Michigan City Yacht Club

History

1933 through 2002

Compiled and Edited by Mary K. Kelley

(2005 thru 2015 added by CRJ)

Dedications

The Michigan City Yacht Club was founded as a non-profit corporation "for the promotion of

yachting". Every effort will be made to increase racing activities sail events, to organize club cruises

for power yachts, to develop the vitally important junior program and to carry on the social life of

the club, both summer and winter in a manner of interest to all members.

This book is dedicated to Hartley Job, without whom this work would not have been possible. Over

many years he has kept all of the Windjammers, yearbooks and club related photographs and

newspaper stories. Even in failing health, his enthusiasm for the club and for this project has been

contagious. Hartley is the oldest participating member of the yacht club and an active 85 years old.

-M. K. K.

December 30, 2002

Thomas Makepeace (Bill) Blackwood, Commodore from 1941 to 1945

Quoted from the 1958 MCYC Yearbook:

"Every era creates a personality to ease the strain of a period. Heading our club during the trying war

years of 1941 to 1945, when so many of our young men were in the service, Bill was a full time

Commodore.

In the building of our clubhouse, you will recognize what Bill had set his sights upon, thought and

achieved.

He is gone such a short time, but we still feel the warmth of his personality. We shall substitute our

memories for his presence.

For his unwavering loyalty to our club and yachting, the Michigan City yacht club respectfully

dedicates its 1958 Anniversary Year book to the memory of one fits finest friends... the late Bill

Blackwood."

George W. Schaeffer

Quoted from the 1947 MCYC Yearbook:

For his unwavering loyalty to yachting and the betterment of harbor facilities; for his foresight in

saving our yacht basin from impending destruction, the Michigan City Yacht Club humbly dedicates

its 1947 yearbook to the memory of one of its dearest friends…the late George W. Schaeffer

EDITOR’s NOTE

The many hours spent compiling as much information as I could from the existing Windjammers and

yearbooks have been a labor of love.

It is my hope that this part of our history will allow our new members to appreciate all of our growing

pains and appreciate what has been accomplished over nearly 70 years in the club and basin.

Without all of the written words in the Windjammers and the yearbooks carefully saved by Hartley

Job, this work could not have been accomplished. We also owe thanks to Joyce and Jack Keane

whose artwork has graced the covers of many years of Windjammers and yearbooks. Jack also willed

his drawing of a windjammer to the club for any use it deems fit.

I apologize for any omission that anyone felt was important, but if it was not printed, it was not

recorded in these pages. You all have your own special memories.

I also want to thank Tom Spartz for all his help with proofreading and formatting this work. Special

thanks also goes to Kit and Darlene Kittredge who have offered Darlene’s office printer and binder to

print this copy. I sincerely hope that with the advent of the web site that we will be able to recount

our years and record our history 69 years from now. Next year we will be celebrating our big 7-0.

Let’s hope it will really be a special one.

-M. K. K.

I. Frank Mayr Jr., Secretary of State of the State of Indiana, hereby certify that the following and hereto

attached is a full, true and complete copy of that certain instrument designated Articles of Incorporation

of MICHIGAN CITY YACHT CLUB, bearing file date in this office as of May 19. 1933, as the some appears

on file, as the law directs, in this office.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF. I hereunto set my hand and affix the Great Seal of the State of Indiana, done

at my offices, in the City of Indianapolis this, 25th day of May A. D. 1933.

Frank Mayr. Jr., Secretary of State

The Board of Directors of this corporation shall be nine (9) in number and the names of Directors elected

for the management of its business and prudential concerns for the first year of its existence are as

follows:

Frank Fl. Warren

J. H. Lutz

E. B. Stover

Harry W. Frey

Hugo H. Herbert

E. G. Browne

C. A. Sprague

Paul A. Kreuger

P. C. Gale

The principle office of this corporation shall be located in the City of Michigan City, LaPorte County,

Indiana.

In Witness Whereof, we the undersigned have hereunto set our hands and seals, this 15th day of May

1933.

Harry W. Frey

E. G. Browne

E. B. Stover

C. A. Spraque

Hugo H. Herbert

P. C. Gale

J. H. Lutz

Paul A. Krueger

Frank R. Warren

State of Indiana, County of LaPorte

Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, in and for said county and state, personally appeared

Frank R. Warren, Harry W. Frey, C. A. Sprague, J. H. Lutz, E. G. Browne, Hugo H. Herbert, Paul A. Krueger.

E. B. Stover and P. C. Gale, each of whom signed and acknowledged the foregoing articles of

Incorporation as his voluntary act and deed, said Articles being executed and acknowledged in duplicate.

Witness my hand and notorial seal this 15th day of May, 1933.

Irene Wendt, Notary Public

Approved and filed May 19, 1933

Frank Mayr, Jr., Secretary of State

Filed May 27, 1933 at 9:00 A. M. James A. Terry. R. L. C.

Prologue

Sitting and reflecting today in this beautiful clubhouse, comfortable in a big easy chair and gazing

lakeward through the haze, an imaginary mind could well perceive the ghosts of former boats surging

along to a marine Valhalla. Off to starboard steams the queenly “United States” in all her pristine

majesty and beyond passes the shades of the "Theodore Roosevelt," laying their network of courses

upon history.

Across the basin the enveloping fog softens with a silver tinge the hulls of launches that preceded our

fleet. All of them are gone now-" Seagull" "Archie Roosevelt," "Skipper," "Orca," "Hypatia," "Rest-less,"

"Minnie L.," and others. These were not the boats of the last century but rather the boats that graced

the basin early in this generation.

The Roaring 20’s brought dark days to our basin when yachtsmen left their open boats in mad pursuit of

the open roads in that latest fad, the Model T. All alone at her mooring in the basin lay "Skipper"

meditating.

Our harbor’s darkest period started in the 1920’s when city fathers decided the unused basin could

better serve the taxpayers as a baseball diamond and for several years the basin served as the municipal

dump. Within a short time the area that is now the parking lot was filled. Dad Heisman reported every

infraction to the U. S. Engineers in the hope that dumping would be stopped. It was not until E. G. (Babe)

Browne typed and circulated petitions, requesting that U. S. Engineers stop the filling that the order

came through to the city administration to desist.

In the meantime the basin just grew smaller and continued to fill with weeds.

Although the yacht club did not exist in fact in 1931, it did in spirit. There were a few boats in the basin

that year and everybody had a lot of fun. The Heisman’s had "Surf" and "White Cap," Babe Brown,

"Skipper;" Remster Bingham, "Jorab," Peters and Marshke "Pastime," and Harry Frey and Doc Ferguson

were churning the water in an outboard speedboat, Pat Shaver’s "Playboat" was the fastest thing in

sight and carried "Pep" Calvert and Dick Cook as crew. Dr. Frank Warren and R. B. Kellog’s "Chinook"

remained moored in the harbor, unable to get her tall spar under the walk that bridged the gap.

A popular stopping place for boatmen was the Harbor Coal Company where the daily government

weather map was always displayed. Owned by John Lutz, the coal company office also served as the

official government customs office and he as Harbormaster. The conversation topic of visitors to John’s

office was always the same, the basin, and John would always produce a map and drawing of his idea to

GWALTER C. (DUDE) CALVERT

A man of many talents - artist, writer, historian, Commodore in 1947 and a director for four years. In

1958, Commodore Job asked "Dude" to write a history of the club for the Anniversary year book. The

following is a reprint of the original in Dude’s inimitable style.

make the basin an ideal yacht harbor. On April 21, 1932, a two column article appeared in the two local

papers entitled "Why Not a Yacht Harbor?" and signed G. C. Calvert, inspired as he said by an

enthusiastic afternoon in John Lutz’s office.

