behalf of the USTA Virginia Tennis Association, we wish to congratulate the participating country
clubs on the 40th Anniversary of the Anderson Cup. We
are proud to have this type of tradition held in the state
of Virginia. We look forward to another 40 years.” In
2001 past players of the Anderson Cup donated a bench
which represents the great tradition of this event. The
Anderson Cup bench and the board listing all of the past
players from the club are on display in the Tennis Shop.
Through the years the Annual Member - Guest Tennis
Tournament held each summer has been very popular
with the members and spectators. Some of the best tennis
played in the state has been viewed from the hillside
along the original courts or from under the tent beside
court one of the new tennis facility. Each year the club
tournament has been very successful with good competition at all levels of play.
In 1966, the tennis concrete practice wall and fence were
erected for $1,500 and it was not until 1975 that the
club purchased the adjacent property to the south for use
as tennis courts. Two new outdoor hard surface courts
were approved and built in 1981. In October of 1992 the
new PACC indoor and outdoor tennis facility was
finished and the old courts were eliminated to build the
current parking lot. While some tradition may have been
lost when the old courts were demolished, the Princess
Anne consequently became one of the most prestigious
indoor tennis facilities in the state.
In 1999 the Princess Anne Country Club was named the
USTA Virginia Club of the Year. This award is a realistic
reflection of the standard of excellence that the tennis
program has maintained and improved upon over the years.
In 1956 two new tennis courts were built in the front of
the club and were designed so members could enjoy
watching the play from the clubhouse or the
lawn. In these days you could stroll past the
Tennis Kids Summer 1956 Popsicle Tournament
tennis courts and through a beautiful walkway
right to the ocean.
The 1960’s were big years for tennis at the
club as the Board approved the lighting for
two clay courts at a cost of almost $5,000.
During this time mosquitoes were some of the
toughest opponents.
1962 was an important year in our tennis
history, as PACC joined Farmington Country
Club, Country Club of Virginia, and Norfolk
Yacht in forming the 1st Annual Anderson
Cup tournament. The Anderson Cup, which
celebrated its 40th birthday in 2001, is the
longest running Cup event in the history of
Princess Anne Country Club
Left to Right Ann Bennett, Bill Rueger, Holly Winters, Bill Grant, Pete Holt, and
Hampton Sewell. In back, Left to Right Wickie Taylor, Tom Ryan and Bill Braithwaite.
19
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Martha Macklin Smith
“The
1923 – 1994
Members were asked to vote on the construction of two
indoor tennis courts. 282 voted for, 65 against. They
approved construction in May 1974 not to exceed
$200,000.
Mrs. Herbert L. Smith, III was a gifted golfer who
dominated golf in the Tidewater area. In a twenty-five
year span, Martha was club champion of the Princess
Anne twenty-one times. She won three VSGA Women’s
Senior Champion titles and was the Virginia Beach
Amateur Champion at least three times. She and Jordan
Ball won the first three VSGA Tournaments of Club
Champions 1970 – 72 and returned when the event was
revived, winning again with Bill McClanan in 1984.
Martha had a powerful one-piece swing with a huge arc
that always came back to direct contact with the ball.
Not the longest hitter, she perfected her short game to
the degree that taking three strokes to get down from
anywhere was shameful. At every tournament, Martha
and her sister Mary Helen Rawls could always be found
at the putting green, honing those skills.
Besides her athletic ability–she was also a hot tennis
player—Martha’s great assets were her sense of humor
and her highly developed competitive spirit. A voracious
reader, she had a sharp intellect, a conscientious spirit
and a big heart.
Martha Macklin Smith
1984
18
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Katherine Clark
Katherine Clark
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Peggy Woodard
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Peggy Woodard
Martha Smith
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Peggy Woodard
Martha Smith
Chris Epperly
Chris Epperly
Course Closed
Chris Epperly
Chris Epperly
Chris Epperly
Peggy Woodard
Monique Martone
Lou Byrd
Lou Byrd
Peggy Woodard
Sally Smith
Joanne Neff
Joanne Neff
Sally Smith
Betty Barco
Joanne Neff
A flagpole was erected near the first tee in honor of
Landon Hilliard.
In September 1977 the club purchased property just
south of the club on Pacific Avenue (125’ x 125’) for
$65,000 to be used as tennis courts.
Left to Right W. Cecil Carpenter, Roy R. Charles, Charles H.
Slingluff and Nere E. Day. (1965)
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper
Slingluff Heads P.A. Country Club
Charles H. Slingluff has been elected president of the
Princess Anne Country Club.
Roy R. Charles is vice president, Nere E. Day is treasurer and W. Cecil Carpenter is secretary.
The club’s new directors are John B. Preston, R. S. Rydell,
James M. Jordan, III and Dr. John O. Rydeen.
Ladies’ Golf Champions
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
Seventies”
Ladies’ Member-Guest
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Betty Barco – Peggy Meyers
Brooke Mahlstedt – Holly Perrow
Peggy Woodard – Kit Davis
Rickie Little – Betty Mauch
Lucy Davis – Betty Mauch
Rickie Little – Bun Wyatt
Frances Finley – Blair Boze
No Event (Renovating)
Sara Taylor – Brum Tefft
Sara Taylor – Brum Tefft
Westy Doyle – Lib McAlpine
Cynthia Clements – Mary Holler
Martha Smith – Mary Helen Rawls
Joanne Neff – Patsy Tiffany
Sandy Standing – Kay Wright
Fitzie Baldwin – Cynthia Pridmore
Jean Heyworth – Peggy Woodard
Mary McNeal – Ellen Morey
Betty Barco – Carol Root
Joyce Zacharias – Beth Orr
Sandy Mizell – Betty Power
Anne Odom – Debra Ray
Slingluff presented an inscribed silver tray to James M.
Jordan, Jr., outgoing president.
House committee chairman Cecil Carpenter reported that
plans for next year included a complete remodeling of
the kitchen and dining areas.
“Hootenanny”
During the 1970’s
Carole Doyle, Nancy Woodward, Spencer Lott,
John Preston and George Powell.
The Princess Anne became more closely associated with
the Virginia State Golf Association, including using their
handicap system.
In the 1970’s the Princess Anne continued to host
various local organizations. Of course, many private
parties and wedding receptions were also held at the
club.
Throughout the years, as the ever-increasing automobile
traffic grew, a car occasionally was hit by an errant golf
ball. This became a factor years later in initiating the
golf course renovation.
Left to Right Mrs. G. P. Davis, Mrs. C. S. Snodgrass, Mrs.
O. Ray Yates, Jr., Mrs. Duck Braithwaite and Mrs. D. H.
Batchelder, Jr.
Princess Anne Country Club
11
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
The lot behind the 6th green was purchased from the
Thompson’s for $100,000.
The golf course architectural firm Ault, Clark and
Associates was hired in April 1985 to provide consulting
services regarding the course renovation. On April 15,
1988 and after eighteen months of renovation, the golf
course re-opened.
1985 Ladies’ Club Championship
Left to Right - Championship Flight - Martha Smith, Peggy Woodard,
Chris Epperly and Cindy Brown.
“The Eighties”
Approval was given by the Board in March 1980 to
spend $15,000 to relocate the main entrance to the pool
area, with gatehouse, new fencing and steps at the pool’s
southwest corner.
The Board reduced the initiation fee for applicants under
35 years of age to help encourage younger members to
join.
Two new outdoor hard surface tennis courts were approved and scheduled to be completed November 1981.
The lot (approximately one acre) at the northeast corner
of Holly Road and Linkhorn Drive was purchased for
$55,000 in September 1981.
As of October 1984 there were 678 active (including
seniors), 195 single lady (including seniors) and 459
non-resident members.
24,000 rounds of golf were played in fiscal 1984 by
members and 2,120 rounds by guests.
The practice field in Bay Colony was lost to development on January 1, 1985.
In February 1986 the Board authorized the building
committee to commence negotiations with Clark T.
Harmon Associates and H. Chambers for the preparation
of construction plans, specifications and design plans for
the renovation, refurnishing and redecorating of the
clubhouse.
12
At the December 19, 1986 Board meeting, the chairman
of the building committee reported that due to delays
experienced by the architects and engineers, the working
drawings could not be available until late spring 1986,
so actual renovations could not begin before October 1,
1987.
In July 1987 the Board rejected all bids for renovation of
the present clubhouse as being extremely high. It was
also decided to proceed with plans for a new clubhouse.
In August 1988, the Board decided to delay construction
of a new clubhouse.
On October 12, 1989, a special meeting was held to
discuss the timeframe of the clubhouse construction
project. It was also determined that the total construction
budget limit figure would be $8.5 million. At the 1989
Annual Meeting, the Board’s decision to proceed with
Phase I of the project was presented. Phase II of the
project would follow when finances permitted. The first
phase would include new swimming and tennis facilities,
new parking areas and landscaping. The second phase
would include a new clubhouse and the third phase
would include a new maintenance building and banquet
and lodging facilities.
The firm HGHB was employed to design Phase I and
construction was to begin when financing became
available.
A framed aerial photographic view of the old course
(1921-1986) was presented to the club by Allen Clay in
honor of the late greens superintendent, Red Pallette.
In the years 1988, 1990 and 1991 the Tennis Member Guest was won by Vincent G. Thomas, II and Marvin
Bush, son of President George H. W. Bush.
There were 558 active male residents and 158 senior
active male resident members.
Men’s Member - Member
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
W.J. Dekker – J.F. Bryant, Jr.
C.U. Walkley – T.W. Smith, Jr.
H.L. Evans – D. Parker
J.A. Mapp – P.L. Standing
R.V. Timms – A.J. Timms
T.C. Broyles – B.L. Warren, Jr.
W.Moore, III – F.M. Williams
R.V. Savage – G.E. Schaubach, Jr.
J.R. Liles, II – E.S. Taylor
W.B. Eley – J.D. Finley, II
R.V. Timms – M.A. Henry
R.M. Buchanan – D.D. Tewes
W.B. Meredith, II – L.C. Drake
J.R. Liles, II
- J.S. Liles
E.S. Taylor – J.R. Liles, II
No Event (Renovating)
R.B. Tucker – S.H. Mundy
J.L. Kitchin, Jr. – A.H. Bell, II
W.L. Ansell – S.J. Mason
N.C. Wright – W.K. Wright
J.A. Standing – J.L. Gibson, III
C.V. Cutchins – M.L. Clark
C.V. Cutchins – M.L. Clark
A.J. Downing – T.J. Holroyd
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
F.P. Aucamp – F.J. Brichter
J.L. Gibson – R.C. Buckalew
J.B. Flowers, III – W.C. Zobel
Cecil Cutchins – Michael L. Clark
Skip Zobel – Pat Devine, Jr.
Skip Zobel – Pat Devine, Jr.
