History

In the early 1920's being a member of Southview took real enthusiasm, a healthy checkbook and a strong back. The original sixteen members not only anteed up $1,000 each to purchase the 126 acres of land, that was being used as a truck farm, they built it with their own labor and that of any volunteers they could get to pick rocks, rake sand and cut trees. Interestingly, many had no desire to play golf, but were counted among Southview’s early members largely out of a sense of civic duty. They felt the course was a commendable venture and would be a real asset to South St. Paul and West St. Paul. As early meeting minutes explained "a membership in the Club could not help but increase in value. In other words, a membership in the Club will not be an expense, but a very profitable investment."

For these early members, that couldn't have been further from the truth. Although they were all paid back their original investment, many never saw the money because it was paid to their estates after they passed away. The founding sixteen members rode the highs and lows of developing the course through the roaring twenties, the Great Depression, World War II and the ongoing financial crisis that seemed to perpetually threaten their dream. With every crisis, the founders dug deeper into their pockets and hearts to assure the success of their vision. In fact, in 1926 Henry Miller wrote the check that allowed the club to replace the sand greens with grass.

Mr. Miller, a man of significant wealth and a ready checkbook, soon became the Chairman of the Grounds committee and continued to pour personal finances into the course. Although these funds were proposed as advances to the Club, there are no records of them and it is widely believed Mr. Miller was never paid back.

In the ensuing years, the financial pressures that continually faced the Club forced the members to sell to a local businessman, Mr. E.D. Lloyd. Mr. Lloyd would eventually sell the Club to a small group of investors who would ultimately put the Club up for sale in 1975, giving the members the first right of refusal. A small group of members formed a limited partnership and spearheaded a successful effort to buy the Club. The members now owned Southview Country Club and marked the beginning of the Club's financial security and completion of the founding father's dreams.

Today Southview is a vibrant, healthy club under the astute leadership of its members. Together we plan, implement and strive to create a club that is like none other – A club that boasts the best course in the area along with a membership that welcomes all those who would belong.