The year 1932 saw a few more boats added to our weed filled basin. Bob Werdine bought a black Pup

sloop, Krebs’ brothers bought a runabout down from Fox Lake, and named it "Krebs Surf." M.C. Murray

bought a sea sled. George Van Volkenburg and Earl Kading reconditioned a double-ended cruiser and

named it "Hesperous." The Naval Reserves moored their motor sailor in the basin and it was about this

time that Harry Frey and Doc Ferguson built a double pontoon rig powered with an outboard motor. It

was to take them on a trip down the Mississippi River but only reached the west beach where it sank.

The two rugged sailors returned to port, loaded in their wet gear aboard their "Punkin’ Seed" outboard

and completed the trip. The Sea Scouts, under Byron Pendergast, were very active and were planning to

build a fleet of some kind. They finally decided to build a fleet of Snipes during the winter.

Came the spring of 1933, Skipper Pendergast predicted a fleet of at least five Snipes would be launched

in the Spring. N. L. Randall bought a steel runabout. Babe Browne gave "Skipper" a coat of shining black.

Scott Holman had a mahogany speedboat. A husky cutter was under construction at Frey Brothers

lumber yard. Kenneth and Paul Lange bought their runabout "Anita" from Chicago Heights, Heisman’s

sold "White Cap" to Egon Kramer of Chicago, Remster Bingham sold "Jorab" and ordered "Jorab II" built.

Mired in harbor silt were Ed Hintze’s excursion boats "Skater" and "Annie Wilson." Herold Benson was

hard at work building his cat boat "Wanderer." Ray Fox, Sr., and Norman Johnson laid the keel for an 18

foot cutter. Carl Finske bought an outboard speedboat and Fred Bluhm was building a sailing scow.

Charles Sprague bought a motor boat and Larry Wendt launched "Zanta." Fred Bluhm and Winston Pilot

built a scow affair powered with an airplane propeller and motorcycle engine. It shook itself to death as

one wag said "from laughing."

These boats added to the boats already moored in the basin made mooring a problem and the only ones

to enjoy navigating the weeds in the basin were mammoth carp who gamboled joyously in the sub-

surface in the herbaceous verdure.

There was much gloom in the marts of trade that year but the lakefront was a beehive of activity.

In was about the middle of March that the postcard arrived through the mails carrying the message that

anyone interested in boating should meet at the Naval Reserve Armory on the evening of March 14. The

card was signed by Harry Frey.

The First Meeting

March 14 fell on a Tuesday. It had been a bright and shining day despite the dark gloom that shrouded

the marts of trade in the depression year of 1933 and this was to be the night that "anyone interested in

boating should be at the Naval Reserve Armory at 7:30." The Armory was then located at the southwest

corner of the bridge.

By seven o’ clock that evening a crowd of 64 men was milling about the Armory discussing the topics of

the day which included Franklin Roosevelt, who had taken office ten days before as the 31st President of

the United States. His first act had been to close savings banks across the country; also the government

had begun rounding up money hoarders; local jobless were asking to work out taxes on city streets;

Washington began debate on the beer bill which would permit the brewing of 3.2 percent beer; and

California had just suffered another devastating earthquake.

This was the background as the stage was set for our first meeting.

No club ever started with such a cross-section of local citizenry as gathered at the armory that evening.

Men from every social strata in the town were in attendance, all drawn together by a common factor—

their love of boating.

By eight o’clock all had gravitated to their seats and Harry Frey called the meeting to order.

Present that evening were Harry Frey, Frank Krebs, Leonard Johnson, Davis Root, J.B. Moore, Fairfax

Ernst, James Dean, Theodore Brink, Russell Gilmore, Clarence Brown, Hartley Job, Stanley Norris, Ole

Johnson, C. J. Wahl, Robert Fox, H. K. Benson, O. J. Blank, Elwin Greening, Lyle Estes, Scott Holman, C. B.

Pendergrast, E.B. Stover, C. F. Swartzell, Jacob Shapero.

Edmund Browne, Edward Keithley, J. D. Harsemeyer, G. C. Calvert, Gerold Fritz, R. J. Hotchkiss, Rudolph

Heisman, Harry Heisman, C. W. Swartzell, Clyde B. Jarrette, J. H. Link, Mark Moorman, Ray E. Smith, Dr.

M. L. Ferguson, Earl Kaeding, Roscoe F. Stevenson, R. E. Werdine, Wilford Hahn, Albert Bates.

W. D. McAlpine, P. C. Gale, R. B. Kellogg, Robert Ludwig, E.G. Powell, John Lutz, Edward Spychalski, E. T.

Krentz, Dr. Frank R. Warren, H. H. Herbert, Hermon Heisman, Ted Van Giesen, Edward Luce, Arnold

Cota, H. Gaylen Frey, John Warren, Abraham Hebeisen, Joseph Krebs, Charles Sprague and Phil Sprague.

Leaning on the navy mess table that served as the speakers table Harry Frey began by saying:

“Michigan City has many natural advantages for a harbor. It is close to Chicago and America’s finest

homes, and it is handy to an army of pleasure-loving folks. We have a natural boat basin that would cost

thousands of dollars to duplicate, but we must improve it."

Ray Hotchkiss as acting secretary was writing like mad to keep up with the proceedings.

"Open and widen the gap." Harry continued, "Sheet pile the outer edge of the basin, dredge it to

sufficient depth, repair the north break-water and harbor edges. We must beautify the land adjacent to

the harbor and keep the harbor clear by preventing pollution by industries."

He explained the value of a good harbor not only for boating recreation but as profit even to our

merchants. He cited the Century of Progress, which was to open the following year, and its visiting

yachtsmen and the possibility of encouraging visiting boats.

In closing, he said the club had no intention to stress social functions of any project involving expense to

the members.

John Lutz, Harbormaster and chairman of the Chamber of Commerce harbor committee, elaborated on

the program as outlined by Harry Frey. He said sand and weed dredged out of the basin could be used to

cover the old breakwater, making it attractive for a walk or drive.

He further explained that the sand could he used to fill in and grade the bathing beach. He added that

the walk over the gap must be removed so that boats with high masts could enter the basin, and that

the gap should be widened to 80 feet, and the basin dredged to 12 feet in the middle and to about four

feet at the shore.

Hugo Herbert then spoke and said, "During the Century of Progress in Chicago there will be many

persons traveling in boats and this city is a logical place for them to tie up. Then too, Chicago boat

owners would come here for the weekends."

Lieut. E. B. Stover told of his efforts to get the Great Lakes fleet here. "They want better facilities to land

the men," he said. In closing he declared that a survey of the liberty parties from the fleet showed an

average of $1,600 spent each time ashore.

Others that spoke that night in favor of urging the city improve the basin were Robert Kellogg, Charles

Sprague, Roscoe Stephenson, Scott Holman, and Dr. Frank R. Warren.

On a motion made by Ed Kiethley, a committee composed of C. B. Pendergast, Scott Holman, Raymond

G. Hotchkiss, Hugo Herbert, and E. T. Krentz, was named to select officers to be voted on at the next

meeting of the club.

The next day, John Lutz, Harry Frey, Bob Kellogg, and Nate Rosenberg, Secretary of the Chamber of

Commerce, went to Milwaukee to see C. H. Hubberd of the U. S. Lighthouse Service, about removing the

walk over the gap.

Results followed quickly for in the week that followed, the "Illiana," survey boat of the U.S. Engineers

department, in charge of Chief Bogey, arrived and began sounding and surveying the harbor.

