Dorset in Pawlet in Bennington County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
The Dorset Field Club
Oldest Continually Operated Golf Course in the United States
Photographed by John Arsenault, June 7, 2014
1. The Dorset Field Club Marker
On September 12, 1886 a group of golfers, principally from Troy and New York City, who summered in Dorset, laid out a nine hole golf course, then known as The Dorset Golf Links on this present site. The Club's first president and principal architect was A. W. Harrington, Jr. The other founding members were: Allen Bourne, Richard M. Campbell, James C. Chapin, Ransom H. Gillett, Joe H. Harrington, George B. Harrison, Fred S. Hawley, S. Frank Holley, W. E. Kent, Edwin Q. Lasell, O. P. Liscomb, George Lewis Prentiss and Henry S. Woodruff. The Dorset Field Club constructed a Fieldhouse in 1896 and it was named "Woodruff Hall" in honor of one of the founders. It is preserved as the dining room area of the present clubhouse.
(Continued on other side.)
Marker Reverse:
By 1886 Dorset had become a popular summer retreat and over the next century play increased and the course was lengthened and improved. The course underwent five substantial alterations and re-routings but always remained in the same location. It continued as a nine hole course with alternate tees for use on the second time around. Many of the early features are still recognizable. Adjacent land was acquired and in 1999 nine additional holes were opened. The course has become, not only venerable, but one of the most highly regarded in Vermont. Tennis courts were added early in the clubs history and it quickly became, and continues as, a center for competitive tennis. Platform tennis courts were added in 1958 and the club developed one of the most active programs in the northern New England.
Erected 2010
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. In addition, it is included in the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation Markers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1918.
Location. 43° 15.371′ N, 73° 6.024′ W. Marker is in Pawlet, Vermont, in Bennington County. It is in Dorset. It is on Vermont Route 30, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dorset VT 05251, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Vermont. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Vermont Republic.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dorset (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fenton Pottery Site (approx. Ύ mile away); Cephas Kents Dwelling (approx. 1.3 miles away); First Marble Quarry (approx. 1.6 miles away);
Photographed by John Arsenault, September 28, 2014
2. The Dorset Field Club Marker
Photographed by Kevin Craft, October 18, 2014
3. The Dorset Field Club Marker
Photographed by John Arsenault, June 7, 2014
4. The Dorset Field Club
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2014, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. This page has been viewed 1,200 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on September 30, 2014, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. Photos: 1. submitted on June 15, 2014, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. 2. submitted on September 30, 2014, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. 3. submitted on October 21, 2014, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. 4. submitted on June 15, 2014, by John Arsenault of Middletown Springs, Vermont. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