The above is a postcard depicting the Princess Anne Country Club golf course.
Member - Guest Champions
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
R. E. Tucker - C. Anderson
J. Ball, Jr. - H. B. Vincent
W. L. Berkley - M. B. Beecroft
W. L. Berkley - M. B. Beecroft
W. W. McClanan, III - R. Serzen
W. W. McClanan, III - R. Serzen
B. Barrow - L. Wheless
E. B. Tazewell, Jr. - N. Baber
W. R. Beckett - G. V. Beamon
W. L. Berkley - M. B. Beecroft
W.W. McClanan, III - A. Vaughan
H. L. Keyser - G. McFerren
G. V. Beamon - P. Greer
R. B. Payne - A. Avent
W. J. Dekker - A. Keyler
W.W. McClanan, III - A. Vaughan
W.W. McClanan, III - A. Vaughan
E. C. Skinner - J. Blakemore
1983
1984
1985
1986
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
W.W. McClanan, III - A. Vaughan
W. L. Berkley - M. B. Beecroft
W. L. Berkley - M. B. Beecroft
W.W. McClanan, III - A. Vaughan
E. B. Tazewell, Jr. - A. W. Allen
D. Houghton - K. W. Jahn, Jr.
D. Houghton - K. W. Jahn, Jr.
J. Mapp - M. Roach
J. D. Taylor - J. Boatwright
R. V. Timms, Sr. - S. R. Saal
H. G. Huey - G. B. Kemp
S. C. Buchanan - G. R. Horton
S. J. Mason - M. S. Morgan
R. B. Tucker - R. E. Tucker, Jr.
J. D. Taylor - J. Boatwright
A. C. Tharp - C. Giles
J. D. Taylor - J. Boatwright
J. Kerr - G. McDonald
H
Princess Anne Country Club
17
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
“The Nineties”
Men’s Club Champions
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
16
J. S. Barron
H. H. Hume
A. L. Walker
A. L. MacDonald
L. Wren
J. F. Dillion
S. Q. Collins
C. Harper
J. T. Talbot
October 23, 1955
J. T. Talbot
Brothers-in law
W. F. Vellines
Tom Strange and Jordan Ball
L. C. Syer
W. F. Vellins
M. McCarthy
1973
C. J. Ball, Jr.
N. H. Bundy
1974
F. P. Aucamp
F. A. Dusch
1975
C. J. Ball, Jr.
F. A. Dusch
1976
M. J. Timberlake
C. W. Eley
1977
W. W. McClanan, III
W. M. Bott
1978
M. E. Hays
W. M. Bott
1979
W. W. McClanan, III
J. A. Beasley
1980
R.
B. Tucker
W. M. Bott
1981
W. W. McClanan, III
A. R. Mailhes
1982
M. E. Hays
A. R. Mailhes
1983
R. B. Tucker
R. R. Beasley
1984
W. W. McClanan, III
G. R. Guy
1985
W. W. McClanan, III
G. R. Guy
1986
W. W. McClanan, III
R. B. Payne
1987
Course Closed
H. G. McCready
A. R. Mailhes
G. R. Guy
T. W. Strange
T. W. Strange
T. W. Strange
A. R. Mailhes
A. R. Mailhes
C. J. Ball, Jr.
C. G. Guy
G. V. Beamon
W. S. Clements
L. R. Watson
C. J. Ball, Jr.
C. J. Ball, Jr.
C. J. Ball, Jr.
F. P. Aucamp
C. J. Ball, Jr.
C. J. Ball, Jr.
C. J. Ball, Jr.
W. W. McClanan, III
In October 1990 a bylaw change was adopted which
allowed women to become full members.
Also during this time period, the club was fully “computerized” to come into the electronic age. The dining
facilities continued to be outstanding with excellent
chefs preparing fine cuisine. Facility expansion and
technological improvements as well as growth in recreational opportunities for all members were ongoing.
Children’s activities including summer camp and movie
night have continued to be well attended.
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
R. B. Tucker
L. O. Clark, III
R. B. Tucker
L. O. Clark, III
L. O. Clark, III
M. E. Hays
W. W. McClanan, III
N. C. Wright, Jr.
W. W. McClanan, III
M. E. Hays
M. E. Hays
M. E. Hays
M. E. Hays
M. E. Hays
The new swimming pool and pavilion opened in 1991
providing modern facilities that were enjoyed by many
club member families. Enhancements in summer amenities included the grill, expanded diving well and baby
pool. In 1992 the new indoor and outdoor tennis courts
were completed bringing a state-the-art facility to the
Tidewater area.
The renovated golf course received ever-increasing use
as golf continued to be a favorite past time. The fitness
facility played an important role in club life providing
services for members to maintain or increase their levels
of fitness. Time seems to stand still in the Men’s and
Ladies’ Lounges as card games remain popular and
competitive. The bridge tournaments are enjoyed by
many members.
The Princess Anne Country Club has more than fulfilled
the high expectations of its founders and continues to
look forward to an outstanding future.
H
Hurricane Bonnie hit Virginia Beach on August 28, 1998 causing
extensive to the golf course and club grounds.
Glancing Back . . .
Through the years the Princess Anne has had many loyal
employees who have shown the best of Southern hospitality. One of the more personable staff members who
always added to the joy of club membership was Russell
Williams, locker room attendant. When Russell was
requested by a prominent physician to quickly clean his
shoes, he replied, “Doc, if you can’t afford two pairs of
shoes you shouldn’t be a member of this club.”
On another occasion, the Governor came down for a
round of golf. As he walked to the first tee to begin play
before his scheduled tee time, Lee
The Princess Anne Country Club pictured in 2002, currently maintains a membership of
Palhon, assistant to Tom Skipper,
911 resident members, 225 non-resident members, and 6 honorary members.
golf professional, said with his
contagious personality, “Governor,
you run the State and I’ll run the
golf course. You are going to have
to wait a while.”
The course was always a challenging one. No one knew this better
than Jack Harris. Jack ran the
drink stand that used to be behind
no. 9 tee, and he had an open bet
for everyone if they hit the ninth
green. He rarely lost.
H
Princess Anne Country Club
13
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Golf at the Princess Anne
The history of golf at the Princess Anne Country Club
started back in the early 1920’s when the first golf
professional, Paul Taylor, resigned to move to New York
to open a new business. It was then that the club hired a
golf professional by the name of Tom Skipper. Tom
Skipper was a native of England and served his apprenticeship under the famous Harry Vardon. Tom came to
the Virginia Beach course highly recommended as a
good player, teacher, and club maker. In addition, he
knew how to keep the course in top-notch condition.
Tom had just recently finished the construction of two
courses in Maryland and at the time he was hired, the
Princess Anne was in the process of planting the greens
with bent grass with assistance of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. During Tom’s career at the Princess Anne
Country Club, many tournaments were hosted from the
state level to national events like the Women’s Southern
Golf Championship in 1931. Tom’s career at the Princess
Anne came to an end in the summer of 1943. At the time
there was war overseas and because he was 60, he was
ready to take a break from work and enjoy the game that
had provided his livelihood.
Photo from Images of America - Virginia Beach - Jewel Resort of the
Atlantic by Amy Waters Yarsinske.
The golf course was the site of several great golf battles
back in the 1920’s, such as the November 1924 tournament between Walter Hagen, Johnny Farrell, Gene
Sarazen and a number of other prominent professionals
of that era. The course record was set twice in one day.
Johnny Farrell went out early and shot a new course
record of 68. This didn’t last long because only a few
minutes later, Walter Hagen shot 67 to set the course
record which stood until 1937 when Tom Skipper would
shoot 66.
Over the next several years the course record would fall
again. In 1941, Chandler Harper shot 64, which stood
until 1954 when E. B. Tazewell, Jr. tied it. Then in
1957 a young member by the name of Jordan Ball broke
the course record with a score of 63. Three years later in
1960 he broke it again with an unbelievable score of 62
(29-33), which remained the course record for the
original course layout.
After Tom Skipper retired, Leo Kernan was hired as the
golf professional and during his tenure the game of golf
grew tremendously throughout the country. This was
evident at the Princess Anne during the 50’s and 60’s
with the growing number of rounds played and the
number of members’ children who started to play during
this time. Leo Kernan played a major role in the development of junior golf at the Club. Many junior golfers of
Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, and an amateur golfer named Forrester (from left to
right in the foreground) participated in an October 1923 exhibition at Princess Anne
Country Club, opened in 1920. The golf course was completed in 1921.
Golf Professional Leo Kernan with junior golfers.
this time became very prominent players not only on a
club or local level, but one individual in particular by
the name of Charlie McDowell went on to win the U.S.
Junior Amateur title. Several golfers such as Jordan Ball,
Billy McClanan, Joe Fiveash and Martha Smith, to name
a few, were regulars on the leader boards in local and
state tournaments, while also filling up the places on all
the club tournaments.
Board of Directors decided to rebuild all the greens and
change the routing of the course to its present layout.
The course reopened in the spring of 1988 and is one of
the most enjoyable and demanding courses that one can
play. In the fall of 1989 Gene Mattare accepted a
position at a club in Pennsylvania that was hosting the
U.S. Senior Open the following year and Gene remains
at that club today.
In the spring of 1990, John Frankos was hired as the golf
When Leo Kernan retired, a young professional by the
name of Ronnie Gerringer was hired. Ronnie was a good professional. John had been the assistant at the club
under Gene Mattare since 1983. Golf was reaching its
player and teacher who helped develop the skills of
peak throughout the country and the Princess Anne was
many golfers at the club. Many of the junior golfers of
no exception and as the number of golfers
his time are now members of the Club and
continued to grow at the club, the idea of
continue to play and enjoy the game.
building a new course to accept the
Mrs. Martha
In 1980 Gene Mattare was hired. Gene
increase in players was discussed. It was
Smith was a
came to the club after working at the
during this time that many new courses
remarkable golfer.
Chevy Chase County Club in Maryland.
were also built in the area. The golf boom
She won the Ladies’
During the time that Gene was the golf
had hit Virginia Beach in full force.
Club Championship
professional, the club and golf course
During the 1990’s the club hosted several
an amazing 21 times,
underwent a lot of changes. In the winter
State Junior Tournaments, as well as
and was written
of 1986, major renovation was started on
many other tournaments sponsored by the
about in Golf
the golf course by the firm of Ault and
club. In the late 1990’s a new tournament
Magazine.
Clark. The golf course had several issues at
was created called the “Triumvirate,”
that time that needed to be addressed. The
which brought together the Princess Anne,
greens were in need of upgrading and road
Cavalier and Bayville clubs as a way to keep
avoidness was a concern. With this in mind, the
the three clubs’ history and competitiveness alive.
