Roy Paul Miller Davis: Architect of Dreams and Community Champion (1874-1964)
In the annals of the Juniata Valley Colony Club's history, no figure left a more profound and lasting impact than Roy Paul Miller Davis, affectionately known as RPM. The seeds of the magnificent golf course and the thriving community that would become the American Legion Country Club were sown in the fertile ground of Davis's visionary mind in a Mount Union classroom in 1924.
A distinguished graduate of Princeton University in 1898, Davis was a man of multifaceted accomplishments. His resume boasted a presidency at Central National Bank, a superintendent role at Harbison-Walker Refractories from 1912 to 1913, and a stint as the builder, general manager, and director of North American Refractories. Beyond his corporate endeavors, Davis held over 200 patents, showcasing his prowess as a renowned inventor. One of his most notable creations was the Sta-Neet razor and comb combination, a product that not only sold over a million units but also garnered orders for another million.
Davis's generosity and commitment to social responsibility were evident in his hiring practices. He was known for employing handicapped workers, including the visually impaired, on assembly lines, providing them not only with employment but also with high wages. This ethos of compassion and inclusivity reflected Davis's belief in community upliftment, a principle that would extend to the very fabric of the Juniata Valley Colony Club.
With his wife and three daughters, Davis established two homes in the vicinity— one in Kistler and the other, known as 'Blue Rock,' where Beacon Lodge now stands. These homes were witness to Davis's endeavors during the economic boom of the brickyards, a period that laid the foundation for his ambitious project.
Davis's efforts beckoned prominent high-net-worth families to join the Juniata Valley Colony Club, envisioning it as a hidden resort nestled in the mountains. His vision materialized in the expansive grounds of the Walter Gifford farm, creating a sanctuary where nature's beauty met the aspirations of those seeking an escape into the outdoors. The golf course and community that bloomed from Davis's initial idea stand today as a testament to his foresight, generosity, and commitment to crafting not just a country club but a legacy etched into the very soul of central Pennsylvania. As the American Legion Country Club flourished, it did so under the watchful gaze of the man whose dream kindled the flame that still burns bright.
