PEORIA MAGAZINE July 2022

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Illinois Valley Yacht and Canoe Club • Founded in 1907 and descended from earlier clubs — the Peoria Boat Club, 1877; Peoria Canoe Club, 1885; and the Peoria Yacht Club, 1895. • Original clubhouse is on pilings 700 feet downstream of current location. The old clubhouse was moved to its present location in 1927 and expanded. • Seawall construction began in 1938 and the protected harbor was started in 1947. • Swimming pool was built in 1954. • Covered barge was purchased in 1970. Country Club of Peoria • Incorporated in June 1897 for athletic exercise, recreation and social enjoyment. • Offered the only golf course in Peoria in 1898, with links open twice a week to members. • After meeting in the former home of Caroline Gibson, a new clubhouse was built in 1904 and destroyed by fire in 1920. • New clubhouse was constructed in the early 1920s. • First major clubhouse renovation and expansion came in 1954 at a cost of about $180,000.

Mt. Hawley Country Club • Founded in 1922 and named for the view of the Illinois River on land primarily purchased from the Hawley family. Its potential as a golf course was not mentioned “for fear of a price increase.” • After using a barn and farmhouse on the property, the first clubhouse was constructed in 1924. • Greenskeeper ElvyMiller was hired in 1930 and stayed for 40 years, planting nearly 1,000 trees. • Clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1949. Pekin Country Club • Incorporated March 25, 1916, with total membership of 98. • Club purchased 60 acres for $15,000 from the Lemuel Allen estate in what would later become the east campus of Pekin Community High School. • By 1932, the club had nearly 95 acres and offered a nine-hole golf course for its 300 members. • Moved to current location in 1962.

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