Although the golf course was designed and construction started in 1926 with completion in 1928, a formal incorporation was not developed until mid 1930. It was natural that Gilbert A. Currie became the president of the newly formed Club, as he had led the design and construction of the golf course. On July 10, 1930, the Board appointed Dr. Herbert H. Dow to be the Building Chair with Building Committee members Thomas Griswold, Albert P. Beutel, Earle MacLaughlin and LeRoy Steward. Shortly thereafter, Ray V. Dudley was added to the committee to follow the daily construction and to assure that the expectations of Alden Dow and the Club were met.
Because of the desire to begin construction as soon as possible, Herbert H. Dow urged the architectural firm of Frantz and Spence (with Alden B. Dow to be the associate designer) to move rapidly on the design and to split the fee of six percent with Alden Dow. Alden Dow was still in school and not a registered architect. Mr. Alden Dow designed the building using some recent design concepts such as encasing the utilities inside the walls, ceilings, and flooring, instead of open exposure as had been the practice. The building was regarded as unique and described as one of the finest in the country at that time.
Dr. H. H. Dow assumed the cost responsibility until the organization was in place. The Building Committee, the Club’s Board of Directors, Mr. Currie, Alden Dow, Mr. Frantz, and Mr. Spence met in Dr. Dow’s office on July 22, 1930, to review an estimate of $124,383 for the clubhouse. The architects were instructed that a total cost of $110,000 would be acceptable without destroying the integrity of the general artistic design. A meeting the next day confirmed that the membership and the Board insisted that the clubhouse should cost $100,000. On July 24, 1930, the Building Committee was formally organized to “supervise the construction and equipment of the clubhouse and to engage the services of Alden B. Dow to design, and with the Building Committee of such clubhouse and to have complete charge of the purchase of materials, labor, letting of contracts, and every other thing in connection with the construction and equipment of such clubhouse.”[1] This resolution was adopted and passed unanimously by the MCC Board.
Thomas Griswold had been elected to be the secretary of the Building Committee and his original notes are now contained in a three-ring notebook with a variety of other memos covering the period during the construction of the clubhouse.[2]
A goal was set to have the building enclosed before the onset of cold weather. Bids were being accepted from late July and throughout August. On August 28, 1930, the bids were opened and considered. This set of bids provided an estimate of $120,935 for the building cost. The bids were submitted to Mr. Spence and The Fred C. Trier Company with directions to consider the low bids with some modifications to bring the cost in line within the expected cost of $100,000. A number of cost cutting measures were instituted, including plans to have the members purchase their own lockers. Gravel could be purchased from The Dow Chemical Company for $0.50 less than from other suppliers. Cinder block and cement tile costs ranged from nine to fifteen cents each. The cost for sand was $1.75 per yard. Twenty-one thousand blocks were ordered from the John C. Whitman Company. The Fred C. Trier Construction Company was the principle builder. A flurry of work began to purchase materials as needed and to procure labor and excavation equipment. This included cement and cinder blocks, sand, gravel, lumber, and the building of access roads, plus a shanty for materials with a second floor bunkroom for the workers.
On September 15, 1930, “R.V. Dudley, based on his character was approved to follow the daily progress of the construction.”[3] During this period, he issued almost daily reports which included weather conditions. It was noted that Dr. Dow “had paid $5700 from his own pocket for architect’s fees”[4] in order to keep the project moving and to have the building closed in before winter. Another matter considered was the Tittabawasse River flood levels relative to locker room flooring. There were also similar concerns for the septic tank and sewers. At the same time, gas lines and a six-inch water main were laid to provide adequate water for the emergency sprinklers. Electric service had to be procured.
Other details considered during the construction included a vegetable bin, coal bin, stoker furnace, toilet stalls, windows, doors, baths, and an eating area for the workers.
By October 29, 2003, an estimate was pegged at $135,780.95 with pledges for $107,000. At Dr. Dow’s recommendation, the project was started with the expectation that the shortfall could be covered and the cost reduced to $125,000 by omitting some of the sprinklers and delaying the furnishing of six guest rooms on the first floor. Willard Dow, Alden Dow, and Leland I. Doan subscribed to cover $18,000 of the shortfall and Gilbert A. Currie offered to cover another $5,000, totaling $130,000. It was agreed that $14,000 would be available for furnishings and $3,000 for undefined extras.
Already under the direction of Mr. Elzie Cote, landscaping had begun. An original budget of $5,500 was established, but it was later changed to $500.00. Costs were not to be charged against the Building Committee budget.
On November 10, 1930, Mr. Willard Dow was named to fill the Building Committee vacancy left by his father. Details regarding sprinklers, opaque glass, gas mains, septic tanks, and power connections were established and certified. It was decided to screen the porches versus glass enclosure. However, provisions for sills were to be installed in the future. As the building progressed, insurance coverage for $30,000 was changed to $60,000 by January 5, 1941, to reflect the construction progress.
On February 12, 1931, it was decided that laundering facilities were not needed since commercial linen service was available. Around the same time, Mr. Wiestfeldt presented a bill for $46.80 for 117 hours of labor and watchman service.
On February 28, 1931, it was agreed to purchase, paint, and install 28 screen doors for a total cost of $353.75. One hundred lockers were ordered at a cost of $8.50 each. The Committee requested a bid from The Dow Chemical Company for the painting of the basement walls and floors. In an April 27, 1931 Building Committee report, it was stated that 33,056 concrete and cinder blocks had been purchased for $5,401.66.
