HISTORY OF "THE HILLS"
*(with thanks and acknowledgement to information provided in the annual Club Directory)*
As the community begins to plan for HAH's 50th Anniversary celebration in 2011, it's a perfect time to step back and remember our roots....
The community began in 1961, conceived by the real estate developer (The Hide-A-Way Hills Company, managing partner Jedo Estates, Inc.) as a weekend getaway resort. As such, the original focus was on selling lots while also developing the facilities (or "amenities" as they're often called).
Many of the original homes, or cabins, are still around and in use today. Some clearly show their heritage, perhaps lacking such things as closets....folks were more interested in just dropping off their bags and goods on Friday and getting out to the golf course, lakes, lodge....it's quite interesting today to assess some of the recent homes constructed, at times adjacent to 1960's and 70's cabins....hundreds of square feet compared to thousands....
The dam for the club centerpiece, The Lake of the Four Seasons, was finished in 1966...back then the final cost was about $500,000. Think about that in terms of today's dollars, and just how difficult (impossible, more likely...) it would be to undertake such a massive and unique community development project such as Hide-A-Way Hills (HAH).
What "The Hills" looks like today is both like and unlike what might have been promised to prospective members in the early days. That's probably not surprising, as all developments experience growing pains of various kinds...and size does indeed matter. You will no doubt find various anecdotal evidence of the sales pitches used. Ultimately, what's most important is that the first folks who signed on the line decided that the original vision was well worth whatever it took to see things all the way through. Ultimately, they realized the wisdom (and perhaps not the problems) of simply taking things into their own hands....some no doubt for purely financial or investment reasons, but others with an eye toward what this incredibly beautiful area could become with the proper guidance and care.
Articles of Incorporation for the club were approved by the state in 1972. That's when what we now know as the not-for-profit Hide-A-Way Hills Club began.
The original developer stayed in control until February, 1973, with the negotiation of an "Articles of Agreement." At that time, the club membership took over ownership, management, and further development of things. You might say that "The Hills" became, and continues to be, a small but true democracy....which certainly has presented its own sorts of challenges and opportunities throughout the decades. Fortunately, a number of folks have never lost sight of the original vision for the community....and you'll still find any number of them still around and active today. So many things that make the community what it is were a result of pure volunteer time, effort, and expense...a tradition that continues today.
Volunteers serve The Hills without compensation of any kind....whether as members of the Board of Trustees, or members of the various commitees that keep things running today and in perspective for the future.
The members drew up and voted for a Code of Regulations, and transfer of all title to common (club) property was completed at the end of 1973. There was, however, the not-small matter of existing mortgages on club property....worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. After lots of "table time" those who held the mortgages said they'd cancel them and the attached liens....but only if the members would find ways to sell the unsold lots, for a total of $150,000. By February of 1974, the members had brought in $160,000.....
After the club assumed all responsibility and management of its property and future, it was time to dig a bit deeper. The members voted to boost their monthly membership fees from $15 to $20 at the start of 1975 (yes, that does translate to a 33% increase....). By the way, it took (and still takes) a 2/3 membership vote to pass such assessment increases. Most recently, the club membership approved a $400 assessment in to build a new swimming pool in 2002. It's more than important to emphasize that no outside entity can arbitrarily increase the cost of club membership and dues/assessments. County and township taxes are another matter, of course....
Any increase inm club assessments, along with rules and regulations changes, are normally voted on at the annual membership meetings in August...but special membership meetings are not without precedent. Notice of membership meetings must be provided at least ten days in advance.
If you drove through HAH prior to 1991, you might recall the dirt roads...lots of dust and mud, causing some members to keep "clunker" cars parked down at the main gate, which they'd use after driving down from "the big city." The members then approved an annual $150 road maintenance fee, which remains in effect today....to help pay for the annual chip-and-sealing of the community's roads, which are maintained solely by the club. Prospective members often ask about winter road maintenance...the usual response is that you're likely to have more travel problems once you get outside the gate....
Because the club sits in a dry township, members started a microbrewery at the lodge in 1993...with the facilities paid for by member donations. A project to expand the current lounge is now underway, also to be completed with member donations.
Only HAH property owners may serve as trustees and committee members. When you become a member, all codes and regulations are made available to you. It's really a small town in many ways, and residents can be as sociable or as private as they prefer. Although it's a bit difficult to think of HAH as a complex sort of place, it's always good to remember that its journey into the new millenium has been far from simple and without detours. But then, again, we've made it, haven't we?
HAH Home Prices, Appreciation & Recent History