H
14
Princess Anne Country Club
15
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Golf at the Princess Anne
The history of golf at the Princess Anne Country Club
started back in the early 1920’s when the first golf
professional, Paul Taylor, resigned to move to New York
to open a new business. It was then that the club hired a
golf professional by the name of Tom Skipper. Tom
Skipper was a native of England and served his apprenticeship under the famous Harry Vardon. Tom came to
the Virginia Beach course highly recommended as a
good player, teacher, and club maker. In addition, he
knew how to keep the course in top-notch condition.
Tom had just recently finished the construction of two
courses in Maryland and at the time he was hired, the
Princess Anne was in the process of planting the greens
with bent grass with assistance of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. During Tom’s career at the Princess Anne
Country Club, many tournaments were hosted from the
state level to national events like the Women’s Southern
Golf Championship in 1931. Tom’s career at the Princess
Anne came to an end in the summer of 1943. At the time
there was war overseas and because he was 60, he was
ready to take a break from work and enjoy the game that
had provided his livelihood.
Photo from Images of America - Virginia Beach - Jewel Resort of the
Atlantic by Amy Waters Yarsinske.
The golf course was the site of several great golf battles
back in the 1920’s, such as the November 1924 tournament between Walter Hagen, Johnny Farrell, Gene
Sarazen and a number of other prominent professionals
of that era. The course record was set twice in one day.
Johnny Farrell went out early and shot a new course
record of 68. This didn’t last long because only a few
minutes later, Walter Hagen shot 67 to set the course
record which stood until 1937 when Tom Skipper would
shoot 66.
Over the next several years the course record would fall
again. In 1941, Chandler Harper shot 64, which stood
until 1954 when E. B. Tazewell, Jr. tied it. Then in
1957 a young member by the name of Jordan Ball broke
the course record with a score of 63. Three years later in
1960 he broke it again with an unbelievable score of 62
(29-33), which remained the course record for the
original course layout.
After Tom Skipper retired, Leo Kernan was hired as the
golf professional and during his tenure the game of golf
grew tremendously throughout the country. This was
evident at the Princess Anne during the 50’s and 60’s
with the growing number of rounds played and the
number of members’ children who started to play during
this time. Leo Kernan played a major role in the development of junior golf at the Club. Many junior golfers of
Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, and an amateur golfer named Forrester (from left to
right in the foreground) participated in an October 1923 exhibition at Princess Anne
Country Club, opened in 1920. The golf course was completed in 1921.
Golf Professional Leo Kernan with junior golfers.
this time became very prominent players not only on a
club or local level, but one individual in particular by
the name of Charlie McDowell went on to win the U.S.
Junior Amateur title. Several golfers such as Jordan Ball,
Billy McClanan, Joe Fiveash and Martha Smith, to name
a few, were regulars on the leader boards in local and
state tournaments, while also filling up the places on all
the club tournaments.
Board of Directors decided to rebuild all the greens and
change the routing of the course to its present layout.
The course reopened in the spring of 1988 and is one of
the most enjoyable and demanding courses that one can
play. In the fall of 1989 Gene Mattare accepted a
position at a club in Pennsylvania that was hosting the
U.S. Senior Open the following year and Gene remains
at that club today.
In the spring of 1990, John Frankos was hired as the golf
When Leo Kernan retired, a young professional by the
name of Ronnie Gerringer was hired. Ronnie was a good professional. John had been the assistant at the club
under Gene Mattare since 1983. Golf was reaching its
player and teacher who helped develop the skills of
peak throughout the country and the Princess Anne was
many golfers at the club. Many of the junior golfers of
no exception and as the number of golfers
his time are now members of the Club and
continued to grow at the club, the idea of
continue to play and enjoy the game.
building a new course to accept the
Mrs. Martha
In 1980 Gene Mattare was hired. Gene
increase in players was discussed. It was
Smith was a
came to the club after working at the
during this time that many new courses
remarkable golfer.
Chevy Chase County Club in Maryland.
were also built in the area. The golf boom
She won the Ladies’
During the time that Gene was the golf
had hit Virginia Beach in full force.
Club Championship
professional, the club and golf course
During the 1990’s the club hosted several
an amazing 21 times,
underwent a lot of changes. In the winter
State Junior Tournaments, as well as
and was written
of 1986, major renovation was started on
many other tournaments sponsored by the
about in Golf
the golf course by the firm of Ault and
club. In the late 1990’s a new tournament
Magazine.
Clark. The golf course had several issues at
was created called the “Triumvirate,”
that time that needed to be addressed. The
which brought together the Princess Anne,
greens were in need of upgrading and road
Cavalier and Bayville clubs as a way to keep
avoidness was a concern. With this in mind, the
the three clubs’ history and competitiveness alive.
H
14
Princess Anne Country Club
15
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
“The Nineties”
Men’s Club Champions
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
16
J. S. Barron
H. H. Hume
A. L. Walker
A. L. MacDonald
L. Wren
J. F. Dillion
S. Q. Collins
C. Harper
J. T. Talbot
October 23, 1955
J. T. Talbot
Brothers-in law
W. F. Vellines
Tom Strange and Jordan Ball
L. C. Syer
W. F. Vellins
M. McCarthy
1973
C. J. Ball, Jr.
N. H. Bundy
1974
F. P. Aucamp
F. A. Dusch
1975
C. J. Ball, Jr.
F. A. Dusch
1976
M. J. Timberlake
C. W. Eley
1977
W. W. McClanan, III
W. M. Bott
1978
M. E. Hays
W. M. Bott
1979
W. W. McClanan, III
J. A. Beasley
1980
R.
B. Tucker
W. M. Bott
1981
W. W. McClanan, III
A. R. Mailhes
1982
M. E. Hays
A. R. Mailhes
1983
R. B. Tucker
R. R. Beasley
1984
W. W. McClanan, III
G. R. Guy
1985
W. W. McClanan, III
G. R. Guy
1986
W. W. McClanan, III
R. B. Payne
1987
Course Closed
H. G. McCready
A. R. Mailhes
G. R. Guy
T. W. Strange
T. W. Strange
T. W. Strange
A. R. Mailhes
A. R. Mailhes
C. J. Ball, Jr.
C. G. Guy
G. V. Beamon
W. S. Clements
L. R. Watson
C. J. Ball, Jr.
C. J. Ball, Jr.
C. J. Ball, Jr.
F. P. Aucamp
C. J. Ball, Jr.
C. J. Ball, Jr.
C. J. Ball, Jr.
W. W. McClanan, III
In October 1990 a bylaw change was adopted which
allowed women to become full members.
Also during this time period, the club was fully “computerized” to come into the electronic age. The dining
facilities continued to be outstanding with excellent
chefs preparing fine cuisine. Facility expansion and
technological improvements as well as growth in recreational opportunities for all members were ongoing.
Children’s activities including summer camp and movie
night have continued to be well attended.
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
R. B. Tucker
L. O. Clark, III
R. B. Tucker
L. O. Clark, III
L. O. Clark, III
M. E. Hays
W. W. McClanan, III
N. C. Wright, Jr.
W. W. McClanan, III
M. E. Hays
M. E. Hays
M. E. Hays
M. E. Hays
M. E. Hays
The new swimming pool and pavilion opened in 1991
providing modern facilities that were enjoyed by many
club member families. Enhancements in summer amenities included the grill, expanded diving well and baby
pool. In 1992 the new indoor and outdoor tennis courts
were completed bringing a state-the-art facility to the
Tidewater area.
The renovated golf course received ever-increasing use
as golf continued to be a favorite past time. The fitness
facility played an important role in club life providing
services for members to maintain or increase their levels
of fitness. Time seems to stand still in the Men’s and
Ladies’ Lounges as card games remain popular and
competitive. The bridge tournaments are enjoyed by
many members.
The Princess Anne Country Club has more than fulfilled
the high expectations of its founders and continues to
look forward to an outstanding future.
H
Hurricane Bonnie hit Virginia Beach on August 28, 1998 causing
extensive to the golf course and club grounds.
Glancing Back . . .
Through the years the Princess Anne has had many loyal
employees who have shown the best of Southern hospitality. One of the more personable staff members who
always added to the joy of club membership was Russell
Williams, locker room attendant. When Russell was
requested by a prominent physician to quickly clean his
shoes, he replied, “Doc, if you can’t afford two pairs of
shoes you shouldn’t be a member of this club.”
On another occasion, the Governor came down for a
round of golf. As he walked to the first tee to begin play
before his scheduled tee time, Lee
The Princess Anne Country Club pictured in 2002, currently maintains a membership of
Palhon, assistant to Tom Skipper,
911 resident members, 225 non-resident members, and 6 honorary members.
golf professional, said with his
contagious personality, “Governor,
you run the State and I’ll run the
golf course. You are going to have
to wait a while.”
The course was always a challenging one. No one knew this better
than Jack Harris. Jack ran the
drink stand that used to be behind
no. 9 tee, and he had an open bet
for everyone if they hit the ninth
green. He rarely lost.
H
Princess Anne Country Club
13
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
The lot behind the 6th green was purchased from the
Thompson’s for $100,000.
The golf course architectural firm Ault, Clark and
Associates was hired in April 1985 to provide consulting
services regarding the course renovation. On April 15,
1988 and after eighteen months of renovation, the golf
course re-opened.
1985 Ladies’ Club Championship
Left to Right - Championship Flight - Martha Smith, Peggy Woodard,
Chris Epperly and Cindy Brown.
“The Eighties”
Approval was given by the Board in March 1980 to
spend $15,000 to relocate the main entrance to the pool
area, with gatehouse, new fencing and steps at the pool’s
southwest corner.
The Board reduced the initiation fee for applicants under
35 years of age to help encourage younger members to
join.
Two new outdoor hard surface tennis courts were approved and scheduled to be completed November 1981.
The lot (approximately one acre) at the northeast corner
of Holly Road and Linkhorn Drive was purchased for
$55,000 in September 1981.
As of October 1984 there were 678 active (including
seniors), 195 single lady (including seniors) and 459
non-resident members.
24,000 rounds of golf were played in fiscal 1984 by
members and 2,120 rounds by guests.
The practice field in Bay Colony was lost to development on January 1, 1985.
In February 1986 the Board authorized the building
committee to commence negotiations with Clark T.
Harmon Associates and H. Chambers for the preparation
of construction plans, specifications and design plans for
the renovation, refurnishing and redecorating of the
clubhouse.
12
At the December 19, 1986 Board meeting, the chairman
of the building committee reported that due to delays
experienced by the architects and engineers, the working
drawings could not be available until late spring 1986,
so actual renovations could not begin before October 1,
1987.
In July 1987 the Board rejected all bids for renovation of
the present clubhouse as being extremely high. It was
also decided to proceed with plans for a new clubhouse.
In August 1988, the Board decided to delay construction
of a new clubhouse.
