advertisement

Rolling Green Country Club Celebrates 90th Anniversary

Rolling Green Country Club, a private, member-owned golf course and country club located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, celebrated their ninetieth anniversary at their club on Saturday, June 14, 2014. The club, established in 1924, currently has 436 members with members' home residencies ranging from Arlington Heights to Hong Kong.

Rolling Green was brought to fruition by Dr. C. M. Oughton, who purchased the farm land in 1911 in an auction. The club's history indicates it took Dr. Oughton and his friend H.B. Wheelock a record eighteen days to build the initial nine holes on the golf course. Oughton originally planned to be the sole owner of the club however, due to failing health and Wheelock's advice, Oughton allowed a small band of North Shore businessmen to take an option on the property. The businessmen formulated an operation policy under a trust agreement and the club became Rolling Green Country Club on June 24, 1924.

Well-known associates of Rolling Green include: long-time Arlington Heights residents, the late Ed and Minnie Stiff and professional golfer Charles (Chick) Evans. Minnie Stiff became the Club's first manager in 1927, which for the time, was considered a progressive choice. She remained a crucial part of Rolling Green's operations for over 50 years. Charles (Chick) Evans, Jr. was an honorary Associate Member of Rolling Green. The Club officially supports his charity, The Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides college scholarships to caddies from modest means. Since its inception, over seventy Rolling Green caddies have received scholarships through the Evans Scholars Foundation. In May, Rolling Green announced five new recipients of Evans Scholarships.

"We are excited and proud to be celebrating 90 years," Club President Ted Stanaszek stated. "Our incredible members and staff make this Club feel like a vacation destination, a place you feel like you belong. And we are honored to be a part of the rich history of Arlington Heights."

Attendees of the celebration on June 14 were greeted by classic big band music, while photographers snapped photos as they walked the red carpet, an entrance rivaling the Academy Awards. The club showcased a Heritage Room that displayed historical artifacts and articles that were collected over the past 90 years. Some of the items on display included a letter written by Ray Kroc (founder of McDonald's), who was a member in the 1940's, a silver trophy won by one of the members in the 1930's, and even the handwritten "Meeting Minutes" from the first board meeting in 1924. A video played a collection of members' photographs on television screens around the club, sharing some of the many memories created by the club's members and highlighting those celebrating milestone anniversaries.

The club was all aglow with a variety of exciting decorations, dramatic lighting, fire pits, even a glowing bar by the pool. Attendees enjoyed exquisite cuisine by Executive Chef Jesse Quinonez, including seared scallops, rack of lamb, and long-time classics like prime rib and Bananas Foster for dessert. A good time was had by all.

For more information about Rolling Green Country Club, visit their website at www.rollinggreen.org or call 847.253.0400.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.