History

CONVENIENT LOCATION

For some time prior to 1929, a group of Albany and Schenectady residents, with an additional few from Troy, had discussed the necessity of a new golf and country club to serve those cities and the smaller communities of the Capital District. It was realized, of course, that because of the geographical distribution of its prospective membership, it would have to be conveniently located to all three cities. Finally, under the inspiring leadership of Joseph A. Field of Schenectady, informal meetings and discussion were held, membership and site committees appointed, and various locations for the proposed clubs were carefully examined. It seemed almost impossible to obtain a location which would satisfy the necessary requirements.

NORTH SHAKER FARM

At last the attention of the site committee was called to the North Shaker Farm, west of the Albany Airport and the Ann Lee Home, owned by Leonard Bol, and used as a dairy farm. It had been the home of the North Family of Shakers for many generations. It had privacy, yet was easily accessible from all three cities. It had good soil and drainage, 300 acres of level fields and gently rolling hills, bordering woods, and sufficient water for the golf course. Best of all, the main farmhouse, an old-fashioned three-story Colonial in good condition, with huge Timbers and of pegged construction, and with a large pillared front porch, was easily adaptable for conversion into a clubhouse. Other buildings could be used for the pro shop and storage of equipment.

INCORPORATION & DESIGN

Arrangements were made to lease the farm with an option to purchase. On September 17, 1929, after many conferences and meetings, Shaker Ridge was legally incorporated as a Membership Corporation, with Joseph A. Field as President, and on September 23rd the option lease was signed with Mr. Bol. In the spring of the following year, work was started on the extensive renovation of the clubhouse. The great task of laying out the golf course, building traps and greens and setting out fairways was under the supervision of Mr. Field, with the expert advice of Mr. McDonald, professor at the Mohawk Golf Club for many years. So well did they perform their work, that no major changes have been necessary in the years that have elapsed since they built it. Great efforts have been made, and of course will always be required, to maintain and develop the course but the effect has been to improve rather than to change the excellent work of the original builders.

Clubhouse fire

In the summer of 1930 the first annual meeting for the election of Officers and Governors was held at the clubhouse, and at the end of the year, the first New Year’s Eve party was held there. In due course of time, the Club exercised its purchase option and acquired title to the property on October 20, 1931. In spite of economic difficulties, progress and improvement continued. However, on the 28th day of December, 1932, after all preparations had been made for the annual New Year’s Eve party, the club sustained a stunning loss in the complete destruction of the clubhouse by fire. It seemed as if this misfortune might be the end of Shaker Ridge, but never was the spirit of its members displayed to better advantage. New building and membership committees were appointed, assessments were levied, special contributions poured in, and in the following year, a new and substantial clubhouse was erected on the old site.

WORLD WAR II

The destruction of the old clubhouse was only the first of many difficulties which beset the young club. As the depression became worse, members continues to drop out, and adverse financial conditions made it almost impossible to obtain new ones. At one time, the roster of full members declined to a total of less than sixty. In 1942 with the advent of World War II, with many younger members entering service, and to assist the manpower situation, it was decided with great reluctance, to close the outside nine of the golf course. The great amount of time and effort, and the large expense involved in building and improving this part of the golf course, was largely lost.

rebuilding

With the end of the war in 1945, the Club and its Board of Governors, wisely decided upon a broad program of improvement and rebuilding. Work was started to rebuild the outside nine. A substantial addition was added to rear of the clubhouse, giving the members additional locker, kitchen and dining facilities. Most startling of all, a large and beautiful swimming pool was erected directly in rear of the clubhouse, the first pool to be constructed by any country club in the Albany District. These improvements and new facilities accomplished a complete rejuvenation of the Club. Old members returned and new members flocked in, to such an extent that it became necessary to close the member, and establish a waiting list for new members. For the first time in its history, the club was on a sound membership and financial basis. It remains in that condition today, with its Board and Members always striving to improve its attractions for the membership and guests.