This was such an extraordinary venue and
everyone had such a wonderful time...
you will be pleased to know that the staff at the San Gabriel Country Club told us we were the best party they ever had!

With its gently sloping terrain, views of the San Gabriel mountains and large mature oak trees, San Gabriel Country Club is one of the oldest and most respected golf clubs in Southern California.

San Gabriel Country Club was founded in 1904 on fertile land which was part of the historic San Gabriel Mission. The 1904 golf course was 9 holes with oiled sand greens. The course was enlarged to 18 holes in 1912 by golfer-architect Norman Macbeth. Grass greens were added in 1920, as part of changes by architect William "Willie" Watson. Further improvements to the course design were achieved by renowned golf architects William Park "Billy" Bell in 1930, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1967, and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1997.

San Gabriel Country Club is the oldest golf club in Los Angeles and Orange counties still operating in its original location, with its clubhouse at the same site as its initial 1904 clubhouse. The Club has the oldest 18-hole golf course in Southern California, dating from 1912, located on its original site. A caddie corps adds to the Club’s attractions.

The prestigious Cravens Invitational Tournament, begun in 1925, has been played at San Gabriel since 1943, attracting teams from all over the nation and earning the reputation as one of the finest amateur golf events anywhere. The course has hosted other prominent golf competitions for both men and women on national, state, regional and local levels, featuring famous names in golf.

A more complete Club history is found in the 144-page hardcover book, San Gabriel Country Club–One Hundred Years of History and Tradition, by Digby Diehl, published in 2004.

Throughout the long history of San Gabriel Country Club, members and their families have enjoyed all the pleasures of golf and the camaraderie of fellow members. San Gabriel’s superb course, fine clubhouse facility and quality staff provide members with a golf and social setting unmatched in the San Gabriel Valley.

The "One Hundred Years of History and Tradition" book can be purchased by sending a check or money order to San Gabriel Country Club 411 E. Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel, California 91776. The cost for the book is $91.19 (includes tax and $10 shipping charge).

History of the City of San Gabriel

The rich history of the City of San Gabriel dates back to 1771 with the founding of the Mission San Gabriel Archangel, a California State historical landmark, and establishes San Gabriel as the birthplace of the Los Angeles region. The Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, "Pride of the California Missions," founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1771, is the fourth of twenty-one California Missions, and has long been a center for culture and art. As the original and oldest settlement north of San Diego and south of San Luis Obispo, it is from San Gabriel that the City of Los Angeles and the greater metropolitan area were established.

Diversity is not new to San Gabriel. From its earliest days, the City of San Gabriel has been a place for people of different cultures, beliefs and values to come together. The community was created when Father Junipero Serra, a Spanish priest, and the Tongva (Gabrielino) Indians came together to build a magnificent Mission in 1771. It is located in the mid-west portion of the City within the City's historic core, which contains several other historic buildings and sites exhibiting Spanish, Native American and early American history. Since its founding, San Gabriel has opened its doors to people of all races and cultures.

This longevity and rich history has allowed the City to grow with pride, vision and imagination. By 1852 after American occupation, San Gabriel became one of the first townships in the County of Los Angeles. When the 1860 census was taken, there were only 586 persons listed. The City was incorporated as a general law city on April 24, 1913 with a population of 1,500.

Strong municipal services and specialized programs, such as one-stop development permitting and redevelopment assistance, distinguish's San Gabriel as one of the regions leading communities. The San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, San Gabriel Unified School District, San Gabriel Police Department, San Gabriel Fire Department, senior and children programs and many others are success stories and testimonies to the City's vitality.

One of the community's great strengths is its diversity. Today, with a population of over 40,000, we are an even richer community of different cultures, religions and ethnicities. We continue the ideals and vision of the people who came before us and made San Gabriel what it is today. Together we pledge to continue to respect, protect and serve our city and our community. This is our common heritage -- this is our future.

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Carolyn White De Freitas & Kathleen 'Kay' Hardy Trepp
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