Upcoming Dinner Program

Please join us on Thursday, September 19th at 7pm as David Mackesey presents on the history of Diablo Country Club. From the property's origins as a racehorse breeding facility and racetrack, through its transformation into an exclusive retreat for San Francisco's elite, and finally as a prestigious country club with world-class golf and social amenities, David will walk us through Diablo's history and wide-ranging iterations over the years.

In addition to his role as club historian for Diablo Country Club, David is a retired president of one of the world’s leading wine companies, former president of Diablo Country Club, and also serves as club historian for Scotland’s historic Carnoustie Golf Links.

DINNER PROGRAM DETAILS

• Date/Time: Thursday, September 19th, 7:00pm

• Location: Black Bear Diner; 807 Camino Ramon, Danville CA 94526

• Cost: $25 per person

Advanced reservations are encouraged. To reserve your spot, please email us at [email protected] to let us know you’re coming.

Click here to purchase dinner tickets, or visit www.srvhistoricalsociety.org and click the “Buy Dinner Tickets” button. Alternately, you can mail payment to the address at the bottom of this email or pay at the door.

NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE PAYMENTS!

We are excited to announce that we are now offering online payment options! In addition to cash and checks, you can now easily pay for memberships, purchase dinner tickets, and make donations directly through our secure online payment platform.

Please visit www.srvhistoricalsociety.org for more information. Thank you for your support!

Diablo: What’s In A Name?

The following is an excerpt from a recent article by our upcoming speaker David Mackesey. The article is titled “Diablo: What’s In A Name?”, and describes the origins of the name “Diablo Country Club” as well as the dedication of Mount Diablo State Park. Much of the land that now comprises Mount Diablo State Park (including the peak) was acquired by Diablo Country Club founder Robert Burgess as an extension of the Club grounds. The article makes the point that Diablo Country Club derives its name not only from its proximity to the mountain, but also from the fact that at one time it controlled the entire western slope, from the valley floor to the summit.

“On Sunday morning, June 19th, 1921, hundreds arrived in the 81 automobiles that assembled around the [Diablo] clubhouse. Hundreds more arrived on the Diablo Line by electric train. 11:00 sharp, music by the Martinez band kicked off the formal dedication ceremony. Over 700 members and guests gathered at the club's amphitheater, the slope between [the] tennis courts and pool complex. The Martinez Choral Society sang. Politicians pontificated, and the crowd cheered. A tasty basket lunch provided by the club, and Mt. Diablo was now an officially dedicated park. Over 500 of the attendees made their ascent to the summit for a second ceremony, and the iconic group mountaintop photo.

The day was organized by a group named Mt. Diablo Parlor. After the festivities, they shared thanks for the support from the people of Danville, the committees, the band, and chorus and even to the District Attorney for the “speed cops” who policed the grounds and boulevard. In a fitting tribute, they shared, "to the members of the Diablo Country Club they are especially grateful".”

We’re always looking for feedback and new ideas from our members

Please email us at [email protected] with ideas for dinner speakers you’d like to hear from, local history topics you want to learn more about, suggestions for new commemorative plaques or online content, or anything else that’s on your mind.