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.

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 Clubhouse 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 Peninsula, 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 seawall, 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 wide-spread 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 “Mas-querader.” 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 1975, then Commodore George Dixon originated SIYC’s first Annual Easter Sunrise Service. The event is held on the waterside of the Club, which provides a spectacular view of the sunrise; and is open to the community.

In 1983, Dan Barrett started the first SIYC “Friday Night Potlucks.” 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 position 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 bathhouse 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 restrooms 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; a newly designed seawall 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 of 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 “01’ 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 2005. 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 ten-year anniversary of the Friday Night Potluck, 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 female 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 in 1995, 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 pur-chased. 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 female 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 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 ofa 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 webmaster. 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 female Past Commodore attended the reception. This event was so well attended and enjoyed by so many that it may very well become another SIYC tradition.

In 2003, the chairs and bar stools in the Captains’ Lounge were given a beautiful and much-needed reupholstering. SIYC featured a float in the annual PRAD parade on which rode 14 past princesses, including first SIYC princess, Althea McKenney. The current Princess, Reagan Strausser, rode in the parade as well in a Corvette. 2003 was also the year Hurricane Isabel hit the Solomons area with extremely high storm surges and much flooding and damage. Luckily, 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 then cleaned up and used for additional parking.

In 2004 it was decided that the “gift shop” building would become additional storage and the block building on the bulkhead will now become “The Crab Shack Lounge.” The pier attached to that property also was rebuilt so that it can be used by members for easy access to SIYC. SIYC featured a float in the annual PRAD parade on which rode 11 Past Commodores. Princess, Maura Glascock, rode in the parade as well in a Corvette.

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, as well as 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 regarded and new stone added as needed. A second large screen TV was added to the Captain’s Lounge fully paid for by a 50/50 raffle through the efforts of First Lady Carolyn Ward and Volunteer Chairperson, Cathy Currence. In October, Princess, Jessica Ward, represented the Club and rode in the PRAD parade.

On March 15, 2006, a major fire broke out and completely destroyed two famous landmarks on Solomons Island, Bowen’s Inn (1918) and the Lighthouse Inn (1985). Both establishments were owned and operated by Club members. In 2006, the “Gift Shop” on the old Thomas property was completely renovated through the volunteer efforts of Club members. Also in 2006, a beautifully landscaped island was built in the middle of the parking lot, and the parking lot spaces were rearranged, making them larger and easier to access. Inside the Club, the Captain’s Lounge bar stools were replaced, along with the addition of a new entrance/exit door that was needed to increase the capacity of the Captain’s Lounge in accordance with Fire Marshal’s recommendation. In October, Princess, Kayla Kastner, represented the Club and rode in the PRAD parade.

In 2007, several improvements were made on the property. New siding and rain gutters were installed on the Clubhouse and bath house. The flag pole was lowered and painted. New flag hoists were installed.

Upon inspecting the pole base, a time capsule was discovered which had been placed there the last time the pole was painted, about 10 years ago. The time capsule was updated and replaced. Electricity was installed in the outside storeroom (the old gift shop) and Crab Shack. At the same time, electricity was installed on the north pier (the old Thomas pier). Water lines were installed on this pier by club members. The south pier’s electrical service was updated at this time. In October, Princess, Katy Wyrough, represented the Club and rode in the PRAD parade.

Early 2008 brought serious plumbing problems for the Club. The problem was finally determined to be a broken line in the parking lot area and through the efforts of Club members was repaired and back in working order. The Facilities and Improvements Committee moved on in their proposals, plans, and efforts, to improve/enlarge the Yacht Club building. In May, the general membership voted to continue with the plans and authorized the Committee to apply for a variance which would be required to make such improvements. In July, the county granted approval for the variance. In September, the

Club held a huge lawn sale which was a big success in raising monies for the Galley/Kitchen Fund. In October, Princess, Molly Sidleck, represented the Club and rode in the PRAD parade. In December, a special membership meeting voted to replace the T-head of the south pier at the Club.

2009 was truly a growing year for Solomons Island Yacht Club. In May, 2009, the renovation of the T-head of the Club pier, including new wiring, outlets, and lights, was completed by Ward Construction. Renovations to the Old Crab Shack began to convert it into an outdoor pavilion. At the Easter Sunrise Service, the Vice Commodore’s wife, Cathy Nash, provided an opportunity for members to purchase Easter Lilies in honor or memory of a loved one. Thirty lilies were purchased and after the service many were donated to residents of Hermitage Nursing Center. At the September 12, 2009 General Membership Meeting, it was voted to proceed with the clubhouse renovation plan. On October 12, 2009, SIYC had a float in the PRAD Parade with 26 Past Princesses representing the Club. The current Princess, Kayla Kastner, rode in the parade as well in a Corvette.

On October 17, 2009, there was a ground-breaking ceremony held at the clubhouse with the expansion plan to be built by W.M. Davis Inc.  On October 27, 2009, construction commenced on the building renovations. Plans call for enlarging the upstairs meeting room, with an additional bar, enlarging the lower bar area, expansion of the kitchen, additional storage and a new upper and lower deck.

The Year 2010 was a changing and challenging year for SIYC. The expansion project continued with the closing of the kitchen and upstairs.  The Board of Governors meetings were held off site at Back Creek Bistro and the American Legion due to the renovation.  The Club was completely closed during most of February.  Extreme winter weather slowed the project.  In March the bar reopened with restricted usage plans, after the new water and sewer lines were completed.   Due to the very diligent work of many of the Club members and W.M. Davis Company, the Club renovations were completed in time for the Princess Cocktail Party on May 22^nd.  Commodore Marty Nash had appointed two princesses to represent the Club for the 2010, highlighting the year’s theme, “Our Heritage, Our Future”.   Serving as 2010 Princesses, Doris Matteson represented our heritage and Laura Andre represented our future. Opening Day Festivities were held on May 23^rd and the completion of the front yard drainage system and relocation of the flag pole provided a lovely setting for the event.  The addition of the upstairs dining area and the new bar, which was built by P/C Daniel Barrett III, Wayne Joy and Jack Estridge, has given a beautiful new look to the Clubhouse. 

On July 3, 2010, a Dedication Ceremony for the new facility was held.  It was a beautiful sunny day, with the Board of Governors and several dignitaries in attendance.  Maryland Senator Roy Dyson presented the Club with a State flag, which had flown over the State Capitol, to commemorate the day.  The Commodore presented the Club with a bronze plaque which was permanently affixed to the new building.  A luncheon, planned and hosted by First Lady Cathy Nash, followed the ceremony in the new upstairs dining area.  The new facility provides for larger functions to be held at the Club.

The Club was represented in the Annual PRAD Parade with both Club Princesses riding in the Commodore’s Corvette convertible which had been decorated for the event.

The annual Commodore’s Ball was held on November 13, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Select, with 155 people and 13 Past Commodores in attendance.

The year ended with the Commodore hosting a “Breakfast with Santa” at the Club for underprivileged children in Calvert County.  Several Members donated to the event and volunteered to help with the breakfast.  Approximately 75 children and their families attended and $1,600 from the Commodore’s discretionary fund was donated to the “Calvert County Shop with a Cop” program.

SIYC, one of the oldest Yacht Clubs on the bay, has one of the largest burgee displays in its Captain’s Lounge. Among them is one from the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Cork Ireland; the oldest Yacht Club in the world (est. 1720). Currently, there are 357 burgees from 30 states in the U.S. and 34 foreign countries. They have been provided by SIYC members returning from many world-wide cruising locations and by visiting members from other clubs.