Humble beginnings Jessica, that was beautifully said.Thank you for sharing that. Public. It sits on a non-descript piece of land but has a great 17th and a tricky 18th. 914.734.1500 I am invited when I visit Greenwich. I hope our childrens generation have not had similar ones. Its learned, children (and adults) do not naturally come up with that themselves. Still, we can piece together some general impressions. Your memory is far greater than a superfluous one. Thank you Jessica for writing this poignant reflection. Relatively new owners have transformed this course into one of the most challenging in the county. 2023 jewish telegraphic agency all rights reserved. Many that self-servingly believe they have no discriminatory inclinations are so insensitive they dont even notice the slights that they inadvertently hurl at friends and acquaintances. How does one prepare for such micro and macro aggressions? 980 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, NY 10577; Mailing Address: P.O. This is a very well written piece. I was so unnerved by this that I called my mother. I felt something twist in my gut. None of the clubs queried in the survey had Negro members. Personally, I never expended any brain cells on whether we should try to join one of the several country clubs in our little exclusive enclave edged against the water of the Long Island Sound. Apawamis was also the original home of the PGA Tours Westchester Classic, which began as a one-day pro-am to benefit United Hospital in Port Chester in 1952. Still, while you may have been silent and I agree with your husband, that was understandable given the context you did not allow yourself to buy the premise that there was/is such a thing as too Jewish. Seth Raynor designed a longer course that opened in 1926 and features a 19th hole that not only takes players back to the clubhouse at the end of their round, but serves as a perfect way to settle wagers. Westchester Country Club. Not sure if they have opened up over the years. Type Private. The Pine Hollow Country Club at Oyster Bay in distant Suffolk county on Long Island was described by manager William Chadwicke as "non- sectarian " He added that about 90 percent of the members were Jewish and that no members were Negroes. Sharing such a pivotal moment with the world was not easy, but confronting the actions you took or did not take in such a public way reveals your truest character. 123 North Street, Harrison After she left, I was astounded that I failed to reprimand her let alone ask her to leave our home. The reader can feel the writers emotion and clearly see the disturbing moment erasing not just her personhood, but the joy she expected. Robert White, a club pro at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, became the PGAs first president at a meeting of leading pros and amateurs called by Rodman Wanamaker, son of the department store founder, to organize the group. Jessica Ursells excellent memoir has obviously touched a lot of nerves and memories. I've enjoyed many delicious meals here. I'm recommending.". So all the kids nearby attended the orthodox Hebrew school. I went to the Yeshiva Academy in Harrisburg, PA from kindergarten till 8th gradewith the same handful of Jewish kids who Im still friends with to this day. When I finally biked miles to his house one morning, he couldnt hang out because his dad told him he didnt want that Jewish rich kid being seen with his son. Your words hold a tremendous power to educate and to heal. How much Jew is too much? The Journals Division publishes 85 journals in the arts and humanities, technology and medicine, higher education, history, political science, and library science. It's great for special occasions or after a day playing golf. Being Other. Bright and sunny. "It's unbelievable how much you don't know about the game you've been playing your whole life." It resonated with me so much as did the idea of your writing a letter after the fact and then not sending it because you felt the lesson was yours to learn. . It was here that the first national amateur championship was played, not to mention the first national Open tournament that included professionals. There are always a few times in our young lives when we regret our decisions. Jessica lives with her husband in Southern Italy where she writes poetry addressing the complex interplay between trauma, power, love, loss, and madness. Soon, I realized we werent doing that anymore. For our family? Well told. WebWestchester Country Club Home Owners Association Private Clubs Website 22 YEARS IN BUSINESS (561) 733-5806 12241 Fairway Pines Dr Boynton Beach, FL 33437 8. Welcome to Brae Burn Country Club. The club offers catering services for weddings, golf outings, bat mitzvah and, From Business: Alpine Country Club, located in Demarest, N.J., offers a variety