The Second Meeting

On March 21, 1933 the second meeting was held. Thirty enthusiastic yachtsmen attended. They counted

very few boats in their fleet, but launched a most ambitious program for the harbor and basin

improvement. Those who registered at the meeting that night were firmly convinced that their hands

were to rest on shovels and levers operating dredging equipment rather than on the tillers of yachts

On the motion of Raymond Fox, Sr., those present unanimously elected Harry Frey, President: H. H.

Herbert, Vice President: Charles Sprague, second Vice President, and E. B. Stover: Secretary Treasurer.

It was a strange coincidence that the meeting that night fell on the anniversary of the organizing in

Michigan City of the Indiana Yacht Club of which Dr. A. L. Knapp of South Bend was Commodore. Dr.

Knapp was at the meeting that night and gave a short but most interesting talk.

He told of the original yacht club and its officers-George Culbert, official mayor: Dr. C. W. Cleveland, rear

Commodore and Oscar Neimer, Wilford Miller, Dr. F. R. Warren and Miss Maude Staiger. He said Maude

could handle a wrench or wheel as efficiently as any man in the club. Said Dr. Knapp "There is nothing

finer than an organization such as you are building. I can remember the good times we had."

Harbor Essential

Dr. Knapp stressed the value of a good harbor, not only for boating recreation, but for profit to the

merchants. "A yacht harbor is essential to the boat owner but need not be a burden to the taxpayer; but

profit making municipal asset."

An advisory board, composed of R. B. Kellogg, P. C. Gale, Ed Keithley, and E. B. Stover were to work with

the harbor committee to the Chamber of Commerce and to ascertain what equipment was available

such as dredges, pumps, barges, etc., for the proposed improvements of the harbor and basin.

Short talks also were given by Ben Hoskins and Mel Hickman. Wayne McAlpine, in quoting figures as to

the amount of sand to be removed from the basin said, “There are 22 acres of water and this must be

deepened to 12 feet in the middle and taper off to four on the edges."

Harold Benson was asked to describe the boat he was constructing, but he declined saying, "I’d rather

wait and see if it floats before I say anything about it."

Mark Moorman told of the boating in Florida, especially speed boating and described the breakwaters.

Said John Lutz, “I helped build the present breakwater in 1875 and while I hate to see it covered up, we

can do wonders with the basin if we get together and work."

No date was set for the next meeting but it was decided it would be at the discretion of the President.

Dredging Discussed

During the next month Col. Caples of the U. S. Engineering department came to the town and discussed

the dredging of the harbor and basin.

Also during the month, officials of the Lathrop, Schmitt, Putman Company of Sturgeon Bay Mich.,

owners of the Diesel motor ship "Material Service" were in town contemplating the construction of

permanent gravel yard just south of the Sixth Street Bridge, but shallow water in the harbor made the

plan impracticable

Incidentally the "Material Service" now rests on the bottom off south Chicago with two bodies in her

hull sunk in a storm many years ago.

Harry Frey announced that the Yacht Club would meet in the Naval Armory Tuesday April 25th. "Plans

will be made to incorporate the club," Harry said.

The next few weekends saw Herculean efforts to remove the hulk of the sunken stone barge that lay

along the basin shore. It made quite a picture. Imagine, if you can, the tow trucks of Schlunz Brothers,

Rannie Body, and Kroening Brothers, with their powerful winches all hooked onto the wreck. In a boat

alongside the hulk was Chuck Sprague wiring caps to sticks of dynamite, Rufy Heisman up to his neck in

the water taking the wired sticks from Chuck and diving under the water to place them where they

would do the most good. Then everybody took cover while the sticks were exploded from the shore. The

ensuing detonations were heard around the county.

Otto Tatus donated a hand winch to assist in dragging the weeds from the basin. An iron pipe was

fastened to the cable and taken to the center of weeds and then hauled ashore. Tons of weeds were

hauled ashore but still no dent was made in the sum total.

It was about this time that Gov. Paul McNutt visited and was entertained by Remster Bingham aboard

"Jorab II." They took a boat trip along the shore and up the harbor, after which the governor boarded

the "U.S.S. Hawk" for a weekend cruise. Harry Frey remarked "I’ve been here nine years and I’m glad

that at last a governor has visited someplace in Michigan City besides the prison. It’s a good omen I tell

you."

Next day the newspaper headlines screamed "City Gets New Industry!" Chicago Boat Company to

Operate Here." N. L. and T. D. Randall founders of the company, leased the building just south of the

Second Street Bridge on the east side and started construction of a 65 foot cruiser and several smaller

boats.

Fleet Takes to the Water

In May the stage was set for the launching of the Michigan City Yacht Club fleet. The launching was done

by crane along the dock on the south side opposite the Smith Brothers factory. Thousands of people

watched the launching from bleachers on the Smith Brothers lawn. The bands also were seated there.

What a day! Sea Scouts stood before their boats and announced over the amplifying system that their

best girls would christen their boats. Rudy Hiesman bent bowlines in clumsy hawsers and put them on

all the boats. P. C. Gale’s clothes adsorbed most of the christening water. It was red letter day in our

young club’s existence.

Following the launching, the boats were towed into the basin where they lay with their masts

unstepped, being unable to get them under the gaps overhead walk.

On March 30th, E. A. Markman of the War department granted the Yacht Club permission to sheet pile

the basin shore.

Dave Root Chauffeurs

The Columbia Yacht Club race that year was sailed as usual. The Michigan City Yacht Club’s participation

consisted of a car marked "Official Car" and was driven by Dave Root. The car transported visiting

Columbia officials to their headquarters at Spaulding hotel. Commodore Frey lamented the fact that the

club had no money to entertain the visiting yachtsman as it would like to have done, but hoped to be

able to do better the next year.

Recalling the ride he had aboard "Zanta" with Larry Wendt, Doc Fergusen said, "far out in the lake we

met Norman Johnson with a party aboard ‘Three Point Two’ riding the heavy swells like a duck. Rudy

Heisman drove by in Thomas E. Maloy’s beautiful cabin speedboat on his way to Chicago. We also had

the pleasure that night of having the dirigible ‘Macon’ pass directly overhead. From our position on the

lake we could see the Goodyear blimp "Paritian" soaring over A Century of Progress in Chicago.

During the next few months plans were prepared by Ellis Powell and Norman Johnson for a swing bridge

to be constructed over the pier gap. The plans were presented before the 30 members at the July

meeting. At the meeting Harry Frey said, "We have something here that does not exist anywhere else in

the state of Indiana -a free harbor!" It was quite an important meeting, Byron Pendergast told of the Sea

Scout activities and Ted Van Giesen praised the efforts of the members who helped so much in the

attempt to remove the wrecks from the basin.

Wheeler Searl Marsh submitted his design for a club pennant. It was quite an elaborate design with a

dune and a lake scene in the MC. Jimmy Dean submitted a more simple design which was accepted and

is the one now being used.

Charter Member- 50 Cents!

P. C. Gale suggested that we keep the charter open for another month. A person could become a charter

member on payment of 50 cents. In the year 1933, as you remember, 50 cent pieces were not that

plentiful.

John Polson, who was sitting in the second row, tossed his 50 cents onto the speakers table.

City Engineer Herbert R. Peters asked for volunteers among the members to help plan a survey for the

establishment of a definite shore line for pilings around the basin.

Present that evening for the first time was Lt. Comm. Sturgis, USNR, Donnelly Leeds and Dick Misener.

Dave Root suggested that we hold races every Sunday among the local sailboats.

"An outboard race has been suggested," Said Commodore Frey, "but the drawback would be cash or

merchandise, and the club has no money.

He got no further! John Lutz jumped to his feet. His deafness kept him in doubt as to the subject under

discussion - "get started with the dredging in the basin- get a pump or a scow! I suggest a committee be

appointed! Get a little dirt moving. We’ve got to make a showing to get assistance from the state and

federal government!" John shouted.

