In Memory of Joseph Hardy III
Spring 2023
Mr. Joseph Hardy III, founder of 84 Lumber and the developer of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort “Nemacolin” died earlier this year and one thing is for sure, he most definitely will be missed. Known for his flair, incredible imagination and kindness, it is only fitting that he passed on the exact day of his 100th birthday.
A family statement provided by the company said the family had lost its “patriarch and allaround great man.” A profile posted on the company’s website said he passed away on his 100th birthday Saturday ”surrounded by his loving family singing Broadway show tunes to comfort him at his home in Farmington.”
“Many knew Joe as a brilliant businessman and enthusiastic entrepreneur,” said the statement provided by Amy Smiley, 84 Lumber’s vice president of marketing. “Even with his vast success, Joe always remembered what matters most: people. He helped make the American dream real for so many, and he will be greatly missed.”
Those of us who know Nemacolin best and appreciate its beauty and splendor are forever grateful to Mr. Hardy for giving us an incredible place to play fantastic golf. He gave us an adult playground like no other. Nemacolin truly is one of the finest resorts in the world and it all started with Mr. Hardy’s vision. He was very proud of his daughter Maggie and grandson PJ and how they are carrying forward his legacy.
List of Major Milestones at Nemacolin in Honor of Mr. Hardy
- 1988: The Woodlands Golf Academy was established, the Woodlands Spa opened, and Lake PJ and the Panorama Pavilion were constructed.
- 1989: The Lodge Annex and the Townhomes were built, and The Golden Trout was opened where Rockwell’s is today. Scenic hiking, jogging, and horseback riding trails and tours were added alongside boating, fishing, and croquet experiences.
- 1990: Nemacolin and the Hardy family celebrated the first Royal Reception charity fundraiser.
- 1995: Mystic Rock Golf Course was added, and Mystic Mountain ski area at the Adventure Center, Kidz Club area, and PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor opened.
- 1996: Fat Bird was adopted as the resort’s new logo and whimsical mascot.
- 1997: The resort celebrated the 10th anniversary of Hardy ownership with the opening of The Chateau.
- 2002: Mr. Hardy’s daughter, Maggie Hardy, became the president and owner of Nemacolin.
- 2004: Falling Rock opened, hosting Aqueous restaurant, Amber Bar, and the Golf Shop.
- 2006: Wildlife habitats were built, bringing a variety of exotic wildlife to the resort. The Hardy Girls’ Gym was constructed.
- 2007: The resort celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Mr. Hardy’s 84th birthday. Falling Rock was awarded the coveted AAA Five-Diamond Award.
- 2008: Falling Rock retained its Five-Diamond status for the second year, and Lautrec was the only new restaurant in the eastern half of the United States to be awarded the Five-Diamond rating, making Nemacolin one of only 21 resorts worldwide to offer both AAA Five-Diamond lodging and dining.
- 2009: Lautrec retained its Five-Diamond status for the second year and acquired the Mobil (now Forbes Travel Guide) Five-Star Award, becoming one of only 14 restaurants in the country to have received both ratings. Nemacolin became the first resort designated as a PET PROUD facility when it opened Wooflands Pet Resort & Spa and the Woodlands Animal Care Center — the area’s premier boarding and daycare facility, and an animal hospital and veterinary clinic, respectively.
- 2014: Nemacolin embarked on a $30 million resort-wide renovation, one of the largest projects in the resort’s history, holistically reimagining guest rooms and experiences.
- 2017: Shepherd’s Rock, the second Pete Dye-designed course at Nemacolin, joined Mystic Rock, doubling play to 36 holes of championship-level golf at the resort.
- 2020: While Real Life Magic was always a part of Nemacolin, 2020 ushered in a new era and refreshed identity for the resort. The logo was transformed, and the mascot evolved into Pearl, who knows Nemacolin inside and out, sparking joy and adventure wherever she appears.
- 2021: Updates to the bunkers, playing surfaces, and tee boxes were completed on Mystic Rock, solidifying it as one of the premier mountain courses in the country. The Peak opened as a hub of year-round entertainment and fun with a heated outdoor pool, cabanas, an event stage, and expanded dining.
- 2022: Nemacolin celebrated its 35th anniversary, and the resort earned 22 Forbes Stars for the third consecutive year. The resort received a No. 2 rank from Travel + Leisure as one of The 10 Best Resorts in the Mid-Atlantic, and Condé Nast Traveler recognized Nemacolin as #14 on their list of the Top Destination Spa Resorts in the United States: Readers’ Choice Awards 2022.
- 2023: Nemacolin celebrated the 100th birthday of the resort’s founder, Joseph A. Hardy III, who has since moved into his next life. We continue to laud his legacy as we grieve his passing. The beginning of the year also marked The Grand Reimagination of The Lodge at Nemacolin with an anticipated completion in the fall of 2023.
Tom Poljak - Publisher of Golfer's Lifestyle Magazine. Former host of the "Tom & Tom" Golf Show on ESPN Radio and current owner/producer of the Tom & Tom Golf Podcast. Owner of the largest fundraising company in the Tri-State. Graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and Florida International University.
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