On October 12, 1989, a special meeting was held to
discuss the timeframe of the clubhouse construction
project. It was also determined that the total construction
budget limit figure would be $8.5 million. At the 1989
Annual Meeting, the Board’s decision to proceed with
Phase I of the project was presented. Phase II of the
project would follow when finances permitted. The first
phase would include new swimming and tennis facilities,
new parking areas and landscaping. The second phase
would include a new clubhouse and the third phase
would include a new maintenance building and banquet
and lodging facilities.
The firm HGHB was employed to design Phase I and
construction was to begin when financing became
available.
A framed aerial photographic view of the old course
(1921-1986) was presented to the club by Allen Clay in
honor of the late greens superintendent, Red Pallette.
In the years 1988, 1990 and 1991 the Tennis Member Guest was won by Vincent G. Thomas, II and Marvin
Bush, son of President George H. W. Bush.
There were 558 active male residents and 158 senior
active male resident members.
Men’s Member - Member
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
W.J. Dekker – J.F. Bryant, Jr.
C.U. Walkley – T.W. Smith, Jr.
H.L. Evans – D. Parker
J.A. Mapp – P.L. Standing
R.V. Timms – A.J. Timms
T.C. Broyles – B.L. Warren, Jr.
W.Moore, III – F.M. Williams
R.V. Savage – G.E. Schaubach, Jr.
J.R. Liles, II – E.S. Taylor
W.B. Eley – J.D. Finley, II
R.V. Timms – M.A. Henry
R.M. Buchanan – D.D. Tewes
W.B. Meredith, II – L.C. Drake
J.R. Liles, II
- J.S. Liles
E.S. Taylor – J.R. Liles, II
No Event (Renovating)
R.B. Tucker – S.H. Mundy
J.L. Kitchin, Jr. – A.H. Bell, II
W.L. Ansell – S.J. Mason
N.C. Wright – W.K. Wright
J.A. Standing – J.L. Gibson, III
C.V. Cutchins – M.L. Clark
C.V. Cutchins – M.L. Clark
A.J. Downing – T.J. Holroyd
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
F.P. Aucamp – F.J. Brichter
J.L. Gibson – R.C. Buckalew
J.B. Flowers, III – W.C. Zobel
Cecil Cutchins – Michael L. Clark
Skip Zobel – Pat Devine, Jr.
Skip Zobel – Pat Devine, Jr.
The above is a postcard depicting the Princess Anne Country Club golf course.
Member - Guest Champions
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
R. E. Tucker - C. Anderson
J. Ball, Jr. - H. B. Vincent
W. L. Berkley - M. B. Beecroft
W. L. Berkley - M. B. Beecroft
W. W. McClanan, III - R. Serzen
W. W. McClanan, III - R. Serzen
B. Barrow - L. Wheless
E. B. Tazewell, Jr. - N. Baber
W. R. Beckett - G. V. Beamon
W. L. Berkley - M. B. Beecroft
W.W. McClanan, III - A. Vaughan
H. L. Keyser - G. McFerren
G. V. Beamon - P. Greer
R. B. Payne - A. Avent
W. J. Dekker - A. Keyler
W.W. McClanan, III - A. Vaughan
W.W. McClanan, III - A. Vaughan
E. C. Skinner - J. Blakemore
1983
1984
1985
1986
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
W.W. McClanan, III - A. Vaughan
W. L. Berkley - M. B. Beecroft
W. L. Berkley - M. B. Beecroft
W.W. McClanan, III - A. Vaughan
E. B. Tazewell, Jr. - A. W. Allen
D. Houghton - K. W. Jahn, Jr.
D. Houghton - K. W. Jahn, Jr.
J. Mapp - M. Roach
J. D. Taylor - J. Boatwright
R. V. Timms, Sr. - S. R. Saal
H. G. Huey - G. B. Kemp
S. C. Buchanan - G. R. Horton
S. J. Mason - M. S. Morgan
R. B. Tucker - R. E. Tucker, Jr.
J. D. Taylor - J. Boatwright
A. C. Tharp - C. Giles
J. D. Taylor - J. Boatwright
J. Kerr - G. McDonald
H
Princess Anne Country Club
17
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Martha Macklin Smith
“The
1923 – 1994
Members were asked to vote on the construction of two
indoor tennis courts. 282 voted for, 65 against. They
approved construction in May 1974 not to exceed
$200,000.
Mrs. Herbert L. Smith, III was a gifted golfer who
dominated golf in the Tidewater area. In a twenty-five
year span, Martha was club champion of the Princess
Anne twenty-one times. She won three VSGA Women’s
Senior Champion titles and was the Virginia Beach
Amateur Champion at least three times. She and Jordan
Ball won the first three VSGA Tournaments of Club
Champions 1970 – 72 and returned when the event was
revived, winning again with Bill McClanan in 1984.
Martha had a powerful one-piece swing with a huge arc
that always came back to direct contact with the ball.
Not the longest hitter, she perfected her short game to
the degree that taking three strokes to get down from
anywhere was shameful. At every tournament, Martha
and her sister Mary Helen Rawls could always be found
at the putting green, honing those skills.
Besides her athletic ability–she was also a hot tennis
player—Martha’s great assets were her sense of humor
and her highly developed competitive spirit. A voracious
reader, she had a sharp intellect, a conscientious spirit
and a big heart.
Martha Macklin Smith
1984
18
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Katherine Clark
Katherine Clark
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Peggy Woodard
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Peggy Woodard
Martha Smith
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Martha Smith
Martha Smith
Peggy Woodard
Martha Smith
Chris Epperly
Chris Epperly
Course Closed
Chris Epperly
Chris Epperly
Chris Epperly
Peggy Woodard
Monique Martone
Lou Byrd
Lou Byrd
Peggy Woodard
Sally Smith
Joanne Neff
Joanne Neff
Sally Smith
Betty Barco
Joanne Neff
A flagpole was erected near the first tee in honor of
Landon Hilliard.
In September 1977 the club purchased property just
south of the club on Pacific Avenue (125’ x 125’) for
$65,000 to be used as tennis courts.
Left to Right W. Cecil Carpenter, Roy R. Charles, Charles H.
Slingluff and Nere E. Day. (1965)
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper
Slingluff Heads P.A. Country Club
Charles H. Slingluff has been elected president of the
Princess Anne Country Club.
Roy R. Charles is vice president, Nere E. Day is treasurer and W. Cecil Carpenter is secretary.
The club’s new directors are John B. Preston, R. S. Rydell,
James M. Jordan, III and Dr. John O. Rydeen.
Ladies’ Golf Champions
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
Seventies”
Ladies’ Member-Guest
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Betty Barco – Peggy Meyers
Brooke Mahlstedt – Holly Perrow
Peggy Woodard – Kit Davis
Rickie Little – Betty Mauch
Lucy Davis – Betty Mauch
Rickie Little – Bun Wyatt
Frances Finley – Blair Boze
No Event (Renovating)
Sara Taylor – Brum Tefft
Sara Taylor – Brum Tefft
Westy Doyle – Lib McAlpine
Cynthia Clements – Mary Holler
Martha Smith – Mary Helen Rawls
Joanne Neff – Patsy Tiffany
Sandy Standing – Kay Wright
Fitzie Baldwin – Cynthia Pridmore
Jean Heyworth – Peggy Woodard
Mary McNeal – Ellen Morey
Betty Barco – Carol Root
Joyce Zacharias – Beth Orr
Sandy Mizell – Betty Power
Anne Odom – Debra Ray
Slingluff presented an inscribed silver tray to James M.
Jordan, Jr., outgoing president.
House committee chairman Cecil Carpenter reported that
plans for next year included a complete remodeling of
the kitchen and dining areas.
“Hootenanny”
During the 1970’s
Carole Doyle, Nancy Woodward, Spencer Lott,
John Preston and George Powell.
The Princess Anne became more closely associated with
the Virginia State Golf Association, including using their
handicap system.
In the 1970’s the Princess Anne continued to host
various local organizations. Of course, many private
parties and wedding receptions were also held at the
club.
Throughout the years, as the ever-increasing automobile
traffic grew, a car occasionally was hit by an errant golf
ball. This became a factor years later in initiating the
golf course renovation.
Left to Right Mrs. G. P. Davis, Mrs. C. S. Snodgrass, Mrs.
O. Ray Yates, Jr., Mrs. Duck Braithwaite and Mrs. D. H.
Batchelder, Jr.
Princess Anne Country Club
11
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Tennis History
“The Sixties”
The non-resident memberships were increased to 400 by
the Board in February 1960.
The fifth tennis court was added in the spring of 1961.
A major renovation was approved March 1962 to enlarge
and improve the men’s locker room, the men’s lounge
and allied facilities.
The official state handicap system was inaugurated in
April 1963. It was billed at $1 per year.
Mrs. Vincent Thomas, Mrs. H. A. Terjen and Mrs. R. E. McAlpine
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper
(August 1959)
Party Postscripts
Those who cancelled their dinner reservations at Princess Anne Country Club because of a little downpour of
rain missed a good party. But many did brave the elements. “There was a crowd,” Mrs. Vincent Thomas said,
“and everybody had a real good time!” . . . When H. A.
Terjen escorted Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. McAlpine to the
location of their table, Mrs. McAlpine was aghast. “We
can’t go in there!” she exclaimed. “It’s the men’s locker
room!” The overflow crowd eating there Saturday night
included Mr. and Mrs. Toy Savage, Mr. and Mrs.
Stockton Tyler, Mr. and Mrs. J. Warren White, Dr. and
Mrs. John Oast, Mr. and Mrs. Nere Day, Adm. and Mrs.
David Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wrenn and Mr. and Mrs.
Harvey L. Lindsay.
In 1968 the
Virginia State
Legislature passed
the “whiskey by the
drink” law, which
permitted the club to
serve mixed drinks
thereby eliminating “special”
lockers.
Mr. James G. Parke passed away and due to his many
contributions to the club, the Board authorized a trophy
to be purchased in his honor and designated the annual
member - guest golf tournament in his memory.
In 1965 the New York Times reported that the oldest
person to register an ace was George D. Booke, 86, of
Virginia Beach, who scored at the 155-yard second hole
of the Princess Anne Country Club.
In March 1965 construction of a new tennis shop overlooking the tennis courts on the eastside of the clubhouse
was approved at a cost of $20,000.
A major renovation was approved in October 1966
costing $430,000. The plan included a modern kitchen
(on same level as dining room), a luxuriously appointed
dining room, a larger dance floor, a permanently covered
entrance way, and an automatic elevator, all designed by
Williams and
Tazewell.
As of December
1968 there were
107 senior members, 525 active,
173 single lady
and 400 nonresident members.
August 22, 1963
th
marked the 10
Anniversary of an
extraordinary
manager, Mr. Roy
M. Niel.
Pictured above are Mrs. William Kellam and Mayor F. Dusch.
