S.I.Y.C.  Circa 1943 

Courtesy:  E.L. Ward, Jr.    

The Solomons Island Yacht Club (SIYC) had its beginnings in 1937 when an organizational meeting was held on May 12 at Mr. George Townsend’s home next to the then County Trust Company, which later became Maryland National Bank and is now the gift shop of the Harbor Island Marina.  Mr. Townsend was the President of the American Power Boat Association and the owner of the M. M. Davis Shipyard, later known as the El Paso Service Terminal on Mill Creek.

Mr. Halvor H. Hellen sent out invitations and issued a Public Notice for the first meeting.  Mr. Marsh was selected as Chairman and John B. Gray was selected as Secretary for the meeting.  A  draft of the proposed Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws was presented.

At a subsequent meeting on June 4, 1937, Articles of Incorporation and a set of By-laws were adopted.  Forty-one were elected as the Charter Members, with the following elected as the Club Officers:

            Commodore             Joseph C. Lore, Jr.

            Vice Commodore    Harry A. Woodburn

            Rear Commodore    G. Gunther Walden

            Secretary                  T. W. Gardner

            Treasurer                  Halvor H. Hellen                                             

            Fleet Captain            William E. Northam

            Fleet Surgeon           Dr. E. B. Briscoe

            Fleet Chaplain          Father Alexander

 Althea (Bowen) McKenney was chosen as the Club’s first princess.

The Club’s burgee was selected by a committee of three, Halvor Hellen, Reginald Truitt and Sherman O’Berry.  Dr. Truit reported that the burgee design had no particular significance, that it was selected for its dissimilarity to other Club burgees then in the area, and for its ease of recognition on the water.  Similarly, the colors were chosen because there were no red and yellow combinations in the area.  Besides, we are told that red and yellow were Mary Truitt’s favorite colors.

Early club meetings were regularly held at the Point Patience Hotel.  Point Patience was then a farm and summer resort owned by Ben Parran and  Judge John B. Gray.  In 1943 the Navy acquired the real estate for a Mine Warfare Test Center.  From 1941 to 1948, Club meetings were held at Bowen’s Inn, the County Trust Bank Boardroom or Rekar’s Hotel.  Rekar’s Hotel and the Webster Store stood side-by-side on the present site of the Tiki Bar and Island Manor Hotel.  The first active discussion about building an SIYC “Club House” occurred at a Board Meeting in August 1939.

The Navy’s Mine Warfare Test Center at Point Patience and the establishment of an Amphibious Training Base on the Dowell Penisula, now the site of Calvert Marina, brought hundreds of servicemen to the area and the need arose for a USO Building.  The USO Building Program was a community effort under the direction of then Commodore (Dr.) Reginald V. Truitt and Mr. Joseph C. Lore, Jr.,  Chairman of the Building Committee.  Many SIYC members donated $250.00, with many local businesses giving more sizable donations of up to $1,000.00 to construct a USO Building.  The names of those donors can be found on a plaque displayed in the Club Lounge.  Additional fundraising consisted of carnivals, circuses and then-popular donkey baseball games. 

The building was designed by architect Katherine Cutler and constructed by the H.B. Trueman Lumber Company in 1944 on land the Club had purchased from William and Maude Kopp.  The total cost of the building was $29,401.00.  The facility was then leased to the USO in October 1944 for $125.00 a month.

The building was formally dedicated as the Solomons Island USO Club on May 13, 1945 by the chairman of the Solomons USO Council, Halvor H. Hellen; Captain H.G. Williams, USN, Commanding Officer,  Mine Warfare Test Center; and U.S. Senator George L. Radcliff.  The USO terminated its lease of the Club in 1948.

An additional parcel of land was later added to the SIYC property through the purchase of land from Benjamin and Lola Woodburn in 1962.

Principal improvements made to the Club following its use by the USO were the construction of a concrete sea wall, the installation of two large sliding doors, the paving of a large patio, the installation of a gaff-rigged pole and the extension of the pier from 60 to 200 feet in length.

In those early years, SIYC was the focal point for most activities, both social and civic, in the lower end of the county.  Solomons Island Boy Scout Troop #427 was sponsored by the SIYC as were U.S. Power Squadron courses.

The major event of the Club’s first years was the Solomons Island Yacht Club Annual Power Boat Regatta.  There were 23 regattas in all, from 1937 until 1963, excluding the four war years.  These regattas had widespread support in Calvert County through personal donations of trophies and the purchase of program ads by businesses throughout the county.  In 1941, the program listed the prize money for one race as: 1st - $20.00, 2nd - $10.00, 3rd - $5.00 and 4th - $3.00.

