Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: Anthony Gholz on August 25, 2015, 04:35:38 PM
-
To All:
As part of a book I'm writing regarding the Charles Alison course (and its predecessors) of my home club in Port Huron Michigan, I have developed a list of C&A in NA as part of the process to put them in context for the members. This process has taken years. This post will have 5 pages covering three categories:
A) Still existing C&A
B) No Longer Existing C&A
C) Listed by someone somewhere as by C&A, but I'm not able to find enough evidence to agree with them.
My audience is primarily the membership, but hope that eventually one or two of you might be interested in the book.
The first 2 pages relate to 25 of 28 existing C&A courses along with the abbreviations I'm using to note the source of the info.
Thanks in advance for any and all comments.
Anthony "Tony" Gholz
(http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah285/agholz/CampA%20in%20NA%20PHGC%20p.172%20_zps6ouwgwjw.jpg)
-
page 2(http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah285/agholz/CampA%20in%20NA%20PHGC%20p173%20_zps45ubehwa.jpg)
-
abbreviation(http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah285/agholz/CampA%20in%20NA%20PHGC%20p176%20abbr%20_zpsvpjeqyak.jpg)
-
Anthony,
This is great stuff. Thanks for posting. I had the pleasure of playing and touring several Colt/Alison courses with Frank when he was in town and it was quite illuminating. Colt & Alison are still probably under-appreciated in this country. Put me down for a copy. These lists alone are a great resource.
-
Tom Doak certainly knows this, but I understood Colt rarely traveled, or did not travel, to the United States after a certain time in the duo's career as architects.
-
What about Toronto GC in 1912?
-
What about Toronto GC in 1912?
''This post will have 5 pages covering three categories:''
Tony,
Great work as always. Count me in for a copy. Might have to sneak over and play Lost Nation GC in Cleveland next year
-
Ben, don't hold your breath for Lost Nation. I haven't played it in 6 or 7 years, but the last time I was there the conditioning was so bad it was hard to notice anything else about the course. I remember the routing was good, but not a lot of other details are fresh in my mind and I can't say if the course has ever been altered. I would be curious if any one knows much about this local course that didn't always have a great rep in Cleveland.
-
Joe,
That is what sturges told me. Said a house in middle of course was most interesting feature. Westwood is suppose to be good colt/alison I'm told. Have u played there?
-
Tom Doak certainly knows this, but I understood Colt rarely traveled, or did not travel, to the United States after a certain time in the duo's career as architects.
Colt never returned to the US. Hugh Alison (he was always known as Hugh, never Charles) had a base in Detroit for much if the 20s. QED, any work done post WW1 was done by Alison.
-
Tony,
Cool list and it's good to see your mention of George Thomas and the attributions in his book. As much as anyone in those years he was on the scene and was well aware of who was doing what.
-
here are the final two pages part of which should answer Wayne's TGC question. Tomorrow I'll post a NA & PHGC centric timeline re C&A for review as well as this list. It gives dates (best I can discover) for C in NA.(http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah285/agholz/CampA%20in%20NA%20PHGC%20p174%20_zpsaupbsssd.jpg)
-
Didn't Doak do some work at Milwaukee? I didn't see that listed. Darius Oliver may be a good resource as these are his favorite architects, I believe.
-
final page (of five) again all comments, corrections, adds are welcome. As can be seen I've put together a lot of work from many people, of a good many years, including gca people who are no longer with us. It is not intenede to call out anyone just cite sources so we all can see where I got the info good or bad. I've been lucky to be close to Alison's Detroit center of operations so the midwest and especially the Detroit/Toronto/Cleveland area is where much of the work can be seen. I'm especially interested in reactions to the "C" list below. Does anyone have further Weston info that would change its location in the list?
(http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah285/agholz/CampA%20in%20NA%20PHGC%20p175%20_zpscyi5fism.jpg)
-
Jim you are correct. Jeff Bergeron sent me some info last night re Milwaukee and I will add. I'm out today actually playing our Alison course so I won't review/respond further today. Thanks to all so far for your thoughts.
-
I have information regarding Briarwood revisions if you are interested.
-
Joe,
That is what sturges told me. Said a house in middle of course was most interesting feature. Westwood is suppose to be good colt/alison I'm told. Have u played there?
