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Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Architect: C.B. Macdonald / Seth Raynor Year: 1911 777 Albany Post Road, P.O. Box 9245 Scarborough, NY 10510-9245 (914) 941-8070 Course Access: Private www.SleepyHollowCC.org |
Sleepy Hollow Country club
The two men assembled a board of directors to form a country club, including future Titanic victim John Jacob Astor IV, coal baron Edward Julius Berwind, cotillion leaders Elisha Dyer and Lispenard Stewart, and sportsmen W. Averell Harriman, Cornelius Vanderbilt III, and Harrison A. Williams. The country club was incorporated on May 11, 1911, with 600 members. The directors' first meeting took place at Vanderlip's office at 55 Wall St., the National City Bank Building (Vanderlip was the president of the bank at the time). Initiation and yearly dues were each $100 ($2,600 in 2016). For the first few years, the club rented Woodlea for $25,000 ($642,600 in 2016) a year, and in 1912 the club purchased the property from Vanderlip and Rockefeller for $350,000 ($8,686,000 in 2016). The club then constructed the golf course in close harmony to the existing lawns, and also built an outdoor garden theater with clipped cedars and a 16th-century Italian portal. The club ended up paying $310,000 for the land and house, and spent another $100,000 on improvements. The club spent four years, starting in 1910, rearranging the house's kitchen, pantries, and service wing to house and serve more people, and in renovating one of the stables into a garage. The club also constructed more tennis courts and a toboggan slide for use in the winter. The grounds and Italian garden had been designed by the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted from 1895 to 1901, including long stretches of lawns and using American and foreign trees; the club had Charles B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor design the first golf course in 1911, and A. W. Tillinghast designed an update in 1935, succeeded by Gil Hanse's redesign from 18 to 27 holes around 2008.
In 1917 the club had 1,000 members, and its president was Frank Vanderlip. In June of that year, William Rockefeller purchased 387 acres (0.6 sq mi) for the club, bringing its area to 480 acres (0.8 sq mi) (the house was originally sold with only 93 acres (0.1 sq mi)). Rockefeller spent $600,000 ($11,216,100 in 2016), making it the largest single real estate transaction in the county. The purchases allowed for the construction of about 40 houses on the club property. New facilities were built in the 1920s, including a manager's house, skeet house, squash house, indoor riding ring, and swimming pool. The club had operated at a loss from the beginning, and after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, club members were not successful in maintaining their wealth, and membership declined. Cuts were made – horses were sold, Woodlea was closed except for special occasions, and the golf house became the primary clubhouse. 5-acre (0.008 sq mi) building lots north of Woodlea were sold to members. In 1933, notable amateur golfer Bobby Jones played at the course. The club was also not successful during World War II and later; in 1950 a member could stay overnight at Woodlea for $5 ($50 in 2016), and for less in the golf house. The first formal dance that year also cost $5 a person. In 1961, in time for the club's 50th anniversary, Woodlea was redecorated with more modern fabrics, warm gold and forest green carpets, dropped lighting, and some lowered ceilings.
Hillside Italian garden, c. 1906 Original to the house, and occupying its northwest terrace against its service wing, was an Italian garden with vine-clad pergolas on each side, symmetrical gravel paths, marble benches, and long stone balustrades, giving it characteristics of a hanging garden. The garden was below the house's first floor, and was built against the hillside, occupying a portion of the slope that falls far below it. The lower walls of the house were screened with a row of large cedars planted on the highest part of the garden. The garden formed an immense rectangular space, and on the four sides of the terrace there were pergolas thickly overgrown with vines. In the center was a pool and a carved stone fountain imported from Rome. Walks and beds of flowers and shrubbery occupied the rest, visible from the west-facing windows of the house.
The garden was demolished in the 1960s, as was the golf house (in 1967). In the garden's location and replacing the use of the golf house, a wing was added to the clubhouse, constructed on the northeast terrace and completed in 1962. The building holds a pro shop, dining facilities, and locker rooms. The structure was designed to be spacious and convenient and not be noticeable from the grounds below, although from Woodlea, the sight of the tar roof and ventilators was noted to be worse than the prior standing gardens. The club hosted the NYNEX Commemorative from 1986 to 1993. In 1989, professional golfer Bob Charles set a current record when he won the tournament. In 2002, the club hosted the U.S. Women's Amateur Golf Championship.
