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The Ward family, traced to the mid 19th century, noted for accumulating considerable lumber holdings, moved to Oakland County from Saginaw in 1861 to a 200-acre farm on Cass Lake. Willis Ward continued his father’s lumbering business and, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, acquired most of the land that today is Orchard Lake Country Club.
Ward had an idea of dedicating a club for the enjoyment of all members of the family. “…a club to be unique among clubs everywhere providing a wide variety of wholesome activities.”
His dream was to perpetuate the special recreational advantages of Orchard Lake for young people and adults. In 1905 he chose the spot that he felt was the most majestic site on the lake, where the Clubhouse stands today.
In 1926, 175 acres of land, including 200 feet of lake front, were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Willis C. Ward and their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick S. Strong, Jr. for the use of establishing the Club. On May 5, 1926, OLCC came into existence as a corporate body. One year later, on May 25, the first stock certificate was issued to Willis C. Ward, who also served as the Club’s first president. The second certificate went to his son-in-law, Frederick S. Strong, Jr., as Vice President, and the third to Ward’s son Harold, who was Secretary and Treasurer. Membership was $500. The membership grew by word of mouth through the bonds of friendship and mutual love of the natural beauties of Orchard Lake. By 1928, membership fees were raised to $1,500.
Golf and sailing were the premier sports at the beginning. Sailing was actually the first sport because the lake was here long before the Club was formed.
Building a first class golf course was one of the earliest and most important projects undertaken at Orchard Lake. Construction of the golf course began in the spring of 1926, under the direction of Captain C.H. Alison, of the British firm of Colt and Alison, an internationally known firm of golf course architects. To help cover the cost, the land was mortgaged, which raised $85,000 of the $136,000 total that it took to complete the project. William Conellan, consulting greens keeper of the Detroit District Golf Association carried out the work. Captain Alison said the course was built for the average player but it could be transformed, within two or three months, into a professional championship course. The course opened for play on August 3, 1927.
In 1929, the Clubhouse was built at a cost of $90,000. The Membership fee increased to $2,000 and the count was nearly 300. The next few years were spent planting trees, purchasing more property, and landscaping. In 1930 a beachhouse was built and in 1936 the Club saw its first 2 tennis courts.
The war years and the Great Depression tested the financial well being and operation of the Club as it tried to maintain a sound membership. The club treasurer worked with the members to help preserved their equity in the Club. It took great ingenuity to keep the Club afloat. During those depressed years the membership fell to 287. The budget tightened and the Club was closed during the winter months to save fuel.
In 1935 former Board members were invited to attend a dinner meeting with the current Board, thus starting an annual Past Governors Golf Outing and Dinner which continues today as an annual event.
In 1941 Tommy Shannon became golf pro and the golf course the front nine became the back nine and vice versa. Two additional tennis courts and a pro shop were constructed with the club now having six clay courts by 1973. Four platform tennis courts add to the winter activities at the club.
The forthcoming decades saw the implementation of a long list of ambitious capital improvement programs. The waterfront footage was increased to today’s 679 feet. A Lake House, Swimming Pool, Bag Storage building and Equipment barn were built. The clubhouse facilities were expanded and improved to provide outstanding services and amenities for Orchard Lake members and in 2003 was recognized as a "Platinum Club" by the Club Forum Survey and named a top 100 country club in the nation.
The facilities, completely updated in 2005 add a Fitness Center to the many first class facilities offered to its members. The clubhouse and grounds continue to be recognized for excellence in service and amenities; being named a "Platinum Club" once again in 2006.
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