Glen Oaks Golf Course Turns 100, Celebration Dinner and Talk May 14
Farmington Hills, MI – Glen Oaks Golf Course may be known as a premier golfing destination today, but the property where it sits has a fascinating history. As it marks its 100th anniversary this spring, Oakland County Parks (OCP) invites guests to celebrate its historical roots in the community and learn more about how the golf course was designed.
“The history of Glen Oaks includes the story of a railway, a potato farm and a historic stone clubhouse. It’s a lot more than the story of a golf course,” OCP Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo said. “It’s important to mark this historical milestone to share how this beautiful landmark helped shape its community and continues to make an impact today.”
It was 1923 when a group of developers from Detroit joined forces with a farmer and an aspiring politician to create a luxury community that would be an alternative to city life for enterprising businessmen and their families. The subdivision would be the first of its kind, but development didn’t always go as smoothly as planned after the nation plunged into the Great Depression shortly after its founding and a “veritable snake farm” was discovered during construction of the first fairway.
At the Glen Oaks Century Celebration, Bacak-Egbo will share information about the designer of the stone clubhouse, Arthur L. Weeks, and the challenges faced by golf course architect William Robertson. This elegant evening will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 at the Glen Oaks Banquet Center, 30500 W 13 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, and will feature Bacak-Egbo’s historical presentation as well as an exquisite buffet prepared by Oak Management, a round of indoor mini golf, and a tour of Glen Oaks Banquet Center.
The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission purchased the golf course and clubhouse in 1978. Since then, the commission has made many improvements to the clubhouse, the focal point of the Glen Oaks Golf Course, while preserving the integrity of the original clubhouse design by Weeks. The 1990s addition of a large banquet room with vaulted ceilings, for example, was inspired by his original design vision.
“Glen Oaks has been drawing golfers for decades. We’re looking forward to showcasing the important role of community recreation and why the appeal of Glen Oaks continues to expand,” Recreation Program Supervisor Sandy Dorey said.
Today, the historic 1920s English-style clubhouse provides an elegant setting for weddings, parties and golf outings. A formal garden is ideal for outdoor ceremonies.
The picturesque 18-hole, par 70 course crosses streams with rolling terrain while the clubhouse, which includes a pro shop and grill room with outdoor patio, also provides golfers with many amenities.
Golfers, historical enthusiasts and Oakland County residents won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn more about Glen Oaks Golf Course during the Glen Oaks Century Celebration, an event 100 years in the making. Cost is $45/person. Call or text 248-221-8040 for program questions. Preregistration is required by April 30. Interested persons can register online at OaklandCountyParks.com.
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