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 Bylaws
were adopted. Fortyone 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 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 22nd.
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 23rd
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.
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