Age brings about wisdom and we look back, using that wisdom to reflect on how we wished we had done things differently but do not be so harsh on yourself as those tender years are the ones in which we seek the most security and approval from others. Thanks for sharing its so important! I look forward to reading more of Jessicas work. Quaker Ridge hosted the Walker Cup and Century and Old Oaks are regular sites for US Open qualifying. It would be a big mistake to not mention the course at Del Boca Vista, Phase 2, an original design of Morty Seinfeld and Cosmo Kramer. In 1921 the Club purchased its property from Gedney Farm Hotel and changed its name to Westchester Hills Golf Club. This was beautifully written. Located in the heart of New York States prestigious Westchester County, Brae Burn has been a cherished part I like to go back and unravel events and have them make sense. In 1953 our membership decided to add a swimming pool to our list of amenities offered. With irrigation came tall rough surrounding narrow fairways. Ravisloe and Lake Shore in the Chicago burbs were very much Jewish clubs back in the day. History of Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck. Jessica provides a beautiful example of how subtle yet impactful hate can be. After marrying a non-Jew, living in an area where Jews are not abundant, I have been able to more fully appreciate and embrace my Jewishness, and to stand up for what it means to me and to my family, to my children. Filed under American Jewry, Family history, history, Jewish, Jewish identity, Jewish writing, Judaism, Tagged as assimilation, Country Club, family history, family rituals, Family roots, immigrant experience, Jewishness, silence, too Jewish, Westchester, Workmen's Circle. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. 914.967.6161 It has some lineage, traceable to Colt and Allison, but was also butchered by William Harries. These were the same clubs that 50 years earlier had signs saying no dogs no Jews or so the talk went. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts. I can relate to where and how this author was raised by her Jewish family in suburban Westchester County. Your blood is Jewish and now every fiber, thought, dream and breath is one. Where the very best golf architects displayed their artistry. Beautiful writing and very resonant. Apawamis was also the original home of the PGA Tours Westchester Classic, which began as a one-day pro-am to benefit United Hospital in Port Chester in 1952. You were a guest. It was here that the games national organizations, the USGA and the PGA of America, established their roots. Nearly every hole plays up, down, or over a hill to make it one of the most interesting courses in the county. I throughly enjoyed this essay. The current head pro at Metropolis, Craig Thomas, broke the competitive course record at Bethpage Black during the 2007 New York State Open. I've not played it, but I've heard good things. A friend asking us to be someone else is not a true friend. Fenway is one of the toughest short courses in Westchester. It wouldn't be summer without the organized swim team and many swim games each weekend. It is characterized by long sloping fairways and large, contoured greens maintained in perfect condition. I shouldve told her then and there the absurdity and ignorance of her demand. 289 Dobbs Ferry Road, White Plains 40 Arrowcrest Drive, Croton-on-Hudson Jack Burke Jr. was head pro for two years before he left to play on tour full-time where he won both the Masters and the PGA Championship. With critically acclaimed titles in history, science, higher education, consumer health, humanities, classics, and public health, the Books Division publishes 150 new books each year and maintains a backlist in excess of 3,000 titles. And, in truth, I know that it was obvious even then. Navigating through Saxon Woods Golf Course in White Plains was added in 1931. I think we all have times like this, where we cant quite recall the outcome. If you have the opportunity to play golf here or enjoy a meal, I know you will agree. Only one historically Jewish club, Scarsdales Quaker Ridge, has been perennially ranked among Golf Digests coveted top 100 American golf courses, although some of this may be a product of biases toward the longstanding elite (and invariably WASP-dominated) courses (I can think of three Philadelphia area historically Jewish clubs that Your anger is palpable and understandable. Web925 Westchester Avenue, Suite 200, White Plains, NY 10604-3002 | (914) 328-7001 | [email protected]. Very well written and something many of us can relate to, even if not to the particular form of bigotry (anti Semitism). I wanted never to have to face unconscious prejudices against Jews or to have my children face them. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. In 1895, John Reids wife, Elizabeth, and several other Saint Andrews women leased land on North Broadway and established Saegkill Country Club. Phone: (914) 723-3200. Thats real and worth telling. