The History of Salem Golf Club

In 1891, a real estate magnate, William Van Duzer Lawrence established a real estate development company that was destined for a long-term involvement with golf course communities. Lawrence’s first venture was the creation of the charming village of Bronxville, New York which he developed to provide a country setting for talented professionals. The Lawrence Farms Country Club, which would later become Mt. Kisco Country Club, was developed in 1930 by Mr. Lawrence along with an adjoining residential community in Mt. Kisco. The Lawrence Company and its subsidiaries continued activities in real estate development after his death.

Early in 1965 the Lawrence Investing Corporation purchased the Nichols Farm, a 165-acre dairy farm in North Salem owned by Edson H. Nichols. It included the old family mansion which had been built in 1903. This land tract was part of the colonial estate established by the Quaker, David Palmer, from whom Mr. Nichols was a direct descendant. Palmer owned four houses on Bloomer Road. He was a neighbor of William Bloomer and their families were joined in wedlock. In 1762, David Palmer donated the land for the Quaker Meeting House which was later constructed at Peach Lake.

Development of the Salem Golf Club property began during the summer of 1965. The club was established as a membership corporation which leased the property from the Lawrence Investing Corporation. Local architect, Edward Ryder was engaged to design and build an 18-hole golf course. The old Nichols Mansion was completely refurbished and converted into a golf clubhouse, which still exists today. A new Men’s Locker Room was built in 1986. Many of the club’s functions are held on a beautiful large terrace which was built in 1994 overlooking the 18th green and the surrounding hills of North Salem.

In his brief career as a golf architect, Edward Ryder has designed the dramatic back-nine at the Morefar Golf Club in Brewster, New York and the nationally ranked publinx at Richter Park in Danbury, Connecticut. He preserved the natural beauty of the Nichols property, which overlooked Peach Lake, and fully utilized the rolling landscape, presenting the golfers with beautiful vistas from several tees. The course has undergone only subtle changes over the years – a state-of-the art irrigation system was installed in 1998 serviced by a series of ponds on the golf course.

Salem Golf Club opened on May 19, 1967 with 300 members and has remained strictly a golf club. The property was sold to a private ownership group in 1984 which has retained ownership to this day and offers a relaxing atmosphere and a challenging golf experience.