Candlewood History

In the late 1800s not only cattle grazed but agriculture was coming to Whittier. In the early part of the 20th century, 5% of the citrus in California was grown in Whittier. South of Whittier, walnut groves thrived, cattle grazed on this section and farther south were bean fields. This was extremely fertile land.

This site has long been a place for golf. In 1928 the 9-hole “Green Hills” golf course and clubhouse were built by John Riley and Frank Martin to promote sales of home sites for what was then known as “Sunshine Acres”. The clubhouse housed Mexican nationals harvesting the citrus crops in Whittier. Green Hills planted many trees.

Sunshine Acres was a public course. Financial difficulties during the depression forced closing the course. During the World War II years, much of the property was planted in soy beans. The lower area was used for growing watercress.

In the middle to late 40s the 106 acres and building were purchased by the Hughes brothers, Bill and John for $27,000. The golf course closed and the Hughes brothers renamed and operated the club as a restaurant and real estate facility named “Hughestown Meadows”.

The Hughes brothers continued to promote the area for homesites. A barn and stables were built to shelter their farm animals. Doors from schools were used to build the barn. The brothers built a tract of “forever homes” along Honeysuckle Lane.

The lakes were dug for swimming and fishing. A pumping station was built on the island between the two lakes. The pump was later moved close to the superintendent’s house. The clubhouse was refurbished for restaurant operation.

The Hughes brothers built a small home on the property that is still used for the club’s superintendent.

The brothers were interested in the possibility of oil on the property because of the close proximity of Santa Fe Springs. An oil well was drilled in 1950 and began producing in 1951 and is still pumping. During the Hughestown Meadows era, the area was farmed for garden vegetables used in the restaurant.

In about 1947 drainage became a problem and a drainage system was built to keep Lake Marie from flooding. Concrete walls were built up to and after the course. Had they gone through the course, they would have had to buy the land and there wouldn’t have been a golf course. City engineers felt that flooding on the course would not be a problem.

In the early 50s, Forest and Rosemary Smith, owners of many Clock restaurants purchased the facility. The restaurant was again refurbished and expanded and made into a club house.

When the swimming pool was built it was obvious from all the concrete that had been removed that a drilling platform had been there first. Plans were made for reopening the golf course and extending it to an 18-hole layout plus a 9-hole pitch and putt course.

In 1951 the club became “CLOCK COUNTRY CLUB” Membership cost $109.00 with $12.00 monthly dues. Ralph Evans was head pro. Harry Rainville was the architect. He also designed Thunderbird in Palm Springs, Mission Valley and Los Serranos in Chino.

In August 1953 the first 9-holes of the Clock Country Club officially opened. The pitch and putt became playable in September of 1953 as well.

Forest Smith brought prominent leading pros and celebrities, such as Liberace and the Mills Brothers to the club. The first Pro-Am was in 1953. Forest and Rosemary Smith’s genius, imagination and generalship made the Clock Country Club possible.

Late 50s: Congratulatory telegrams were received by the new members from President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon and Governor Knight. Professional tournaments were held in 1955 - 1956 by the LPGA. Patty Berg won the 1956 tournament and was awarded first prize of $5,000 which is less than the value of a membership today.

We have survived two major fires, one of which, in 1963, required the complete rebuilding of the Clubhouse. We have always been a “family oriented” club – with lots of social activities, including: junior golf, many tournaments involving members, associates and their guests, and promotional activities.

The Club is directed by nine Board of Directors, three of whom are elected annually, and each member handling a Committee assignment; who all work cooperatively with the Management Staff.