Meadow Brook Golf Club Starts Rebuilding Clubhouse After Fire

READING, MA — The Meadow Brook Golf Club broke ground on its new clubhouse Oct. 4, months after the decades-old building was destroyed by a three-alarm fire. The small, socially distant gathering included the club Board of Governors, past presidents, longtime members and guests involved with construction.

An electrical fire raged through the clubhouse April 17. The building, which housed the dining room, function hall, bar, offices and locker rooms for more than 75 years, was completely destroyed.

The groundbreaking ceremony opened with Club President Sally Mason Boemer, who briefly talked about the challenges the club has faced in 2020 and the long road to the new clubhouse. Mary Ellen Hurton, a 60-year member of the club, shared memories of her time at the club and the changes she has seen over the years.

Former Club President Marcia Brown, who was president when the clubhouse project was introduced, spoke next. Kevin Roche, board member and project lead, followed with details about the new clubhouse, including how the new building is designed to show off views of the golf course.

A group of longtime Meadow Brook members representing 257 years of membership joined in the groundbreaking festivities. Midge Lander, Judy Doherty, Clarice and Bob Brown and Roseanne Roche all donned hard hats and picked up shovels to officially break ground on the new building.

Construction is slated to end mid-2021.