By William Croyle
Enquirer contributor

FORT MITCHELL - With all of the development in Northern Kentucky, a visit to the Fort Mitchell Country Club seems like a step back in time.

Squirrels quietly roam the 70 peaceful acres tucked away at the end of Fort Mitchell Avenue. Unlike many golf courses that are surrounded by homes and paved with cart paths, this nine-hole haven is all green - from the fairway grass to the lush trees that provide the backdrop.

Inside the club are four elegant dining rooms with fireplaces, large chandeliers, high ceilings and a few artifacts salvaged from the original building constructed a century ago.

"This seemed like another world to some people," said John Edmiston of Villa Hills, club historian and member since 1965. "I guess you could say a lot of them aspired to get here."

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the club. It opened March 16, 1904, six years before the city was incorporated.

It began with 128 charter members but quickly grew. With the advent of street cars to the area in 1903, people came from all over the region to enjoy outdoor summer dance parties and golf - a game introduced to this area only about a decade earlier.

"The real heyday was back in the 1920s," said Edmiston. "They got up to 400 members and were actually outgrowing it."

That changed in the 1930s when the Great Depression dropped the membership to 95. But interest built back up in the 1940s with the construction of a new swimming pool.

"I was the first kid to jump in the new pool in 1942," said member John Morlidge, who was seven years old at the time.

Morlidge's grandfather, Frank Van Winkle, was one of the charter members. Morlidge, 69, still comes about three days a week to eat and golf.

"It's still sort of a secret. A lot of people don't know it's back there," said Morlidge. "I like the smallness of it. Most of the members know each other."

A fire destroyed the original building in 1970. The current building opened in September 1971. Membership today is at 360 families, a steady number since Jeff Beckman became general manager seven years ago.

"I think it's the traditions and family environment that people enjoy," said Beckman. "Families are always looking for a place to relax, and this is an alternative to public places."

That family theme has lowered the average age of members from about 65 years to about 45 years, Beckman said. At last year's Christmas party, the club gave 100 gifts to kids under six.

"It's kind of the social center of the area," said Edmiston. "You won't find many people around town who haven't been here."

The club is the oldest in Northern Kentucky. The course is only nine holes, but it's hilly and offers two tees on each hole in different locations for golfers to play 18 holes.

"Most think of nine-hole courses as simplistic, but this one will give you a run for your money," said Beckman.

While the course may not be simple, the club tries to keep the atmosphere for its members as simple as possible.

"Other clubs do a lot of outings and corporate things," said Beckman. "We're just here for our members."

Fort Mitchell Country Club

250 Fort Mitchell Avenue

(859) 331-1300

$7,500 initiation fee

Golf membership is $275/family per month and includes full use of club amenities (golf, tennis, swimming, dining)

Social membership is $185/family per month and includes golf once a month and full use of other club amenities.

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E-mail williamcroyle@yahoo.com