Summerlea – Rising Again
After the overwhelming shock of the fire that destroyed Summerlea September 13th, 1949, members were determined that the Club would continue. The next night the Board of Directors met at the home of the President, Dr. L. Kent. The immediate needs were to keep the Club running while making long-range plans to rebuild. Fire losses were estimated to exceed $250,000.
By the end of the year plans for rebuilding were well under way. Fire losses had been paid and decisions had been made regarding the new clubhouse. Reconstruction requests had been sent out. Finances to cover these costs were a major difficulty.
This was not the first time Summerlea had been faced with the similar problems. At the end of the Depression in 1939, the Club was in a desperate financial situation. Senator Donat Raymond, although not a member, held the majority of the mortgage bonds. With his help the financial situation eased and the golf Club was able to carry on.
In 1949, after the fire, Senator Raymond once again came to Summerlea’s rescue. The balance of the mortgage owing to him was $80,000 which he was entitled to retain from the fire insurance money. He now allowed the Club to keep this money as a new loan. In addition, he put up another $20,000. With proper management, the Club was able to realize their rebuilding plans. The Club and all its immovable property was security for this loan. It was finally decided to rebuild with the money available, cutting as much as possible from the dining room facilities and staff quarters, eliminating all extras and being as economical as possible.
By December 1949, the contract for reconstruction was awarded to Gordon L. Tarlton for $191,709.
Construction of the clubhouse would take place over the winter months.
Marion Dunn