Ida Elizabeth Gilbert was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 25, 1854. She was married to the Quaker businessman and Pennsylvania Railroad executive Henry P. Dixon. In addition to his position at the railroad, Henry Dixon was also the owner of the Henry P. Dixon Company, a manufacturer of grates, fireplaces, and furnaces, and was a dealer in tiles for hearths, halls, and mantel facades. The couple resided part-time in a large mansion called "The Gables" in Wallingford which was designed and custom built by architect Theophilus P. Chandler Jr. in 1889 as a summer home.
Designing Springhaven Club
In 1904, Dixon designed an 18-hole golf course for the Springhaven Club, where she and her husband were enthusiastic players. They both served on the Club's governing committee. Co-authors Geoffrey S. Cornish and Ronald E. Whitten, in their book The Architects of Golf, credit Dixon as the first female golf architect in America and perhaps in the world. In addition to her architectural work, she served as president of the Women's Golf Association of Philadelphia from 1911–16.
Course redesign
In 1910, changes were made to the course by Horace Rawlins and Herbert Barker. Today the course plays 6,518 yards at par 70 from the back tees with a course rating of 71.1 and a slope rating of 130.
Death
Dixon died at her Wallingford home on November 22, 1916, following a three-month illness. She was survived by her husband and son, Clayton G. Dixon. Her husband, who died on June 21, 1917, is buried alongside Ida at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia. A special train departing Broad Street Station in Philadelphia was made available for people wishing to travel to her funeral, which was held in the Dixon home on November 24, 1916.
Legacy
The Ida E. Dixon Cup golf tournament—established on September 25, 1917—has been held every year since 1917 with the exception of 1943 during World War II, and 1975, when the event was cancelled due to rain. The winner of the golf tournament is awarded the Ida E. Dixon Memorial Cup, which is named in her honor. Dixon is best remembered for being the first female golf course architect in the United States.
