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In the 1890s, York Harbor was a flourishing summer resort that attracted affluent vacationers from New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Providence and other winter retreats. It was during this period that the country club movement began in the United States. The yacht club, the social club and the country club were manifestations of a movement to provide private facilities where the socially prominent could interact without interference from the locals.
York Country Club once boasted twenty-seven holes of golf, twelve clay tennis courts, a golf pro shop, a locker room, a croquet ground and a club house. The golf course has been named for William "Willie" Wilson, a colorful import from Scotland who gave golf lessons for sixty years.
The history of the club reflects the changes that have taken place in a community that was the rural home of farmers and fisherman when the club was founded. The depression, World War II and international travel combined to change the vacation habits of summer visitors and local residents began to find their way on to the golf course and into the club house.
In the 1970s it became obvious that local participation was the only cure for the ailing club. Recapitalization provided funds for repairs to the buildings, course and courts. A population explosion and a successful membership drive insured a bright future for one of Maine's oldest and most beautiful country clubs.
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