Dave Root talked on what he declared the "outboard nuisance." He asserted outboard boats had been

scooting along the harbor at a fast rate of speed much to the discomfort of occupants of other craft. He

suggested that all boats in the city be registered and that an accurate check be kept of them. That work

was assigned to Dude Calvert.

Much satisfaction was expressed by the Commodore over the fact that the shore line of the basin had

been cleared.

Capt. David Furst of the Coast Guard was very anxious that boat owners exercise great care lest there be

a casualty. Commodore Frey urged the use of common sense in the operation of boats.

Babe Browne, Byron Pendergast and Joe Karras were appointed members of a committee to inspect

boats of members and non-members to see that they were equipped with safety features.

"Get a life preserver," said John Lutz.

The club members did get stuff moving, as John suggested earlier that evening, and that about ends the

story of how the club got started and what transpired during the first few meetings. If only they could

get a clubhouse, but that’s another story:

The Clubhouse

The annual dinner of 1936 was held on January 8 at Mathilda’s Tea Room with 70 members attending.

Following the dinner Harry Frey, as retiring Commodore, opened the meeting and introduced the new

‘Commodore-Babe Browne and his officers, Vice Commodore Dave Root, Rear Commodore P. C. Gale,

Secretary R. L. Vail, and Treasurer P. A. Krueger.

Retiring Commodore Frey received a handsome lamp and book ends.

The meeting, as usual, became progressively noisier and when the Commodore introduced the guests of

the evening the ensuing speeches and songs raised geniality mast high. Visitors included the O’Rourke

brothers, Frank Hayes, Tom Lake, Earl Gascoigne, Bill Whalen, Nat Rubinkam, Bert Williamson, Bill

Ahern, Dave Zimmerman, A. Henninger, Gim Hobelmon, John Fishbach, Virge Lewis, George Schaeffer

and Dad Ruger.

Whalen Wails

As the final dulcet tones of "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" faded into the smoke-filled room, rendered by

that famous Defender of the Faith Bill Whalen, Commodore Browne announced he had two more guests

to introduce, one of whom held a message of interest to club members. He introduced Tom Mullen and

Frank Sadenwater of the Park Board.

Mr. Mullen said the Park Board had authorized Architect Fred Ahlgrim to draw plans for a clubhouse to

be built with W.P.A. labor for lease to the Michigan City Yacht Club. The building would be of Norman

architecture with a 36 foot tower on the north end, with construction to start as soon as the frost was

out of the ground. Complete plans would be ready for club approval at the next club meeting. With that

welcome news the meeting went wild.

It had been just one month before, that Commodore Frey had asked members to think and work on the

idea of a clubhouse for next spring, and here it was one month later laid gently in our laps. Frey was

immediately named chairman of the building committee.

Plans Submitted

At the March 6 meeting Chairman Frey submitted plans of the clubhouse for approval. Secy. Vail was

empowered to draw up a resolution to the Park Board approving plans for the clubhouse.

On April 6-Approximately one-half of the material to build the clubhouse was assembled and

preliminary steps for actual construction had been completed.

Oct. 2.-Members reported they were busy locating any discarded rocks, cement blocks etc., to be used

in the clubhouse construction.

Nov. 6-Final plans were submitted to members for approval. Plans showed a clubhouse of stone

construction with a 36-foot tower.

Jan. 2, 1937-Mr. Jennings suggested that since the city administration was to build the clubhouse the

Yacht Club should agree to purchase furnishings on completion. A resounding "AYE" passed the motion

by P. C. Gale seconded by Pi Johnson.

April 2-Chairman Frey reported the clubhouse could not be completed before the end of the year and

suggested looking for a barge on which to build a temporary clubhouse.

Oct. 1-Jim Drain suggested we ask the Park Board for a smaller structure than planned.

Root Seeks Action

Saturday April 30, 1938 the newly installed Commodore, Dave Root, feeling the full bloom of his new

office, decided to stir up some action on the clubhouse, so rounding up Vice Commodore Hugo Herbert

and Director Babe Brown, they descended upon the stronghold of Mayor Rhinehart "Hemp" Fedder.

Commodore Root asked if there wasn’t something the club members could do to further the status of

the proposed clubhouse.

Said the Mayor, "Only this week I received directive ordering all money allocated but not spent by

January 1 of this year to revert to the general fund and that has been done."

"Did that include the appropriation for the clubhouse?" asked Commodore Root.

"Yes," replied the Mayor.

"What can we do now?" asked Hugo. With a gesture of finality the Mayor replied, "Nothing." And so it

was that the Michigan City Yacht Club’s first clubhouse died a-borning.

Mullen Has Suggestion

The next day, May 1, and following his usual pattern, Hugo Herbert was spending Sunday morning

strolling along the basin shore when Tom Mullen come along. Hugo was voicing his disappointment to

Tom about the outcome of the clubhouse when Tom interrupted and asked, "Why doesn’t the club buy

the Nolan property. I understand it can be bought for $3,500. It would be a much better location than

here next to the Oasis."

"But $3,500" thought Hugo, "it might just as well be $35,000." This was 1938 and half the town was still

on relief. The club charter had been kept open for an extra two months to give the boys a chance to

raise 50 cents to join the club and now we needed $3,500.

The following morning Hugo mentioned the incident to Bill Blackwood at the Citizens Bank. Bill had no

comment at the time, but early Tuesday morning Bill and Jim Drain burst into Harry Frey’s Lumber

company office.

Bill and Jim had been up all night (and they looked it) working out a prospectus on "How to Do It." The

main features stated that the club would be limited to 140 members, each member being required to

buy one participating redeemable certificate for $25. Annual dues would be $5.00.

The 140 members at $25 would give the club the needed $3,500 to buy the Nolan property.

The prospectus was presented at Friday’s meeting but action was tabled until the entire membership

could be informed of the plans and a special meeting was called for the following Wednesday.

Drain presented the plan at the Wednesday meeting and $1,000 was pledged on the spot. Another week

of intensive stock selling and the property was purchased. Work parties were set up and the tearing

down and patching up started. Kroening Brothers moved in to crib up the house while Henry Phillips’

company moved in with a sand elevator. Frey Brothers donated the services of a brick layer and cement

finisher named Nello. The hard labor was supplied by members.

The old section of the present clubhouse, the original Nolan home, was remodeled and reconditioned

and the clubhouse was first used during this year.

General plans of the building as it is today were made and excavations for the West Room basement,

the present locker room, were started and the locker room walls and roof built.

It was during this operation that the lowest point in the club’s short existence was reached. It occurred

one fall evening when the work party had completed building the north wall of the locker room. It had

been a hard night’s work carrying the block and laying the 50’x 9’ wall. It was 10 p. m., and the boys had

quit for the night, resting on the piled lumber, and smoking, when a dull thud brought them to their

feet. Flat on the ground lay the 50 foot wall in a disarray of cement blocks caused by a team of over

enthusiastic back fillers.

In 1939 the locker and wash rooms were completed, the old building was raised and the basement

excavated in preparation for the construction of the Tap Room. The construction of the ‘West Room

Lounge and sail loft during the Fall of 1940-1941 was the first professional work of any proportion that

entered into the construction. In 1949 and 1950, the Viking Room, Galley and Stewards quarters were

added.

In 1950, under Commodore Herb Zilly, the clubhouse was opened in its entirety for the first time.

The Michigan City Yacht Club was founded as a non-profit organization "for the promotion of yachting."

Every effort is being made to increase racing activities for sail yachts, to organize club cruises for power

yachts, to develop the vitally important junior program and to carry on the social life of the Club, both

winter and summer in a matter of interest to all members.

