This Day in History: 1945-02-17
The newly organized Aero and Golf Club announced its postwar plans. As soon as the snow melted an engineering survey would be held to lay out one or more landing strips. An explosion of the ownership and operation of private planes was expected after the war and facilities would have to be provided. The airport facilities were to be under the direct supervision of Rudolph Deetjen, formerly assistant to the Chairman of Consolidated Vultees, a manufacturer of airplanes. Plans were also underway to build a large modern swimming facility. The pool committee was headed by a New Wall Street executive, Charles B. Schubert. None of these activities were to interfere with the 18 hole golf course and the tennis facilities. Each of the major groups, aero, swimming, tennis and golf would have their own organizations and charge separate fees. The club house was to be refurbished. For the duration the Golf, tennis and social activities would resume in the spring. The Out o’Bounds Aero and Golf Club Corporation had recently bought out the former Houvenkopf Country Club. J. B. Ryan of Suffern, who had held 70% of the mortgage of the old Club, was the leading figure in the new arrangement. He predicted that Mahwah would have the most up-to-date sporting and social center in the metropolitan area. (The Club occupied the site where the International Crossroads and Sharp facilities now stand.)
(Bristow)