Ben,
I caddied and worked in the bagroom at Westwood CC all of my formative years (from 12 to 23 years old). I played at least 36 holes every Monday that I could. It's a very good course, but some of my opinion could be clouded by nostalgic adolescent memories. Pretty much all of the holes East of the clubhouse are good and all the holes to the West are pretty average because it rests on pancake flat land.
The first 7 holes are very good, particularly the 320 par 4 third that has the option to carry a cross bunker with the driver to get greenside and the Par 5 7th, which is a tight dogleg with an uphill approach over a creek. The 8th -13th holes are back and forth without a lot of character in my opinion, but once the course returns to the hilly terrain the finish is great. The approach shot into 18 is one of my favorites, it's about a 150-175 slightly uphill shot over a valleyish area that plays right into the clubhouse.
Some of the doglegs could do with some tree clearing because they play particularly tight at the corners. A lot of the time there is really no other option than a punch/pitch out if you find the trees. The course also has a decent amount of elevation change for a residential area, which surprises some people. If you ever get the chance to play Westwood, I highly recommend it.
-
I will update all the Canadian information when I'm home and have time.
But in short...
I have Alison's notes from Toronto Golf and will confirm a date
Hamilton had Alison involvement too.
Colt was involved in the construction of Toronto and Hamilton
Plan (Toronto) and working drawings (Hamilton) are in possession of the two clubs
Colt looked at Royal Montreal and the site for Mt. Bruno (on behalf of Royal) but never did much beyond recommendations
I'm fairly certain there was an Ottawa visit along the same lines (can't recall the club)
Missing is York Downs (NLE) - new course but lost in recent years to City purchase and turned into Park
Was pretty good too.
Alison had no involvement in St. George's in any shape or form.
Site selected by Thompson as part of a housing development
-
Tony,
Much of the original Timber Point remains. I would not classify it as mostly lost.
-
Mr Solow:
Absolutely send along anything on Briarwood. and Ian thanks for anything you have. You can see I've "quoted" you from previous gca threads. This list is only as good as the research I've done and more is from the contributions of others. My motive at this stage is to put my club, Port Huron, in the context of what C&A has done in NA. I was surprised when I finally split the list into three parts that there are less than 30 remaining in NA.
Re Timber Point you can see I note Frank's and Mark's review that comes up with 11 corridors and 16 greens sites still used. If I stuck with my own criteria of "predominantly" meaning more than half the corridors and green sites still in existence, I should say yes. Maybe we should consider it a composite course only playable in the mind of gcaers? Could you actually play those 11 holes today?
Thanks. Tony
-
I will update all the Canadian information when I'm home and have time.
But in short...
Ian - the Toronto GC web site says "Colt travelled to Manitoba and designed the Pine Ridge Golf and Country Club." Do you know if that was really the case? Pine Ridge's web site said that Bendelow designed the course and that it was later remodeled by Donald Ross.
-
Tony,
You may find the following useful from Mark B.'s terrific site, www.golfcoursehistories.com
Here's Timber Point compared between 1930 and 2012;
http://golfcoursehistories.com/Timber.html
-
Wayne:
See #10 Pine Ridge under the Category "C" listing. I note the TGC and other references. It appears that PR may be a confusion between Old Oakes and Whitten's list. I don't think either C nor A were anywhere near the site.
Tony
-
Anthony:
Hopefully you can use these additional sources in your write-ups.
First, an April 1924 Golf Illustrated ad noting some of their work:
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Colt%20amp%20Alison%20Ad%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20April%201924_zpsm6zgr7u8.png)
-
Briergate (aka Briarwood)
Sept. 1921 Golf Illustrated -
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Chicago%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Sept.%201921%202_zpshlu8lyoq.png)
July 1922 Golf Illustrated -
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Briergate%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20July%201922_zps6owk7zrh.png)
-
Burning Tree
Jan. 1925 Golf Illustrated -
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Burning%20Tree%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Jan.%201925%201_zpsnmogjqpd.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Burning%20Tree%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Jan.%201925%202_zps4witbrjl.png)
-
Century
Feb. 1923 Golf Illustrated -
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Land%20Clearing%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Feb.%201923_zpshuoc8dq4.png)
-
Sven:
Keep them coming, although I do have that ad and have used it in the PHGC book I'm writing. Being from Michigan I enjoy comparing C&A's ads in TAG, etc with Wilfrid Reid's letterhead where he claims everything possible to get on a single page, including several Alison courses. I'll try to find it and post it.
