Note: The following is one of a series of articles looking at events in the formation of Bulloch County.

Part II

On Jan. 30, 1947, the Bulloch Herald announced "Forest Heights Country Club Golf Course Now in Playing Condition."

Sidney Dodd, Secretary-Treasurer of the club, stated “the Board would meet tonight, and they would "consider rules and regulations to govern the use of the course by the members, and pass on the names of several who have been proposed for membership."

As a result, "Red" Roberts, the golf pro and greens-keeper, states that he expects to sow the grass in the fairways early in February. The grass greens are in good shape for playing."

What's more, "A new approach has been cleared to the golf course, and a road leads directly up to the club-house site at the top of the hill near where the first tee is located."

Then, the Bulloch Times-Statesboro News-Statesboro Eagle issue of Aug. 7, 1947 announced "Thad Morris, president of the Forest Heights Country Club, announces that the golf course will be open to the public."

This would be just "during the month of August. There will be a 50 cents greens fee, the same as regular members pay. The purpose of this is to get more people acquainted and interested in the golf course."

Morris added, "An intensive membership drive will be made at some date in the near future to make possible the construction of a $50,000 club house."

Three days later, on April 10, 1947, the newspaper revealed that "the board of governors approved funds to build a huge picnic area, which will include a huge barbeque pit, cooking stove, tables, chairs."

More than a year later, on Dec. 23, 1948, the Bulloch Times - Statesboro News - Statesboro Eagle reported that an Augusta Chronicle writer "Gives High Praise to Country Club."

It spotlighted "the new Forest Country Club, which has recently come into the limelight — note the pleasant comment it has earned from the special comment it has earnest from the special writer in the Augusta Herald."

It was "Earl DeLoach, with large Bulloch County family connection." From his article "in the Sunday issue we copy the following (about) Statesboro's new Forest Heights Country Club."

"With its nine-hole golf course and its modern and attractive club house (it) has become the central point of the city's social life and recreational activities."

Thad Morris and Red Roberts said they were "preparing to add a skeet range and tennis courts to its sports facilities. The skeet range is already under construction."

And, "Grading has also been done for three tennis courts which will be completed and equipped in the near future. The officers also plan to construct two lakes on the property."

The club house, "situated atop one of the highest hills in Bulloch County (was) a white concrete block building erected at a cost of $25,000, (which) faces the golf course."

It has inside "a large dining and hall room 40x36 feet, locker rooms for ladies and men, a grill and office, and a completely-equipped kitchen which serves members to members and their guests every day."

"The golf course, with its grass greens and tees is a par 36 layout of 3,260 yards. It was designed by Mr. Roberts and Mr. May of the Georgia Power Company."

What's more, "Plans are underway to construct a small lake across the fairway which will provide a water hazard. The lake will also be used for swimming."

And, "The course has 2 'par 3' holes, and 2 long 'par 5's. The others are Par 4's and each presents an interesting playing problem for both the good golfers and the average high scorers. Work started (on) September 1946."

The "club officers are planning to construct a large fish pond at another site on the large tract of land along with a picnic ground equipped with a large outdoor kitchen."

In addition, "the club is equipped with its own six-inch artesian well, 650 feet deep, which provides its water supply. The club now has 180 members, and has limited its membership to 2oo."

Roger Allen is a local lover of history who provides a brief look each week at the area's past. E-mail him at rwasr1953@gmail.com.