Historically Speaking by Renee Leininger


Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club
formerly the Samuel Campbell Estate

Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club is located on what was once known as the Campbell Estate.

Samuel Campbell, born in Scotland on February 14, 1809, arrived in New york Mills at the invitation of Benjamin Walcott Sr. Samuel began working as a spinner in the mills and soon rose through the supervisory ranks to become superintendent of all the mills.

In 1843, Samuel Campbell (along with William D. Walcott) purchased the Oneida Manufacturing Society which at that time was the corporate name. Samuel's success in managing the Society is demonstrated by the vast size of his estate, which includes all of the land that is currently known as Twin Ponds Golf and Country Club.

In 1942, Sam and Jim Girmonde (Jim retired in 1968) purchased the Campbell property. Even though the original homestead had burned down, Sam renovated the remaining structures into present-day Twin Ponds. Sam's son, Joe Girmonde, took over the business in 1987.

The Girmonde family continues into the 4th generation as owners of Twin Ponds, an elegant but affordable banquet facility and public 18 hole golf course. Joe Girmonde (Sam's son) took over the business with his son David. Joe passed away in November of 2010 and now the business is owned and operated by David and his son, David Jr. Together, they established Estate at 169 which is located within Twin Ponds. Estate at 169 offers casual fine dining around the windows of the circular bar on Friday evenings throughout the year.

The Girmonde's take pride in their well manicured golf course and the beautiful outdoor gardens, which bloom throughout the growing season with a huge variety of perennials and annuals. The garden has played host to many wedding ceremonies and is ideal for picture taking before your receptions. There are no gardens in the city like Twin Ponds.

Incidentally, young David has the same birthday as Samuel Campbell-February 14th.

Courtesy of David Girmonde, Owner
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