Our Story

In 1953 rumors spread about the building of Old Hickory Dam. 

It became the dream of a dozen or so men who were members of the Davidson County Sportsman Club to form a club to fish, boat and enjoy the in-coming lake. Groups of interested members began scouting the land, looking for potential sites. The ringleader and driving force in the development of the club was Frank Davis.

W. E. Jones, manager of the Church Street office of Third National Bank pledged his bank stock and borrowed $10,000 to buy the land. To understand the magnitude of that risk, just think what approximately 80 acres of potential lakefront property would cost today. It was a gamble.

The Charter was formed on September 23, 1953, and the first meeting of the incorporators was held on October 13, 1953. Once the land was surveyed and purchased, the real work began. Committees were formed to sell memberships at $25 per year in order to someday buy back the land from Mr. Jones.

It was slow going, but the Club evolved. The dam became a reality and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers paid $4,600 to condemn 14 of the Club’s acres for the lake. That money, plus the $25 dues provided enough funds to buy the land from Mr. Jones. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s there were steady improvements and additions. The pool, bathhouse, and pavilion created a new atmosphere and gathering place. The trailers that appeared on the south side of the property transformed into cottage lake homes. Tennis courts were built, and the dry storage facility appeared. Over time, the club changed from a sporting & fishing club to a boating club. 

In the 80’s, the country’s prosperity had a direct effect on what had become “Cedar Creek Yacht Club”. The old docks were replaced with what we see now. In fact, most of the club got a facelift. The new fuel and guest docks were finished. The dry stack received a new rack system. Younger families began joining in and with that growth came a larger demographic of Creek Kids, so Down River Park Play area was built. The pool was modernized and updated twice and in 2013, replaced with the beautiful saltwater pool we have today. The clubhouse and kitchen were renovated and modernized and recently, the Anchor Room Bar was expanded and renovated. The leadership of the club continues to find ways to keep the club expanding and improving, while still in keeping with the original intent of the visionaries who brought us Cedar Creek Yacht Club.

As the membership grows and changes, one thing remains the same throughout time. The membership has always banded together to make the club a great place for a family to be together. The real history of Cedar Creek is in the untold stories of hundreds of families and friends who have come closer within this beautiful facility. A lot of water has passed through the dam since 1953, and still Cedar Creek Yacht Club is the same dream of those original members-- now a realized dream that lives on each and every day.