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(1950-1960)
A stand of pines between the second and sixteenth fairways was heavily damaged. About twenty-five trees had fallen or were leaning against the few trees that were still standing. A woodlot adjacent to the fifteenth fairway was nearly wiped out by the storm. The entire lot contained an estimated seventy thousand board feet and at least fifty trees had fallen.
The estimate was $500 for clearing the areas near the locker room and the second fairway. There was no budget provision for this unexpected expense so it was necessary to seek other alternatives. The club officials were able to make an agreement with Chester Abbott who payed them $750 for the damaged trees near the locker room, the second fairway and the fifteenth tee. This agreement also included the standing timber in the lot by the fifteenth tee. Abbott, in turn, agreed to cross the fairways only when the ground was frozen solid, clean up all debris and pile slash were it could be burned at a later date. All logs from the lot near the fifteenth tee had to be removed through an adjoining field on the Titcomb farm.
In September, 1952, York Country Club again leased the property to the York Golf and Tennis Club. The lease provided for the full and exclusive use of all the property except land lying north of Indian Trail Road, for a period of six years. The Golf and Tennis Club agreed to maintain the golf course, tennis courts, buildings, grounds, machinery and other property in good condition.
The continuation of this unique arrangement made it necessary to continue the practice of holding two annual meetings to conduct the business of the club. The meetings of the shareholders of York Country Club and the members of York Golf and Tennis Club were held on the same day in August.
Vice President Richard Nixon's vacation in Ogunquit, Maine, was the highlight of the 1954 tourist season. The Vice President was an avid golfer and it should come as no surprise that he accepted an invitation to play on the William Wilson Golf Course in York. Nixon actually appeared, unexpectedly, in the company of a single state policeman who had been assigned to escort the Vice President during his Maine vacation. He approached the caddymaster and asked if there were any golfers interested in playing the course with him.
Lucien Horton was called and informed that the Vice President of the United States was at the pro shop and he was seeking company for a round of golf. Mr. Horton summoned several club members who lived nearby and a game was quickly arranged.
The Vice President enjoyed playing the York course and another match was scheduled for August 28th. This time, Fergus Reid Jr., Curtis Pratt and Moses Williams made up the foursome. Nixon won the first hole with a par 3 and played well on the difficult and unfamiliar course. He finished with a 90 which was a credible score for a weekend golfer. He signed autographs for the caddies and gave each caddy in the foursome a golf ball which was stamped "MR. VICE PRESIDENT."
The shabby condition of the clubhouse and locker room was a source of embarrassment when they were used by famous visitors. The interior of the locker room had been without fresh paint for decades, the caddyhouse had been badly vandalized and the pro shop sold only golf balls and tees. The shelters on the course had been removed and not replaced. Following the visit of Vice President Nixon, Board members authorized the purchase of paint, brushes and hardware. The attendant began painting the interior of the old locker room in the spring before most of the members arrived. The showers and toilet room were painted during that season and a year later he was able to paint the lobby and work room.
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