Rediscover Mapledale

08/31/2026

We love Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley! Thank you for seeing us through to the 100th celebrations and for all of your support along the way.

08/31/2026

The major highlight of the 100 Years of Golf Gala was being able to invite the family of Charles T. Cross. Rediscover Mapledale wanted to do something special to honor the centennial celebration and the recent commemoration day for Tuskegee Airman. This Tuskegee Airmen pilot was a founding member of the first Black golf club in Springfield, MA the Home City Golf Club. Unfortunately, Mr. Cross passed away in 2018. His son Tariq Abdul-Qaadir, and wife, Alooah, proudly accepted the recognition.

Thank you Senator Jamie Eldridge for presenting Charles T. Cross with such a remarkable citation from the State House. We also appreciated Dr. Quincy Mosby for speaking on behalf of the New England Chapter of Tuskegee Airman, with support and research from Willie Shellman and Sean Osborne.

Charles T. Cross, one of the founding members, trained to be a Tuskegee Airmen pilot. Upon transfer to Westover Air Base, he settled in Springfield, and took up golf as his top passion. According to his obituary, “Mr. Cross dedicated his time and experiences to everyone he came in contact with, primarily young African Americans, in an effort to inspire them to have
their dreams become a reality. He loved teaching and mentoring others. He was committed to spreading knowledge whenever possible.” (Mass Golf Celebrates Black History Month, 2023).

Tariq said that when his father got too tired, too quickly to play 18 or even 9 holes. He instructed for a while, but eventually stopped playing. He ended up doing more speaking to mostly young people about flying and the Tuskegee Airmen. He spoke at schools, prisons, anywhere where he could enlighten educate and inspire young people to pursue the world of flying. He was a member of NAI (Negro Airmen International). He also was a member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). His home base; where their aircraft was housed as well as the local NAI office was at Barnes Air Field in Westfield, MA.

Additional photo of Charles Cross standing next to his plane at age 94, photo provided by his son.

This event was made possible thanks to Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, the Mass Cultural Council, Stow Cultural Council, and Lancaster Cultural Council, and Tricons 2 Red Tails. Hosted by Rediscover Mapledale, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the long-lasting vision to continue to commemorate Black history in Stow, Massachusetts.

08/30/2026

Check out the prize winners at this year’s RHH Memorial Golf Tournament! General Manager, Dave Carlson, dressed in traditional attire from the 1920s to celebrate 100 years of golf at Stow Acres Country Club

08/30/2026

Thank you for attending this year’s 3rd Annual Robert H. Hawkins Golf Tournament 2026 Celebrating “100 Years of Golf”! We were delighted to kick off the tournament with the singing of our National Anthem by Nashoba Regional student, Clare S. More photos to come.

08/30/2026

Rediscover Mapledale is investing in the Sapphire Golf Tour! Can you?

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08/26/2026

Rediscover Mapledale is all about preserving the Legacy of America's First Black-Built, Owned, and Operated golf course in New England. We have Robert H. Hawkins to thank for building the first 9 holes at what is today known as Stow Acres Country Club. He ultimately purchased the Randall Estate and corresponding land in Stow, Massachusetts as the home for this golf course, named Mapledale Country Club.

08/26/2026

We are still registering golfers for this Saturday’s tournament!

08/25/2026

Thank you Tricorns 2 Red Tails for your sponsorship! Tricorns 2 Red Tails is a multiplatform production company dedicated to honoring and sharing the history, contributions, and legacy of Black military veterans.

08/25/2026

Check out the free traveling exhibit starting in September at one of the town buildings in Stow, MA. Click the link for more details!

Rediscover Mapledale Traveling Exhibit

Robert H. Hawkins - His Impact on Golf and Mapledale at 100 years!

See the traveling exhibit in Stow on the following dates:

Stow Town Building, 380 Great Road: September 1 - September 9
Pompo Community Center, 509 Great Road: September 9 - September 18
Randall Library, 19 Crescent Street: September 19 - September 30

Link to more information and locations, here: https://www.stow-ma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/135