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Broadmoor in Indianapolis is a real pearl. But the good revelation is that there are sites like this one which allow us to share and discuss our thoughts. And, of course, we never heard from our guest again. For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions In 1961, the first annual Governor's Day was held at Westchester Hills to honor past and present board members. When will we ever learn? In that moment I became a bystander in her attempt to have me erase my essence. How true, and, in this situation, how ironic! But I really wonder what you could have said that would have made this individual realize how ignorant and insulting her words and attitude were. I met other families who had Jewish background. Thank you for taking the time to comment. I will continue to fight for this. Jewish country clubs are country clubs whose members are predominantly Jewish, having been excluded from other elite social clubs during periods of rising anti-Semitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nothing. Prior to this, the course had no rough, and balls would roll a long way after landing. If any place can lay claim to the honorific birthplace of American golf, it is Westchester. Im quite honored to read your memory as it helps me to rejoice in feeling whole and knowing Im not alone. 914.862.5283 This incident took place when I was a bit older than middle school. My children and family experienced antisemitism in school and in our town only 10 years ago. Julien J. Soubiran, former president, referred the matter to the club office. Im so shocked this type of thing happened to you as well although I suppose I shouldnt be. It is blocked out with emotions. Learn More. Each and every summer season we look forward to a packed swimming pool and kids area. WebCelebrating Jewish Arts & Culture; Community & Security Initiatives; Connecting with Elected Officials; Westchester Country Club. Later, I drafted an email chiding our guest, but never sent it, figuring that the lesson was mine to learn. I did not come from a religious family, but the rabbi of an Orthodox shul was our neighbor in Astoria. So, why did I fail when it came to defending my own people? Also designed by Tom Winton, Sprain Lake is unique for its rolling and narrow layout with an abundance of water hazards. My parents didnt belong to a country club. They have a nice pool with a divingmore, First of all, Siwanoy is not a restaurant, it's a country club. Project MUSE is a leading provider of digital humanities and social sciences content, providing access to journal and book content from nearly 300 publishers. Architect Robert Trent Jones Sr.s last design, Anglebrook features inviting fairways and huge greens but demands strategic play and deft putting to score. 914.478.3500 Great golf course, great caddies who know the course, greatmore, Greenwich Country Club was founded in 1892. You provide a gratifying social context that illustrates both the sad reality of innocent young people forced by events to live in an environment of ignorance and prejudice. I do think that (especially girls, shy girls) react by not reacting. In the Westwood thread that I started about 2 months ago, there was this comment: "Westwood was built as the Jewish equivalent of St. Louis CC" This has prompted me to ask about the courses of these clubs. MUSE delivers outstanding results to the scholarly community by maximizing revenues for publishers, providing value to libraries, and enabling access for scholars worldwide. So much can be learned from our own personal history, even if it means experiencing anger and regret when looking back on past situations. I should have refused to enter. At the same time we cannot kid ourselves that the heroes in our families we admire so much, like you, had their own moments of indecision and missteps. The story taught me a very important lesson. It gave you backbone. WebJudaism in northern Westchester presents an uneven pattern. Me: Yes, dad, a country club. Not just architectural history, but more importantly, to study why ill-conceived changes got made and how to recognize that failed process and learn from it. This discussion group is best enjoyed using Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. Characterized by a course that takes advantage of the natural topography, Dunwoodie has a mix of landscapes to challenge your golf game. Your writing is accomplished and I found your story both moving and fascinating. Box 249 Scarsdale, NY 10583. Very nice use of a memory to make a broader statement. Thanks, Jessica, for touching us all. 808 Weaver Street, Larchmont Your poignant and well-written essay references the prejudices that I think most, if not all, Jews have encountered in one way or other. When I finally biked miles to his house one morning, he couldnt hang out because his dad told him he didnt want that Jewish rich kid being seen with his son. The Journals Division publishes 85 journals in the arts and humanities, technology and medicine, higher education, history, political science, and library science. What touched me even more deeply was that you cant remember if you even saw Christopher reeves. Id already dealt with a few of my husbands less enlightened acquaintances, and had no problem saying anything. It not only has an interesting version of the Biarritz but also holes such as a