A Brief History

David Armistead Kelley built the Indian Creek clubhouse as a family home after the civil war, circa 1870.

Located in Northumberland County, this property was one of many large tracts originally owned by Robert “King” Carter. It passed through several generations of that family until it was sold circa 1775 to James Kelley, a recent immigrant from Kilmarnock, Scotland. Kelley’s descendant, David Armistead Kelley, called his home “East Richland.” The estate included 150 acres of open land, with 20 acres of woods. Today, the entrance hall, living room, Commodore’s room, and portions of the upstairs are part of the original house. The Kelleys sold the house in 1920, although they had left the area years before.

Over the years, many families lived in the house, some as tenants, some as owners. One of the latter was Helen Vinson, a Hollywood actress. It was she who planted most of the cedar trees that line the approach, watering them herself to keep them alive. During her occupancy in the 1930’s, she made many improvements to the old house, including two additional bathrooms upstairs, somewhat of a luxury in the Northern Neck at that time. When the actress became restless with the bucolic life, she sold the property and returned to Hollywood. 

At the end of the war, I. Norris Blake, president of Mortgage Investment Co., and a wealthy developer from Richmond, purchased “East Richland.” Blake rechristened the place Indian Creek Estates which included 104 acres, the main house and several outbuildings. 

The Tides Inn had just opened, and local people flocked to its Chesapeake Club, where they could drink and dance somewhere other than at home. Blake immediately saw the advantages of a private country club at Indian Creek Estates; and he made plans to establish a golf course, dining room and bar, using the old house as the Clubhouse. On June 11, 1955, the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club was chartered. Blake named George Noblett as president. The Club offered lunch and dinner, private lockers for those who wished to keep their liquor at the Club, and the unchanging beauty of Indian Creek and its quiet coves. The dining room was small and was first called the Squaw Room. It has been changed through the years to Swank, Tavern, Fern, and finally, the Commodore’s Room. 

On March 14, 1958, the membership bought the Clubhouse and 50 acres from Mr. Blake for $30,000. Bonds were sold to the members to pay for improvements and provide working capital. Golf was very popular with the membership, requiring a pro, and a manager was hired to oversee the kitchen and social activities. 

In 1964, however, interest began to wane. Resignations outnumbered admissions, and only golf seemed popular. There was a succession of managers and attendance at the few social events dropped. This decline became a challenge to the more devoted members, who wanted to retain the place they loved and make it into a first class club. 

To increase membership and participation, they hired John Budoff, a professional manager who improved the kitchen and accelerated the pace of activities. Under the leadership of Gene Rook, President, a membership campaign was launched and so were several social traditions, including the weekly dinner “Maids Night Out”, now known as “Family Night.” In 1968, Budoff left the Club and a very young Carl Blades, who recently retired after 40 years, replaced him. 

In the 1970’s racquet courts were built, the golf course was expanded from 9 to 18 holes; the Club acquired dockside facilities; and renovations were made to the swimming pool. Rooms were added to the house to accommodate the growing membership. 
By 1985, there were 700 stock-holding members and 200 non-resident and other members. Limits were placed on new admissions, and the $100 initiation fee was only a faint memory; it had become $3000. The golf course continued to be improved, and an assistant to the pro hired. 

The 1990’s brought a complete renovation with an addition to the kitchen. The upstairs was reconfigured to expand office space, and an addition was built onto the men’s locker room and lounge. The golf course underwent many upgrades, including improved irrigation. 

In the late 1990s, planning began for Project 2000: further improvements to the golf course, including a computerized irrigation system; a new greens-maintenance building and a cart-storage building; a new tee box at the driving range; an expanded and illuminated parking lot with space for 150 cars in front of the Clubhouse; a curved and landscaped entry and drop-off area for members with disabilities; new lights and surface on the outdoor racquet courts; a screened waterside pavilion; and updated computer operations for the office. 

In 2000, the Club enjoyed a substantial increase in membership. In 2001, a two-court indoor racquet facility was completed. 
2005 was a big year for ICYCC. The Club celebrated its 50th anniversary and began its first major renovation of the golf course. Completion was May 2007. Other enhancements included new outdoor racquet courts and 13 boat slips at the dock. 

On a regular basis, members look forward to Wednesday’s Mid-Week Madness, candlelight dinners, Sunday brunches, and various other dining and social events. Golf and racquet tournaments, yachting cruises, junior activities including swim team and summer sports and sailing camps are all an integral part of the enjoyment of ICYCC. In addition, the Club has a very active Ladies’ Golf Association, as well as a growing Yacht Club. 

Some things haven’t changed. Liquor lockers still line the walls of the bar and part of the Grill Room; however, liquor by the drink is available. Bridge games are still a regular activity, with the addition of Mah Jongg; and lasting friendships are born inside the Clubhouse or outside at play. 

The names of those who began this great adventure still dominate the local scene, and their dedication and foresight have shaped a welcoming Club. All of us who love the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, its membership and spirit of fellowship, are truly grateful for the leadership through the decades. We treasure the simplicity and beauty that began at “East Richland” 65 years ago.