Thanks for all your contributions to this site!
Tony
-
Chevy Chase
Oct. 29, 1922 The Sunday Star -
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Chevy%20Chase%20-%20The%20Sunday%20Star%20Oct.%2029%201922%201_zpshsm3ed7q.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Chevy%20Chase%20-%20The%20Sunday%20Star%20Oct.%2029%201922%202_zpsjjseesqt.png)
-
Sven:
The Cowles-Evans ad is very nice!
The more I read of Chick Evans the more I think he was best at promoting Chick Evans and touting all the courses he had memberships in or was an honorary member of. (not knocking Evans and all he did for golf and charities).
Here's the Reid letterhead: "Designer of many golf courses Some of the world's finest." Still causes debate in several Michigan clubs. This was sent to me several years ago by William Zmistowski Reid's grandson.
(http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah285/agholz/W.Reid%20letterhead%20Zmistowski_zpsuyxdp5es.jpg)
-
Fresh Meadow (aka Lakeville)
May 1925 Golf Illustrated -
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Lakeville%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20May%201925%201_zpseopqranw.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Lakeville%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20May%201925%202_zpsca0h28yd.png)(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Lakeville%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20May%201925%204_zpsegxcgaj5.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Lakeville%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20May%201925%203_zpsxi0mmdgg.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Lakeville%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20May%201925%205_zpscgnbn5cr.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Lakeville%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20May%201925%206_zpsd0un9ecx.png)
-
North Shore
Oct. 1924 Golf Illustrated -
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/North%20Shore%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Oct.%201924%201_zpsypb9gdei.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/North%20Shore%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Oct.%201924%202_zpsveohopvn.png)
-
Anthony:
With respect to the Letterhead, what courses other than Plum Hollow and Port Huron raise questions?
Sven
-
Sven:
Port Huron is no longer a question, but when I first saw this letterhead I hadn't found the smoking gun that confirmed Wilfrid Reid as the original designer of Black River in 1927 with the owner's right hand Fred L. Riggin. Riggin's 9-holes is a classic ball of twine story, but Reid put it together Port Huron, Michigan could have referred to PHGC or black River. Black River was originally called Mueller Farms G&CC, but when Reid did his letterhead the name had been changed to Black River. Whitten used Reid & Connellan for both courses. As with Plum Hollow, recent site of the Michigan Am, Tam O'Shanter is another name on Reid's list. Both are most likely Alison routings with R&C or just C building them. Then a few years later R&C remodeled. Some say Alison routed and Reid did the greens. This is a continuing mystery. Everyone has a theory. I'm going with Alison as the original designer of Tam O'Shanter (& probably Plum Hollow) and Reid remodeling later which then caused C&A to remove them from their advertising.
I'm working with a contact at Tam and have gotten good info to support my theory. My wife also recently found confirmation of another course before Tam on the same site, the Rambouillet CC. Tam appears to be a completely new course with nothing used of the former course. However, both courses still need more work, especially Plum Hollow. The info so far indicates there was an Oakmont super involved heavily. If anyone sees this thread who has PH knowledge and/or Tam I'd appreciate any tidbit.
Hope this answers the Port Huron question though the Tam and Plum Hollow stories have still not been fully told.
Tony
-
I presume you reviewed Hawtree's Colt + Co. (1991) which contains an Annexe purporting to list all of the courses designed or revised by the firm. Hawtree had access to Colt's correspondence so it may be useful
-
Mr Solow:
Yes I have a copy of C&Co. On previous posts on gca others have stated, and from my own observation I agree, that Hawtree used Whitten as a start and therefore Mr Whitten's "erroneous citations" became Hawtree's. Often you'll see this sequence in the credits I give for source.
As one who is trying to do a limited list (Ron tried to do every course and architect, an impossible task), and who wrote a previous book, you're only as good as your research or what you accept from others. That's why I dismay at calling anyone's honest efforts as "mistakes", mine included. Everything's a work in progress.
Its wonderful when a club or someone such as Ian A. or Frank P., is willing to share his/their original drawings and letters. At least that way you can judge for yourself and put the items in the context of other information.