These regattas were a major event, not only for Solomons Island and Calvert County, but for most of the eastern seaboard.  Spectators and boats came from as far away as New England and Florida.  The Club even had Mr. C. F. Chapman, author of “Chapman’s Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling,” as an advisor during the early regattas.  Famous boat racers included Guy Lombardo driving his “Miss Tempo” and John Charles Thomas driving his “Masquerader.”  John Charles Thomas also performed after the races at Point Patience Hotel.

In 1950, an interest in racing boats developed among area youth.  The American Power Boat Association would not sanction a race unless it was sponsored by an affiliated club, so the Solomons Island Outboard Club (SIOC) was formed and was sponsored by the SIYC.  Mr. Carl Breland, the first president of the SIOC, instigated the Club’s first marathon race from Solomons to Benedict and back.  When the fever for outboard racing diminished in the mid 1950’s, SIYC members redirected their efforts to the formation of the Solomons Rescue Squad.

Over the years, the Club has had a few rough times.  On many occasions, it was the dedication of a few loyal members whose efforts and work kept the Club’s head above water, figuratively speaking.  At times it was necessary for the Board of Governors to advance their dues payments so the Club Treasurer could pay outstanding bills.

In 1983, Dan Barrett started the first SIYC “Friday Night Pot Lucks.”  These dinners, hosted and served entirely by Club volunteers, provided a substantial revenue stream.  Income generated financed the complete refurbishing of the Club.  They further enhanced the posiion and reputation of the Club and resulted in an increased waiting list of applicants for membership in SIYC.

In 1984, the Board approved an extensive three-phase improvement and expansion program.  The first phase, the construction of a combination bath house and storage facility, was completed and dedicated in the spring of 1985.  The second phase, the enlarging and complete remodeling of the kitchen, the installation of a service elevator, and the remodeling of second-level rest rooms was completed in 1988.  The Club continued to make improvements, which included a new front entrance designed by Frank J. Matzke and constructed by Charles Loving; improved lounge space; a new deck with rain protection for the patio; the dredging of the pier and a newly designed sea wall for small boat tie-up; new air conditioning which provided space for an office on the third floor; and in February 1993, the installation of a new bar, with all new bar equipment.  All these improvements were spearheaded by the Improvements Committee, chaired by P/C Dan Barrett.

The “Solomon Sez” newsletter was originated in 1982 by Peggy Irish when Ernie Irish was Rear Commodore.  The little logo “Ol’ Salt Seaman” was obtained when Peggy took a trip to Oxford, MD  looking for a special icon for the new SIYC newsletter.  She published the newsletter for three years, followed by Georgia Jacoby for two years.  In 1987, Susan L. Stevenson became editor and publisher and has continued until this printing in 2004.  “Solomon Sez” has experienced a few tweaks and adjustments over the years, but has maintained a similar format, with articles placed in the newsletter according to Bridge Rank.  It has grown from one page to a six-to-eight page publication.  Originally it was hand-folded, stamped and labeled; now it goes to the post office as a bulk mailing.  It continues to be hand-folded and labeled to save money.

In 1986, new SIYC member Warren Davis and his wife Beth decorated their boat ORIENT EXPRESS, and paraded it on the date of the first Solomons Island Walk.  In 1990, SIYC became the sponsor of the annual Light Parade and its associated open house as a community activity.

The Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1989 with a number of special events.  The premier event was a dinner ball at the new Solomons Holiday Inn Conference Center.  Two hundred seventy-five current and former members and their guests turned out for the spectacular event.

1993 was a banner year which began with a 10-year anniversary of the Friday Night Pot Luck, hosted by (guess who) P/C Dan Barrett and Barbara.  As mentioned above, the new two-station bar and new bar equipment were installed.  1993 was also the year the membership approved the acquisition of the Thomas property and pier to our north.   In the fall of that year, Capt. John E. (Robbie) Robinson, of the fishing boat MISS REGINA II, remarked “Wouldn’t it be great if the SIYC would lay a wreath at the base of the Waterman’s Memorial on the Blessing of the Fleet.”  His remarks were delivered to the BOG, the annual event was adopted under Commodore Gibbs in 1994, and continues to this day.

