The History of Stow Acres Country Club

By the time of his death in 1892, John Witt Randall had amassed a sizable fortune through shrewd investing and sensible living. He left no will and, as was his wish, his assets were given to his sister Belinda. She spent the remainder of her life bequeathing this money and property to various causes. Harvard University received, among other things, Randall's sizable etching and art collection, and enough money to construct Randall Hall. The town of Stow was given approximately $50,000 -- a tremendous sum at that time. Much of the money was earmarked to construct a public library. The balance was used to establish a "poor fund" for less fortunate townspeople. Belinda based her decision to fund the library on the fact that, during his life, Dr. Randall willingly shared his sizable book collection with anyone who was interested. In fact, these very books were given by the Randall family to the town of Stow . Many other institutions and charitable organizations also benefited from the Randall fortune.

Belinda's death in 1895 left the Stow property without an owner. Around 1920, the parcel was purchased by Charles M. Cox, a wealthy grain merchant from Boston . Mr. Cox played golf, and it was he who began the legacy of the game that exists to the present at Stow Acres Country Club. Local information maintains that Mr. Cox used the property to establish a golf course that was open to African Americans. They were unable to play at other courses due to the unfortunate, yet inherent, segregation of that period in American history. In 1926, Stow Acres , then known as Mapledale, was the site of the first national black men's championship.

Over the years Stow Acres has changed ownership several times. In 1954 the Pages, three brothers from Waltham , bought the property and expanded the course from 9 holes, to its present 36 hole layout. The course was again sold in 1986 to Walter Lankau and Roger Kane, Jr. An extensive renovation of the clubhouse took place at that time. The restoration returned the building to splendid condition, making it one of the most popular and unique sites in the area for special functions. Continued improvements to the golf courses, and the addition of such amenities as motorized golf cars, a full service Golf Shop, and an expanded grill area, have made Stow Acres a popular, modern destination for golfers and social guests alike. In 2002, Walter Lankau bec ame the sole owner of Stow Acres and this marks yet a new era in Stow Acres history.

Stow Acres has been through a steady and dramatic transformation - from a 19th century physician's gentrified country estate to an award-winning golfer's mecca - all within the space of 100 years. There is a great measure of pride in Stow Acres ' interesting and historically significant past. We are equally positive about its very important position in the history of the great game of golf in New England . May there always be people who come to enjoy its beauty - and its challenges - for another hundred years.

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