Tony
-
Colt was at Toronto Golf Club on May 12, 1913 to make his final site visit - I have the site directions which are dated.[/size]The date on the plan in the clubhouse is May 1911, he came to the site at that time too.Colt was here at Hamilton in 1914 - from Canadian Golfer - October profile on the opening of Hamilton Links "When Colt came out in 1914 to lay out the Ancaster course...."
I need to search out the other connections...[/color]
-
A few tidbits from before:
This was from Tom MacWood, "In (April) 1913 Colt started in NY, then went to Boston, Montreal, Hamilton, Chicago and Philadelphia...I believe in that order...although I'm not certain. If remember correctly, there is picture of Huntingdon Valley in Thomas's book that mentions Colt in the credits."
There is reference to the Montreal visit in Canadian Golfer. He consulted with Royal Montreal and talked them into staying at the Dixie site and revising the course instead. He walked the future Mount Bruno when he was in Montreal at the club's (RM) request but suggested they stay put at Dixie.
Hamilton was built in 1914 and opened in 1915 (have some images). Construction handled by Mr Sullivan, who built many Canadian courses after that.
Hamilton contacted Colt in 1919 to come over to make changes to the bunkering. They wanted him and no one else to do the work. The letter states " Now that the war is over I hope that we may expect you on this side not later than next year." (Some Essays)
Alison came in his place.
I can place Alison in Toronto on a number of occasions throughout the 20's with work around Toronto (Toronto (r), Hamilton (r), York Downs (18), Park CC (18), Weston (r).
Pine Ridge is the confusing one ... nobody can place him there
-
As 300,000 hours is more than 34 years at 24 hours/day x 365 days,
I'm guessing that Reid was also a lawyer.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/nregan/GCA/2DEF1ACF-1731-41E3-A0F7-B6EA800041C1.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nregan/media/GCA/2DEF1ACF-1731-41E3-A0F7-B6EA800041C1.jpg.html)
-
Ian,
Colt's visit to Bloomfield Hills in 1913 was in April while on the way to Pine Valley after leaving Chicago. He never returned to the club but left detailed recommendations that the club followed up on immediately including the purchase a 50+ acre tract of land next to the existing site which he would use to design the new course. He drew up plans and specifications for the build, sending them to the Club from the U.K., and In October the Board approved the building of the course...
-
Ian/Phil:
I believe I've read everything that Tom MacWood put on gca as well as everything I can find on the internet. Unfortunately for me I "discovered" Tom about two years after he died. Maybe this is the place to ask if anyone has a clue as to where his files have gone. They're not at Ohio State. PT and others have no knowledge either.
Thanks to you both, Sven, and others for the info so far. I will spend next week reviewing against what I have to cull for new info.
Perhaps someone out there has a box in the attic?
Tony
-
Ian/Phil:
I believe I've read everything that Tom MacWood put on gca as well as everything I can find on the internet. Unfortunately for me I "discovered" Tom about two years after he died. Maybe this is the place to ask if anyone has a clue as to where his files have gone. They're not at Ohio State. PT and others have no knowledge either.
Thanks to you both, Sven, and others for the info so far. I will spend next week reviewing against what I have to cull for new info.
Perhaps someone out there has a box in the attic?
Tony
I thought the source of a fair share of Tom's information was Dr. Michael Hurdzan at least that is what was referenced in the following feature interview:
http://golfclubatlas.com/feature-interview/feature-interview-with-mike-hurdzan/
4th Q/A down after "Games evolution . . . " photo.
Chris
-
Tony--
The Travis Society's Garden City Country Club file is very thick, with many local reports about the new course that Travis designed in 1916. In addition, we have a Brooklyn Eagle article, April 21, 1928, that details several changes to the GCCC course, e.g. replacing chocolate drops with bunkers alongside one fairway, etc. At no point does the article mention a designer/architect. The club website history mentions a "rejuvenation" by Brian Silva, in the 1980s, and we know that Keith Foster, and his associate, Kevin Hargreaves, was involved in bunker work, etc., beginning in 2007.
I have found no mention of Colt/Allison being involved, but perhaps there is more information available, somewhere, that would connect them with the 1928 course changes.
