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Fountain Head's Formation

 

Fountain Head has a long and intriquing history that is detailed in the recently published Fountain Head History...An Illustrated History.

Local outdoor enthusiasts had few options to choose from in the early 1920's. Most played golf at Hagerstown Country Club, a long-since defunct 9-hole layout on Northern Avenue (currently the American Legion).

Emmett W. Gans, an Ohio immigrant turned local businessman, purchased the nearby Schindel Farm in 1922. Gans had become an avid golfer himself, and had developed a vision to build a country club in Hagerstown. He desired not only another golfing option, but also to help Hagerstown achieve "a better and higher social and outdoor life."

Gans hired Donald Ross, a world-reknown golf course designer, to plan and build the golf course. The course was originally slated to be a 9-hole layout, but plans were quickly made for a second 9-holes.

At the same time the course was being built, the clubhouse was also constructed. Gans had met privately with many local golfers -- most who played at Hagerstown Country Club -- and built a charter membership of close to 100 members.

The club officially opened its doors on October 4, 1924.

Clubhouse Changes and Renovations

Fountain Head has experienced a few major rennovations, although not all of them were planned.

As membership expanded through the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, improvements were made throughout the clubhouse, including the addition of a swimming pool and tennis court and an expansion of its dining and social areas. The last major enlargement came in 1963. Unfortunately, the members never had much chance to enjoy this rennovated building.

On June 11, 1965, Fountain Head's foundation was truly tested as a fire burned most of the club to the ground. The electrical fire began in the kitchen but quickly spread, torching the ball room, bar area, dining room, golf shop, and parts of the locker rooms.

Remarkably, the club was back up and running on a limited basis within the next few days following an emergency meeting in which the club's reconstruction was approved.

By the turn of the century, many club officials had recognized Fountain Head's need for another clubhouse renovation. After various membership meetings, discussions, and votes, the construction of a brand new clubhouse was approved in 2005.

After a trying summer of 2006 in which one building was being built as the older one beside it was being destroyed, the new building was ready to open in September 2006. The next month, the club held a grand opening to commemorate the luxurious new building that now defines the club.

13316 Fountain Head Rd.  Hagerstown, MD 21742          Phone: 301-739-6933    Fax: 301-714-0651

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