History

1960-61    Ross Howard*
1961-62    James W. Harris*
1962-63    John A. Mundell, Jr*
1963-64    Maurice R. Simpson*
1964-65    Eugene J. Zepp*
1965-66    Jack L. Barry*
1966-67    Norm F. Ficke*
1967-68    Wendell A. Doyle*
1968-69    William G. Lichtenberg, Jr*
1969-70    Thomas C. Graham*
1970-71    Robert E. Warne*
1971-72    Bradford Edwards*
1972-73    Joseph L. McGinniss*
1973-74    John N. Veneman*
1974-75    Jack H. Cvengros*
1975-76    Graham Smith*
1976-77    Harry L. Manza*
1977-78    Thomas C. Carter*
1978-79    Clyde N. Simpson*
1979-80    Lyle R. Oviatt*
1980-81    William F. Hengel*
1981-82    Thomas E. Dolan*
1982-83    Donald T. Smith*
1983-84    Jack E. Harned*
1984-85    Cleve B. Masson*
1985-86    Corman H. Bean*
1986-87    Barrington M. Hatter*
1987-88    James A. Patterson*
1988-89    Alfred M. Becker*
1989-90    Robert E. Wilkinson*
1990-91 Donald W. Upward*
1991-92 John M. Saylor*
1992-93 Edward Gorney
1993-94 Robert Wagner*
1994-95 David Brogren*
1995-96 Robert Blank
1996-97 Benjamin Smith*
1997-98 David Kellett
1998-99 David Payne*
1999-00 Paul Shapiro
2000-01 Ralph Cowie
2001-02 Carl T. Cook*
2002-03 C. Kirby Callam
2003-04 Roger Chapman
2004-05 Joseph Gerber*
2005-06 Jim Zick*
2006-07 Carl Walters*
2007-08 Niki Gallaudet
2008-09 Dave Royer
2009-10 Dave Calver
2010-11 Les Schoonover
2011-12 Greg Campbell
2012-13 David Martin
2013-14 Mark Moyer
2014-15 Ed Murphy
2015-16 John Dennison
2016-17 Ed Lewan
2017-18 Bruce Mansfield
2018-19 Hank Beadle
2019-20 Patrick LePage
2020-21 Jeanne Chapman

As Durand Brown recorded in the original History of Stonycroft Hills Club, the land on which Stonycroft stands has a long and interesting history. For a number of years, stone arrowheads and hatchets were found on what was believed to be a path used by Chief Pontiac and his men as they camped along a fork of the Rouge River in the area that is now the club. Legend also holds that a well on the property, capped after it was owned by Stonycroft, was the only one in Oakland County not poisoned by the chief.

During the mid-1800s prominent Detroit businessmen bought farmland in what is now Bloomfield Hills, one Mr. Charles Stinchfield among them. In the early 1920s advertising executive Theodore MacManus bought the farmhouse, ice house, smoke house, several tenet houses and two barns that comprised the 72-acre farm from the Stinchfields and named it Stonycroft. Stony, we can only assume, because of the unusually stony composition of the soil (including everything from pebbles to large fieldstones) and croft, the British/Scottish word meaning “small farm.”

Mr. MacManus’ son Ted later shared with a member of Stonycroft Hills Club how his father made use of some of the farmland. The elder MacManus, having a desire to play golf but too shy to do so in public, decided to construct his own personal course. It can be noted here Mr. MacManus was a right-handed man, dispelling the commonly held idea that the course was designed for left-handed golfers.

Clearing the land for this project was no small feat, as the smallest stones had to be removed by hand – a job eagerly accepted during those years of the Great Depression by men who were willing to do the back-breaking task for meager wages. Many of the land’s large fieldstones were used for fencing along the roadways of the farm.

Mr. MacManus later donated the land on which an old barn stood for the purpose of erecting a church which was named in memory of his son, Hugo, who died at a young age.

Don and Inez D'Onofrio purchased the 40+ acre golf course in the early 1930s and operated it as semi-private Stonycroft Golf Club until 1960. In late summer of that year, as the golf season was coming to a close, Don casually mentioned to member Ross Howard that he and Inez planned to put the course up for sale. Ross, taken by surprise, immediately spread the news among friends with whom he had long played golf at the club, and the group began meeting to discuss ways in which they could raise the $10,000 down payment required by the D'Onofrios.

Attorney John Mundell advised that they call a special meeting of the general membership, form a corporation and elect a Board of Directors, which they did. Board members Ross Howard, Stanley Morden, James W. Harris, Graham Smith, Stanley Pratt, Everett Barber, Maurice Simpson, Ray Wulff and John Mundell met for the first time on September 29, 1960, elected Ross Howard as president and created the articles of incorporation. Stonycroft Hills Club was officially founded October 10, 1960.

