When Fountain Hills was merely a concept of a “Model City” carved out of former cattle country, several individuals met for breakfast one spring morning in 1978. The conversation concerned the sparse social activity within the town, then less than a thousand families. Why not start a social CLUB where men could gather for coffee, conversation, cards and good fellowship? By summer, The CLUB was established with about 40 Members.
Original CLUB Members included Don Brown, Joe Brown, John Cochran, Harlan Collins, John Ehrsam, Lloyd Everson, Murray Felder, “Scoop” Heuerman, Duane Johnson, Joe Kafka, Robert Lowis, Clarence Lund, Idar Rimestad, “Robby” Robinson, George Smith, Ron Stultz and John Van Der Werf.
Space above the Times newspaper offices was rented (which was next to the lot where The CLUB building now stands) and furnished with an overstuffed sofa, armchairs and card tables. In those early days, the meetings were very informal. Morning coffee and rolls were the only refreshments available, until Joe Kafka equipped a small kitchen. Traditional Monday night dinners were on the way.
Membership grew rapidly and as various CLUB activities developed, the limited meeting space was a problem. The leadership rose to the challenge. In 1985, the present CLUB building, privately financed by a group of Members, was built and leased to The CLUB.
In 1998, Cliff Johnson was the President of the Enterprise Drive Corporation, which included original CLUB Members who in 1985 funded the construction of The CLUB's building. These forward thinking men made their personal investment to provide The CLUB permanent meeting quarters, on a rental basis, with the understanding that, when The CLUB was financially able, EDC would sell them the building at the original cost.
During the next several years, the composition of EDC's investors changed with several moving away and, in some instances, estates becoming involved. This caused difficulties in management.
Early in 1998, Cliff Johnson privately advised CLUB President Bob Larson and VP Ralph Truax that it was time to discuss the purchase of the building. The Board agreed that the purchase should be pursued. A group of Members was formed to determine financing options for the estimated $250,000 purchase (the original construction cost).
While this group was seeking financing, Cliff was involved in securing EDC approval for the sale to The CLUB at the original construction cost. Some EDC Members felt that the current property value was closer to $500,000 and strongly disapproved of the sale. Cliff had to personally convince each EDC Member to abide by the original understanding that the building could be bought at the original cost. This was no easy task when serious money was involved. Cliff persuaded the majority of EDC's board.
Meanwhile, The CLUB's proposal group was seeking a loan commitment, but found few banks willing to offer long term loans at acceptable rates. Member Gene Owens suggested that CLUB Members finance the purchase, by selling $1,500 certificates to Members at an annual rate of 8%, paid in the form of reduced dues. Member Dick Baurle, an attorney, packaged the proposal and made the presentation at a special meeting. It passed unanimously, creating the needed financing. The certificates were retired over the ensuing years, with the last several paid off in 2006.
Without Cliff Johnson's personal involvement, integrity and leadership, the successful purchase of the building at below-market rates would not have occurred. Many were involved, but one man made the difference. Cliff Johnson was The CLUB president in 1992.
Today, the CLUB has grown beyond the expectations of those original few, who had the vision and courage to found and nurture the CLUB during those difficult early years. There have been many stewards over its 45 years, but the original vision, as stated in Our Mission, has been maintained intact.
For more information on The CLUB through the first 45 years, see The History of The CLUB available in the Office.