-
Thanks to Chris and Phil for the Hurdzan contact. Makes sense, and I will follow through on that. Out for a couple days actually playing golf so will review all next week. Thanks again. Tony
-
Timber Point
Feb. 1925 Golf Illustrated -
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Timber%20Point%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Feb.%201925%201_zpsfmaitczs.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Timber%20Point%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Feb.%201925%202_zpsmvwavsd7.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Timber%20Point%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Feb.%201925%203_zps1kofv8vz.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Timber%20Point%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Feb.%201925%204_zpsn2edcgf1.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Timber%20Point%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Feb.%201925%205_zpshxafavhj.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Timber%20Point%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Feb.%201925%206_zpscoe5ufg5.png)
-
To All:
I believe I've picked up much of the new info from the last two weeks. Ian, I got most of your info already from your previous posts going back years, but updated where the dates were added, and cross referenced a couple courses. I've kept Timber Point as NLE with an added comment about "possibly restorable." See Old Oakes for the Pine Ridge reference as "once called." Several of the "maybes" seem to be confused references to old names or club name vs. location i.e. Highland Park, Ill. I'd still like to get comments from you Ian (and anyone else of course) about Weston in Toronto and its Alison bunkers. My belief, formed more than a bit by gca, is that routings and greens site selections make the architect. It seems to me that bunkers can change how a course looks and plays, but they also can be changed by time and other "architects." I'm just getting into Mandell's Pinehurst book I purchased at the Tufts a while back, and I'm fascinated by the changes to the bunker faces the year after Ross died. The Ross "look" certainly was immediately affected.
I probably should have started with his particular post, but I'm posting this morning my "C&A in NA timeline." This is centered on Port Huron Golf Club's place in their efforts. If other clubs would do this same thing they'd substitute their Alison or Colt course for the Port Huron references. I have selected certain biographical info birth, death etc. and covered the dates of the three Colt trips just so its in one place. Again this is in the appendices of the PHGC book and expected to be mostly read by club members.
This post is two pages.
Tony
-
(http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah285/agholz/PHGC%20book%20p171%20CampA%20in%20NA%20_zpsqpjkeeow.jpg)
-
Hi Tony,
I forgot that I had this information in my database on 3 clubs worked at by Alison. One, Kirtland, you have in your lists, but two others, Westwood and Oakwood, you don't.
1921: Late Spring to early Summer, Alison designs Kirtland CC outside of Cleveland. It opens for play in the spring of 1922. Source 1927 Yearbook of Kirtland Country Club
1923 (exact dates unknown) & 9/30-10/2/1924: Alison in Cleveland to redesign the Westwood Club. Note also that the end of the article states, In addition to laying out at Kirtland course, Capt. Alison planned improvements for Oakwood. No date for that is given. Source - 9/25/1924 Cleveland Plains Dealer:
(http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo90/PhiltheAuthor/Alison%20atWestwood%20Club_zpspauf90uk.jpg) (http://s364.photobucket.com/user/PhiltheAuthor/media/Alison%20atWestwood%20Club_zpspauf90uk.jpg.html)
-
Thanks Phil. I'll check both. (and probably have questions). My first page didn't post so here goes again:
(http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah285/agholz/PHGC%20book%20p170%20CampA%20in%20NA%20_zps3hhzwssv.jpg)
-
Great job Tony!
-
Phil:
Westwood (Rocky River, Ohio) is on the list at #28, although this new article is new. Thanks for that. Oakwood is new to me. Help me out there.
Tony
-
Vis a vis Detroit, a local newspaper story about CC of Detroit's hiring of Archie Simpson as head professional, indicated Colt (who had been hired to resdesign their course) was expected to be attending a welcome dinner March 25, 1911, to be attended by "200 Detroit enthusiasts." (Source: "Robert Simpson--Carnoustie"; Mishler, 2001; p132.).
Archie Simpson (the long time Royal Aberdeen pro who had designed Murcar and worked with Old Tom Morris on Cruden Bay, Dornoch and many others), supervised the construction of the 1911 Colt course. Archie also was the pro at Tam O'Shanter for a while, so perhaps he helped C&A build that one too.
-
Rich:
Great connection of The CCD with Tam. Another lead. I'll review with my Tam connection later this month.
Thanks. Tony
-
Regarding Canoe Brook, I would like to see solid evidence of Alison's involvement with the South Course.
The North Course was built in 1902 and reworked by Travis in 1916. The attributions for the South Course have been confusing to track, with Willie Park, Isaac Mackie and Alison each being given credit in different sources.
