MEMBERSHIP HANDBOOK 2016
The Board of Directors would like to welcome you to Lake Bracken County Club (LBCC).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
History2
Club Dress Code5
Memberships6
Guest Privileges8
Immediate Family8
Golf10
Tennis12
Lake12
Dock Rentals13
Fishing13
Boating14
Swimming17
Picnic Grounds17
Snowmobile, Recreational Vehicles & Horse Back Riding17
Camping18
Home sites18
Miscellaneous19
Membership Responsibility19
Club Disciplinary Policy19
HISTORY
Lake Brackenis areservoirinGalesburg, Knox County, Illinois. Managed by the Lake Bracken Country Club, the lake was formed in 1921 with the damming of Brush Creek. It is part of the Spoon River drainage basin, and has a surface area of 172 acres (70ha).
Lake Bracken was originally formed by the CB&Q (now Burlington Northern) to supply its major "Shops" and "Yards" in Galesburg, Illinois with water for the steam locomotives and other machines, equipment, and systems requiring large amounts of water.
It is said of the Indian Chief, Shaubena, chief of the tribe, which settled in this locality, that he was a great trader, and that he settled in this particular locality because of the great advantage it offered in contacting the moving Indian tribes.
On the South bank of Brush Creek, the present site of Camp Shaubena, so named in honor of the old chief, there is conclusive evidence that the Indians manufactured flint arrow heads at this point from flint conveyed from both Missouri and Indiana, and after being shaped into arrow points, traded back to the various Indian tribes for furs, salt, mineral colors, more flint, etc.
From the northwest to the southeast in Cedar Township, there runs a little stream in Cedar Township; there runs a little stream, which the early settlers named Brush Creek. Harnessing the waters of Brush Creek created Lake Bracken.
The Lake Bracken district had for many years been a favorite hiking spot for outdoor lovers of Galesburg and vicinity, due to its lovely virgin forest, deep ravines, and natural scenic beauty, so when the C.B. & Q. made their decision with regards to the lake, it was only a short time until overtures were made to that company for a lease on their property for country club purposes.
The Railroad Company took kindly to the proposition, and on December 28, 1923, a lease was signed which covered the entire C.B. & Q. holdings of 1,002acres in that vicinity.
Preparation had been made prior to the time when this important transfer might be made, by a corporation known as the Knox County Country Club, which incorporators first met on July 7, 1922, at which temporary organization was effected, and a third meeting on October 23, 1922, when the temporary organization was made permanent.
The first task of the new officers and directors was the laying out of the grounds, which consumed a considerable length of time and much energy, as a survey of the entire grounds had to be made with a view to a suitable club house, cottage sites, playgrounds for the children, picnic grounds, parking space, flower gardens, golf course, tennis court and the boys' camp, the latter on the south side of the lake.
Lots for cottage sites were laid out, and that Lake Bracken was destined to become a popular summer resort was evidenced when most of the original sites were leased and building started on many of them the first year.
The next big job to confront the officers and directors was that of providing water, light and roads for the various cottage groups, which was done by the sinking of 15 wells in strategic locations, wiring the grounds for electricity, and building adequate roads through the timber so that each cottage might have its own drive and parking space for cars.
The Knox County Country Club (our club’s original name) is proud of its record of achievement. It has, in the few short years of its existence, transformed the forests of Lake Bracken into one of the most beautiful and practical vacation spots in the state -- a country club where the whole family may enjoy the healthful diversions of the outdoors with pleasure and comfort.
In September 1923, the first carload of fish was placed in Lake Bracken, which consisted of adults and fingerlings of all the common varieties of scale fish. Also in that year 1,300 adult channel catfish were placed in the lake, since that time every year has added its quota to this number.
1928- A bridge was built over the boat harbor. This was a well-constructed suspension bridge and is still standing in good shape after fifty years. It is a landmark of the Club.
1930 - A 9-hole course was ready for play.
1930, we had 1,000 members, and things were rolling along at a happy clip when the worldwide Depression hit our State and Nation. Galesburg's laborers were laid off, and some business came to a standstill.
1934- A YMCA camp was erected across the Lake from the Club House at a rental fee of $75 per year.
1947- The Board changed the name from Knox County Country Club to Lake Bracken Country Club, and dues were increased from $25 to $35 per year.
1949 - AI Kuhl, Walt Zimmer and many others began the task of a second nine holes. Permanent greens and new bridges were finished in early 1950. Pontoon bridges were constructed to span the 150-yard water hazard on the 17th hole as well as a 135-yard water hazard on the 12th. The back nine has been changed five times since it was opened in 1951.