of recreational facilities and services throughout the state. Some had a few Jewish members. Their membership is by invitation only. Public. My mothers cousin was part owner, so we had a big discount. And by the way, I had never thought of myself as A Jewish rich kid until that moment. Im so shocked this type of thing happened to you as well although I suppose I shouldnt be. Every Seder, as I watched my grandmothers treasured cousin ladle out the matzoh balls for the chicken soup, I saw the numbers on her arm. Am israel chai! Tillinghast design hosts the Mittelmark Invitational, a top tournament for select young golfers. But I remained silent. Dining Rules. so dont feel like you let yourself down. I have always been immensely proud of this, and I feel the sweep of history as I am one part in an unbroken chain going back millennia. (LogOut/ Box 249 Scarsdale, NY 10583. 914.231.3490 Public. Even though we were similarly equiped with a laser sharp self-awareness and keen sense of situation, a hallmark of our secular Jewish upbringing, you were still unprepared for the baked in anti-semitism. 914.478.3500 Where the Masters was conceived and the US Open broke Phil Mickelsons heart. You learned a life lesson and were given a perfect memory full of literary device. I wasnt really considered Outside just because I was Jewish, it was more because I was not from a conservative Swiss-Italian Catholic family. I need to clarify that this incident took place after middle school. Just as we were about to enter. If she viewed me as the other, as different, how could she not see that Superman epitomized the concept of otherness? Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. That is not to say it is alright, but we do learn a lot through pain and adversity. Interesting that you wrote about Queen Esther. Growing up for me was different than for you. Learn More. Conformity was boring, and I never wanted boring. I cant wait to read what Jessica does next. They were tight knit and although my teachers wanted one of my classmates to be friends with me because we are intellectual peers, her parents soon forbade her from coming to my house. I was in my late sixties at the time and had a lifetime of protesting prejudice behind me. And, in truth, I know that it was obvious even then. What about the other point of view? You pose interesting questions in your writing. Surprisingly, I fit right in. My parents didnt belong to a country club. I shouldve told her then and there the absurdity and ignorance of her demand. Thinking about it now, I wonder why she chose me and not any of her other friends. I am proud of who you are and who you have become. Today, stories like Jesss help me to speak out against bigotry and antisemitism and for that I am grateful. He was there. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. For a long time I didnt fully understand what had happened, and out of shame I kept it to myself. 18 Bloomer Road, North Salem You provide a gratifying social context that illustrates both the sad reality of innocent young people forced by events to live in an environment of ignorance and prejudice. The Best 10 Country Clubs near me in Westchester County, New York. 290 East Grassy Sprain Road, Yonkers I confessed to my wife that had she been attacking people of color or any other group, I would have been vehement in my defense. I think when you went to see Christopher Reeve, it was actually Wonder Woman meeting Superman. Age, hopefully, does bring wisdom and I will never be a bystander in the erasure of my essence as a proud Jewish woman. I need to stand up for injustices and not remain silent for fear of conflict. So much can be learned from our own personal history, even if it means experiencing anger and regret when looking back on past situations. From my limited understanding, Sunningdale in N.Y. is worthy of study on many levels. Where the very best golf architects displayed their artistry. I just didnt think about it. Great piece, Jessica. Please feel free to share any other writing with me. You write that you were in your 60s when this happened to you and that you had a whole lifetime of experience responding to such remarks. Metropolis Country Club in White Plains was established in 1922 and became the home of head pros with admirable records as playing professionals. IllBePhrank 4 yr. ago. Private. Westchester Hills also features practice facilities including a driving range and two large greens to fine-tune your short game. I thoroughly enjoyed this piece and how the author let her feelings and the moment come to life in such a short essay. 