Capestein, Alpsberg, Redanowitz and the Schmear. Water hazards and bunkers come into play on nearly every hole. I am sorry that this may have been one of the things that contributed to it. It was even here where the dubious tactic of hitting a second ball off the first tee if you didnt like your first onea Mulligangot its name. On the one hand Jewish religious practice is weaker in northern Westchester than in areas closer to New York Westchester Country Club 99 Biltmore Avenue, Rye, New York 10580. As I recall, I was between the ages of 16 and not more than 18 when this happened. Every Seder, as I watched my grandmothers treasured cousin ladle out the matzoh balls for the chicken soup, I saw the numbers on her arm. The A.W. In 1924, Westchester Hills had a minor clubhouse fire. I would not be me without being Jewish. And, in fact, the individual that prompted me to write this essay told me years later that she didnt understand what was wrong with the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia where Heather Heyer was murdered by neo-Nazis shouting Jews will not replace us. She proudly told me over the phone that she herself might have been at that rally and when I tried to explain to her, incredibly still giving her the benefit of the doubt, how wrong and evil those neo-Nazis were, she seemed to get it but as her subsequent social media posts demonstrate she hasnt learned a thing and has clutched tightly to her prejudices. A. W. Tillinghast was commissioned in 1916 to create the course on property where the British army camped in 1776 before defeating George Washington in the Battle of White Plains. I always had a family member that had a Greenwich Country Club membership. Sometimes you made me laugh but I also felt your pain and disappointment. The Apawamis Club in Rye began as a social club in 1890, but added a rudimentary nine-hole golf course in 1896. The damage anti semitism has is proven by her memory so many years later. For our community? . It would be a big mistake to not mention the course at Del Boca Vista, Phase 2, an original design of Morty Seinfeld and Cosmo Kramer. Private. Relatively new owners have transformed this course into one of the most challenging in the county. @tinaoliver I want to thank you for your tender and insightful comment on my essay. He was there. We werent elite, even though my parents were elated as they moved us out of the Amalgamated Workmens Circle housing in the Bronx to the cushy azalea filled suburbs of Westchester. It is very well written. I also remember, with a very uncomfortable feeling, events and situations that I was faced with anti-Semitic/anti-Israel sentiment and my action/reaction was lacking or even non existent You pose interesting questions in your writing. All Rights Reserved. I guess its time for me to weigh in with respect to the Chicago area. Macdonald was elected vice president and walked away happy. 18 High Ridge Road, Pound Ridge The employees are professional and friendly. Our childhood innocence is often unprepared for such ignorance. Enjoyed the reading & can relate. Golfers are treated to a beautiful view of much of the 7,000-yard course on the first tee, and can choose four sets of tees to match their unique skill level and playing style. My mothers cousin was part owner, so we had a big discount. Even though we were similarly equiped with a laser sharp self-awareness and keen sense of situation, a hallmark of our secular Jewish upbringing, you were still unprepared for the baked in anti-semitism. I didnt know any other members. Prejudice and ignorance sometimes reveal themselves at unexpected times: from the mouth of a stranger, a work associate, or even a friend. Thus, we are taken by surprise; ambushed, as it were. Built by a whos-who of businessmen headed by William Rockefeller, Sleepy Hollow has some of the most spectacular Hudson River views in the county along with a 140-room mansion, once the home of members of the Vanderbilt family. Belmont CC outside of Boston is a Ross course that was recently renovated, I believe. Engineers is 79 in Best Classic. I agree with Saras comment above, in middle school it is tough to respond to a situation like that, even as an adult it could be. This swimming pool is still one of the biggest staples at Westchester Hills today for all members. Their sons, born in the 1920s, went to a post private school, but for school dance or whatever, they could only date Jewish girls. Jewishness was less of my identity than Jessicas but this same feeling of angst permeated me for weeks (a lifetime for a middle schooler). Daughter of an immigrant Jewish mother from the foothills of the Himalayas and a South Bronx born Puerto Rican Jewish father, Jessica Ursell is a veteran officer of the United States Air Force, poet, attorney, and progressive political activist. Eloquent, thoughtful beautiful and relevant! Many thanks to the writers who have shared their work with us and have helped create a supportive online community for Jewish writers. Just as we were about to enter. @Billy Cohen I am very touched by the tender and thoughtful nature of your comment. We made them and we lit them. Willow Ridge underwent even more transformations. Jess- I think embarking on your military career was a life of service and seeking justice. 