The next important event in the history of Baguio was the first sale of residence and building lots, which took place on May 28, 1906, and was conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Public Land Act relative to town sites.

Although a howling typhoon was sweeping Benguet at the time, 91 residence lots and 15 business lots were disposed of at this first sale, and at a subsequent one held in Manila a few weeks later all the remaining lots then surveyed were sold.

The town site includes two hundred sixteen square miles, and new lots are surveyed as required.  All sums derived from the sale of lots are used for the improvement of the town site, and thus Baguio is made to help build itself.

In the spring of 1900 the Baguio Country Club was organized.  Because of the extraordinary false statements made concerning it by certain unscrupulous politicians, I give its history somewhat fully.  Its purpose was to afford a meeting place for the people of the town and to give them an opportunity for outdoor sports.  It purchased a hundred acres of land on which a low assessment had been placed in view of the semipublic purpose which it was to serve.

At the outset the “club house” was a rude, grass-roofed shed made of pine slabs.  Its doors and windows were mere openings which could not be closed.  It was erected in about a week.  Three holes of a golf course and a croquet ground had been prepared.  These decidedly primitive club facilities nevertheless served to bring the people of Baguio together and give them an opportunity for a good time out of doors.

In February, 1907, a Country Club Corporation was organized with a capital stock of $5000, of which $3000 have thus far been subscribed.  The shares cost $50.  No single subscriber owns more than three, with the sole exception of Mr. Forbes, who took ten to help the club get started.  Ownership of stock brings no emoluments, but, on the contrary, indirectly involves expense which the present owners have been willing to bear for the public good.

From these small beginnings the Baguio country club has grown into an important institution.  As funds became available from the sale of stock, the payment of dues and tile generous donations of a few members, an excellent nine-hole golf course was completed, and tennis courts and facilities for trap-shooting were installed.  In March and April, 1908, a modest club house was built at a cost of some $5000.  It has two small locker rooms, a large living room, a tiny office, a little bath, a kitchen, and nine single sleeping rooms.  Three very small cottages, costing $375 each, were erected on the club grounds for the use of the members.  Five larger cottages have since been constructed.

Any person of good character is eligible to membership.  The entrance fee is $25, but officers of the army, navy and marine corps stationed at Baguio are admitted without the payment of this fee, and persons temporarily there may secure the privileges of the club by paying at the rate of $5 per month.  The annual dues are $20.  The families of members are entitled to the privileges of the club.  Among its members are the highest officials of the insular government and teachers, clerks, stenographers and other employees drawing small salaries, as well as numerous permanent residents of Baguio.