The times., 1899-04-09
WILL BOOM ATHLETICS.
Consolidation of the KnfckcrbocI.er
and New jersey CIubs


New York April S.-A few months ago
the athletic world was surprised bv The
announcement that it was the intention of
the Knickerbocker Athletic Club and the
New Jersey Athletic Club to consolidate.
and it was at once realized that IL such
consolidation was effected. it would make
the knickerbocker Athletic Club one of
the strongest athletic clubs in the world.
The matter was informally talked over by
committees from both organizations and
plans laid before the governors of the
knickerbocker Athletic Club and before
the full membership of the New Jersey
Athletic Club. The result was that the
New Jersey Club voted to consolidate at
its annual meeting held at Bergen Point,
and committee was appointed from that
club with power in the matter TO meet
like committee from the Knickerbocker
Athletic Club. These committees have
been at work for several months 1t was
found that such amalgamation could not
be perfected al once, owing TO certain debts
of the New Jersey Athletic Club. notably
the second mortgage bonds and between
seven and eight thousand dollars in float
ing Indebtedness. II was also realized that
a foreclosure sale would put of the per-
fection of the amalgamation for at least
four months
However, as both clubs wanted the con-
solidation. and were looking forward TO il
the board of governors of the New Jersey
Athletic Club at a meeting held at the
Knickerbocker Athletic Clubhouse recent
iy, appointed James F. Sullivan. the presi-
dent, and James ID. Boyd. the secretary
of the club, a committee of two with pow
er to effect the consolidation on terms
suitable 10 themselves and as outlined by
the board. The result was that the Knick-
erbocker Athletic Club has secured the first
mortgage bonds by a cash payment and
foreclosure sales are now under way
through the clubs lawyer. E Van Buskirk,
of Baronne City AS such foreclosures,
however, would take at least four months,
il was finally decided al joint committee
meeting held yesterday to draw up form
OF lease whereby the New Jersey Athletic
Club practically goes out Of existence and
the members OF that club are transferred
10 the Knickerbocker Athletic Club.
The Knickerbocker Athletic Club has
leased the grounds of the New Jersey Ath-
letic Club on certain conditions. AT the
same time the foreclosure proceedings will
be carried on. The committee In charge
consisted of J. E. Sullivan, president OF
the Knickerbccker Athletic Club anG the
New Jersey Athletic Club; James d. Boyd
secretary OF the New Jersey Athletic CLUB
John ID. Adams. secretary of the Knicker-
booker Athletic Club; J. Hamblen Sears,
OF the Knickerbocker Athletic Club and
Attorney Van Buskirk, of Bayonne
This amalgamation means a great deal
TO the athletic world. II will give an i'm
petus to athletics, as the club will foster
all branches OF sport. Besides securing the
magnificent grounds, house, and boat
houses of the New Jersey Athletic Club,
the committee also decided to secure the
estate adjoining the southern part of the
club grounds known as the Brown estate.
This piece OF property is 700 feet by 2i0
feet, with beautiful water front. A
handsome mansion. fully equipped. and a
stable are included in the lease
Besides securing these new grounds
II was at once apparent to the members of
the club that in order to have a perfect
golf club. more ground would have to be
secured. so they have secured from the
Bayonne Land and Improvement Company
an option on piece Of property adjoining
the clubhouse. 590x400 feet, running from
the Central Railroad of New Jersey back
TO the New Jersey Athletic Clubhouse
including house situated on the ground
Inc opening OF these three pieces OF prop
erty Will give TO the Knickerbocker Atm
leuc Club nine-hole golf course without
interfering in anyway with the cricket
field, baseball grounds, or the athletic
track at the club, and water front of
1850 feet.
All athletic sports are TO be encouraged.
professional golfer will at once be en-
gagged, coach for the crew, and EXPERTS
will be hired for each department of the
club.
The committees OF both organizations
were consolidated, and in future all games
arranged will be under the name of the
Knickerbocker Athletic Club
Committees were appointed on the fol-
lowing sports: Lawn tennis football row
ing, golf, athletics, archery lawn bowls
and cricket
The entire management OF this athletic
plant will be controlled by an executive
committee from the Knickerhocker Ath-
letic Club. consisting of Messrs. John ID
Adams, J. Hamblen Sears. and James f
Sullivan. Just what improvements are
necessary will be determined after thor
ough investigation of the grounds The
plant of the New Jersey Athletic Club has
run down TO a certain extent and import
members win be made therein.
plan for the summer pleasures OF the
members will be perfected. Monster ath-
letic meetings viii be given on Decoration
Day, Fourth of July. and Labor Day, and
invitation ladies' days will be given at
least once a month The annual .un of
the bicycle division will be to the club
grounds on April 2.
Now that the amalgamatioD is practically
effected. II will also give the New Jersey
Athletic Club members the advantage of
having at no Increase in dues the privi-