Sixteen phones were installed at a cost of $51.50 with monthly billings of $33.84. On June 3, 1931, the Building Committee reported that the costs to date totaled $128,719.21. This was over the budget of $100,000. At this time when the Furnishings Committee began their work, many members contributed new blankets, lamps, spreads, scales, ping-pong tables, powder boxes, Japanese prints, and many other items. It was during this time that the Building Committee requested that the Furnishings Committee and other committees who were making purchases stay within their respective budgets. The Furnishings Committee’s budget was $14, 000 and Miss Margaret Dow and Miss Dorothy Dow agreed to assume the costs for any overage.
All the major items had been addressed, with the exception of the connection to the septic tank and the refrigeration for the ice cube maker. A final report was submitted to the Board on June 3, 1931, with the itemized listing of all the costs by the Building Committee.
The clubhouse was officially opened on May 1, 1931. Congratulations were received from all over the state and beyond.
Under the architectural guidance of Alden Dow and the Building Committee, tons of material was converted into 32,000 square feet of clubhouse. The construction began in September 1930 and was completed in seven and one-half months. It contained private dining rooms, powder rooms, connections for radios, a ballroom with a lighted floor, women’s and men’s locker rooms, and a very elegant $10,000 kitchen capable of serving 250 people.
Colors throughout the clubhouse were dark wood with royal purple, greens, lavender, peach, and rust with gleaming silver metal fixtures. Eleven guest rooms or suites were included to be used by guests of members or The Dow Chemical Company. Special lighting effects were installed in the dining rooms and lounges, which reflected blue, white, orange, green, and red. These lights had individual controls to achieve various rainbow effects. One hundred and four feet of frosted glass was installed on two walls and one end of the main dining room, also called the ballroom. Many pieces of furniture were made for the Club based on the original designs of Alden Dow.
The House group was headed by Leland I. Doan and Carl Branson. LeRoy Steward contributed to the tile effects in the bathrooms, kitchen, windowsills, and the exterior. Mr. Floyd Wood’s knowledge of wood and furniture and how to build it was very valuable. A.P. Beutel lent his knowledge to ensure that the miles of pipe hidden in the walls and floors worked effectively. An automatic stoker was unique for a country club and supplied heat and hot water for the showers and the hotel portion of the building.
On May 1, 1931, the Club held a grand opening. The ladies of the community were invited to tour the building and enjoy refreshments. This activity took place from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Violin and piano music were provided by Mr. and Mrs. Cummings. From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., the Club staff prepared for a dedication and a grand dinner dance for the 250 members.
Mr. & Mrs. Dexter K. Reinhart led the committee for the dedication party. The dinner menu consisted of assorted appetizers, stuffed celery, mixed olives, cream of mushroom soup en croute, one-half broiled chicken, broiled whitefish, lemon butter, new asparagus, mousseline sauce, new potatoes, parsley butter, and fresh strawberry ice cream and cake. Beverages offered were fruit punch and coffee. The Carlisle and the Past Time Players provided music for dancing.
In 1951, The Dow Chemical Company approached the Club to add 29 guest rooms to be used for their corporate guests and those of Club members. This expansion was completed at a cost of $200,000 and a ten-year lease was signed with The Dow Chemical Company. Since that time, many of the rooms have been converted into suites for Dow Chemical. Dow Corning also leased suites for a period of time.
While researching the Club’s history, it was found that in 1951, a young man of sixteen years stole money from the
Pro Shop. He used the money to purchase clothing, a set of golf clubs, and a membership in the Midland Country Club. He was not prosecuted, however it is doubtful that he retained his membership.
In 1953, the Midland Country Club Board of Directors limited the use of the practice golfing area to members only. At this time, Gilbert A. Currie initiated the construction of an 18-hole public golf course near the Tittabawassee River. Mr. Currie wanted everyone to have an opportunity to enjoy the game of golf. The public course has since been expanded to
36-holes and renovated to provide excellent facilities, including the addition of another clubhouse.
In 1955, a swimming pool was constructed beside the front circle, now part of the parking area. This pool was above ground and constructed of steel. After several years, the bottom buckled and in 1978, it was replaced by the present pool. This new pool was constructed by spraying a concrete mixture for the walls and bottom. It reduced the practice range area by about 60%, but has been well used as a family facility and for swim competitions with other clubs.
Over the years a number of changes have been made to the clubhouse building, however the main structure as originally constructed still has the mark of Alden Dow. The lobby entrances with five doors and the fireplaces at each end of the lobby retain the Alden Dow design. The ballroom, though modernized, has retained the original design and character.
The exterior of the building, originally stucco on cement and cinder block, did not hold up as expected and required frequent painting. This had been a costly maintenance problem. In 1987, the Dow “Insulcrete System” of StyrofoamR and latex modified stucco was applied and has not needed replacement or repair other than normal wear and tear. Also in 1987, many of the windows were replaced with thermal panes.
In 1989, The Dow Chemical Company completely renovated the Dow Club function space, including the kitchen and office areas.
In 1997, a major renovation of the clubhouse including dining areas, kitchen, meeting rooms, office space, and locker rooms was undertaken over a period of about six months. From approximately January through March, the entire Club was closed for renovation, however during other times, only parts of the Club were available for member use.
[1] Board of Director’s Minutes and Building Committee Report July 24, 1930.
[2] The Building Committee notes will be displayed through the month of October 2003 in the trophy case. Selected copies of the Building Committee notes will be available in the books on the coffee tables in the lobby.
[3] Building Committee notes and notes of Thomas Griswold.
[4] Building Committee notes and notes of Thomas Griswold.
R Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company.