Carlouel, founded in 1934 but not incorporated until later years, was the first of its kind in the area. Originally founded by T R. Palmer and G.A. Hobart (fathers of Mary Davidge and Lib Kingsbury respectively), Carlouel started as a cabana club. One hundred local families were invited to join, each paying one hundred dollars in annual dues. Paul Randolph, although not involved monetarily in the project, assembled the real estate that became the club property and adjacent home sites.
When the problem of naming the club was discussed, it was easily solved by combining the first syllables of the names of the founders' wives: Caroline Hobart, Louise Palmer and Eleanor Randolph. The Club was thus named Car-lou-el. Members of longstanding who are still active in the Club include Mrs. Henry Kingsbury (Lib), Mr. Larry Dimmitt, Jr., Mr. Bobby Thompson, Mrs. John Baxter (Dorothy). All are descendants of original members.
In 1947 Mr. Palmer, sole owner at the time, sold the Carlouel Company to the one hundred members. Each member paid one thousand dollars. It was at that time that the Carlouel Corporation was formed. Alex C. Liggett became the first Commodore and a Board of Governors was formed the same year.
Gradually the roster has been increased to four hundred active members. In the early years, a non-member was permitted to come to the Club only three times in a given year.
It was not until 1954 that Carlouel functioned twelve months of the year. Prior to that time, it was open for the winter months only. However, dances, picnicking and great camaraderie were evident during WWII. White the Club was not officially open, members frequently hosted dinners and parties doing all the work themselves. In the beginning, Carlouel was active as a yacht club, but the closing of Caladesi Pass after a hurricane and the dredging for Island Estates made access to the waterways difficult. The physical facilities of the Club have been updated a number of times. The original bar was at the west end of what we now know as the Hobart Room. The area of the present bar was a card room and open porch. And, hear this ... one or two cabanas were used for poker games and slot machines!
In the mid 1950's, a fire destroyed part of the structure and, in rebuilding and decorating, the decor changed from casual to a more formal appearance. The fireplaces, which had sported tarpon and moosehead, became repositories for swim team trophies. Later, improvements included enclosing the bayfront terrace, adding the Palmer Room, building a sea wall, roque court, swimming pool, tennis courts and additional cabanas. The Olympic swimming pool was added in 1962.
As the Club grew in membership, it also grew in tradition. None was more celebrated than Sasparilla - the annual Gasparilla spoof that showcases the Club's variety of membership talent. In addition, the annual Christmas season at Carlouel never fails to elicit enthusiastic participation. The annual Flag raising, Commodore's Ball, the stone crab dinners and lobster roasts at the beach have all become part of the Carlouel traditions.
A modern Club's greatest challenge is to maintain its relevancy in its membership's lives. Summer children's programs and sports programs, including sailing, are all designed to make the Club an attractive option for family recreation and social activities. Carlouel's membership in the Florida Yacht Council provides members with an incredibly valuable reciprocal privilege at many of Florida's loveliest and most prestigious yacht clubs throughout the State.
Continued investment in Carlouel's physical facilities ensures a modern, attractive, and pleasant atmosphere that provides members with a Club to enjoy and entertain guests. The construction of the bar and the Randolph Room with its breathtaking views of the Gulf and beach were a courageous undertaking and an invaluable addition. The completed renovation of the kitchen assures high quality food service for years.
The membership has, through its Board, expressed a commitment to maintain and enhance its Club to provide for the long term success and well-being of Carlouel. Toward that end, improvements are constantly being planned, debated, evaluated and considered. As they are selected for implementation each Board is mindful of the need to maintain our Club in the words of our mission statement as "a premier, full-service private club in Pinellas County." |