Time-consuming, and difficult, best describes the Board’s first year. After months of meetings and much discussion, the Board decided to offer the D'Onoffrios a lease/purchase proposal, the terms of which, as recorded in the original History of Stonycroft Hills Club, were "a fiveyear lease at $22,500 per year with option to purchase for $310,000, with $50,000 down and monthly payments extending for 15 years at 3% interest per annum on the unpaid balance." The offer was formally accepted on December 31, 1961.

While the Board busied itself that winter with club business and operation, sometimes requiring two or more meetings weekly, members enjoyed the social opportunities available to them: ice skating on the pond, cross-country skiing on the golf course and, on Friday evenings, bowling at Birmingham Bowl after which it was not unusual for the group to end the evening socializing and playing cards at the clubhouse.

With spring came Munch and Punch, an Entertainment Committee event that made history as it became the traditional signal of the official opening of the club. The Spring Warm-up Scramble was the first golf event of the season followed by organized golf for both men and women beginning the first week of May. Social activities were a vital part of life at Stony, loaded with cook-outs, costume parties, style shows, luaus and even an old-fashioned box social. Golf season ended with the Harvest Tournament in October. A dinner dance at a local country club in November was the highlight of the social season, in future years becoming known as the Presidents' Ball, honoring the outgoing and welcoming the incoming president of Stonycroft.

Several years passed, and payment of annual dues – $180 for singles and $300 per family – was inconsistent. Many supporters of the original lease/purchase agreement left the club as the time to exercise the purchase drew near. This, along with the fact that the $400 initiation fee from the 220 planned for members had not yet been achieved, caused concern for the Board members. In spite of this, the land contract for the club’s purchase was signed on January 3, 1964, with membership certificates being mailed to the 167 accepted members on January 25, 1964.

William Kennedy served as club pro of Stonycroft from 1962 to 1965, at which time Gerry Prieskorn came on board. Gerry initiated a Junior Golf Program for children of members. By 1969, 55 youngsters were enrolled. The program was a launching pad for children of each gender who competed and did well in state junior golf tournaments. Later, several of them competed in and won the Stonycroft Hills Club Championship as teenagers.

Harold Fiebelkorn replaced Fred Meinberg as greens superintendent in 1966. Harold also had mechanical skills and was able to repair much of the used equipment that had been purchased from the D'Onofrios, saving the club a considerable amount of money through the lean years. Harold began the installation of an underground watering system in 1969, much to the delight of some members who recalled that "there were hoses all over the course, since we needed to keep the greens and fairways watered, and when you played, your partner or others you played with had to 'crimp' the hose to let you play your ball. Many times, they 'un-crimped' it too soon, resulting in everyone getting very wet." Other improvements of the ‘60s were the planting of 50 new trees to replace those that had been lost to Dutch Elm disease, the addition of several new sand bunkers and the purchase of property south of the parking lot (at a cost of $17,500), to be developed into a practice range.

Replacing the clubhouse – the site of the pro shop, snack bar (a long counter, several bar stools, stove and refrigerator) and two small locker rooms – was an ongoing topic of conversation among members. In the early 70s the Board surveyed the membership as to whether they wished to replace the clubhouse at a cost of $150,000. Little interest was shown since the project would require an increase in dues that, at the time, were $35 per month.

It was then decided to make better use of the space available. This was accomplished by moving the pro shop out of the clubhouse and into a shed that had been built to store a limited number of golf bags. A member donated lunch tables and chairs for the snack area, and furnishings were purchased for a small sitting area. Several years later a hired carpenter, with assistance from club members, replaced the entire front of the log cabin with a 12'x25' glass addition, greatly enlarging and enhancing the clubhouse. Locker rooms were updated at this time as well. A group of women assumed the responsibility of selecting decor and furnishings for the newly expanded areas and a beautification committee used a $675 donation to landscape the outside area of the new addition.

Much-needed course improvements and essential maintenance continued to be a priority throughout the ‘70s. A plank bridge replaced the original landmark stone bridge over the pond on #1 hole when the bridge’s deterioration made it unsafe. Other projects included asphalt cart paths, a chain-link fence erected for safety purposes between #2 and #5 tees and a practice sand bunker. In the fall of 1979, work began to replace the two small #3 greens (the one on the right being used when playing 9 holes and the one on the left when playing 18) with one large green.