In 2014 the country club expanded and renovated the snack bar building, renovated the locker room building exterior, constructed a large array of solar panels on the roof of the locker room and dining facility building, and performed other renovations. Replacing the golf house's location, a pool facility and tennis shop was constructed in 1968.
In 1917 the club had 1,000 members, and its president was Frank Vanderlip. In June of that year, William Rockefeller purchased 387 acres (0.6 sq mi) for the club, bringing its area to 480 acres (0.8 sq mi) (the house was originally sold with only 93 acres (0.1 sq mi)). Rockefeller spent $600,000 ($11,216,100 in 2016), making it the largest single real estate transaction in the county. The purchases allowed for the construction of about 40 houses on the club property. New facilities were built in the 1920s, including a manager's house, skeet house, squash house, indoor riding ring, and swimming pool. The club had operated at a loss from the beginning, and after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, club members were not successful in maintaining their wealth, and membership declined. Cuts were made – horses were sold, Woodlea was closed except for special occasions, and the golf house became the primary clubhouse. 5-acre (0.008 sq mi) building lots north of Woodlea were sold to members. In 1933, notable amateur golfer Bobby Jones played at the course. The club was also not successful during World War II and later; in 1950 a member could stay overnight at Woodlea for $5 ($50 in 2016), and for less in the golf house. The first formal dance that year also cost $5 a person. In 1961, in time for the club's 50th anniversary, Woodlea was redecorated with more modern fabrics, warm gold and forest green carpets, dropped lighting, and some lowered ceilings.
Hillside Italian garden, c. 1906 Original to the house, and occupying its northwest terrace against its service wing, was an Italian garden with vine-clad pergolas on each side, symmetrical gravel paths, marble benches, and long stone balustrades, giving it characteristics of a hanging garden. The garden was below the house's first floor, and was built against the hillside, occupying a portion of the slope that falls far below it. The lower walls of the house were screened with a row of large cedars planted on the highest part of the garden. The garden formed an immense rectangular space, and on the four sides of the terrace there were pergolas thickly overgrown with vines. In the center was a pool and a carved stone fountain imported from Rome. Walks and beds of flowers and shrubbery occupied the rest, visible from the west-facing windows of the house.
The garden was demolished in the 1960s, as was the golf house (in 1967). In the garden's location and replacing the use of the golf house, a wing was added to the clubhouse, constructed on the northeast terrace and completed in 1962. The building holds a pro shop, dining facilities, and locker rooms. The structure was designed to be spacious and convenient and not be noticeable from the grounds below, although from Woodlea, the sight of the tar roof and ventilators was noted to be worse than the prior standing gardens. The club hosted the NYNEX Commemorative from 1986 to 1993. In 1989, professional golfer Bob Charles set a current record when he won the tournament. In 2002, the club hosted the U.S. Women's Amateur Golf Championship.
In 2014 the country club expanded and renovated the snack bar building, renovated the locker room building exterior, constructed a large array of solar panels on the roof of the locker room and dining facility building, and performed other renovations. Replacing the golf house's location, a pool facility and tennis shop was constructed in 1968.
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The Story of the headless horseman
The legend of the Headless Horseman is famously associated with Tarrytown, New York, primarily through Washington Irving's short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," published in 1820 as part of his collection "The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent." Here's a detailed recount:
Historical Context
Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow: These towns, located in Westchester County, New York, were settled by Dutch colonists in the 17th century. The area's rich colonial history and its proximity to the Hudson River made it fertile ground for legends and tales.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Main Characters:
Ichabod Crane: The protagonist, a lanky, superstitious schoolteacher from Connecticut who comes to Sleepy Hollow to teach the local children.
Katrina Van Tassel: A beautiful and wealthy young woman, the object of Ichabod's affections.
Brom Bones: A local hero, a brawny, jovial, and somewhat boorish young man who is also vying for Katrina's hand.
The Story:
Arrival in Sleepy Hollow: Ichabod Crane arrives in Sleepy Hollow, a quaint, isolated little village known for its inhabitants' propensity for believing in the supernatural. Crane is immediately taken by Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of a wealthy farmer.
The Headless Horseman: Residents of Sleepy Hollow speak of a ghost, a Hessian trooper who lost his head to a cannonball during the American Revolutionary War. The ghost, known as the Headless Horseman, rides at midnight in search of his head, haunting the area around the church bridge.
