Debbie Storie is congratulated by the Select Board on Monday.
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Baker's Golf Center has been recognized for its long history of providing recreational fun to the town and beyond.
The Select Board presented owner Debbie Storie with a plaque on Monday to commemorate the golf center's 80-year anniversary.
"You do so much for our community," Chairman Michael Murphy said.
"Baker's Golf, staff, you yourself personally. So much for our community. This is just a small token of our appreciation in the hopes that you will continue to do this for another 80 years."
Baker's Golf offers 18 holes of miniature golf with whimsical obstacles and a driving range. It is the county's only facility with both range and mini golf.
Storie has spent the greater part of her life at the golf center, working there since 1983. She has owned it now for three years and kicked off its 2022 season with new amenities, including a dinosaur that now guards the fourth hole.
The golf center's founder Ernie Volin originally had a driving range on Putnam Road. The Baker property on South Main Street was formerly a farm and when its barn burned down in 1941, Volin asked to rent the land for his business and opened in 1943. The rest is history.
Volin ran the golf center until 1968 when it was taken over by the Bakers.
Storie felt that it was very thoughtful and generous for the Select Board to commemorate her business's legacy.
"It was a legacy long before me and I am just going to continue it for as long as I can," she said.
With such a long history, Baker's Golf is undoubtedly part of many residents' childhood memories. Storie said she appreciates the community's support, as she wouldn't be able to continue without it.
She wishes that former owner Malcolm Baker could have seen the plaque, explaining that it is his legacy that she will try to continue. Baker passed away in 2020.
"He left something good to continue in the community," Storie said.
MEMBER SIGN IN