There were other interesting facts of the ‘70s. Mike Dennis was club pro from 1971 to 1978. A Hole-in-one Pot began in 1971. Retirees (men only) Wednesday a.m. golf began in 1972. The first Ladies’ Invitational was in 1974. A small airplane, out of gas, used #8 fairway as a landing strip on May 8, 1975 (no divot taken). The pro-shop & club storage area was expanded to 20'x20' in 1975. In 1976, 23,400 rounds of golf were played. 32 couples played in the Husband/Wife Tournament and 55 people on the waiting list. Mike Pomante replaced Mike Dennis as club pro in 1979.

Tee times weren’t required prior to the ‘70s. "One simply got in line at #1 tee and waited his turn, and sometimes the line was pretty long," said one charter member. Now, however, with enthusiasm and interest at an all-time high, tee times were a must. On weekends and holidays, it was not unusual to have two foursomes on each tee. That was the downside...the upside being that a new member soon got to know everyone as there was plenty of time to get acquainted. If one wanted a choice tee time on holidays or weekends it was necessary to be in line at the door of the pro shop when it opened on sign-up day. Friday afternoon tee times were also at a premium due to the popularity of the cook-out which took place later in the evening. Since the clubhouse was not air-conditioned, the most delightful place to cool off after a round of golf was under the trees near the clubhouse...thus, those teeing off over the pond on #9 were either cheered on or commiserated with – whichever the case might be – by the gallery gathered there!

Participation in club events was excellent. Scrambles were always a sold-out affair, usually having two teams of five on every hole. The Club Championship was the most popular golf event of the year and competition was keen to say the least! The women honored winners of their competition with awards, recognition and refreshments after the final hole of play on Thursday. Space around the 18th green was at a premium on the final Sunday of the men's competition, and if one wanted a front row seat, it was necessary to arrive very early. The day ended with the Salute to the Champs awards ceremony and a potluck dinner.

The highlight of the decade, a gala affair and one never to be duplicated, was the celebration of the Burning of the Mortgage on June 18, 1977. After dinner came a literal "burning of the mortgage" ceremony, a memorable occasion attended by 207 members and guests. The evening ended with dancing on a portable dance floor to the music of a live band.

Change began taking place in the '80s. Play decreased when some of the still-employed original members transferred out of the area. Other members retired and moved away, and some members, due to health or aging issues, just did not play as much golf as they had in the past. However, among those who did play, competition and enthusiasm were greater than ever! Social events, most of them outdoors on the patio, were so well attended that it became necessary to enlarge the patio area. This was done and picnic-style tables (enough to seat 100) and a large grill were purchased. Even with the additional seating there was not enough to accommodate everyone during holidays and the Club Championship celebration.

Concluding that it was prudent to replace resigning members with younger people, the Board opted to give precedence to wait-listed members’ children over older applicants. The Board also increased the number of members from 200 to 210 and the initiation fee from $4,500 to $6,000. This made it possible to construct a much-needed equipment storage and maintenance facility, purchase a new greens mower and edge mower, complete the watering system, construct a retaining wall for the purpose of preventing erosion in back of #5 green and #6 tee, re-roof the pump house, relocate the #2 ladies tee from under the trees on the left to the center of the fairway and to begin rebuilding the #2 green.

Change was even more pronounced in the ‘90s! Plans for the longdesired new clubhouse were well underway by the opening of the season and a special meeting was called June 14, 1990, the purpose of which was to approve plans for and financing of the $550,000 project. Accomplishing this required an increase in membership to 240, an increase of the membership fee from $6,000 to $7,500, an increase in monthly dues to $90 per month and an $800 assessment per member, refundable upon resignation. In addition, bonds were available for purchase by members only. More than 80% of the membership present voted in favor of proceeding with both the plans and financing as presented. The course was closed for play in late September and the Harvest Tournament cancelled in order that preparations for the new structure could get underway. Ironically, the log cabin was demolished October 10, 1990, exactly 30 years from the day Stonycroft Hills Club was founded.

The clubhouse was the most ambitious project ever undertaken by Stonycroft members. Fortunately, the membership included people with expertise in all phases of the project, from demolition to decorating, who willingly volunteered time and effort to see it through to the end. The formal dedication of the building on April 28,1991, was a grand affair, beginning with shuttle service from an off-site parking lot to the new clubhouse, where members were greeted by bagpipers dressed in full Scottish attire. Recognition and accolades were given to those who worked so tirelessly to see a new clubhouse become a reality, after which the pipers escorted members to the area where a plaque of dedication was installed.

