WOODSTONE MEADOWS at MASSANUTTEN RESORT April, 2014
McGaheysville, Virginia
WOODSTONE MEADOWS at MASSANUTTEN RESORT
1822 Resort Drive - McGaheysville, Virginia 22840 ( 540) 289-9441 www.massresort.com
Photography by Bryan G. Edwards
In 1968, John L. Hopkins, II, sat at a table in rural McGaheysville, in the kitchen of his great-grandfather's house. He gazed out the window that frames a spectacular view of the Massanutten Peak, and contemplated the woes of being a farmer caught in the middle of a four-year-long drought. Three years later, May 26, 1971, the development of 5,200 acres in Massanutten, by a group of ten investors, was announced at a luncheon held at Spotswood Country Club in Harrisonburg. And now, forty years later, Massanutten Village is a thriving four-season resort and community of over 1,000 single family homes, 1300 timesharing units, and a multimillion dollar ski business. There's been a lot of 'water over the dam' in that time, a lot of pieces that have fallen into place, and a few pieces that have fallen out of place, but the history of the development of Massanutten is as exciting to study as its future looks to be. Massanutten's rather undramatic beginnings from a kitchen window view are best described as a chronology with a generous amount of detail, cupfuls of facts, and a healthy dash of wonder at the enormity of the project John L. only vaguely realized in his mind's eye that day at his window. Let's take a look back at the history of the resort: In the cities, during the 1800's, where it was crowded and dusty, there were poorly maintained water sources and waste management. This led to disease and caused the city dwellers to look to the valley for respite. Gerard T. Hopkins saw an opportunity in sharing the valley and built a health resort, Rockingham Springs, just below the peak. His great-grandson revived the philosophy over 100 years later and built a new resort...Massanutten.
When Rockingham Springs was opened in 1875, it was advertised heavily in Baltimore, Washington and Richmond through a brochure describing its 'restful delights' and a complete chemical analysis of the spring waters attesting to the 'restorative powers' found in five natural springs. These advertisements helped develop Rockingham Springs into becoming a 'wonderful second home community' for families to spend their summers. The resort featured a hotel in one building and a few smaller buildings for longer-term guests with an occupancy of about 100. There was also a bath house, laundry house, ice house, and a stable. Guests arrived in Harrisonburg by train and were brought to the resort by horse and carriage. Meals were scheduled and the food served was from G.T.'s Cave Hill Farm. There was no liquor allowed. Religious services were held every Sunday. Some of the entertainment for guests to enjoy included jousting, a band hired on a regular basis, croquet, hunting, fishing, horseback riding and nature hikes. Most guests came for the main attraction which was the Springs water. When the popularity of the health resort waned, Rockingham Springs Resort fell into disrepair and was closed in 1915. After the demise of the resort, the hotel was disassembled and all but about 300 acres of the land was gradually sold. J.L. Hopkins, G.T.'s great-grandson, had the idea to reopen the resort in 1968. There was a need for state parks at the time, but Massanutten was looked over because of the disinterest in winter sports. At this time, John Grattan, trustee for the Roller Estate, decided to sell about 2,100 acres of land. This land included the Kettle and the Peak of Massanutten. He bought the land with the help of a silent partner for $155 an acre, or a total of $325,000.
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DEAC DAWSON
Par: 4
Blue: 366 White: 320 Red: 215 Junior Gold: 168 Junior Blue: 106 This tight, downhill par 4 is tree lined from tee to green. An accurate tee shot will leave a short iron approach for an opening birdie opportunity.
Par: 3
Blue: 177 White: 152 Red: 122 Junior Gold: 91 Junior Blue: 71 Trouble is found on the right-side of this downhill, scenic two-tiered par 3. Check flag placement before selecting the proper club. For a back pin placement, add at least one more club.
Par: 4
Blue: 387 White: 316 Red: 260 Junior Gold: 112 Junior Blue: 112 This is your classic reward par 4. Whether choosing a driver or an iron, the main objective here is to avoid the two water hazards.
Par: 3
Blue: 125 White: 113 Red: 92 Junior Gold: 91 Junior Blue: 62 This last par 3 on the inward-nine gives you the best opportunity to make birdie. Failure to avoid any of the bunkers around the green will result in a very tough par.
Par: 5
Blue: 533 White: 492 Red: 378 Junior Gold: 311 Junior Blue: 164 It's time to let the big dog eat! This long, uphill par 5 requires three accurate golf shots to reach this green in regulation. Par is a great way to finish your round here.
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