10
The Early Years
Like the rest of the history of the Princess Anne Country
Club, tradition on the tennis courts dates back to the
roaring twenties when the club built its first two grass
courts. The spot of land was in so perfect a setting that
only the strong northeast winds could ruin the game.
Tennis in the early years at the Princess Anne was played
on two grass courts, situated where the present day
parking lot in front of the main clubhouse is currently
located. The setting was unique to the times with the
ocean in the background and rolling grass hills for the
spectators. Many of the game’s greatest players graced
our courts in the early years. Because the Cavalier Hotel
was steeped in tennis tradition, it was rumored that many
of the most excellent players practiced on the PACC
courts, including the great Bill Tilden himself. Perhaps
our proudest moment was when Vic Seixas played
Hamilton Richardson in an exhibition match in 1959.
In the 1930’s, the two grass courts were converted into
clay courts, for a grand total of $300. These were some
of the earliest clay courts in the area. It should be noted
that the first tennis fee of $.50 cents per day was put into
effect in April 1929, a high fee for the times. The
Princess Anne joined the Norfolk Yacht Club, Westover
Tennis Club, and the Cavalier Hotel to be one of the
early pioneers of the sport in the Tidewater area.
An Evolving Facility and Program
Virginia. Janine Underwood, USTA Executive Director,
stated, “On behalf of the USTA Virginia Tennis Association, we wish to congratulate the participating country
clubs on the 40th Anniversary of the Anderson Cup. We
are proud to have this type of tradition held in the state
of Virginia. We look forward to another 40 years.” In
2001 past players of the Anderson Cup donated a bench
which represents the great tradition of this event. The
Anderson Cup bench and the board listing all of the past
players from the club are on display in the Tennis Shop.
Through the years the Annual Member - Guest Tennis
Tournament held each summer has been very popular
with the members and spectators. Some of the best tennis
played in the state has been viewed from the hillside
along the original courts or from under the tent beside
court one of the new tennis facility. Each year the club
tournament has been very successful with good competition at all levels of play.
In 1966, the tennis concrete practice wall and fence were
erected for $1,500 and it was not until 1975 that the
club purchased the adjacent property to the south for use
as tennis courts. Two new outdoor hard surface courts
were approved and built in 1981. In October of 1992 the
new PACC indoor and outdoor tennis facility was
finished and the old courts were eliminated to build the
current parking lot. While some tradition may have been
lost when the old courts were demolished, the Princess
Anne consequently became one of the most prestigious
indoor tennis facilities in the state.
In 1999 the Princess Anne Country Club was named the
USTA Virginia Club of the Year. This award is a realistic
reflection of the standard of excellence that the tennis
program has maintained and improved upon over the years.
In 1956 two new tennis courts were built in the front of
the club and were designed so members could enjoy
watching the play from the clubhouse or the
lawn. In these days you could stroll past the
Tennis Kids Summer 1956 Popsicle Tournament
tennis courts and through a beautiful walkway
right to the ocean.
The 1960’s were big years for tennis at the
club as the Board approved the lighting for
two clay courts at a cost of almost $5,000.
During this time mosquitoes were some of the
toughest opponents.
1962 was an important year in our tennis
history, as PACC joined Farmington Country
Club, Country Club of Virginia, and Norfolk
Yacht in forming the 1st Annual Anderson
Cup tournament. The Anderson Cup, which
celebrated its 40th birthday in 2001, is the
longest running Cup event in the history of
Princess Anne Country Club
Left to Right Ann Bennett, Bill Rueger, Holly Winters, Bill Grant, Pete Holt, and
Hampton Sewell. In back, Left to Right Wickie Taylor, Tom Ryan and Bill Braithwaite.
19
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
A Glance at Personalities Behind the Program
In the early years, tennis professionals came to the Princess Anne
in the summer months only, usually spending the winter at a club
in Florida. Warren Johnson became the first part-time professional
in the 1950’s. Wells Peck followed for a brief time. Earl Myers
then succeeded him in 1965.
Junior
Tennis
Stars
In the early 1970’s the club hired the first full-time tennis professional, Dick McKee who had been a National Indoor Doubles
Champion. McKee at the Princess Anne for a brief time and was
followed by Jim Champagne who stayed until the mid 1970’s.
Hunt Harris
Ralph Flohre came to the PACC in 1974 from a club in Richmond. During his tenure, Ralph was responsible for greatly
increasing the popularity of tennis at the club and the amount of
play. He encouraged players at all levels to enjoy the game and he
strengthened the junior program. The first indoor courts were built
during his tenure and play continued year round.
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper (1959)
Various champions who were honored last Wednesday at Awards Night . . . Left to Right are: C. T.
Dickson, medalist, runner-up of Windholz Handicap; Bill Kellam, Windholz champion; A. L.
(Pon) Lippitt, Vincent Thomas, Handicap champion; Cmdr. Brink Evans, winner of Father and
Son Tournament (Brink Jr. absent from picture); Dr. Robert McAlpine, runner-up, Vincent
Thomas Handicap; Frank Atkinson, senior champion . . . Al Mailhes, club champion, absent when
picture was made.
Mike Miller followed Ralph, coming to the club in 1988. After a
ten-year stay, Mike was succeeded by the current pro, Mitch
Adler, who was hired a Director of Tennis in 1999. Mitch was
named USPTA Mid-Atlantic Professional of the Year in 2001.
Through the years the tennis professionals have been assisted by
many able staff members. Assistant teching pros have included
Tom Shelton, Kris David and the current pros, Andy Hinkle and
Michael Jordan. Brigitte Sutherly has managed the shop for more
than fifteen years. Nancy Garber was the club’s first Director of
Tennis Activities and is followed ably by Beth Gregory. Rex
Rouse beautifully maintained the courts for many years and his
work continues with Jeff Partin.
Linda Koch
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper (1967)
Harris Upsets Hoff as Net Juniors Win Titles
The sun in the sky was hot, but 14-year old Hunt Harris cooled off and whipped defending
singles champion Dick Hoff of the Navy 8-6, 4-6 and 6-3 in the second annual City Tennis
Tournament on the Princess Anne High courts in greater Virginia Beach.
Harris’ win in the semi-finals last Sunday set up a finals match against John Deckwitz, an
Australian-born net man, at Princess Anne this coming Saturday, July 29. Deckwitz beat attorney
Robert Furniss in the semi-finals 6-1, 4-6 and 6-1.
Talbott Jordan
Linda Koch
went on to be
the president of
Randolph Macon
Women’s College in
Virginia and is
currently the Vice
President and
Secretary of Yale
University.
The doubles finals for men in the citywide tournament also will be Saturday. Hoff and Deckwitz
teamed up to gain a berth in the finals, but the other finals pair was not set by Virginia Beach Sun
at press time.
Two youngsters also gained laurels in the women’s division of the city tournament. Miss Talbott Jordan, 17, won the singles title
by downing Miss Pam Furniss, 15, with a 6-0 and 6-1 romp. Then Miss Jordan teamed with Linda Koch, 15, to take on veterans
Lib Langley and Betty Leitch in the doubles finals Sunday. The youngsters won 6-3 and 9-7.
Harris said he plans to play in the Princess Anne Country Club Junior Invitational July 31 to Aug. 3. Invitations have been sent to
120 players in Virginia, Maryland, the Washington, DC area and Ottawa, Canada.
Miss Jordan plans to begin a trip next week with her usual doubles companion, Mary Hotckiss of Norfolk. They plan to make the
Intersectional in Greenwich, Connecticut, and later go to the Philadelphia Cricket Club tournament for top 18-year-olds in the
nation.
20
“The Fifties”
H
Throughout
the years the
Princess Anne was
very cooperative
with reciprocal
agreements with
other country
clubs.
The golf course was used in 1954 for qualifying for the
U.S. Open.
Tom Strange, Jr. was elected as a junior member in June
1954. Mr. Strange won the Club Championship three
times. Subsequently his son, Curtis, won the U.S. Open
two consecutive years.
In the 1950’s Martha Smith came into prominence as an
outstanding golfer and later won the Club Championship
many times, as well as the Virginia State Championship.
After her death in 1994 the Ladies’ Member - Guest was
renamed the Martha Macklin Smith Memorial Member Guest in honor of her.
In May 1955 the Board approved an increase in active
memberships from 500 to 525 and set the limit of nonresidents to 325.
The quota for non-residents was increased to 350 in
March 1958.
As of December 1958, there were 160 on the active
waiting list and 32 on the non-resident waiting list.
Princess Anne Country Club
Mr. Roy M. Niel, Jr., manager, presenting Mrs. John Cocke with
the award for the “Best Name for the Old West Porch” ~ “The
Prince Charles Room” was chosen because of the present
Princess Anne and Prince Charles, children of Elizabeth II.
Spring 1956.
9
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Men’s Tennis Singles Champions
In the 30’s . . . Left to Right W. R. C. Cocke, Teddy Willcox, Robert Throckmorton, Randolph Cooke, Nat Bundy, and William Howard
Victorious Princess Anne Country Club Linksmen
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Hunt Harris
John F. Rixey
Hunt Harris
W.S. Braithwaite, Jr.
John O. Wynne
John O. Wynne
Harry Cross
John O. Wynne
Harry Cross
Harry Cross
Maxey Bryant
Harry Cross
Clay Robinson
Maxey Bryant
Vince Thomas, II
Britt Visser
Britt Visser
Britt Visser
Andrew Downing
Britt Visser
William J. Vaughan, Jr.
Vince Thomas, II
William J. Vaughan, Jr.
Anthony Velo
Anthony Velo
Britt Visser
Britt Visser
Britt Visser
Worth Remick
Pat Devine, Jr.
Britt Visser
Britt Visser
H
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1986
1987
1988
Millie McGuire
Millie McGuire
Sally Old
Sally Old
Virginia Syer
Joanne Renn
Tracy Eubank
Joanne Renn
Talbott Jordan
Talbott Jordan
No Event
Talbott Jordan
No Event
Barbara Chapman
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Barbara Chapman
Joanne Renn
Joanne Renn
Talbott Jordan
Talbott Jordan
Talbott Jordan
Talbott Jordan
Joanne Renn
Deborah Savell
Toby Fanney
Joanne Renn
Joanne Renn
Toby Fanney
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper
Tennis Tournament
Hamilton Richardson vs. Vic Seixas August 1959
Tennis Stars Appear
Two of America’s finest amateur tennis players will play an
exhibition match at the Princess Anne Country Club today.
Ham Richardson ranked No. 1 in 1958 by the United States
Lawn Tennis Assn., and former national and Wimbledon
champion Vic Seixas will appear at Princess Anne at 2:30
p.m. then move on to the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club for
another match Sunday.