The Party at Van Tassel's: Ichabod attends a harvest party at the Van Tassel farm. Here, he hears several ghost stories, including a detailed recounting of the Headless Horseman, which deeply unnerves him.
Encounter with the Horseman: On his way home from the party, late at night, Ichabod encounters the Headless Horseman. The ghost chases Ichabod, who tries to escape by riding towards the bridge where, according to local lore, the ghost cannot cross. However, just as Ichabod thinks he's safe, the Horseman throws his severed head at him.
Disappearance of Ichabod Crane: The next morning, Ichabod is missing. The only traces found are his hat, a smashed pumpkin, and his horse, which returned without him. Katrina marries Brom Bones shortly after, and rumors circulate that Brom might have been the Horseman, playing a prank to scare Ichabod away.
Interpretations and Legacy
Historical and Literary Analysis: Many scholars see the story as a satire of rural life, superstition, and American gothic literature. It also touches on themes of fear, rivalry, and the unknown.
Cultural Impact: The Headless Horseman has become an iconic figure in American folklore, often associated with Halloween. The story has been adapted numerous times in various media, including films, TV shows, and books, each adding its spin to the tale.
Local Tradition: In Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, the legend is celebrated with annual events, including the "Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze" at Van Cortlandt Manor and the "Sleepy Hollow Halloween Parade," keeping the spirit of the Horseman alive.
Conclusion
The story of the Headless Horseman from Tarrytown, while rooted in local folklore, was immortalized by Washington Irving, blending real historical elements with ghostly terror. It remains a cornerstone of American literature and a symbol of Halloween, reflecting both the dark, mysterious side of early American life and the humor in human fear and superstition.
Historical Context
Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow: These towns, located in Westchester County, New York, were settled by Dutch colonists in the 17th century. The area's rich colonial history and its proximity to the Hudson River made it fertile ground for legends and tales.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Main Characters:
Ichabod Crane: The protagonist, a lanky, superstitious schoolteacher from Connecticut who comes to Sleepy Hollow to teach the local children.
Katrina Van Tassel: A beautiful and wealthy young woman, the object of Ichabod's affections.
Brom Bones: A local hero, a brawny, jovial, and somewhat boorish young man who is also vying for Katrina's hand.
The Story:
Arrival in Sleepy Hollow: Ichabod Crane arrives in Sleepy Hollow, a quaint, isolated little village known for its inhabitants' propensity for believing in the supernatural. Crane is immediately taken by Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of a wealthy farmer.
The Headless Horseman: Residents of Sleepy Hollow speak of a ghost, a Hessian trooper who lost his head to a cannonball during the American Revolutionary War. The ghost, known as the Headless Horseman, rides at midnight in search of his head, haunting the area around the church bridge.
The Party at Van Tassel's: Ichabod attends a harvest party at the Van Tassel farm. Here, he hears several ghost stories, including a detailed recounting of the Headless Horseman, which deeply unnerves him.
Encounter with the Horseman: On his way home from the party, late at night, Ichabod encounters the Headless Horseman. The ghost chases Ichabod, who tries to escape by riding towards the bridge where, according to local lore, the ghost cannot cross. However, just as Ichabod thinks he's safe, the Horseman throws his severed head at him.
Disappearance of Ichabod Crane: The next morning, Ichabod is missing. The only traces found are his hat, a smashed pumpkin, and his horse, which returned without him. Katrina marries Brom Bones shortly after, and rumors circulate that Brom might have been the Horseman, playing a prank to scare Ichabod away.
Interpretations and Legacy
Historical and Literary Analysis: Many scholars see the story as a satire of rural life, superstition, and American gothic literature. It also touches on themes of fear, rivalry, and the unknown.
Cultural Impact: The Headless Horseman has become an iconic figure in American folklore, often associated with Halloween. The story has been adapted numerous times in various media, including films, TV shows, and books, each adding its spin to the tale.
Local Tradition: In Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, the legend is celebrated with annual events, including the "Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze" at Van Cortlandt Manor and the "Sleepy Hollow Halloween Parade," keeping the spirit of the Horseman alive.
Conclusion
The story of the Headless Horseman from Tarrytown, while rooted in local folklore, was immortalized by Washington Irving, blending real historical elements with ghostly terror. It remains a cornerstone of American literature and a symbol of Halloween, reflecting both the dark, mysterious side of early American life and the humor in human fear and superstition.