With the recent posts on this blog about the several uses of the property that was, from 1928-1958, Camp Kinder Ring, the Jewish camp of The Workmen's Circle, north of Carbon Canyon Road at Canyon Hills Road, part of which is being developed now as the 76-unit Canyon Hills housing subdivision, this seemed an appropriate time to highlight this postcard.
With the title of "Canyon Hills Country Club," the image shows one of the two swimming pools (the other is partially visible in the background) at the facility with the view looking towards the south and the hills that are now the subject of an application for another large housing project, the 107-unit Hidden Oaks development.
A couple of people are swimming in the foreground pool and a person sits on those cool chairs with the curved stainless steel legs. To the left are concrete block walled planters and there are a variety of bushes, shrubs and trees in the landscaping around the pool decks.
On the reverse is the name of the facility, its post office address in Brea, the phone number, a list of club activities (the two pools, shuffleboard, ping-pong, archery, badminton, horseback riding, picnic grounds, and a rollerskating rink) and a recommendation for membership section.
This latter is pretty funny, as it begins, "I have recommended and vouched for you as a desirable person for membership in the Canyon Hills Country Club." It then goes on to say that the membership committee would contact the person "once only" and then offers that Canyon Hills was "a real club for real people."
The name and address of the members are provided along with the recommended addressee, both of whom were from the area (Whittier and La Mirada.)
The card is postmarked from Brea--probably filled out at the club and then mailed by club personnel--and dated 25 October 1965.
This appears to have been at the very end of the lifespan of the club, which appears to have changed names from Canyon Hills Swim and Saddle Club, which was the successor to Club El Circulo (in turn following Camp Kinder Ring), to Canyon Hills Country Club.
By early 1966, as an upcoming post will detail further, there was another change in use, as the club gave way to one of the wackier concepts in Carbon Canyon's colorful history: Ski Villa. After the demise of that short-lived project, however, yet another club, the Carbon Canyon Country Club took over--but, more on that later.
My two brothers and I learn to swim in that pool in the early 60s. We used to explore an old building that I believe was a dancing hall with a stage. The fake ski slope was a flop and people said that it was painful falling on the bristles. Our family would stop to have a hamburger at that original Knollwood burgers located on Imperial highway on the way to the Club
ReplyDeleteOur family loved growing up here in the summer as well. Affordable place for the family of 6 kids to play all day. The pools, miniature golf and horses hiking. And always keeping an eye out for the rattle snakes. We also would stop at knowlwoods for early dinner after a wonderful summer play day. Or
DeleteDer Wienerschnitzel,
Thanks for sharing!
Hi OC1961, thanks for the comment and sharing your memories. The dance hall was likely built by the Los Angeles Jewish organization, the Workmen's Circle, which had a camp, first for children and then for all ages, on the site from 1928-1958. There are posts on Camp Kinder Ring and Ski Villa on this blog, as well. Glad you found the post.
ReplyDeleteHello Anonymous, thanks for providing some memories and there will be a presentation to the Chino Hills Historical Society on 17 June @ 7 p.m. at 14250 Peyton Drive on Canyon Hills Country Club, Ski Villa and other uses of that site. If you're in the area and are available, please join us!
ReplyDeleteMy parents and other families in our neighbourhood were members of the Canyon Hills.Country Club in 1964. I was seven years old at the time. My friends and I had a wonderful time exploring the hills and the old abandoned mansions there. It was so much fun to swim in the swimming pool, and I think they had rodeos at the club.
ReplyDeleteThe immitation ski slope was a mystery to us, and we always wanted to try it.
Thanks, Lyn, for sharing your memories of that area.
ReplyDelete