The Los Altos History Museum commemorates the centennial anniversary of Los Altos Golf & Country Club with a new exhibition, “100 Years and Counting: The Los Altos Golf & Country Club,” on display in the J. Gilbert Smith House Gallery from Oct. 12 through Jan. 7.
According to exhibits specialist Jordan Grealish, “100 Years and Counting” provides a unique glimpse into the club’s history, beginning with its origins.
“From the 1800s when Governor Alvarado helped create Rancho San Antonio to the University of Santa Clara’s 1902 land purchase, we trace the story,” Grealish said. “Country club founders, led by President Charles A. Gray, secured 155 acres for the club and sold the rest for homes. During World War II, membership dropped to a dismal level, debts rose and part of the golf course was sold, yet devoted members loaned money and volunteered to rescue the club.”
The exhibition also explores the club’s contributions to the community, including hosting two golf invitationals annually, a wine festival and a recent 100-year family carnival, complete with a hot air balloon. The club’s proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates how it remained ahead of the curve by closing early and maintaining a cautious approach to reopening. In addition to a collection of photographs showcasing the club’s evolution over the years, the exhibition features artifacts such as a 1929 membership card, newspaper clippings, the club’s original bylaws and a flyer listing a portion of the property that sold for $475 in the early 1900s.
The Los Altos History Museum is located at 51 S. San Antonio Road. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Admission is free.
For more information, visit losaltoshistory.org/exhibit/100-years-and-counting.