In January 1994, we settled on the Thomas property.  January also saw the induction of our first woman Rear Commodore, Shirley Duff.  The club became busier and busier with the increased use by members and a marked increase in fundraising activities.  The Club was saddened when, early in1995, Vice Commodore Shirley Duff became seriously ill and by early summer  had to resign.

In 1995, the membership approved the purchase of the Harten house and a new window was installed in the Captains' Lounge, giving us much needed light and a better view of the harbor.  SIYC logo state license plates were made available to Club members and new tee shirts were purchased.  The membership also voted to make the Clubhouse a smoke-free facility.

In 1999, Rear Commodore Alva Windham organized a “Cookbook Committee” and the Club published its first cookbook, “The Solomons Island Yacht Club Galley Favorites,” which is a fine collection of treasured recipes submitted by numerous members of the organization.

The year 2000 saw new happenings at the Club.  In January, the first woman commodore, Adrienne M. Donaldson, took office. During this same year,  spousal membership was established, wherein both parties of a marriage are members in their own right and enjoy all privileges of the club; however, they still hold only one vote during elections, keeping the membership at 200.  The hiring of the first full-time Club Manager, Terry Pence, brought  improvements in the club management.

Gertrude “Bernadine” Bean will always be remembered for her cooking and kitchen support.  She performed her duties for over 20 years.  Her specialties were fried chicken, rice pudding, and apple dumplings and good “down home” cooking.  Her meals were one of a kind!  Bernadine died on August 24, 2000.  She was 82 years old.

During 2001, the tall ship Sultana, a 97-foot sailing vessel built in Chestertown, MD, made its first of many visits to SIYC.  SIYC acted as host for the ship’s crew, which conducted tours for Club members  and the public.  Also, in October of that year, SIYC, in conjunction with CMM PRAD, hosted the Pride of Baltimore at the Club, affording Club members and the public an opportunity to visit with the crew and tour the tall ship.

Also in 2001, a website was established for the Solomons Island Yacht Club.  The site consists of a home page and numerous categories regarding the history, functions, membership news, events, marina facilities (with pictures), and Club hours of operation.  The site offers visitors the opportunity to learn about SIYC through the internet and also offers a variety of pictures of activities and events.  Marty Nash serves as the website web master.  The website can be visited by logging on to www.solomonsislandyc.com.

During this same year, Commodore Alva Windham established the first Volunteer Coordination Committee, headed by Nancy Caton.  The objective of this committee is to coordinate Club members who are willing to volunteer for various duties in the Club to improve its operations.  Member volunteers have always been the backbone of the Club.

In the summer of 2001, SIYC hosted the first Past Commodores' Reception.  Seventeen Past Commodores, their ladies and our first lady Past Commodore attended the reception.   

SIYC featured a float in the annual PRAD parade on which rode Princess Reagan Strausser and fourteen past princesses, including first SIYC princess Althea McKenney.  2003 was also the year Hurricane Isabel hit the Solomons area with extremely high storm surges and much flooding and damage.   The Clubhouse was undamaged but the pier and most of the back lawn area were under water for several days. December of 2003 saw the last payment made on the Thomas Property, turning over control of the property to SIYC.  At the suggestion of First Lady Marie Sidleck, a Christmas donation project was initiated by the Club and over $1,300.00 was raised and donated to SMILE in the name of SIYC to help the less fortunate during the 2003 holiday season.

During December 2003 the "Thomas House" was removed from SIYC Property, the area was cleaned up and used for additional parking. The pier attached to that property was rebuilt so that it can be used by members for easy access to SIYC.

In 2005 several improvements were completed. The much needed galley floor, wall covering and ceiling tiles were replaced through a generous donation made by P/C Gordon Henderson, and donations by club members, in  the name of his wife "Dee". The outside concrete deck was completely removed and replaced due to severe cracking and uneven joints.  The parking lot was re-graded and new stone added as needed.  A second large screen TV was added to the Captains' Lounge, fully paid for by a 50/50 raffle through the efforts of First Lady Carolyn Ward and Volunteer  Chairperson Cathy Currence.  

SIYC, one of the oldest yacht clubs on The Bay, has one of the largest burgee displays in its Captains' Lounge.  Among them is one from the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Cork Ireland, the oldest yacht club in the world (est. 1720).  As of March 1, 2007 there were 336 burgees from 30 states and 33 foreign countries.   They have been provided by SIYC members returning from many world-wide cruising locations and by visiting members from other clubs.