The Sailing Story

The sailing story of the Michigan City Yacht Club could not be written without including the story of the

Trinity Church Sea Scouts.

Throughout the early days of the club, in the mad confusion of trying to get everything done at once, the

Sea Scout members presented a united front to furnish an inexhaustible supply of youthful energy and

enthusiasm.

Tracing the story of club sailing and the yacht club fleet the thread leads directly back to the Sea Scout

ship.

It all began in 1930 when four members of the Trinity Church Boys Scouts Troop No. 3 had reached the

Eagle Scout plateau. At the same time the new Sea Scout branch of the Boy Scouts of America was

gaining momentum.

With no more honors to earn in scouting the four Eagle Scouts of the troop organized, under

Scoutmaster Joseph Bisbee, the first local Sea Scout ship.

The Scouts who formed the nucleus of the ship, named the "Yankee Clipper," were Fox Ernst, Jim Dean,

Dick Tuthill and Ed Luce. The first officers were: Byron Pendergast, Skipper; P. C. Gale and R. B. Kellogg

Committeemen; and H. H. Herbert, Commodore of Pottawatomie Council. The ship eventually reached a

full complement of 32 bays.

In the boathouse of Dad Ludwig, during the fall of 1930, construction was started on a 40 foot gaff-

rigged sloop for R. B. Kellogg and Dr. Frank Warren. Sailors of the Yankee Clipper were promised berths

as crew members on the sloop that was to be named "Chinook" and work started immediately.

Visitors to Dad Ludwig’s boathouse were amused to see the Sea Scouts, warmly dressed for winter,

wearing heavy sticky canvas gloves, dipping wooden plugs into shellac and driving them into the hull of

"Chinook" with wooden mallets. It was a messy job but it was part of being a sailor.

"Chinook" was launched in 1931 and for the next five years she seldom left the harbor without her Sea

Scout crew. After a year of crewing on the "Chinook" and their past experience in building boats even

though it was limited to driving sticky plugs in screw holes-the "Yankee Clipper" sailors decided it was

time they had their own boats.

Before moving to Michigan City from Saugatuck, Pi Johnson had started construction on a Snipe class

sailboat and when he brought the partially built boat to town, Fox Ernst, Jim Dean, Wilford Hahn and

Skipper Pendergast immediately began construction of four more Snipes.

In the Spring of 1933 the Snipe Fleet was ready for launching. The Michigan City Yacht Club, too, had

become a reality and many of the Sea Scouts were now members of the Club.

In May the stage was set for the launching of the Sea Scout and Yacht Club fleet.

Others were: H. C. Crosby, Theron Miller, and Dan Hutton, members of the school board; David Furst

U.S. Coast Guard; Walter Donovan, lighthouse keeper; and Tom Marlin, assistant light-house keeper.

The boats were then taken in tow by power boats and paraded before officials and spectators.

As the last strains of "America," played by the High School band, under the well-worn baton of P. J.

Myran, faded into the distance, the boats were towed to the basin to the biggest red letter day - a

capital letter - that is, "in the club’s short existence." The power of the club’s publicity committee has

never been underestimated even to this day.

For the next three years the Snipes formed the nucleus of the club’s sailing fleet, and races were held at

every opportunity. Races were conducted from Babe Brown's "Skipper," which acted as race committee

boat. The boat flew a large pennant 4x8 feet in size with the letters "RC." In a heavy blow the sail-like

pennant could lay "Skipper" on her beam ends.

In 1936 the club also boasted a fleet of racing Corinthian Dinks owned by Dave Root, Bob Vail, Jim Dean

and Red Spychalski. In the Chicago Tribune regatta that year off Montrose Harbor, Dave Root was

awarded a beautiful and valuable pair of binoculars. This was Arch Ward’s, of the Chicago Tribune, first

attempt to stage a boat regatta. It was also his last.

The club had no regular meeting place in 1936 and meetings were held at the Coast Guard station the

Naval Reserve Armory and Mark Moorman’s Dunes Cafeteria.

The November meeting in 1936 was held at the cafeteria. Before the meeting members were studying

the November issue of Rudder magazine which carried plans of a new National One Design sail boat.

Before the meeting was over it was apparent the club was to have a new class of racing Nationals.

Although the registration numbers of Nationals today reaches into the thousands, our club boasted the

early numbers of 39 to 43. The local fleet of Nationals soon reached 14 boats. Some of the owners of

Nationals were: Fax Ernst, Otto Palm, Pi Johnson, Bob & Dick Palm, Red Spycholski, Jim Drain, Bud Orr,

Emmy Flynn, Fred Berry, George Panea, Don Lewis, Jim Dean, George Callum, Les and Harold Schaeffer.

World War II broke up the fleet and scattered the sailors. Club racing went into the doldrums with so

many members in the armed forces. At the War’s end and the return of the boys, their first concern was

to find something to sail. Pete Mills was sailing a Finnish built Tumlaren named "Samara." It was an

excellent boat for this end of the lake and soon the members of our club had cornered the market of

available Turns. John Heming owned "Askvig;" Ted Albers,” Tara;" Glenn Miller, "Ruffa;" John Reed,

"Ellida;" John Locke, "Pink Duck;" and George Callurn’s "Gracious II."

Many other member owned boats both sail and power, have come and gone in the past 25 years. Long

gone too, is the excitement and confusion of the early days of the club. The next chapter is being written

by the junior members as they take over from the aging Sea Scouts. This ends the story as it looked from

here.

History of Michigan City Harbor

Improvement was first undertaken by the Federal Government in accordance with an Act of Congress of

July 3, 1836. Between 1836 and 1870 east and west entrance piers were constructed at the mouth of

Trail Creek 1,277 and 1.592 feet long, respectively, protecting a dredged channel 100 feet wide and 12

feet deep. From the time of the adoption of the original project in 1870, dredging was carried on

intermittently by both the Federal Government and the Michigan City Harbor Company, but the scope

of the work done is not known. Work done under the project adopted in 1870 and subsequent

modifications resulted in the construction of the present harbor. The project for the inner harbor

channel in Trail Creek at one time would have extended to the Lake Erie & Western Railroad Bridge but

was curtailed by the act of January 21, 1927, so that the improved channel now extends to the upper

end of the turning basin just above Fourth Street. This same act eliminated the old east breakwater and

pier which enclosed the outer basin.

The old east breakwater was originally 1,411 feet long. It extended in an easterly direction to the

junction with the old east pier, which extended southerly 1225 feet to the shore. These structures were

completed in 1884. The old east breakwater was originally 11 feet high above normal water surface of

the lake. Prior to their abandonment in 1927 no repair work was done on these structures. Storm seas

gradually breached the breakwater and much of the stone filling was washed into the basin. The old east

pier gradually disappeared by continued advancement of the shoreline.

There was no park in 1884 but in 1891 apparently influences were at work to establish a lake front park.

As may be observed in the following quotations taken from a Michigan City newspaper.

The Dispatch of Friday, July 17. 1891: "The number of people going to the East beach is remarkable:

Perhaps no less than one thousand crossed the bridge last evening and the number each evening

does not fall far short of this. If a place which is a mere waste of sand can attract such crowds what

would be the result if a park were established there?"

Saturday, July, 18. 1891. "Bathing has become quite popular with the young people, the East Beach

being the favorite resort. If someone would put up a permanent bath house and supply same with

suitable bathing costumes for rental purposes they could do a big business during pleasant

weather."

Wednesday. July 22, 1891: "Boating has grown so popular of late in Michigan City that it ought to be

an easy matter to organize a permanent boat club here. The Dispatch knows of half a dozen young

men who stand ready to become charter members of such an organization.

The assurance of a lakefront park was announced in The Dispatch of August 19, 1891.