914.864.3000 Macdonald was elected vice president and walked away happy. Preferred listings, or those with featured website buttons, indicate YP advertisers who directly provide information about their businesses to help consumers make more informed buying decisions. Thanks for sharing its so important! Westchester Golf & County Club Maintenance Private Clubs Golf Courses (561) 734-3204 12440 S Jog Rd Boynton Beach, FL 33437 9. And I want to understand my emotions all of them especially why, after more than three and a half decades, I still have this smoldering anger at what happened and my response to what happened (or should I say my unfortunate, frustrating, and maddening lack of response) when I went to see Superman at the country club in the mid-1980s. Together, they formed the United States Golf Association and named Tallmadge its first secretary. In that moment I became a bystander in her attempt to have me erase my essence. Saint Andrews also hosted the firstthough still unofficialUS Open concurrently with the National Amateur Tournament. Dick Wilson did part of it and I believe it was Joe Finger who did the other, but I'm working from a weak memory. @nuritanderson Dear Nurit, Thank you so much for your comment and understanding my anger. I also really love what you wrote about her casual thoughtless bigotry being a gift of a life lesson and a perfect memory full of literary device. I think thats a really good reframing of how to think about this incident. Anyway, your blog post was quite successful because it evoked memories and feelings of those two life experiences and your description of your family life resonated and was vivid. From Business: Hunters Run Golf & Racquet Club is a country club community that offers entertainment, arts, and cultural and social activities. 289 Dobbs Ferry Road, White Plains I often read your posts and find comfort that even though antisemitism is very prevalent today, the adults in the room are trying to stop the hateful rhetoric and educate those who have tainted and dangerous views. Daughter of an immigrant Jewish mother from the foothills of the Himalayas and a South Bronx born Puerto Rican Jewish father, Jessica Ursell is a veteran officer of the United States Air Force, poet, attorney, and progressive political activist. Not far from Century in Purchase is Old Oaks Country Club, which began in 1925 as the Progress Country Club and went through several iterations until merging with the Oak Ridge Club in 1936. Members can enjoy competitive golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, fitness, a full calendar of social events, casual and gourmet dining, and much more. Americas oldest golf club maintains a balance between turn-of-the-century tradition and modern golf on a course designed by Jack Nicklaus. I'm really fortunate that over the years I have enjoyed the golf course with my family. That is until I heard that Christopher Reeve was going to film a public service announcement for the Special Olympics at one of the country clubs in our town. it would have been a fraction of the embarrassment and betrayal you felt! Filed under American Jewry, Family history, history, Jewish, Jewish identity, Jewish writing, Judaism, Tagged as assimilation, Country Club, family history, family rituals, Family roots, immigrant experience, Jewishness, silence, too Jewish, Westchester, Workmen's Circle. The damage anti semitism has is proven by her memory so many years later. Our youngest Westchester Hills members are still utilizing that same kids pool with mushroom today! I am a Jew and no one will ever force me to hide my identity. The PGA of America, with 27,000 members today, has strong ties to several early clubs in Westchester. Thank you for sharing this very personal moment in your life. 1025 Cove Road, Mamaroneck But if you can tell the story to a child or grandchild, it can be a blessing. Dan Jenkins. Private. The trick in life is to learn when to and when not to deploy that armor.. all the while knowing that human failings inevitably mean we cannot get it right 100% of the time. WebDiscrimination aside, Jewish country clubs generally differ from their Christian counterparts in a couple of ways. The Jewish clubs listed are the mollowing: Beach Point, Broadmoor Country, Centertown, Century Country, City Athletic, Columbia Club of New York, Forgive yourself for not speaking up. Golfers are treated to a beautiful view of much of the 7,000-yard course on the first tee, and can choose four sets of tees to match their unique skill level and playing style. Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale is perhaps the best golf course in Westchester to never host a modern major tournament, although it did stage the 1997 Walker Cup. The only lesson that I can take from this event that still burns on the walls of my consciousness all these years later, the only lesson that I can draw strength from today, is that one must never be a bystander, nor must one ever participate in self erasure. Web1. Eloquent, thoughtful beautiful and relevant! Thank you. As for the story, I do wish you would have told your friend no and then gone on to exaggerate your Jewishness as publicly as possible just so that she could have felt embarrassed and betrayed. Thats because I recognized that horrible feeling when your very being is challenged, at the level of your DNA. I am sorry that this may have been one of the things that contributed to it. Later, I drafted an email chiding our guest, but never sent it, figuring that the lesson was mine to learn. We ended up hanging out mostly with the Protestants or with families who summered in the town, who were more cosmopolitan. The original Casino was razed in 1936. Fenway Golf Club opened in 1922 in Scarsdale with 27 holes designed by Devereux Emmet, who also laid out Bonnie Briar, Rye Golf Club, Hampshire Country Club, and Lake Isle Country Club. But what, unfortunately, wasnt strange was that your friend had absorbed, perhaps unconsciously, prejudices against Jews along with warped notions of Jewish behavior. Here's a link to the site if you'd like to check it out: Sarasota-Manatee Jewish News (Sarasota, FL), CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, Women in Judaism: A Multidisciplinary Journal, Toba Abramczyk (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Ilan Braun (Le Tour-du-Parc, Brittany, France), Elaine Freilich Culbertson (Philadelphia, PA), Natalie Zellat Dyen (Huntingdon Valley, PA ), Dina Ripsman Eylon (Thornhill, Ontario, Canada), Anna Gersman (Schomberg, Ontario, Canada), Pamela Jay Gottfried and Jonah Gottfried (Atlanta, GA), Naomi Gross (Tel Aviv, Israel) and Shira Sebban (Sydney, Australia), Amy Krakovitz, Leah Kwiatskowski, Isaac Turtletaub, Sam Friedman, Jason Garfinkle, Sam Cohen, Isabelle Katz, and Olivia Weidner (Charlotte, NC), Esther D. Kustanowitz (Los Angeles , CA ), Kayla Schneider-Smith (Rishon LeZion, Israel), Carol Westreich Solomon (Montgomery Village, MD), Ellen Sue Spicer-Jacobson (Bala Cynwyd, PA), Olivia Wiznitzer (Washington Heights., NY). We werent elite, even though my parents were elated as they moved us out of the Amalgamated Workmens Circle housing in the Bronx to the cushy azalea filled suburbs of Westchester. She was clearly unable to appreciate Siegal and Shusters story of Kal-El (Supermans original name, translated from Hebrew as The Voice of God) the outsider, who, despite all his powers on earth, grew up knowing he was different than everyone around him. And what did she mean anyway? I love personal pieces like this and the way she conveyed her feelings brought it all together and gave it life .. Our kids are always watching and as parents we are modeling behaviors that our children will emulate. Built by a whos-who of businessmen headed by William Rockefeller, Sleepy Hollow has some of the most spectacular Hudson River views in the county along with a 140-room mansion, once the home of members of the Vanderbilt family. And, yet, you didnt say anything likely because you wanted to be a proper host as she was in your home. I like this new image / metaphor that you have created with your story I will forever think of a country club and Superman when I think of several life experiences that your nice blog post describes first, being Other and second, being humiliated, confused, torn as to what to do, and having regret for not taking a stand. It still twists your gut! You could assign Century Country Club in Purchase to the earliest dates of Westchester golf history, since it was originally organized in 1898 in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx. 808 Weaver Street, Larchmont Founded in 1892 as Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society, AJH is the official publication of the American Jewish Historical Society (AJHS), the oldest national ethnic historical organization in the United States. My daughter asked for latkes and Chanukah candles. Too often those in under represented groups stay silent so as to not draw more negative attention to themselves, and it eats away at our souls and humanity. Ah it was a different time. Willow Ridge underwent even more transformations. I also love to write poetry. It happens. Very beautiful story that encapsulates the age old conundrum regarding how much anti semitism and discrimination Jews in the diaspora are willing to put up with. Nothing. The instantaneous decision you made helped shape your approach to people as you grew older. The countys sixth owned and operated course, Hudson Hills Golf Course, was built on the site of Sunset Hills, a course opened in New Castle in 1926. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. The men might This candid essay resonates with me, evoking (provoking?) Jessica, She and I werent really that close. Indeed, 39 posted responses, so far, is much higher than on other posts Ive read. Nearly every hole plays up, down, or over a hill to make it one of the most interesting courses in the county. Just beautifully writtenand does it ever resonate with me! Unfortunately, the story feels close to the heart and not uncommon. Maple Moor in White Plains was acquired in 1925. Project MUSE There are probably scores of predominantly Jewish clubs in South Florida-with almost all of them being on flat, uninteresting terrain. Three of the clubs - Huguenot, American and Larchmont YC - are yacht clubs and have more of a boating than beach focus, but lots of members dont boat. They must have members from other denominations/ethnic groups, right? For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions One of the things I tell my kids is that we are not defined by our mistakes but by how we move forward from them, how we fix them, how we make them right, how we do better next time. I reconnected with extended family, attending and planning huge family seders. The 1920s is also when most of Westchester Countys public courses were built. Set alongside a nature reserve, Hollow Brook challenges golfers with length, elevation changes, and multiple large water hazards. Project MUSE is a leading provider of digital humanities and social sciences content, providing access to journal and book content from nearly 300 publishers. I think this writer should recognize and value all she has held with her, what she passes on, rather than focusing on what she didnt say during adolescence. I very much enjoyed reading this piece. All rights reserved. Many of the early members were from the entertainment industry and included Albert Warner of Warner Bros. and Moe Gale, who ran the William Morris talent agency. Webly country club to acknowledge in its name any obvious Jewish con nectiontwo clubs in the Baltimore vicinity, and facilities in Miami Beach; Montgomery, Alabama; New Orleans; San Antonio; and Louisville. MUSE delivers outstanding results to the scholarly community by maximizing revenues for publishers, providing value to libraries, and enabling access for scholars worldwide. Jack Burke Jr. was head pro for two years before he left to play on tour full-time where he won both the Masters and the PGA Championship. No use in being harsh on oneself in these moments. The first time I heard the expression to Jew one down, was from my former mother-in -law. I really enjoyed reading this, and learning from Jessicas story. Address 99 Biltmore Avenue, Rye, NY 10580. Hopkins Fulfillment Services (HFS) The Club decided to build a new fireproof clubhouse with an internal sprinkler system. All 18 tees and many bunkers have recently been renovated and upgraded. Music was always playingoften classical, sometimes Gregorian chants, many times jazz, and those symphonic tangos beloved by my dad. WebWestchester Country Club 99 Biltmore Avenue Rye, NY 10580 Phone: 914.967.6000 2021 Westchester Country Club. I was simply confused and so was he. Both of my children readily identify as Jewish, even my (technically) non-Jewish stepson came home from school one day proudly proclaiming that he and Hannah were the only Jews in his class. Extensive course revisions in recent years have made this perennial Westchester favorite even more attractive and a greater challenge to golfers of all skill levels. I also have experienced burning moments of silence that have stayed with me. Web925 Westchester Avenue, Suite 200, White Plains, NY 10604-3002 | (914) 328-7001 | info@wjcouncil.org. Private. @Sara Kandler Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments on my piece. I really enjoyed your piece. Generally, only a few negative votesin some clubs, only oneneed be cast to blackball an applicant. (LogOut/ 914.764.5771 You have expressed the frustration that many of us have experienced being a Jew. I suppose questioning can often be a good reflex. How sad for the person who invited you to that event, that they hadnt learned to respect all religions, and that they werent taught that those words or thoughts of theirs were harmful. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. In 1924, Westchester Hills had a minor clubhouse fire. Its important that her voice is out there ! The beautiful lighting throughout the stonework makes the new space a perfect spot for transitioning from day to night. Its awful to know that people we went to school with harbored such prejudice whether born out of ignorance or malevolence. No upcoming events. But I really wonder what you could have said that would have made this individual realize how ignorant and insulting her words and attitude were. Three years later, it moved to its present location and built an 18-hole course that Ben Hogan once called the toughest short course I have ever played. The club hosts one of the longest-running golf events in America, the US Senior Golf Association annual championship, which started