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About Our Salem Local Country Club

Our Founders

  • Reynolds Allen
  • Erwin Batterman
  • Chandler Brown
  • Carl Gerlinger
  • Vern McMullen
  • Owen Miller
  • Vern Miller
  • Merritt Truax
  • Bruce Williams

A Local Country Club for an Underserved Community

Before 1960, the eighteen-hole, public Salem Golf Club was the only local country club serving the Salem area. Ercel Kay owned and operated this attractive facility since 1928, and it served the community very well.

However, its social facilities were very limited. In the early 1950's, there was a serious attempt to develop a private country club on the McNary property north of Keizer. 

The Fircone Country Club was incorporated with the State of Oregon. Membership fees were put in escrow, but the money was eventually refunded when they failed to sell enough memberships by the deadline.

A Visionary Beginning

The next organization effort began in 1959 and resulted in the successful formation of Illahe Hills Country Club. The seed of its formation originated through informal luncheon discussions at the Quisenberry Drug Store Restaurant near the Salem General Hospital. 

The participants concluded that it would be best to form a private country club as a spinoff of a for-profit real estate subdivision. Furthermore, they decided that they should only select a site after the development company was financed and organized.
 

It Started with a Shared Idea

In early March 1959, attorney Bruce Williams visited Dr. Owen Miller. During this visit, Bruce mentioned that he and his neighbor, Merritt Truax, had discussed this idea before. 

Eager to move forward, Bruce organized a meeting for March 26, 1959, where the three agreed on key principles and decided to involve more people. He requested Dr. Owen Miller to draft a document outlining their “drug store” concept as a foundation for the discussion. 

Excited by the potential of creating a local country club, they decided to invite others for a meeting on April 9, 1959, with the goal of forming a steering committee.
 

An Historic Meeting

On April 9, 1959, several key individuals attended this meeting, including: 
  • Reynolds Allen
  • E.E. Batterman
  • Werner Brown
  • Carl Gerlinger
  • Al Loucks
  • Vern McMullen
  • Dr. Vern Miller
  • James Payne
  • Merritt Truax
  • Glen Stevenson
  • Bruce Williams

The group agreed that forming the private golf club as a spin-off from a subdivision development was the right approach. They estimated that raising $300,000 would make the project viable. 

To move forward, they decided to incorporate by issuing 100 shares at $3,000 each. Those in attendance were tasked with recruiting potential members, encouraging them to express interest by writing to Bruce Williams. 

A follow-up meeting was scheduled for April 17, 1959, at the Marion Hotel.

The Steering Committee

The April 17th meeting was led by Dr. Owen Miller. There, 27 people confirmed their interest in the exclusive local country club, with an additional 19 names submitted for others who were unable to attend. 

A promotional plan was distributed, but it became clear that more time was needed to finalize organizational details. As a result, they postponed the next general meeting, originally planned for May 1, 1959.

In preparation, Bruce Williams, Merritt Truax, and Dr. Owen Miller met on April 22, 1959 to finalize the selection of the steering committee and plan the first official meeting. The steering committee members included: 

  • Reynolds Allen
  • Erwin Batterman
  • Cliff Ellis
  • Carl Gerlinger
  • Vern McMullen
  • Dr. Owen Miller
  • Dr. Vern Miller
  • James Payne
  • Dick Taggesell
  • Merritt Truax
  • Bruce Williams

However, Cliff Ellis and Dick Taggesell decided against joining the committee.


Incorporating Our Private Country Club

On May 4, 1959, the newly formed steering committee held its first official meeting at Bruce Williams' home. Several key decisions were made, launching the organization. 

By May 11th, Bruce presented copies of the proposed articles of incorporation and bylaws. This solidified the groundwork for what would become a thriving lodge with a private golf course and premium country club amenities.

The following were selected as temporary officers for the new organization:

President: Dr. Owen Miller
Vice President: Carl Gerlinger
Secretary: Reynolds Allen
Treasurer: Merritt Truax

Discover Marion County’s Historic Local Country Club

At Illahe Hills Country Club, tradition meets modernity to create a truly unique experience. Our exclusive country club continues to build on the legacy of its founders.

We provide access to exceptional golf, social events, and exclusive memberships that keep people coming back year after year. Become part of a community that values excellence and connection.

Contact us today to schedule a tour of our stunning private golf course and local country club amenities.

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