Our story

Read a little bit about our story and our first years …

1941

William Woolhouse, Frank Combs, and Paul Besson (former Manager, Chef, and Maitre d’hotel of Wykagyl Country Club) merge their talents and resources to purchase the William Iselin estate; 11 acres on Davenport Neck formerly known as “The Anchorage”.
The Iselins established several palatial homes, Davenport Club is the lone survivor. They were very philanthropic and civic-minded. Their wealth created the first bank, a park, a private school, and helped develop some of New Rochelle’s residential areas in addition to paying for the legal defense when the town or village needed it.
Our founders had to secure permission from
– the city of New Rochelle to convert the existing building into a club house and to use the premises as a beach club.
– the War Department in Washington, D.C. to place sand fill for a beach
and they had to file in the Department of State of New York for the Certificate of Incorporation of the Davenport Club.

1942

Due to financial difficulties, a group of interested members, with some outside assistance, reorganized the operation and title to the property was transferred to the Davenport Neck Corporation which was organized specifically for this purpose. The property was then leased by the owning corporation, the Davenport Neck Corporation, to the operating corporation, the Davenport Club, Inc.This arrangement continues today. After the second year of membership, new members purchase a share of stock in the Davenport Neck corporation, thus the club is entirely member owned.

Early Activities

Duplicate Bridge Tournaments were held weekly.
A bowling league was started in 1944 at the Rogers Bowling Center. One of the hazards of participating in the league was the “Rock and Gravel” committee which was an exclusive fraternity of bowlers who hit the distinctive score in any one game of 99 or under. Their punishment: to move rocks and sand on the beach when needed in the Spring.
The Knights of Chess met on Tuesday evenings.

The War Years

During the war years, servicemen’s families were welcomed and given special membership. Since gas was rationed, and the club was far from any bus line, the club established its own “horse line”. A horse-drawn carriage operated from Arnold Constable’s parking lot to the clubhouse on a regular schedule.

Davenport & the Armed Services

Excerpt from Newspaper article “Davenport To entertain Servicemen” about Armed Forces Day, 1952, reads:“Six service men from Fort Slocum representing the various branches of the armed forces will be guests of the davenport Club”.

Ladies Auxiliary

Was established in 1944 to aid in the enrichment and success of the club. They were responsible for initiating many activities including:
A tea for new members, which has become part of our Memorial Day opening ceremonies
A Christmas luncheon bridge
Two luncheon bridge fashion shows
Mardi Gras costume ball
Two beach parties
Ladies hamburger parties, which has morphed into Monday night cookout on the beach

Davenport Directors

2024 Davenport Beach Club Board of Directors


Nicole McAneney – President
Christopher Mauch – Vice President
Liz Norris – Secretary
Lisa Pace – Treasurer
Mary Gray
Brendan Conroy
James Carrello
Lauren Lunde

2024 Davenport Neck Board of Directors


Phil Shannon – President
Felim O’Malley – Secretary
Ann Freeman – Treasurer
John McCarthy
Ronald Nardone
Paul Attinello