Thoughts about Grand Tradition's history

As I was enjoying watching the crowd at the jazz and wine party, I thought back to over 25 years ago when three married couples, who were neighbors, enjoyed speculating and improving property for resale. My wife and I were one third of that group.

One of those properties was the 16 acres where the Grand Tradition is located. Then, it consisted of an old house beyond repair, a swamp filled with bamboo and a root-rot infested avocado orchard. No one could figure out what to do with it.

One night, Beverly McDougal said she would like a permanent spot to cater parties. We all agreed that to be successful it would have to be a venue that would look like no other.

A southern-like plantation house with a Victorian motif was chosen with a lake and spectacular landscaping. Thus began a project with unbelievable challenges such as zone variances, neighborhood opposition, environmental stipulations, financing and so on.

In May of 1984, stretched past our limits, but with bookings for months ahead, we staged a huge grand opening with planned weddings right away and never looked back. We sold our share of the business to the McDougals in 1987 as did the Martins.

We had talked of building a nice hotel on the grounds, which our community needs. I hope that happens some day.

It did happen once before when the main highway ran right down Main Street and travelers needed lodging. Of course I'm talking about the Ellis Hotel.

Jack Story