The Souhegan Country Club, now the Club at Oak Hill, started in 1899 after the property was purchased for $800, with $100 each from eight men from New Ipswich, Temple, Wilton and Greenville.
It became a seasonal club for local families, with the season starting in May with “The Spring Fling” and finishing in September with the annual meeting.
In its heyday in the 1980s, there were more than 120 members and a wait list to join. Tennis tournaments were the big draw, and every summer, families would pack picnics and spend the day playing and competing . Another highlight of the summer was the lobster bake, when members dug a hole and steamed lobsters in seaweed.
For years, membership was exclusive, by invitation by a member. A large group of people from Massachusetts joined in the 1980s, and new memberships were stopped for a few years. Word was they were inviting vast numbers of their friends to join to gain an upper hand during voting at the annual meetings. There was talk of forcing a sale and splitting the proceeds of the sale of the property among the members.
It didn’t happen, and the club continued.
From 2016 to 2020 membership again increased, and larger events and bi-monthly suppers were held. Events included Halloween parties and suppers with themes like “Under the Sea” with projected whales and sea creatures “swimming” across the ceiling and walls; an “Irish Supper” with live traditional Irish music; “1950s Las Vegas Supper Club” with a Frank Sinatra crooner and dancing, and “Cuba” with authentic food and salsa dance lessons. There was even a dinner set in 1940s wartime with skits and music by members dressed as The Andrews Sisters, and song and dance routines from movies of the era.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, membership declined sharply, leaving the club struggling to pay its taxes and utility bills after more than 120 years in operation. After more than a year of discussion and planning, members accepted an offer from Ray Holmes to purchase the property, take over its upkeep and expenses, and allow the SCC to continue meeting there.
Since July 2024, Holmes has owned the property and turned it into The Club at Oak Hill, which he uses for rentals, community gatherings and town events. The SCC still holds dinners and First Friday get-togethers when possible. Proceeds from the sale of the property were not distributed among members.
The club will host a party on Nov. 1 with the theme “Eras.” Guests are invited to dress as their favorite character or in attire representing an era of their choice. A cash bar will be available, and organizers are planning to feature a band or DJ. More information will be announced soon.
This history was compiled by Jane Elwell.