1967- There was a total fish kill with an estimated 160 tons of dead fish. The smell was bad for 2 weeks, and there were dead fish covered with lime. 135,400 fingerling fish were donated by the State, and an additional $3,400 of adult fish were purchased and added to the Lake.
Another portion of this history will deal with the purchase of Club property from the Railroad in 1974. For many years the Railroad had owned choice locations for grain elevators and other contiguous acres, which they had leased for very nominal fees. Lake Bracken was one of these areas. In 1965, our rent was increased substantially from $1,000 to $20,000 per year. This meant that dues from our members were increased proportionately. This resulted in a cancellation of many memberships, dropping from 1,000 members to 500 members. The cost of operating the Club increased one hundred fold, and this had a profound effect on our activities. Then, in December of 1970, our Club President John Adams received notice from the Burlington Northern that they would no longer lease their land to the Club but instead offered to sell us their property for 4 1/2 million dollars. The Burlington Northern meant business. Our happy marriage of the Railroad and the Club was over.
After three years of negotiating, the sale was finally consummated for the sum of $1,250,000.
The full purchase of the Club property included the Shaubena youth camp. The Shaubena Scout Camp was established on the area south of the club and lake. The camp was leased to the Boy Scouts for $75 per year in the early Thirties.
1978- A new swimming pool and modern bathhouse were completed at a cost of $214,719 plus.
Two tennis courts were built in the early Seventies and the club cleared snowmobile trails through miles of wooded area on the South and West sides of the Lake. In the summer, these trails are used for hiking and horse trails.
1979-The old golf shop on #3 tee was torn down.
1987 - On January 6 our clubhouse: was destroyed by fire.
1988 - The new clubhouse was finished.
1993 - A bridge was constructed on the dike at #11 so the lake water could flow back and forth from the pond to the lake for algae problems.
1997 - New shelter was built at the pool.
Earle Thompson's booklet "The Story of Lake Bracken and the Knox County Country Club" was written in 1937. Mr. Thompson makes us aware of the natural beauty of the entire area. The abundance of virgin stands of oak and hickory trees and the rolling hills and wooded bluffs lends an enchantment to Lake Bracken unequaled in the Midwest. It has maintained its beauty and continues to charm members and visitors alike as they drove over our excellent blacktop roads. There is nothing quite like Bracken in Illinois. Much remains the same after these ninety-two years. Roads have been enhanced with the addition of colorful maple trees and a variety of shrubs and flowers. Our golf course is carefully manicured and tended by expert hands, making it a real showcase of beauty as you enter the Club grounds.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
I have spent countless hours at my computer transcribing notes, past written history, and comments from committee meetings. Every effort was made to accuracy and "painting a clear picture" of the history of Lake Bracken. Dick Watson, and Larry & Phoebe Hovind were invaluable in the information they provided. Many committee meetings were spent listening to stories of the "old times" which I truly enjoyed. The more I worked on the club history the more appreciative I became of the club I belong to and live at. A very sincere thank you needs to be given to Larry Hovind and his crew. As I drove to work at 7:30 a.m. in the winters I always had clear, safe roads to drive on even after 12" inches of snow! In the summer I drive through a beautiful golf course that Larry and his crew have been working on all day to keep it that way. I’m sure Larry's job often seems like a thankless ones for essentially every member is his boss and I'm sure it's not easy keeping all of us happy. I'm taking the privilege of speaking for the entire membership and thanking you for a job well done!
My feelings for the next 75 years, I can only hope that the current board and future boards keep in mind the vision of our founders –“keeping Lake Bracken a club for entire families to enjoy as have past generations”. - Chris Shipman
CLUBS DRESS CODE
Lake Bracken Country Club is an exclusive private country club with the aim of a relaxed, but conservative, dress code.Tasteful and appropriate attire is expected at all times.
Members, children ages four (4) and older, guests and visitors are expected to be suitably attired at all times on Club premises. Members are responsible for informing their guests of the dress requirements prior to their arrival at the Club.
All clothing worn must be neat, clean, un-tattered and otherwise orderly. Appropriate shoes must be worn everywhere in the Club with the exception of the pool area.
Dining throughout the year will be informal and casual except for special events, which may be designated as relaxed, formal/semi-formal based on themed events. Details will be made available in special event announcements.
Restaurant:
Shirt and shoes must be worn at all times. It is customary for shirts to be tucked in unless attire is specifically designed otherwise. Jeans and denim are permitted.
No cutoffs, halter tops, bare midriff tops, revealing, faded, torn or tattered clothing of any type, jogging shorts, scrubs or T-shirts designed as strictly undergarments are not appropriate attire and are not permissible. Concert, novelty, slogan or offensive T-shirts are prohibited. Swimwear shall not be allowed in the restaurant.
