History
Celebrating 100-years in 2021, Barrington Hills Country Club has a rich history in the Barrington community. It begins with industry titan Harry Stilson Hart, 220 acres of open land a mile west of Barrington, and a quest to gather like-minded sportsmen to bring the call of 'fore' to his summer retreat outside of Chicago. The storied history of Barrington Hills Country Club has been well documented in A Club in the Country "The Story of Barrington Hills Country Club" by Patty Dowd Schmitz. Copies of this highly visualized history of BHCC are available through the clubhouse.
The following is a timeline of major milestones for Barrington Hills Country Club throughout the years.
Over fine cigars and brandy, 11 men discussed the formation of a country club in the Barrington countryside.
The founders of BHCC include: Harry Stillson Hart, George E. Van Hagen, Sr. J.R. Cardwell, Spencer Otis, William J Klingenberg, and Herbert Bell.
The Club had 167 Members.
The annual meeting was held in October, the guest fees were $3 on weekends and $2 on weekdays. Golf events were becoming sought-after invitations for the Chicago gentry.
In the fall of 1930 giant yellow flames reached to the sky. The Club is on fire!
Only four years after it was built, the original clubhouse burned down completely in a few short hours.
Opening the new clubhouse, September 7, 1931.
The plans called for a larger structure to be created of materials that would never burn. While simplistic and understated just like the previous clubhouse, one major difference was a design focused on making a more livable and attractive house for Members, injecting warmth and charm as well as security from flames.
The Club continues to grow and offer more leisure activities.
The summer of 1934 was exceptionally hot with a heat wave in July averaging 100 degrees. The Club pool opened just in time to offer the Members relief from the hot temperatures with a lavish outdoor celebration complete with water ballet and clown diving.
The Club in the Country reaches capacity.
By 1953, with a brand new clubhouse addition and a positive balance sheet, the Club's rolls were filled and the Membership was closed.
By 1957 more amenities are needed to support an extensive athletic program and full roster of social events.
As Barrington Hills Country Club celebrates their Centennial Year, the Club seeks to honor the legacy of those who built the foundation of this beloved club in the country while renewing the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment of Membership for the next 100-years. Reflecting on 100-years of memories and kicking off a century of new memory making.