Richardson and Seixas, both members of the United States Davis
Cup squads in the past, will hold a brief clinic to open the
program. Then they will play a two-set match, followed by
workouts with some of the younger players at the Princess Anne.
Warren Johnson, the Princess
Anne tennis professional, first
had planned to name a local
doubles team to play the visitors.
“But we had no one to stand up
to them and I think the kids and
the members will enjoy seeing
our youngsters play a few games
with Ham and Vic.” Johnson
said.
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper
Seaside swingers who yesterday defeated the Cavalier Yacht and Country Club, 14– 4 . . . Front Left to Right Frank Atkinson, Brad Tazewell, Jr.,
Joe Fiveash, Jr., Jordan Ball, Brink Evans; back, Fred J. (Pete) Dean, Walter Bott, Al Mailhes, Lyle Ramsey, Harry McCready and Ben Walkley.
8
Women’s Tennis Singles Champions
Princess Anne Country Club
21
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Women’s Tennis Doubles Champions
Willard Ashburn, Jr.
Men’s Tennis Doubles Champions
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
22
Tommy Rueger – John O. Wynne
Tommy Rueger – John O. Wynne
Harry Cross – Broun Dameron
Tommy Rueger – John O. Wynne
Harry Cross – Broun Dameron
Harry Cross – Broun Dameron
Harry Cross – Broun Dameron
W. S.Braithwaite, Jr. – Guy Dougherty
Tommy Rueger – John O. Wynne
Conrad Shumadine – John O. Wynne
Tommy Rueger – John O. Wynne
Randy Harrison – Clay Robinson
Britt Visser – Roger Visser
Britt Visser – Roger Visser
Harry Cross – Bill Vaughan
Britt Visser – Roger Visser
Mike Brogan – Vince Thomas, II
Mike Brogan – Vince Thomas, II
Jeff Breit – Anthony Velo
Jeff Breit – Anthony Velo
Scott Pachter – Britt Visser
Scott Pachter – Britt Visser
Scott Pachter – Britt Visser
Worth Remick – Anthony Velo
Scott Pachter – Britt Visser
Jeff Breit – Anthony Velo
Anthony Velo – Tommy Thomson
Ricky Stevens – Britt Visser
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Alice Braithwaite – Isabel Yates
Millie McGuire – Shu Shook
Sugar Stormont – Virginia Syer
Millie McGuire – Shu Shook
Bev Land – Isabel Yates
Bev Land – Isabel Yates
Bev Land – Shu Shook
Terry Broecker – Joanne Renn
Sharon Fraim – Betsy Price
Millie McGuire – Joanne Renn
Millie McGuire – Joanne Renn
Millie McGuire – Betsy Price
Millie McGuire – Betsy Price
Betsy Price – Joanne Renn
Millie McGuire – Betsy Price
Katie Harrison – Sheila Schara
Katie Harrison – Joanne Renn
Katie Harrison – Joanne Renn
Talbott Jordan – Sally Kitchin
Talbott Jordan – Sally Kitchin
Talbott Jordan – Sally Kitchin
Talbott Jordan – Sally Kitchin
Kathy Bennett – Deborah Savell
Sally Kitchin – Joanne Renn
Suzy Reigel Breit – Toby Fanney
Suzy Reigel Breit – Toby Fanney
No Event
Anderson Cup Champions
1989
T
he club has frequently offered memberships to the ranking military leaders in the area. They, and the many
retired military members, have been great assets to the club.
Late in World War II, George H. W. Bush was a young Naval officer stationed in Virginia Beach. The following is
from pages 24 and 25 of Barbara Bush: A Memoir:
“The next time I joined George was in Virginia Beach. I had been warned by an older friend from Rye that I
should go down early to get a place. She also suggested that we try to join the Princess Anne Country Club, which
had several very inexpensive service memberships available. We ended up with a tiny basement apartment in a
really big private home right across the street from the club, and for six dollars, we became members of this little
gem of a place. The food was good, and the golf course was beautiful. The woman we rented from, a Mrs. Grandy,
was an absolutely crazy woman. We had a tiny bathroom across the hall from our little room. Mrs. Grandy rented
out space on her living room floor and said that our bathroom went with it. So I instantly became the cleaner of a
public bath. She had wild, dyed red hair and wandered around that big house in her nightgown. There were
hundreds of stories about her, and I believed them all. The one I liked best was the fact that she hated hairy men
and made her late husband sit in a bathtub of Neet hair remover. We never heard how he died, but we guessed it
was a very painful death.
It was a fun summer. We sat on the beach, partied, and entertained guests. George’s sister, Nancy, came to visit
and lived on the beach. We warned her about the sun, but she said she didn’t burn. Famous last words. We sent
her home on the train with a burned faced and closed eyes.
George took up golf with Max Moore, another young pilot, who remained a friend for life. The boys would send
me into the fairway about three hundred yards ahead. Then one of them would hit, and I’d hear a yell: “Left.”
Then I’d charge into the woods to the left and try to find the ball. Those two lost more golf balls than you can
believe. We laughed our way through the summer with Jacquie and Doug West, Milt Moore, Jack and Bea Guy,
and Max Moore.
But again, the undercurrents were strong. George and his new squadron, VT 153, were getting closer and closer
to going back overseas, probably to be involved in the anticipated invasion of Japan. By now I realized that what
my dad had told me before I married was true. He said that every day you stay married, you fall more and more in
love with your husband or wife. It was certainly true in my case, and I did not want George to return to the war.
Many of our friends were dying. V-E Day came and went, and yet the Japanese fought on. Then the atomic bombs
were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Horrid as those bombs were, they saved many, many American and
Japanese lives. I’ve always respected Harry Truman for making that courageous decision. I was also very grateful.
V-J Day arrived in August, and the rejoicing on the streets in Virginia Beach was loud, wild, and fairly liquid.
And why not? There was a lot to cheer about. Before the day ended, George and I went to a little church to thank
God for ending that war and to pray for all who had not lived. What a waste of so many good men and women,
Left to Right Sally Kitchin, Peggy Dunnington, Tennis Professional
Mike Miller, Joanne Renn, Talbott Jordan, Cherie Downing, Sharon
Fraim and Betsy Price.
including many friends.”
Princess Anne Country Club
H
7
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Mr. Windholz gave up the gavel in October 1933 and
strongly urged the club to acquire beachfront property for
development of beach activities.
In 1937 Richard Payne was the Virginia State Amateur
Champion. Subsequently, in 1953 he captured that title
again, and in 1970 won the first of his three consecutive
Senior State Championships. Learning golf as a small
boy, he used a putter which was designed by his father,
Robert Lee Payne, III, M.D., who was a prominent
surgeon and avid golfer.
Circa 1930 . The screen porch on the left of the Club, appropriately
called “The Birdcage,” had been added.
Picture from Virginia Beach, Wish You Were Here by Joseph W.
Dunn, Jr. and Barbara S. Lyle.
Also in the 1930’s, Morton McCarthy was the Middle
Atlantic Golf Champion.
“The Forties”
“The Thirties”
In October 1930 the Board authorized the tennis committee to spend not in excess of $300 to convert the
tennis courts, then sown with grass, into regular tennis
courts.
It also authorized $500 to the golf committee to construct a nine hole putting green behind the first tee and
to beautify the grounds surrounding the clubhouse.
In July 1931 a very significant change in the bylaws was
made: Active members shall be limited to 300 and a
waiting list would be established, if needed.
Chandler Harper was the Princess Anne’s golf champion
in 1931 and later became one of the United States’
premier golfers, winning the PGA Championship and
many times the Virginia State Open Championship.
It was recorded that any member called to active duty
after September 1, 1940 shall be carried on the membership rolls without payment of dues.
An addition to the north end of the club was approved in
February 1941 consisting of extending the locker room
to provide a large room for a bar, card tables and a
second story to provide new sleeping rooms.
A new golf shop was authorized in November 1941.
In January 1943 the club sold the boathouse Lot #30 for
$1,500 to Mr. George Meredith in exchange for Lot
#140.
Mr. Leo Kernan was hired as golf professional in August
1943 to succeed Mr. Skipper. Mr. Kernan was instrumental in the growth of junior golf at the club.
Princess Anne Country Club
In the 1940’s
Junior Invitational Tournament
August 1965
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper (1965)
Lure of the Beach Aids Tennis Tournament
Virginia Beach - “This is the biggest tennis tournament
ever held in Virginia Beach,” said Earl Myers, tennis pro
at the Princess Anne Country Club, as he looked over
courts and lawns filled with white-clad youngers.
About 127 boys and girls from 12 to 18 years of age, are
participating in the second annual Princess Anne Junior
Invitational Tournament which will run through Friday.
The youngsters come from throughout Virginia and North
Carolina, Washington and Maryland. One participant is
second in her age group in the
state of California.
Tuesday evening the Princess Anne Country Club
provided them with a cookout and music by “The Town
Criers,” a young group of Norfolk musicians.
During the day, it was singles, doubles and swimming.
For the tennis-oriented youngsters, it was the beach that
was a novelty and elicited most of their enthusiasm.
“That’s why we’re here,” chorused a group of boys who
were watching the tennis tournaments while discussing
the best way to catch crabs.
Ernest Ball, who organized the
event for the Princess Anne
Country Club, feels that tennis
has a great potential as a
drawing card for Virginia
Beach. He would like to see
city interest in the sport and a
tennis center at the Beach with
public courts.
“We draw many of these young
players and their parents
because we are at Virginia
Beach,” he said. “Many
combine the tournament with a
family vacation.”
Before the matches came a cookout for the young tennis players. Mrs. G. S. Jordan (center) chats
with players David Kalmon of Richmond and Mimi Cooke of Norfolk.
“We’ve drawn many more
players than last year,” said Mrs. G. S. Jordan, woman’s
chairman of the event, “and it could grow even larger.”
As an Aside . . . The junior tennis program at the
“Planning a tennis tournament of this size takes months
of work,” said Ball.
club remains strong. Many of our young players
continue to compete in local, state and national
Sixteen courts throughout the city are in use. About 65
of the youngsters came without their parents and housing
was found for them with Virginia Beach families.
tournaments. Our junior play on high school and
college teams. The junior club tournament held each
Many of the youngsters in the tournament are experienced tennis competitors and follow the Middle Atlantic
tennis circuit during the summer months.
6
Princess Anne Country Club
summer fields great inter-club competition.
For the past few years, the club has hosted the
Virginia State Girls 16’s and under tournament.
23
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Fun at the pool!
From a local Virginia Beach newspaper (1963)
Local Swimmers Capture State AAU Diving
Honors
The newly
built clubhouse
opened July 24, 1920
with a party for its
members. Club records
indicate that $600 was
appropriated for the
celebration, but later
figures show that
nearly $900
was spent.
Two young swimmers from Princess Anne Country Club
captured first and third places in the state AAU women’s
one-meter diving championships in Richmond Saturday.
