It was a lot less formal back in those days, perhaps because the industry wasn't big enough to support everybody. Does it seem like most of those guys were associated with a gca most of the time?
When I got in the field, I was told that Wadsworth invented at least the modern version of contracting for golf course construction, where they were independent and bid work of any gca. They also consolidated most work under one contract for the convenience of owners. I always suspected that in earlier days, the contracts weren't as complicated or extensive. But then, neither were the designs!
As often as not, owners brought in a road builder to move mass earth, a golf course builder for shaping and details (sometimes, often it may have been the super) a fledgling irrigation installer, and then a local farmer to sow the grass seed, managing the project themselves in many cases.
So, I am interested in any more detail on those early years our historians here can bring. And, it seems like a research project for someone, perhaps funded by the Golf Course Builders of America.