The basin formed by the old east breakwater and east pier was originally about 35 acres in extent. The

eastern portion has been filled in by drifting sand and the dumping of ashes and refuse reducing the

water area by about one third. Prior to 1936 the basin had never been dredged and could only be used

by small craft, the size of which was limited by the narrow opening in the east pier. Sail yachts could not

use it because of an overhead fixed bridge. Originally this entrance was 467 feet wide and was entirely

closed in 1904. The small opening in the pier was made in 1906 and was about 15 feet wide with a depth

of about 4 feet.

The Life Saving Station was equipped with one slide to launch boats into the harbor and another slide to

launch boats into the basin. Mr. Judson Alexander built a two story icehouse near the Life Saving Station

and cut many tons of ice during the winter months, as did several other parties.

In 1907 the Indiana Club was organized and plans for a clubhouse in the basin were considered but did

not materialize.

About 1910 C. E. Labady operated a boat livery from his pier in the basin. Hunting was permitted at the

lakefront; shooting was done from the piers and in some instances from Mr. Labady's duck blind which

was anchored in the center of the basin. Mink could be found in the breakwater across the North side of

the basin and muskrats often chewed mooring lines in two. Mr. Labady’s own flock of ducks would hurry

across the basin at his special call, which was of all things, a cowbell.

In 1930 the width and depth of the "gap" as it was familiarly known, were increased somewhat but the

water in the basin was fouled to such a large extent by sea weeds that little of its area was available for

anchorage purposes.

In September 1933 local yachtsmen began an agitation for improvement of the basin for yachts. They

were supported by the officials of the city and the park trustees, as well as by the Lake Michigan

Yachting Association. This effort resulted in the introduction, by Congressman Pettingill, of a resolution

adopted by the River and Harbor Committee of the House of Representatives, United States to review

previous reports on the harbor with a view to determine "whether it is advisable to modify the existing

project in any way at this time." Public hearings were held by the U. S. Engineers both in Chicago and in

Washington. Through the sustained and vigorous efforts of all concerned we now enjoy a yacht basin

second to none on Lake Michigan. The basin was dredged in 1936 to a depth of 12 feet in the northern

portion and 8 feet in the southerly portion, and the entrance to the basin through the east pier was

widened to 66 feet. Subsequently the old east breakwater was rebuilt in concrete. A navigation light was

established at the entrance and a great deal of beautification work was done by the park trustees. The

only facility lacking to make the harbor complete is a public pier or landing for visiting yachts. It is the

hope of yachtsmen that at some time in the not too distant future this facility will be provided by our

city fathers.

Volume 5, November 21 Thursday, May 25, 1989

The Michigan City Yacht Club. . .

Gracious Lady on the Lake with a Notable, Colorful Past

By Maggie Beyer

Thar she is, on the lakefront ….a building in white, comfortably inviting and friendly. She’s been newly

be-decked with outside verandas ruffled in red and white umbrellas. Here, members and guests relax in

the open air, on stage to view the sunsets with a new performance every night. She sits serenely (we use

the nautical "she" for the Yacht Club as all sailors do for their ship), welcoming boaters and protecting

the harbor basin like the matriarch of Michigan City that she is.

But beneath that worldly appearance, at her heart there’s the simple home of a family once drawn to

live at the waterfront. The former Nolan house still exists within the sprawling building. Wings have

been added, basement and second floors, crafted and hammered into place by a hardy group of people

years ago who had a love of boating in their blood and wanted to keep it alive and pulsing for others to

enjoy. They were willing to make that happen.

And happen it did. Over three hundred members enjoy the Yacht Club now, according to Clyde Zeek,

elected Commodore last January. The schedule is filled with events for boaters of every age, level of skill

or size of craft. Sixteen-foot Lasers share the water with the Rubaiyt, a 60 foot Queen of our inland sea,

though the average size boat is a manageable 25-footer. Motor launches outnumber sailing vessels 3 to

1, but the sailing events are the luster of the Club’s life. The Columbia, coming again on June 10th, has

been sailing to Michigan City each year for the almost 100 years of its running. When the Columbia’s

armada of sails sweep into the harbor, boatmen or not, people turn out with binoculars and cameras to

see the jibs and gennys and spinnakers unfurl.

As host club, members have responsibility for posting times and handicaps, presenting first-leg winners

plaques, and of course, feeding the hungry crews. One hundred fifty sailed the Columbia last year. This

year promises as many, or more.

Though parties, meetings and prime time dining make the Yacht Club a year round gathering place for

the "locals", the opening of the deck (this year on Mother’s Day weekend), is the unofficial start of the

season for members. A ‘Cook What You Catch’ fishing tourney feasted members on the 20th, and the

Commodore’s Ball makes it official on May 27th. The Ball brings out all the "First Mates", the Club’s

Auxiliary for wives. While boats have been in dry dock, the First Mates have been raising funds through

their annual style show and other doings. Pat (Mrs. Roger) Mignery is President.

Carrying on the founders’ tradition of sharing the fun and skill of boating, classes for fledgling boaters

are an important part of each year’s schedule. Rich Hanks and Mike Kiss direct a program that grows

bigger every year, taking on all ages and levels of skill from novices as young as ten to sixty plus. (More

about this in another issue). The Club owns four Lasers (a single-sail, 16 footer), and is hoping to add two

more. Commodore Zeek (a power launch skipper himself), says ‘Sailboats still have that romance of the

true seafarer, but these classes teach everyone to have a real respect for the lake.’ He emphasizes the

need for this respect for any activities on or near the water and congratulates the Coast Guard for its

outstanding warning system on lake conditions. The weekly TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) socials at the

Club offer members and guests a chance to take up the offer of fellow members for a twilight sail.

As all boaters do, the Lady on the Lake could swap a lot of stories. Why, she even hosted the Pan-Am

Olympic game one year! But she has left most of the stories to Hartley Job, Director Emeritus of history

and by-laws, former Commodore who was there when it all began in 1933. In a speech given to the

Historical Society, he posed the question: "Let’s vision Michigan City without the lake. Without boating

and fishing. What would we have?" The resource of Lake Michigan as a factor in the City’s economy and

as a growth attraction has always been in Hartley’s vision. He points out one boat, a 30-foot

Newfoundland-style sloop as the pivot for boating interest. Built by Dad Ludwig for Bob Kellogg and

Doctor Warren and later owned by Warren, Harry Frey and Doctor Ferguson, it became a Ship for Sea

Scouts (Hugo Herbert was Skipper). It was there that Hartley along with others began the interest that

turned into a lifelong contribution to boating in Michigan City.

The old Armory building was the place for the first meeting when the idea of a yacht club began to

interest people, people like Harry Frey who became the first Commodore. In 1936 the formative club

purchased the Nolan Home and started a series of building phases that never seemed to stop. Hartley

can look at the walls of a second floor addition and say, "I helped hammer that." Many members built

their own boats, too -- Snipes and Lightnings, the same type used in the Pan-Am games of 1987. Their

launch was the coal chute at the Lutz property on the harbor, a tricky launch at its best.

Preserving the harbor for the growing interest in boating became a challenge for the newly formed club.

A dumping ground for city rubbish, the basin was becoming an endangered species. Members took on

the job of doing something about it. Marshalling the Schaffers, father and sons, an engineering study

was commissioned and in 1938. Federal funds were made available for a dredging of the basin. Since

then currents have maintained the levels of 8-feet south and 12-feet north established then though

shifting sands at the northern breakwater have affected that level in recent years.