Lounge:
Shirt and shoes must be worn at all times. Casual attire is acceptable including the following: Neat tailored jeans of any color; clean athletic attire including golf and tennis shorts, shirts, skirts/skorts and warm-ups; shirts with collars, mock turtlenecks; V-neck and crew sport shirts; men’s and ladies open-toed sandals. Concert, novelty, and slogan T-shirts are allowed. Offensive T-shirts are not allowed. Swimwear shall not be allowed in the lounge. Work attire is allowed.
Golf:
Proper golf attire suitable for a Country Club must be worn at all times by both members and guests when using the golf course. Golf shoes and tennis shoes with smooth, nonabrasive soles may be worn as an alternative to regulation golf shoes. No tennis shoes with raised, ribbed or abrasive soles shall be worn.
Men - Golf shirts must have collar and sleeves. No T-shirts are allowed. Raised collar dress T’s with sleeves or mock turtleneck with sleeves will be acceptable. Shirts must be worn at all times. Jeans, jean and cargo shorts or denim is permitted. No gym shorts or cut offs allowed.
Women - may not wear halter-tops or spaghetti strap tops on the course. No bare midriffs. Shorts or skorts of mid-thigh length or longer (hemmed) may be worn. Jeans, jean and cargo shorts or denim is permitted. No gym shorts or cut offs allowed.
Tennis:
When participating in tennis activities, proper tennis attire is expected at all times including shorts, tennis tops, warm ups and sweat suits. This may also include hats, visors or sweat bands. Only smooth-soled tennis shoes may be worn on courts.
Swimming:
Regulation swimwear designed for swim activities.
Two-piece swimwear may be worn so long as it provides appropriate cover. No thongs, string bikinis, offensive or revealing swimwear will be permitted.
Swim cover wear and shoes shall be worn to and from the pool at all times. Beach shoes are permitted.
This dress code applies to all members and guests regardless of age.
MEMBERSHIPS
Joining Lake Bracken is easy. Membership applications are available at our office on Sunny Knoll. All LBCC memberships are annual memberships beginning January 1st of each year.
Membership categories:
Homeowner Membership
Full Family Membership
Single Membership
Social Membership
Junior Memberships
Fishing Membership
Pontoon Membership
Pool Memberships
4-Wheeler Membership
Clubhouse Membership
Non-Resident Membership
Prices for memberships are list on our web-site
Note: The Board of Directors establishes annually all dues, initiation fees and all other annual and one-time fees and assessments.
Note: Pontoon Membership is a recreational membership for fishing, swimming off the boat, tubing, and just enjoying the lake with family and friends.
Note: Fishing membership is for fishing only.
MEMBERSHIP CHANGE DUE TO JOB CHANGE
Any current member who, as a result of company relocation, must move from the area and finds it necessary to drop the current membership may do so only by submitting a letter of intent. This letter must contain the member’s moving date. The moving date must reflect the date on which all family members using that membership will be leaving the area. The member is responsible for all monthly payments up to and including any partial month. For example, if the family is officially leaving on August 12th, they are responsible for the whole month of August. The letter of intent should be submitted to the LBCC business office as soon as the member can release this information. LBCC requests at least one month’s notification. The Board must act on each resignation.
MEMBERSHIP CHANGE DUE TO DEATH
Any current member who, because of the death of a spouse, seeks a change in membership may do so by submitting a letter requesting the change. The Board must act on each change or resignation. This option, however, is not available to Bracken Holdings leaseholders with a Homeowner membership classification.
BILLING PROCEDURES FOR DUES, CHARGES AND FEES
Statements will be mailed or emailed on or about the 5th of the month. These statements will reflect dues for the following month and charges from the prior month. Payment is due by the last day of the month. Dues and fees will be considered delinquent after the last day of the month and will be charged a late fee.
NOTE: All dues, fees and charges may be paid monthly with a credit card or check.
DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS
Delinquent accounts will be presented to the Bracken Holdings, Inc. Board of Directors at their regular meeting (usually the 3rd Monday of the month) for their review. Note: Delinquent accounts are posted 30 days after due date.
Following steps will be taken on delinquent accounts:
Letter sent indicating the amount delinquent.
If payment is not made before the next board meeting the clubs attorney will be notified and all Club privileges will be suspended. NOTE: Delinquent members are responsible to pay the attorney fees.
Habitual delinquents, as deemed by the Board of Directors, may lose the privilege to pay by the month.
A $25.00 late fee will be charged each month on delinquent accounts.
Payment must be made to the Club Manager (not the Pro or any other Club employee) in order to be removed from the delinquent list and have privileges restored.
MISCELLANEOUS