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 The idea for a club in
this area was originally conceived by Don DeSautel in
1961. A survey of the Bissonet Plaza area in 1961 and
early 1962 indicated that approximately 40% of the 800
families then living in the area were interested in the
formation of this recreational facility members of the
survey group included Dave Graves, Cliff Swanlund, Ernie
Verges, Norman Montgomery, Don Bailey, and Don DeSautel.In 1962 and 1963 preliminary organization meetings were held with representatives of the Bissonet Plaza and Maned Downs civic group. Members of this committee included, in addition to the above named individuals, Chuck Caldwell, Walter Sandlin, Val Vogel, Jack Resor, and Ferdinand Lob. An intensive investigation of the operations of other similar clubs in the New Orleans area was made. Then a house to house membership drive was instituted under the leadership of Don Bailey, with block captains and distributions of circulars. At this time (1962) representatives of the Green Acres civic group were invited to participate. The original Green Acres members included Robert Bodet, Robert Deane, and Steve Enright. In the summer of the year of 1963, the goal of 300 charter members, at $250 per membership, was reached. For this attainment great credit must be given to the many people who hand delivered circulars to every home in the area, made personal calls, and encouraged each new member to help in the drive. The official beginning of the Club dates from May 22, 1963 when the articles of incorporation were signed. One week later the Club bought a 1.6 acre tract of ground from St. Martin's Protestant Episcopal School for $22,176.00 ($14,000.00 per acre). Plans for the pool and club were prepared by Architect Ernie Verges. Bids for the construction were requested in July 1963, but were rejected as too high. The job was readvertised and awarded to Julian Haro, the lowest of six bidders, in October 1963. Construction of the pools and bathhouse began in November 1963 and was completed in early June 1964. The approximate cost of the big pool, baby pool, and bathhouse was approximately $95,000.00. The main pool measures 75 feet in length by 42 feet in width and has a connecting diving pool which measures 30 feet by 30 feet and has a maximum depth of 11 feet. The is the largest pool in Jefferson Parish at the present time. From its inception, the Club has been wholly owned and controlled by its member-stockholders who, as of January 1, 1967, numbered 400. First officers of the Club who served from September 1963 to September 1964 were: Ferdinand Lob, President Donald DeSautel, Vice President Helen Thompson, Secretary Peter Thorpe, Treasurer The second group of officers served two terms, from September 1964 to October 1966. They were: Robert J. Bodet, President Dr. Irwin Rappold, Vice President Helen Thompson, Secretary Peter Thorpe, Treasurer During the administration of Robert Bodet, the clubhouse was built and completed in January 1964. The main room of the clubhouse has an area of 2,400 square feet. Also during this period, the Club was attractively landscaped and many improvements made. Two asphalt tennis courts were constructed 1966. The is planned to build and addition to the Clubhouse in the near future. As of September 30, 1966, the Club had physical assets totaling $183, 821.07. The book value of each share of stock at that time was $355.00. Activities have been extended from swimming to include tennis, square dancing, duplicate bridge, children's movies, bingo, and sailing. In addition, the Club sponsors many special functions such as adult and teen dances and football trips. |