In 1907, a group of Norwalk residents purchased Gregory Point, a 9-acre parcel of land that housed Gregory’s Point Hotel (formally known as Dorlon’s Hotel). They formed the Norwalk Country Club in 1908 and held their first meeting in March. The new club had a family-friendly focus, and it became a center of social activity that included dances, dinners, and debutant parties. Through the first two decades, members also enjoyed interclub tennis, boating, outboard boat racing, dances and beach activities.
When the depression of 1929 hit, the club endured difficult times and actually shut down for a brief period. The Norwalk Country Club eventually filed for bankruptcy. On April 5, 1933, The Shore and Country Club was formed as a nonprofit, nonstock corporation, allowing the club to recover and thrive.
Yet, five years later, the Hurricane of 1938 pummeled New England, and the club sustained considerable damage on the property, including the destruction of the bathhouses. The bathhouses were rebuilt and other repairs were made, paving the way for the club to rebound, once again. Over the years, many severe storms and floods took their toll on the property and structures. One of the most destructive storms was Superstorm Sandy which swept the northeast in 2012 with extensive flooding. All of Gregory Point was flooded, and the club had its share of repairs and cleanup. Seaside Terrace and the adjoining locker rooms suffered significant damage, and the building needed to be replaced. A new structure, The Beach House, was constructed and opened in 2017. It became a showcase on the property, offering magnificent views to accompany dining, socializing, and special functions.
Through all of its history, The Shore and Country Club has been the site of family enjoyment, team sports, junior programs, tennis, boating, and social events. The activities kept pace with the times, featuring grand parties, big band orchestras, white tie dinners, fashion shows, outings, philanthropic events, and more.
Additions and improvements were made over the years, including multiple renovations to the clubhouse. By the 1950s, there were five tennis courts, and five more were added over the years. The swimming pool was built in 1959. The marina was built on the east side of the property in 1962 with 28 slips, providing a more formal facility than the small docks and moorings on the Norwalk Harbor side. In the 60s and 70s, the marina expanded to its peak capacity of 98 slips, using member-volunteer labor for much of the marina’s development.
For 115 years, The Shore and Country Club has been a family-oriented club focused on social and recreational offerings. There has always been a sense of community with a welcoming and inclusive culture. The membership spans all ages, and it includes families with several generations enjoying the diversity of offerings.