there in 1905. Sometimes in life we forget who we really are for the sake of others and have to fight within ourselves for survival. The course is open year-round and also offers a practice green and a catering facility. It was so thought provokingI cant stop thinking about it and sharing with others. Everyone speaks highly of it Oak Ridge CC in Hopkins MN is a fine old course that should be included here. @Regina Your comment juxtaposing childhood innocence when it is met by ignorant comments really hits home. 914.949.4840 Noted architect Frank Moore created a new Northern Italian-style structure which opened on April 15, 1926. Naturally my favorite place is the dining room. (I kept wondering who the friend was.) Also, in a funny way your friends casual thoughtless bigotry actually was a gift. New York City protected us. Public. Public. The course changed from a wide open "bomb it anywhere" course to more of a position course. I wonder what their home life was really like and am thankful that I grew up in a family with deep roots to the Jewish religion, that denounced any kind of prejudice against anyone. Maybe somebody could post a link to it. You became one, not part of the many but one. A number of truly spectacular courses have opened in Westchester in the last two decades. The 75-room mansion includes a ballroom, library, formal dining room, and 18 guest rooms, as well as the golf pro shop and locker rooms. Public. Western clubs in Omaha, Portland, Oregon, Los Angeles and San Mateo rounded out the list. Fenway is one of the toughest short courses in Westchester. Each and every summer season we look forward to a packed swimming pool and kids area. It wouldn't be summer without the organized swim team and many swim games each weekend. My grandparents in St. Louis had to belong to a Jewish country club; they were not welcome at a Christian country club. I was taken aback. And she asked me if I wanted to join her so that we could see Superman in person. Phone: 914.967.6000. Address 339 Pine Road, Briarclliff Manor, NY 10510. Old Oaks in Westchester - I play there once or twice a year - great old course that may be helped by this weekends impending hurricaine..the course could lose about 1,000 trees easily ..classic example of the greens committee planting trees in any and every open spot..to the point where the fairways remain moist due to lack of sunlight. Very well written and thank you for sharing. This is a must read. "Some of us worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses " Adlai Stevenson. That means that many people dont know any Jews literally none at all but have absorbed some of the poisonous allegations that fed genocide. This piece is so well-written and thought-provoking. Leslie White, manager of the Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, said there were no Negro or Jewish members but added that "it so happens that none have been proposed." I too like to figure out the why of things. Jessica writes with confidence and depth tackling issues that were right in our faces as Jewish kids in the 70s in mostly no. Keep a pulse on local food, art, and entertainment content when you join our Westchester newsletter. But I failed here. Friends of the Paterno Trivium. Very nice use of a memory to make a broader statement. The club has hosted three Met Opens, including the 1936 edition when a young assistant club pro from Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey named Byron Nelson beat the games top players to begin his legendary professional career. What touched me even more deeply was that you cant remember if you even saw Christopher reeves. Learn More. The founding members included John Jacob Astor (who died a year later on the Titanic), William Rockefeller (brother of John D. Rockefeller), and Frank Vanderlip (president of the City Bank of New York, the forerunner of todays Citigroup). Tillinghast. The bans are applied through membership selection procedures which begin with the requirement that applicants must be proposed by members. 914.698.4610 Adolescence is awkward enough without being Other and being placed in possibly humiliating situations! The simulator also features a multi-sport function offering a variety of sports such as soccer, baseball, hockey and more to indulge interest for all. Funny story: When I was a second grader and went after school to Yiddish shul we performed a Purim play and for years I always thought I played the role of Queen Esther until decades later when I looked at the photos and saw I was one of her attendants. "The mystique of Muirfield lingers on. Jess- I think embarking on your military career was a life of service and seeking justice. Never before nor since have I remained silent in the face of injustice or aggressions micro and macro.
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