Pam Fuller, 14, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Fuller,
scored 108.57 points to dethrone Mary Ellen Hoppe of
James River, who was seeking her seventh straight
women’s crown. Miss Hoppe had 108.22 points. Third
place went to George McQuilkin, 12, daughter of Cmdr.
and Mrs. W. R. McQuilkin.
Both girls have trained under the guidance of Herman
Butt of Norfolk, a wholesale florist who devotes a great
deal of his time to the Princess Anne Country Club for
diving instruction. In addition, he instructs divers at
swim clubs in Norfolk and at the Norfolk Naval Base.
Neither girl has been defeated in the past four years in
her age group. Miss Fuller placed 3rd in state three-meter
competition recently, a feat made especially notable by
the fact that her practice was confined to the one-meter
board at the Princess Anne Club.
Saturday’s meet was open to divers 12 years of age or
older. Competition was based on the same five compulsory dives as required in national competition, plus six
alternate dives.
The pair have rolled up an impressive record in the agegroup and open meets in which they have participated.
Miss Fuller has scored four firsts, two seconds and two
third place awards.
Miss McQuilken has a record of five first place awards,
two seconds and two thirds.
Princess Anne Country Club 1926.
“The Twenties”
Established a non-resident membership for persons not
residing within a 25-mile radius of Norfolk, $25 initiation fee, and $25 annual dues.
The new clubhouse opened in the summer of 1920.
Set room rates at $4 per day or sleeping porch at $2 per bed.
Annual dues raised to $50 for active members and $50 for
associate and non-resident members beginning July 1, 1920.
In 1992 club member Theodore R. Wolf was ranked
#1 nationally in tennis doubles by the USTA in the
85 and older age group. He partnered with Malcolm
Clarke to win the USTA Men’s 85 Doubles competition. In the same year he was ranked #2 by the
USTA in the Men’s 85 Singles category. Mr. Wolf
was later featured on the cover of Tennis Magazine
in 1997 as they saluted an remarkable senior player.
24
As of October 1, 1920 there were: 351 active, 15
associate and 8 non-resident members. Women could
visit the club with their member husbands, but not alone
unless they were associate members.
The first associate members were elected August 1930.
Mrs. Hugh W. Davis
Mrs. William P. Dickson
Mrs. R. Baldwin Myers
Mrs. James S. Barron
Mrs. Alice Seamons
Miss Virginia Roper
The first non-resident members elected were:
Mr. William Pretlow, New York, New York
Mr. Draper Crosby, Warrenton, Virginia
Mr. Ben J. Finny, University, Virginia
Active members who left the community could
keep their certificates, become non-resident members with no dues and upon return, be reinstated to
active members.
Ted Wolf
The construction of the course was nearly completed in
September 1920 with an expected opening in October 1921.
Through the years non-resident members have been
very important to the Princess Anne, especially the
large contingent from Richmond.
President elect of the United States, Warren G. Harding
and his wife were elected honorary members for life
without dues on January 12, 1921.
In February 1921 the Club hired Mr. Walter Beckett, pro
at the Norfolk Country Club, to be in charge of completing the golf course (scheduled for May 1921).
Duck
Braithwaite was
the proprietor of
Duck’s Drive-In
located in downtown
Virginia Beach. This
was one of the
“places to hangout” in the
1930’s.
On April 25, 1921 the Board agreed to
admit unmarried sisters of members
with dues of $15 (until January 1,
1922).
Club member, Chief Justice of the
Virginia Supreme Court, John W.
Eggleston was the Virginia State
Tennis Doubles Champion in the
early 1920’s. He later became an
excellent golfer. His great grandson, Michael Hays, is the current
PACC golf champion.
Coach Herman Butt congratulates Pam Fuller (center) and Georgia
McQuilken. (1963)
Princess Anne Country Club
5
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
N
W
Pool History
E
For many of us, summer memories center around the
PACC swimming pool. The original 25-meter, 6 lane
pool was built in the late 1950’s. The fun was just
beginning. Gordan Ham was one of the first swim
coaches and Herman Butt coached diving.
S
Cedric Johnson joined the PACC in the mid 1960’s
beginning his 20-year legacy. Cedric was the pool
manager and swim coach. He also coached diving for
several years, taught swim lessons, and set the tone for
years of special memories for all pool-goers. During the
late 60’s and through the 70’s, the swim and dive teams
competed together with meets on Thursday mornings.
Practice was mandatory and swim team membership was
extremely popular among children from 5 to 14 years
old. We competed in the Tidewater Swim League
against Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, Mallory Court,
Cavalier Yacht Club, Churchland Swim and Racquet,
and The Capes/Oceans. This summer recreational league
did not allow year-round swimmers. After humble
beginnings, we went ten years undefeated! Cedric’s
motto, “100% and happy” stayed with his swimmers. Do
your best and you will be happy – win or lose. At the end
of the swim/dive season, outstanding swimmers from
each club competed for individual championship status
and an overall team championship.
The highlight of the summer for many was the Club
Championship. There were races for each age group, in
each event culminating with the very popular mother/
daughter, father/son relays. Alternating years switched to
father/daughter and mother/son. This allowed for great
fun and family participation. The bubble race was always
a favorite for the youngest PACC swimmers. At the end of
the season “dress-up” banquet, the coaches presented
silver awards to the swimmers and divers recognizing their
achievements, hard work and success during the summer.
Those years brought the excitement of chartered bus
rides to away meets, poolside parties, water ballet
classes, life saving instruction, endless games of Marco
Polo, snack bar favorites including french fries with
house dressing, and the ever popular, Thursday night
cook-outs. It was truly a cook-out, as we each cooked
our own hot dog, hamburger, or steak. As Cedric said,
“There was great family fun and wonderful camaraderie
around that pool.” Cedric Johnson left the PACC in the
early 80s after 20 great years.
By the late 1980’s the Tidewater Swim League folded. We
joined the Virginia Beach Swim
League competing against a
wider variety of clubs. This
league is divided into divisions
based on ability. Year-round
and high school swimmers
through age 18 are allowed to
compete along with the summer
swimmers. Swim meets moved
to Saturday mornings, still
relying on throngs of volunteer
parents. The regular season with
5 meets is followed by a
divisional championship meet.
The top 12 swimmers, in each
The original plan for the Princess Anne
Country Club, as designed by
Clarence A. Neff.
The painting above has been copied from the “Map of
Linkhorn Park,” property of the Virginia Beach Development Company, which is dated November 9, 1916.
J. M. Baldwin, Civil Engineer.
4
Cookout 1966
Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Emanuelson and daughter, Milford.
The original pool and snack bar.
Princess Anne Country Club
25
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
The next meeting of record of the Board was held two years
later on February 18, 1919, and adopted two significant
resolutions. The first to purchase the club site for $2,500 from
Sea Pines Corporation and the second to pay the Virginia
Beach Development Company $4,608.68 for construction of
the golf links.
Members were notified of any meeting through notice published in the local paper, as well as a mailed notice to the post
office nearest their residence.
Lot “C” map of Linkhorn Park consisted of five acres for the
clubhouse and Plot no. 30 was reserved for the boathouse.
On June 4, 1919, the Board for the first time since the club’s
inception, elected six new members: Julian Osborne, William
Howard, H. H. Hume, Frank C. Lewis, W. H. Nash, and E. M.
Stribling.
Another very significant special meeting of the members was
held November 10, 1919, and resolved to:
The new pool which was built in 1991.
event, from the entire league, then continued on to
compete in the All Star competition for the area’s top
summer league swimmers. PACC boasts a long list of
champions.
Tommy Clements came to the club in 1985 as the dive
coach and later became pool manager. Tommy led the
dive team through the years when other local clubs were
forced to drop their dive teams due to waning interest
and higher insurance costs. Diving and swimming were
separated into different leagues. Under Tommy’s excellent coaching, the interest in diving at the PACC continued. We joined the James River Aquatic League in the
early 1990s competing against Richmond dive teams.
This dedicated, enthusiastic team continues to travel to
Richmond for meets and championships. During
Tommy’s years as pool manager, the swim team flourished under coaches Kevin Simms, Tommy Gill, Robin
Randall, and Nelson Workman.
The magnificent new pool was built in 1991. The
expanded facilities included a diving well, enlarged
baby pool, Pavilion Grill, locker rooms, and gracious
deck area that has become a model for others.
In 1994 Scott Evans joined the PACC as swim coach,
later as pool manager, and now aquatics director. Scott
was joined by Kristen Cummings, Kelley Harkins and
Joe Holland as swim coaches. With Scott’s enthusiasm
and leadership the pool runs smoothly, with a full
calendar of events for the swim/dive teams and full club
membership. Early morning adult lap swim, float nights,
dive-in movie nights, water aerobics, dances, cook-outs
and celebrations, along with busy swim and dive team
26
schedules, offers something fun for every age group. Pool
use has risen over the years. The swim team has had as
many as 180 swimmers and the dive team 35 members.
In 1997 Chad Triolet, and later his wife Amy, joined the
pool staff to coach diving. They continue to bring great
expertise and enthusiasm to the diving program at the
pool. With great anticipation, the pool was heated in the
spring of 2001. This enabled the pool season to be
extended in both the spring and fall and added to the
pool’s comfort in the early summer.
In July of 1996 a Swim Team Reunion was held for
everyone that swam during “The Cedric Johnson Years.”
The event drew a huge crowd, as over 100 parents,
grandparents, children, and grandchildren attended,
celebrating the memories and friendships fostered
through swimming at the PACC.
The new century finds life at the Princess Anne swimming pool very much the same as it was 50 years ago.
Styles have changed, cook-outs are a bit more extensive,
swim and dive team competition is heightened, and life
in 2002 offers more choices and fuller schedules. But the
family fun continues at the pool. The littlest children
still love the baby pool. Swim lessons continue. Parent
volunteers continue to go beyond the call of duty planning events, working the swim and dive meets, serving
on the pool committee, and carpooling children. The
lifeguards and coaches remain role models and mentors
for the children. The PACC pool continues to be a
special place for all ages to gather, to eat, to play, and to
enjoy friendships during the glorious summer months.
Clarence A. Neff
Clarence A. Neff was the first president and the
architect of the Princess Anne Country Club and
its golf course. Among many other structures, Mr.
Neff designed the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia
Beach, the original Norfolk Yacht and Country
Club and Foreman Field in Norfolk. He also was
the architect for the Country Club of Virginia
located in Richmond.
Mr. Neff’s son, A. Parker Neff, donated a portrait
of his father which currently is displayed in the
clubhouse.
T
H
1. Proceed with the construction of a clubhouse at
Seapines, Virginia, not to exceed $50,000. With
provisions for water, sewage and servant’s quarters
and garage.
2. Proceed to complete the golf course not to exceed
$50,000.
