Merion's Amazing Archives

Jeff Silverman, guest on this week's State of the Game Podcast, filed a fantastic story (complimented by Dom Furore images) on Merion's history archives and current caretaker, John Capers, in this week's Golf World.

But since that's not online, you can check out David Shefter's story about the USGA's intial involvement in making it "arguably the most extensive archives of any golf club in the country." In particular, the work of (now independent) consultant, Andy Mutch, who has since undertaken a similar project for Pine Valley.

The first thing Mutch did was to create a database. He ordered archival storage supplies and began to identify key items. He also asked the club to relocate its boardroom, a self-contained room with minimal sunlight – a near perfect environment for storing historical artifacts. The room’s windows could be blacked out, and it had enough space to store the memorabilia.
“Frankly, they needed a better boardroom,” said Mutch.

Every suggestion was met with positive affirmation from the club.

“My feeling is if you hire a consultant … you are wasting your money if you don’t get out of their way,” said Belsinger.