Way back around the turn of the 20th Century...100 years ago to be exact...Chicago's south suburbs simply didn't exist. Oh yes, there was a train that came south, but to what...you can only imagine. 

Well, there was Homewood, now that you mention it. And yes, it did have inhabitants. But the location where Idlewild is presently located, was nothing more than rugged undeveloped land...with a creek running through it.

It was so far south of Chicago, that visitors would often prefer to spend the weekend when they came out. Dormitories were big back then. And rightly so. Getting around on horse and buggy to and from the train station wasn't like hopping a cab these days. Things took time. Things moved slower.

You were out in the country. There was no need for hustle and bustle. This was a time for relaxation and recreation.

So, now you can begin to understand that coming out to Idlewild was something of a special occasion. A trip that started in Chicago, with passengers arriving by train. Being ferried back and forth at a leisurely pace to their club. Their home away from home. 

Their place to spend the day, the night and even the next day, with friends of like mind.  To while away the time...to re-create themselves before turning back to a busier lifestyle...and all the demands that went with it...in the city.

Now, as you ease back to get a glimpse of the highlights from that bygone era, you can consider how welcoming your visit here will be.

1908

In that year, a small group of men headed by Fred Newman (who became Idlewild's first president) decided to establish a club and build the finest golf course in the district. 

So they engaged Al Naylor for the handsome sum of $60 a month to lay out the course, be the ground's keeper, teach the members the game, run the pro shop and take charge of training the caddies. The land suggested by Naylor was the property that ultimately became the Beverly Country Club. 

The founding fathers, however, thought this was too near the city and wanted a day in the country when taking an outing. And so it came to pass, that Flossmoor became our home.

Each one of the original group, which boasted such names as Julius Rosenwald, Albert Loeb, Leo Steele, Ed Wedles, Sidney Mandle, put up $25 earnest money and Idlewild was born. But tough times were encountered. It became a custom of many members to loan the club money to function and "eat out" the debt in the dining room. The food was excellent.

1918

The dues were $150. The club ran into an operating deficit requiring a $30 assessment. The debate by the members at a meeting called to consider this levy was so heated that the then President resigned from office. A precedent was established but unfortunately never followed by any subsequent incumbent.

1958

Prosperous....Waiting List for applicants...watered fairways...swimming pool...air conditioning...The ambitions of the founding fathers fulfilled as we arrive at the half-century mark with one of the finest courses in the district....

1998

In its 90th year, Idlewild is a cornerstone of the South Suburbs. Our privileged members have the opportunity to play one of the most challenging courses in the Chicago area. Besides golf, our members enjoy four tennis courts, two swimming pools, and dining facilities that are unmatched in the area.

Today

Our membership is healthy and enjoying a newly renovated clubhouse that includes a new member Dining area, Lounge, Men’s Locker room and Sauna, Women’s Locker room, Card room, Workout room, Board room, and additional kitchen facilities. We look forward to continued growth and prosperity as we move towards our centennial celebration in 2008.