Park's involvement was most likely limited to scouting out a site and offering his opinion on its suitability. An Oct. 1925 Golf Illustrated article (the online version I've seen is truncated and only the page copied below is available) notes the selection of club professional Mackie's plans from a number that were submitted with work beginning on clearing in 1922 and the course opening in 1924.
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Canoe%20Brook%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20Oct.%201925%201_zpsujtzqaap.png)
-
A fairly contemporaneous July 1932 Golf Illustrated article gives a bit more insight into both courses. There is no mention of Alison or Park, but it does note that Maj. R. A. Jones raised and reworked the greens on the South Course.
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Canoe%20Brook%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20July%201932%201_zpshsdhhrb1.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Canoe%20Brook%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20July%201932%202_zpshbasa9ad.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Canoe%20Brook%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20July%201932%203_zpsnxy00hyq.png)
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Canoe%20Brook%20-%20Golf%20Illustrated%20July%201932%204_zpsgwqf2gu3.png)
-
Anthony, like a lot of GCA ers I've played many of these CA courses. A number of the clubs list as their architect the firm of Colt, MacKenzie and Alison. I know MacKenzie was only with the firm for four years. As part of your project do you actually delineate courses that were built during the Mackenzie period? It seems a few clubs take some pride in including MacKenzie on the design team for attribution purposes.
-
Sven: I agree with Canoe Brook being "vague" and haven't seen anything in writing (GI, American Golfer, etc), but Frank and Paul list as 1922 and until I can refute them I'll keep it in the NLE columns as an Alison 1922/23 design.
Sinclair: If you note I list C&A or CM&A or just Colt (prior to WWI). See Port Huron Golf Club (my course) where I list CM&A/C&A. I do that because the firm from 1920 incorporation thru 1922, and maybe 1923 kept up the sham that MacKenzie was a part of the show. I do not list him after 1923 and I'm heading toward after 1922. At PH, Alison's first course design in NA, I list CM&A because the firm was brand new and Alison's letters, and firm letterhead that I've seen, definitely list MacKenzie both on the masthead and individually. However, after 1923 the letterhead and advertising say C&A. IMO Mackenzie did no work with Alison or for the firm in NA and was basically in competition with his own (ostensibly) partners. At Port Huron the 1928 archive has letters which list C&A as the firm with CA&M(orrison) listed as partners and Lavis as the American Partner and Martin for the "Continent of Europe." Port Huron also has pre-printed white line blue prints with C&A as the architects, even as Morrison is listed as full partner under C and A on the letterhead. The PHGC letters are dated from September 7, 1928 thru November 16, 1928. One of the drawings is hand dated October 23, 1928.
Therefore IMO the clubs in NA that trade on Mackenzie's name along with C&A are kidding themselves. I believe that they can easily say C&A knowing Alison was the sole designer of their course because 1) that was the firm name and 2) he definitely started at the master's feet. But clearly was on his own in NA even in the redesign of Colt originals ie. Toronto and Ancaster.
Tony
-
Sven: I agree with Canoe Brook being "vague" and haven't seen anything in writing (GI, American Golfer, etc), but Frank and Paul list as 1922 and until I can refute them I'll keep it in the NLE columns as an Alison 1922/23 design.
Seems to me you have a column just for this type of confusion. At the very least, you should note Mackie and the Golf Illustrated article.
Sven
-
Sven:
Just back from playing our Alison course! Had dinner looking out at Alison's ninth green. Very intimate setting watching the local HS girl's team come up their last hole. Realized that the original tenth tee was under our dining room table. Definately the first taste of fall in Michigan today.
I'll make the notes you suggest re: Canoe Brook, but would like to see something more direct. Was hoping Frank/Paul might have something more. Thanks as always for your comments and contributions to this site.
Tony
-
Followup on Tam O'Shanter from a fairly contemporaneous source. Pretty clearly not an Alison original design, but rather a four hole renovation.
Detroit Free Press May 21, 1939 -
(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/snilsen7/Tam%20OShanter%20-%20Detroit%20Free%20Press%20May%2021%201939_zpss2amgjrg.jpeg)
-
Sven:
As discussed offline Ollie Glennie was the original architect on site. I'm still trying to confirm Reid's renovations done after Alison was on site.
Rambouillet was a US agricultural site for raising, you guessed it, sheep.
Anthony
(http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah285/agholz/CampA%20in%20NA%20TAM%206616%20c_zps0uu37zle.jpg)