Though the 40’s and 50’s names like Calvert, Hotchkiss, Moorman, Dean and Moss are threaded

throughout the Club’s history. Later, with the Park Board’s purchase of the Heisman property, the

names of Marina developers show up--Bensz, Goerg, Williams and Schnable. Matt Goerg took over basin

management at "Pop" Heisman’s death, put in slips and filled in an area where the wreck of an old barge

had been a concern for Yacht Club members since the 30’s. The end of the 50’s decade was coming. The

Yacht Club was no longer an adolescent. Boating and fishing were an integral part of Michigan City’s life

and economy. The scene was set for the next stage --- a Port Authority to enable future managed

growth and development. As Commodore in 1957 and 1958, Hartley Job had a leading role and Mark

Moorman’s Dunes Cafe would become the gathering place where plans would be laid. But that’s a

sequel. The Michigan City Yacht Club was growing up.

Avast Ye Landlubbers - The Yacht club is Wide Open to All Lake-Lovers

By Maggie Beyer

Volume 11, Number 21 Thursday, June 1, 1995

Gone are the days when a 30-foot sloop or premier power boat was the ticket to enjoying membership

in the Michigan City Yacht Club. Michigan City’s Dowager Queen of the lakefront is reaching out to hold

court for commoners, boating people, of course, but also those who just love the ambience of the lake.

"It’s a sign of the times," said Yacht Club manager, Dave Howe, who came on board to manage the club

in January. "People just don’t have the leisure time they used to have and it shows in how clubs like this

are used. You just don’t have the 40-hour work week of the good old days." Dave made his entrance

along with the New Year at the Club’s New Year’s Eve gala, bringing a broad background with him. "It

was a great entrance for me," he noted, "A chance to get to know the new Commodore Tom Blank, the

staff and other members, very, very rapidly."

Dave came to the Yacht Club from a hotel management company that gave him experience in managing

places like the Carleton Lodge and Holiday Star Resort in Merrillville where he did the purchasing for the

restaurant, convention center and theatre, food and beverage procuring as well as running its fine

dining restaurant; a Marriott Courtyard, hotels in Warsaw and Valparaiso, the construction and opening

of a new Fairfield Inn, and Mr. Steak were some other job experiences along the way. A native Hoosier,

Dave lives in Valparaiso with his wife, Patty, and daughters Loren and Christine, ages 5 and 6. The girls’

drawings hang behind his desk, and a framed photo has the banner that they are "Dad’s Fan Club"; Dad

in turn calls them his "two angels".

Sitting behind his desk, however, isn’t Dave’s management style. He prefers a hands-on style, pitching in

to do what’s needed, when it’s needed, because he’s been there, in the ranks. Dave is the archetypal

model for working your way through college; while going to Purdue’s Hotel and Restaurant

Management degree program in Hammond, he worked in a hotel kitchen by night. Continuing study is

still on Dave’s program as he continues classes at Purdue North Central, including one last spring in

Human Resources.

Right now, Dave isn’t interested in making a big splash and changing things at the Yacht Club. "I’m more

interested in getting to know the members and the club’s operation," he said. "Then we can apply some

of the things I’ve learned in the business. Working in a non-profit club like this is a little different than

working in the profit oriented commercial line I’ve been in. It’s a change, but it still comes down to

knowing your staff and your customers, who, in this case, are the members."

Last weekend, the Yacht Club kicked off its current membership drive with a big party and the grand

opening of the open air deck, the first of a season that will hold many events, including the upcoming

Columbia Race the weekend of June 10th. One of the management problems Dave and the Club faces is

the Spring and Summer surge when a barebones winter staff must expand to three times its size. The

outdoor deck is open for food service, and the new pavilion, built last year to replace a former tent, will

provide food and beverage service for the rafts of visiting boats that bring hundreds, even thousands, to

the Columbia and Tri-State races, and the marina‘s annual boat show. Building up a summer staff when

other local restaurants and shops are gearing up as well for summer trade, then slimming down for the

winter months, is a problem; however, it is not unknown for members and the Board of Directors to

pitch in and help when the big lakefront events occur.

Talking about the need for service staff, Dave said that it’s pretty well known that Michigan City has

become more of a service-oriented economy than its former industrial base; Lighthouse Place and The

Works and a growing list of restaurants, a case in point. "Without some real statistics in front of me, I

think that tourism is on the rise in Michigan City and will be what the city‘s potential will be based on

and revive it. It’s attractive to people from Chicago because it’s not that long of a drive, to enjoy the lake

and avoid the prices of Chicago. We’re probably a quarter of what it would cost to join a Chicago yacht

club."

Gearing up for a big event like the coming Columbia Race weekend makes the Yacht Club something

more than what we are the other 360 days of the year, Dave noted, with a semi-truck needed to bring in

and store food for the crowd. "Does it help to make a reservation at the club, some people ask?" Dave

continued. "Of course. It’s like giving a big party without knowing how many people are going to attend

and stretching your house to fit them all." A committee from the club will join in helping Dave prepare

for the 150 or more boats that will come in, and past experience has members pitching in to bus and

serve food, give bartenders a hand, whatever is needed.

Dave has some old hands at the Yacht Club that know the ropes to help through the busy times of

summer: On Walz the day cook, and Donna Glossenger, wait staff, have been around for 20 and more

years; Kathleen Roose, the dining room supervisor has been there for 10; even Hill Graff, chef, has seen

the club through two years of events. Dave is the first to say that the employees are the most important

ingredient in making the club attractive. "Your people, your employees represent you," he said, "You’re

only going to be as good as they are. You take care of your people and they’ll take care of your

customers or members in the case of the Club. I can’t stress enough how important people are in this

business."

Getting to know and enjoy people is the pitch that Rear Commodore Dan Hosna is using to encourage

membership in the Michigan City Yacht Club. The Club’s recent newsletter, The Windjammer, edited by

Mary Kelley, notes some of the upcoming events that make the MCYC people-friendly for new and

current members. Just in June, for instance, there is a roster that includes a Steak/Corn Roast, the

Columbia Race, a Photo/Boat Cook-out, Father’s Day Brunch, Stargazers Deck party, and a repeat of last

year’s outstanding Luau. And that’s just for openers of a full season ahead.

"The first event we’re sponsoring in our New Membership Drive is the Open House for boat owners in

the Marina," Dan Hosna said. "Then there will be another in July for condo and boat slip owners. Our

goal is to add 50 new members this year to bring the membership up to 300. We want to let them know

that the Club is a great place to have good food and drinks, and a great place to make new friends."

Mary Kelley added, "It’s also a great place to have private parties, a wedding or some other event. The

Club really does give good service and we have an excellent chef. And being a Club member makes you

feel you are part of something." To help newcomers become acquainted, there is a long-standing

tradition of The Round Table off the bar. Unlike the exclusive Captain’s Table on ocean liners, open only

by invitation, the Yacht Club’s Round Table is open to anyone dropping in. Just pull up a chair and make

yourself at home – singles welcome - is the standing invitation here.

Mary finds it easy to reminisce about the involvement of club members through the years. Started in

1933 when Harry Frey headed a drive for its organization, (one of the founders, Hartley Job, is now

Director Emeritus), Mary talks about the days when the Amberg’s sailing yacht Harem spilled over with

their four daughters (and one son, Edward J, III) and all their friends during sailing season. The Yacht

Club was founded to increase racing activities for sailboats and cruises for power boats; develop a Junior

Program, and carry on a social life both summer and winter for members - activities that are having a

renewal these days.

"Racing Round the Buoys" is underway this year, spear-headed by Vice Commodore of Sail, Jack Edds. In

conjunction with the Washington Park Sailing Club, the MCYC will sponsor five races this season that can

include family cruising sailboats and mark the beginning of a new impetus for racing now that ratings

have been simplified. He is also organizing a Junior Sail program for young sailors 8-14 years of age with

sailing instructor Captain Tim Dry. Three 3-week sessions are planned, using Optimist prams as the

instructional boat. If space is available, members may sponsor a youngster outside of their family circle.

