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1897
- The first golf club in Reading was formed, originally being called the Berkshire Golf Club. The name was later changed to the Berkshire Country Club. This was the first time the name Berkshire was applied to an organization in this section of the country, and there is a remote possibility that the name was taken from a locomotive owned by the Reading Railroad.
1899
- The Berkshire Country Club of Reading, PA was incorporated as a non-profit organization.
1902
- The Berkshire Country Club purchased 60 acres of land in Bern Township for $9,000 to begin construction on a new Clubhouse and golf course.
1903
- The Berkshire Country Club opened its doors May 31st on what was originally the J. Howard Jacobs farm. Stables for members’ use were located at the north end of the clubhouse. Additionally, there were two tennis courts beside the clubhouse; bathhouses and a boat dock were located along the river.
1916
- The Club purchased 18 acres of land for $11,602.34. World renowned golf architect Willie Park Jr. was hired to lay out an 18-hole golf course. The Park plan was accepted with the understanding that only 14 holes could be placed on the existing club property. According to club minutes, Park's bill was $196.75.
1919
- In recognition of prohibition beginning July 1st, it was decided to sell the balance of liquors and wines on hand to members in late June.
1921
- The Club purchased 26 acres of land to the west of Bernville Road for $600 an acre. The additional holes were constructed and the entire 18-holes were finally opened in the Spring of 1923. The Berkshire Country Club was the first 18-hole golf course in Berks County.
1929
- In September, the Club hosted the first Berks County Amateur Championship which was won by Club member Hawley Quier.
1929
- Golf Course Architect Donald Ross redesigned the tee and green placement on hole #3.
1940
- The Bachelor’s Ball and New Year’s Day Tea Dance, traditions that would last into the mid-Sixties, were held for the first time.
1945
- The Victory Ball, held December 7th, was the most over the top gala of the decade. The war heroes were home and there were reasons to celebrate!
1947
- The first Reading Open was held at the Club. The Club hosted three of these tournaments in ’47, ’48, & ’50. Over the next four years names such as Jimmy Demaret, Ben Hogan, and Sam Snead graced our course.
1951
- The Women's Eastern Open came to the Berkshire and continued annually until 1955.
1954
- Amid a great deal of fanfare and hoopla, the first BCC pool opened.
1959
- In the search for a winter activity, the ladies of the Berkshire became bowlers and created their own league which lasted until 1995.
1962
- The senior girls’ swimming team, the numerically smallest team in the county, won the Berks County Senior Women’s Championship. In addition to this feat, three of the first four places in the Women’s River Swim were taken by Berkshire girls.
1970
- A major refurbishing of the Clubhouse began, including air-conditioning of the entire first floor, tennis courts resurfaced, and a paddle tennis court constructed. The entire project was approximately $125,000.
1976
- The Jack Nicklaus Golf Exhibition to benefit the Easter Seals Society of Berks County was played at the Berkshire.
1977
- The paddle court was removed, and a third tennis court was installed.
1985
- To the relief of many golfers, the tunnel to cross Route 183 was opened! At the time, it was estimated that golfers crossed the road 50,000 times a year – an accident waiting to happen.
1991
- The most extensive facility reconstruction in the Club’s history began. The ballroom was expanded; the large dining room was divided into three dining rooms and a small cocktail lounge; the kitchen facilities were modernized and expanded; and the Club offices were relocated.
1998
- The Pool House was totally refurbished with updated locker areas and snack bar. The building of the new men’s and women’s locker room areas and Golf Shop begun with completion expected in Spring of 1999.
2011
- A 3-million-dollar Club renovation was completed with the addition of the new 1899 Bar Room and Patio.
2015
- Men’s Opening Day was renamed to “The Cappy” to honor Dr. Cappazello, a member since 1957.
2016
- A 3-million-dollar project started to upgrade the entire irrigation system, building a holding pond for water pumped from the river, and redoing #7, #13 and #15 greens.
2018
- The Pool was reconstructed due to concrete, pool gutter, and filter/pump issues.
2021
- The Halfway House patio was expanded to include the addition of a dining and lounge area, fireplace, and patio lighting.
2021
- The ladies 18 hole opening day was renamed to the Emmie to honor Mary Ellen Hafer, a member since 1973.
2022
- The Club purchased a Wood Fired Pizza Oven, imported from Italy.
2022
- In mid-April, improvements were made to our beautifully lined drive including widening the driveway by eight inches, resurfacing the drive, and repainting the parking lines.
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