Members, especially those from the early days, were excited about the many amenities the new clubhouse offered.... beginning with large, bright locker rooms, complete with showers (towels not supplied, as was quickly discovered by one person), a spacious reception area with comfortable furnishings on the first level and a dining room with a large stone fireplace, a small meeting room, a commercially equipped kitchen, a beverage locker room and lavatories on the second level. Members generously donated to the purchase of chandeliers, china and flatware for the dining room, and a more formal style of dining replaced the Friday night cook-out – rendering the patio area a practice putting green.

A new class of membership, Social, was established for members who no longer played golf but wished to remain in the club. Pro Jake Pilat replaced Steve Partinio in 1990 and initiated both the Pro-Member & Member/Member Tournaments as well as "Jake's Italian Suppers" a means of raising money for the junior golf program, in which a record number of 65 (many of them being grandchildren of members) were enrolled. Many course improvements were made during this time-the most notable being the rebuilding of #8 green and, once again, replacing the bridge over the pond on #1 hole... this time with a replica of the original landmark stone bridge. In 1999, the Holzbock property adjoining Stonycroft was purchased by the Club for the sum of $376,500. Members were assessed a $1,500, refundable upon resignation, fee for this purchase. A Property Utilization Committee was then appointed to determine the best use of the newly acquired property. Pro Jake Pilat resigned in 1999 and Chip Seltzer, one-time assistant to Jake, was hired.

The twenty-first century was the beginning of a new era in the history of Stonycroft! While a number of physical changes occurred in the past, major changes in the internal structure of the Club were to occur within the next decade. Stonycroft's applicant list was over the top, at times having as many as 90 individuals interested in membership. In view of this fact, the initiation fee was increased to $14,000 plus the $1,500 equity fee, monthly dues were $135, and the reorganized Property Utilization Committee moved forward with plans for the Holzbock property. A detailed model of the proposed development was constructed for display in the lobby of the clubhouse prior to the formal presentation at a special meeting of the membership called for August 7, 2000. Members were favorably impressed with the plan, but the consensus of those present was that, due to the estimated cost of the project, between $500,000 and $600,000, the project should be put on hold.

Harold Fiebelkorn, greens superintendent at Stony for nearly 38 years, tendered his resignation in 2002. He was replaced by Mr. James Timmerman, who had recently retired from that position at Orchard Lake Country Club. Jim’s letter of acceptance described his passion for landscaping – a statement that later proved to be an understatement as he, along the multi-talented men and women on the greens committee, began the transformation of Stonycroft into what eventually was to become the most beautiful nine-hole golf course in Oakland County. Jim also supervised course improvements like a state-of-the-art irrigation system, the expansion and reconfiguration of #6 green, a rebuilt #7 green, construction of new sand traps, the planting or relocation of 40 trees and the rebuilding and landscaping of the existing practice range. Kosch Catering Service was hired as caterer during this time and, under the direction of Sue Bench, proved to be most efficient and accommodating.

A downturn in the local economy began to affect Stony's applicant list in 2002. It stood at 47 and was steadily decreasing, so the Board lowered the initiation fee to $10,000, and created a four year payment plan.

Major changes occurred in 2006:

• Tom Cook was hired as club manager. Prior to this, the workload was the responsibility of the Board, a secretary, treasurer and various committees comprised of numerous volunteers.
• Pro Alex Krumm replaced Chip Seltzer. Alex retained Derek Brown, Chip’s assistant since 2000.
• Stony entered the cyber age with its own website efficiently designed by one of its members, another volunteer.
• An Associate Membership for young people was created with the initiation fee paid in level annual payments from joining until age 35.

A milestone in history was reached in 2007 with the election of Niki Gallaudet as President of Stonycroft. While women had served on the Board in past years, Niki was the first woman to serve in this capacity. She quickly proved her executive skills when in January of 2008 she was called on to deal with a major business issue. The location and beauty of Stonycroft had attracted the attention of many throughout the years, the latest being that of a commercial entity who submitted a written proposal to purchase the property for the purpose of developing an upscale retirement/care community. A special meeting of the membership was called to discuss and vote on the acceptance or rejection of the proposal. The proposal was rejected. The remainder of her year was not quite so eventful!

A full recession emerged in 2008. The Membership Committee offered an incentive program to members, in hopes of encouraging family and friends to apply for membership. The Board of Directors continued to explore innovative ways to attract new members in a very challenging economic environment.

As is evident, Stonycroft is unique in that it has always operated as a volunteer oriented club. So many have contributed so much that, lest we inadvertently omit someone, it is impossible to recognize individuals for a specific area of service. Researched, compiled and written by Marie Harned (2008)

References:

• History of Stonycroft by Durand Brown, Historian, July 8, 1993
• MR. STONY archives and Contributions from Members