3. To enter into a contract with Mr. Parker Burbank as
the club’s first manager.
4. Purchase additional real estate for the improvement
of the golf course not to exceed $1,500.
At the next meeting on November 23, 1919, 235 new members were elected, which helped form the base of the current
club.
On December 9, 1919 a contract for the clubhouse was
awarded to Mr. Aronberg for $46,000.
During the early years, the business of the club was conducted
in meetings held in downtown Norfolk. Today, meetings are
held at the club.
he Club was originally conceived as a real estate promotion wherein a land syndicate offered the land to a
group of well-known local young men. The arrangement specified that the land for the course would be given to
the young men providing they formed a club, built a clubhouse and built the golf course. In addition, the course
had to be designed in such fashion that the land for future home site development had to border both sides of
each fairway. This specification created two unique situations; over one hundred and twenty-five homes border
the course and the course is crossed at ten different places by the lanes and roads that provide access for the
homes.
Over the years some of the clubs very popular events included: weekly poolside cookouts in the summer (members
did the cooking); ‘Ham What Am’ Christmas gifts (over 4000 lbs. one year); a ‘Turkey on Every Table’ at Thanksgiving; Red Cross lifesaving courses, golf, tennis and swim tournaments and meets; plus an array of special club
parties that has run the gamut from a ‘Poverty Party’ to a ‘Lobster Bake.’
Princess Anne Country Club
3
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
•
and who knew the player was not the most
dependable putter, spoke out loudly, “Let him
putt it.”
A couple of long drive stories:
It was often related that Mr. Dave Stormont,
a big strapping gentleman, drove the green on
the first hole, a par five. The catch was that
the turf was frozen hard and the ball bounced
all the way to the green.
Another story that made the rounds was that
Mike Soucek, a former Duke football star
and prolific driver on the PGA tour, drove
the fourth green over the trees. He played the
Princess Anne while at the Beach for the
Cavalier Open.
•
•
There was an outstanding group of young golfers
in our club around 1948 and 1949, most of whom
are still members. The Junior Chamber Golf
Chairman during those years had the pleasure of
running the local JC Junior Tournament for
several years and the State Tournament one year
at the Cavalier. As the PGA says, “Those guys
were good.” They included: Joe Fiveash, Roddy
Watson, Frank Smith, Craig Slingluff, Dippy
Pender, Mac Jenkins, and others. Billy
McClanan and Jordan Ball followed in the next
few years.
The Club Championship final match always drew
a large crowed in past years, as did the MemberGuest. Following are some memories of these
events:
A match between Mr. Al Turnbull and
another member. What stands out is that both
gentlemen had on long sleeve shirts and ties.
Hard to imagine these days.
An exciting match one year between Jordan
Ball and his brother in-law, Tom Strange.
•
Another special memory is of mint juleps at the
PACC. Before several remodelings, we used to
enter the club on a large screened porch on the
east side. This great porch was the scene many
nights during the summer of groups in rocking
chairs or around a table sipping delicious mint
juleps. The club kept it’s own large mint bed.
•
Also, summer Saturday nights at the club were
really fun times as many locals and nonresident members gathered for dinner and
dancing. They were very popular and you had
to make reservations quite early. At that time
we had an outside deck adjoining the dining
room to the south were the band played and
tables were set up. The place really used to jump.
•
During the week, the old Moose Bar was the
gathering place. There was a small bar in the
southeast corner with a pull down front. The
old bartender there, Robert, was proud of this
position and rather uppity to new members. He
would pull that roller partition down promptly
at 11:30 p.m. and you had better not have your
hand on a glass under it! It was joked that
Robert was on the membership committee.
•
In the early 60’s at a typical Thursday evening
cookout at the swimming pool, Brad Tazewell
pushed Jimmy Leach into the pool with his
clothes on. When Jimmy Leach climbed out, he
decided to take revenge by dragging the table
at which Brad Tazewell, Nere Day, and the
Honorable Bill Spong were sitting. Fortunately
or unfortunately, Mr. Leach failed in his table
moving attempt.
The Member-Guest final that went seven
extra holes and it was so dark that members’
cars had to be positioned to shine their lights
on the seventh green. Billy McClanan and
his guest won the match. Talbott Dickson and
Wayne Jackson of Hampton were the runnersup.
•
Often times caddies used to bet on the outcome
of foursomes in which they were caddying. A
funny experience happened to one of them. There
was a short putt for a par on the seventh hole and
one of the opponents said it was good. On hearing
this, caddy Hop Dick, who was betting against
The following is a brief history of the Princess Anne from its inception to the present day.
Princess Anne Country Club
Established 1916
It all began in the summer of 1916 when a group of
distinguished gentlemen decided to organize a social
club for their enjoyment. All ninety-two of the original
members met on August 30, 1916 to sign the subscription agreement as follows:
The undersigned, each for himself and not for the other,
subscribe for membership in the Princess Anne Country
Club, to be organized in accordance with the foregoing
prospectus, to acquire and operate the properties mentioned therein, including golf course, tennis courts, etc.
and hereby respectively agree to pay the sum of fifty
($50.00) dollars each for a certificate of membership
therein, such payment to be made on or after twelve
months from this date, in cash, upon the call of the
Board of Directors of said club.
Witness our hands and seals this 30th day of August
1916.
A. J. Ackiss
A. W. Brock
C. S. Browne
Jas. E. Barry
A. G. Bailey
E. R. Baird
C. R. Caps
W. C. Cobb
A. Mason Cooke
F. W. Curd
Hugh Davis
J. B. Denny
L. T. Dobie
Jas. Farant
Marsden J. Perry
H. W. Page
F. S. Royster
H. Garrett Smith
Richard B. Tucker
Wm. H. White, Jr.
W. A. Godwin
H. G. Hathaway
Jas. Johnson
J. S. Leard
C. I. Millard
W. L. Parker
F. S. Royster, Jr.
T. S. Southgate
Roland Thorp
H. B. Wells
James T. Avery
W. Hunter Bell
Nathaniel Beamon
C. B. Buchanan
J. S. Barron
C. M. Bain
C. Billups
Alan G. Burrow
W. A. Cox
Willoughby T. Cooke
Lee Counselman
E. F. G. Doyle
C. P. Dugan
Severn Duvall
Pemberton Frame
John D. Gordon
W. S. Royster
W. S. Stanworth
R. C. Taylor, Jr.
E. R. Willcox
Chas. S. Grant
E. D. Hobbs
E. T. Lamb
Walter G. Maher
C. A. Neff
Abner S. Pope
Charles Wales
A. B. Schwarzkopf
T. F. Tilghman
Otto Wells
Robert Beamon
M. C. Ferebee
H. B. Goodridge
A. P. Grice
W. A. Hahn
V. B. Hodgson
Chas. G. Hunter
Chas G. Hume
H. M. Kerr
Emmerson Land
J. A. Lesner
W. R. Mayo, Jr.
L. D. Mathes
R. B. Myers
Edward Michaels
Nimmo Old
W. G. Parker
G. Serpell
C. F. Spotswood
Luther Upton
J. H. Young
M. Glennan
Morris Hawkins
George B. Lee
Barton Myers
W. T. Old
John G. Quinby
L. D. Starke
Jas. C. Tait
J. Cox Webb
W. B. Rodman
In preliminary discussion they approved Clarence A.
Neff as president, A. W. Brock as secretary and fifteen
directors.
Parts of the prospectus referred to, reads:
“This Country Club, with an eighteen hole golf course,
tennis courts and other facilities of the highest order,
will be immediately established in Virginia Beach. The
Virginia Beach Development Company and its
subsidiaries have subdivided a 500-acre tract of land,
extending from the Casino north to the Hollies and
binding on the west Linkhorn Bay, for this purpose, the
layout having been designed by C. A. Neff, of Norfolk,
Virginia.”
Plan of Organization
Active membership will, for the present, be limited to
two hundred members, each of whom will subscribe the
sum of fifty dollars, to be paid upon the completion of
the golf course, which it is estimated cannot be completed until the fall of 1918.
Moose Bar - In the 1940’s
28
Princess Anne Country Club
1
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Past Presidents of the
Princess Anne Country Club
History of the
Princess Anne Country Club
Virginia Beach, Virginia
1916 - 2002
Compiled By
Kimberly Greer
With contributions by members of the
85th Anniversary Committee and other club members.
H
While it is impossible to list all the special people and events associated with the Princess Anne Country Club
during the past 85 years, we hope that everyone reading this booklet will enjoy reminiscing about days gone by.
This history was compiled from the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings, Annual Membership meetings,
newspaper articles, the Princess Anne photo albums, and personal recollections of members and local historians.
Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein.
Clarence A. Neff
1916-1920
William H. Darden
William B. Baldwin
1920-1921
James M. Jordan, Jr.
1963-1965
Richard D. Cooke
1921-1924
Charles H. Slingluff
1965-1967
James H. Watters
1924-1927
Roy Charles
1967-1969
William R. Howard
1926-1927
Nere E. Day, Jr.
1969-1971
Samuel L. Slover
1927-1929
J. Frank George
1971-1973
Louis H. Windholz
1929-1933
Sam E. Liles
1973-1975
Sydnor Y. Priddy
1933-1936
Toy D. Savage, Jr.
1975-1977
David Pender, Sr.
1936-1939
Robert R. Beasley
1977-1979
Edward R. Willcox
1939-1941
John B. Syer
1979-1981
Robert J. Throckmorton
1941-1943
H. P. McNeal
1981-1983
William R. Howard
1943-1945
W. Cecil Carpenter
1983-1985
W. Taylor Johnson
1945-1947
William B. Eley
1985-1987
Harry O. Nichols
1947-1949
R. Dawson Taylor
1987-1989
James A. Beasley
1949-1951
William C. Overman
1989-1991
R. R. Richardson, Jr.
1951-1953
James L. Kitchin, Jr.
1991-1993
Charles Syer, Jr.
1953-1955
David Pender, III
1993-1995
Willard R. Ashburn, Sr.
1955-1957
Joseph G. Fiveash, Jr.
1995-1997
Landon Hilliard
1957-1959
George H. M. Rector
1997-1999
George Ware
1959-1961
Philip G. Denman
1999 - 2001
W. Andrew Dickinson, Jr.
2001- present
1961-1963
It is the hope of all of the contributors that this history will bring to the mind of each member many pleasant
memories and stir a sense of pride in our club heritage as we glance back at the past and treasure the many friends
we’ve made along the way.
Princess Anne Country Club
29
PACC
History
Princess Anne Country Club
Virginia Beach, Virginia
“The First Eighty-Five Years”
Princess Anne Country Club
Established 1916
3800 Pacific Avenue
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
757-428-4141 (main)
757-428-4423 (fax)
e-mail address: [email protected]
Published by the Princess Anne Country Club
2002