Since the early 1960s, there has been a unique holiday tradition taking place at the Clay Center Country Club: onion sandwiches. Raw slices between two slices of bread, and no condiments, it’s a longstanding custom that can leave participants weeping into the New Year.

However, it’s not a practice that came out of lore or luck, said longtime Country Club member, Beuford Rook. But instead, it’s something that could be stomached after a night of celebration. Or at least that’s his best guess. At 85, he’s the Club’s longest-consecutive member, after joining as a full-time member in 1962.

He remembers starting the onion sandwiches tradition and sticking to it for decades to come.

“I really don’t know why we did it, it was just available and something to eat when everyone was full from the night before. Plus it was an excuse to get together.”

As for the taste, he said it’s not something he would eat regularly, but on occasion, he will indulge. 

“I do like them. Once a year is fine but that’s enough.” 

He said that for decades, before the day of onion sandwiches, New Year’s Eve meant a long night of dancing at the Country Club.

“There was always a dance. Back in the 60s even through the 80s, everybody danced and we’d be there until 2 in the morning,” he said. “But people don’t dance much anymore so now it’s more games and hanging out.” 

Other traditions include gathering to tee off for the New Year. More recent years have included Bloody Marys and other snacks, too, he said. 

Another longtime member, George Gregory, who joined the Country Club in 1969, has been a regular New Year’s Day golfer. He said the celebration was well established by his time. However, he was quick to join in on the first golf of the year. 

“We always went out, sometimes just a hole or two or if the weather was nice we got in nine holes,” he said. “Others would just tee off and pick up their ball just so they could say they played on the New Year.”