980 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, NY 10577; Mailing Address: P.O. With golf events, private and group instruction, and a challenging course marked by a two-tiered pond and waterfall, Hampshire Country Club has something for every golfer. The county acquired it from IBM and opened the new course in 2004. The great irony of all of it is that the only thing I remember from this event is that I stayed silent. Im a person who likes to understand. And she asked me if I wanted to join her so that we could see Superman in person. It's 162 acres and definitely a family favorite.more, Anyway, back to the country club. 120 Cabrini Blvd. The trick in life is to learn when to and when not to deploy that armor.. all the while knowing that human failings inevitably mean we cannot get it right 100% of the time. It was so thought provokingI cant stop thinking about it and sharing with others. Journals And, yet, you didnt say anything likely because you wanted to be a proper host as she was in your home. Jessica drew me in at the first sentence and kept me holding my breath until the last word. 123 North Street, Harrison Perhaps a simple, What exactly do you mean by that? might have been enough to throw this girl, who was, I am certain, not as knowledgeable or thoughtful as her guest, off her high horse, and maybe even make her (if not on the spot, possibly later) consider the reductive and prejudiced nature of her comment. "Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses " Adlai Stevenson. Its awful to know that people we went to school with harbored such prejudice whether born out of ignorance or malevolence. 290 East Grassy Sprain Road, Yonkers Dan Jenkins. In a raucous trial, the prosecution lost the case on a narrow interpretation of the statute that forbade disturbance of the peace of the day, thus establishing every Yonkers golfers legal right to pursue par whenever he or she chooses. 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Ive been sitting here trying to compose an adequate response to your comment and Im struck by the idea of composure. These comments were meant to discomfit during what should otherwise have been a pleasant comfortable experience. Our Jewishness, my Jewishness, was not a fancy fur coat pulled out of the closet to wear on the high holy days. Originally a family farm, Maple Moor was expanded into an 18-hole golf course in 1925 by the Westchester County Parks Commission. Hudson National, the Golf Club of Purchase, Trump National Golf Club Westchester, and Anglebrook burst on the scene in the 1990s, followed soon after by GlenArbor, Hollow Brook, and, in 2008, the countys premier daily-fee course, the Pete Dyedesigned Pound Ridge Golf Club. Private Clubs. Its facilities include a fitness, From Business: Delray Dunes Golf and Country Club, located in Boynton Beach, Fla., is a private, member-owned community club. The Jewish Writing Project is now ranked as one of the "Top 50 Jewish Blogs" on the web. 914.834.0992 Private. I've enjoyed many delicious meals here. And as you can read in the essay, the fact that I was silent has been a smoldering fire within me for decades so Im very glad I was able to release this piece out into the world. White came there in 1916 and served as head pro from 1922 to 1927. But put them altogether and St. Andrew's can play their low ball for atmosphere." I like that you ended with Never Again because I believe everyone should be reminding themselves of that sentiment everyday. The original course had 27 holes, but the club lost nine of them when I-684 was built. I mentioned it to my Dad who simply replied with a shrug Thats the Irish for ya! (unkowingly teaching me that two can play at that game). WebWestchester Country Club. Jessica. A great read! Its practically part of our DNA. You write that you were in your 60s when this happened to you and that you had a whole lifetime of experience responding to such remarks. I like this new image / metaphor that you have created with your story I will forever think of a country club and Superman when I think of several life experiences that your nice blog post describes first, being Other and second, being humiliated, confused, torn as to what to do, and having regret for not taking a stand. By the time Saint Andrews started hosting tournaments, a handful of other Westchester clubs were in their nascent stages. None of the clubs queried in the survey had Negro members. Well because were surrounded by it and we dont necessarily want to live in Israel plenty of anti semitism in that part of the world as well. Was here that the games national organizations, the USGA and the Schmear of subtle. Shared their work with us and have helped create a supportive online Community Jewish... 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Jessica provides a beautiful example of how subtle yet impactful hate can be discuss our.... Are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies acres and definitely a family,. Can play at that game ) toughest short courses in the Chicago burbs were very much clubs! Meant to discomfit during what should otherwise have been one of the closet wear!