For power boaters, John Dumelle Jr, Vice- Commodore Power, has planned several power cruises along

the coast, one in July going to the Chicago Yacht Club. For the less than serious boaters, there are some

other fun things planned - like the Inflatable Boat Regatta in July where anyone with an 8-foot dinghy (or

even a motored rowboat) can compete on a treasure hunt around the marina.

"The Yacht Club has always had a spirit of camaraderie. That’s what has built this club, that feeling

among its members" Mary said. "Of course we didn’t have the things we have now. Everyone was

swinging on cans, using dinghies to get out to their boat; everyone had sea stories. (They still do, piped

in son-in-law Dan)." "In the old days" Mary continued, "Everyone pitched in. There even used to be a call

each year for ‘screen painting days’ when everyone would come out and pitch in. Of course, we don’t do

that anymore. But the camaraderie is still there when we get together to help for the big races and boat

show." Mary Amberg Kelley puts that same feeling of friendliness into the newsletter she edits for the

Yacht Club.

Longtime members, the Amberg family began sail racing in the 1950’s when they built their first boat. A

love of sailing seeped into the family’s blood; daughter Maggi Spartz, now director of the Unity

Foundation, sailed many a Mac with her dad; daughter Susan is a Penguin racer out of Chicago, the

Frostbite Fleet, that races until the ice forms. When the "Skipper" became Commodore in 1970, Mary

resurrected the Windjammer and became its editor for seven years. Then after a hiatus of 20 years, she

became editor again last year.

Dan, who married the Amberg’s daughter, Jan, has a long history with the club as well. He started

crewing on the Skipper’s Harem, then moved on to his own sailboats, opting recently for a 31-foot

power boat, Paper Chase.

A walk along the Marina slips comes up with other names like Paper Chase that add a bit of whimsy to

their owner’s occupation. The years have seen boats like Big Mac III, who else but Rod Lubeznik; By

Goerg, Matthew Goerg, of course; Capital Gains, Charles Greenwald; Point Blank, Tom Blank, Burton

Ruby’s Rubaiyat, along with the noted names of the Reese’s Cadence, and Harmon’s Wizo just some that

have sailed the Big Mac race. They often dock at other yacht clubs along the Great Lakes, since

membership in the Michigan City Yacht Club means reciprocity with other yacht clubs, as well as Long

Beach and Pottawatomie Country Clubs.

A stargazing party on the deck, a Hawaiian Luau complete with fire-eaters, Power Cruises, the Clam

Bake, Casino Night for the public, Country Western, Wine Tasting, Halloween and Christmas parties, the

New Year’s Eve Gala, and Commodore’s Ball, plus a place to bring family and friends to meet and eat any

day of the week-all this and more is in store for members. And now that Racing Sails are on the docket,

there is an early morning weekend call for people interested in learning or sharpening sailing skills to

come and crew on a boat that might need extra hands.

With a reminder from Mary Kelley that: "the Michigan City Yacht Club is wide open for women, too. It’s

a great place with a great view for business lunches or just spending a social hour or two," she said. "We

were the first club in Michigan City to encourage women’s membership and they are very welcome."

And as Rear Commodore Dan steers the course for new members, he is also reaching out to all members

to volunteer for the Columbia Yacht Race weekend on June 10 and 11. Cooks, servers, beer wagon

people and breakfast wait people are needed. "It’s fun!" he said. "And a great way to get to know your

fellow club members." There will also be some yacht club shirts available for the helpers. The rest of the

landlubbers will have their own fun, watching the armada of soaring sails tack their way into the harbor,

just one of the perks of beach area life.

The Commodores

1933

In The Beginning-In 1933, the Michigan City Yacht Club began as a group of enterprising yachtsmen,

headed by newly elected Commodore Harry Frey, gathered to form an organization dedicated to the

promotion of yachting on our lakefront. Those involved were: Dr. Frank R. Warren, Charles A. Sprague,

John H. Lutz, H.H. Herbert, Paul Krueger, Earl B. Stover, and Edmund G. Browne. Mr. Browne applied for

the original charter which was granted by the Secretary of the State of Indiana on May 27, 1933.

1933-35

Harry Frey - Commodore

Frey was elected the newly formed organization’s first Commodore and continued to serve in that

capacity through 1935.

Of the people attending the first meeting of the Michigan City Yacht club, Hartley Job is the only

member still serving in 2002.

1936-1937

E G "Babe" Brown - Commodore

The plans for a clubhouse and boating facilities were the goal of our second Commodore.

1938

Dave Root – Commodore

The clubhouse dreams came to fruition when the last privately owned property in Washington Park was

found to be for sale. The price of the property was $3,500 A successful plan was developed by T.M.

Blackwood and James Dram to sell 140 member-ships at $25 each to raise the necessary purchase price.

Until 1938 the membership was limited to the original 140 members.

Immediate remodeling of the old squatter’s home (Nolan by name) by ambitious members was

begun.

1939- 40

H. H. Herbert - Commodore

A basement to contain a locker room and washrooms was completed.

The first foundation work collapsed and had to be rebuilt.

Construction of the west room lounge (this is the dining room today) and a sail loft were completed

in 1940 - 1941 under Commodore T.M. Blackwood and was the first professional work of any

proportion that had entered the construction.

The old building was razed and the basement excavated for the construction of the Taproom.

In 1940, we added a screen door at the main entrance that was designed by Mark Moorman and

built and installed by Harry Frey.

The Windjammer was printed on green paper and was full of news and original cartoons and

drawings by Frank Hopkins.

Mr. Ralph Green, captain of the U.S.C.G.R, was a guest and speaker at the June meeting of the

MCYC. He spoke on the compass and its use.

The common name for the Columbia race was the Chicago-Michigan City race.

There were over 80 visitors who arrived on out-of-town yachts this summer.

The first issue of the WINDJAMMER, under the editor, T.M. Blackwood, was dated July 1, 1939.

Chances were sold on a splendid boat and motor to be awarded to the holder of the lucky receipt

showing the purchase of a 25-cent cement block to be used in further club house construction.

George Davis was our new steward.

In August we hosted the National regatta and anticipated 40 National one-design sloops. To make

reservations at the Spaulding hotel after the race, guests were asked to call Vice Commodore J.

Drain whose phone number was 115.

Five new members were accepted in July.

J.G. Dean wrote about the Chicago-Mackinac race and bemoaned the fact that there was hardly any

wind, but swarms of flies. It took their boat 70 hours to finish. He said, "We are so darn tired that we

can hardly see, so you are pretty lucky to get even this excuse for news."

The Coast Guard chief, F.R. DeRosia, wrote interesting columns for the Windjammer.

There were 11 boats who raced each week.

G.W. Schaeffer of the U.S. Corps of Engineers reminisced a bit about Michigan City back in 1908 -"

The engineering department deepened the then narrow gap in the east pier to 60-feet so that

visiting power boats could get into the basin. The Lighthouse people wouldn’t raise the overhead

bridge so that kept out the sail yachts. 1 can recall many pleasant vacation periods spent at anchor

on my own boat which was the only boat in the basin, except the few operated by Mr. Heisman."

The showers had been plastered and were ready for permanent use.

The porch roof and supporting columns were installed, needing only the eaves to complete it.

The lighting of the lawn with mast head lamps really made our little club a most attractive spot at

night.

Additional paneling completed the locker room to accommodate visitors during the big regatta.

1941

T. M. Blackwood - Commodore

The new Commodore announced payment in full of the original loan to purchase club property. He also

told of plans to finish the basement and furnace room.

1942

T. M. Blackwood - Commodore.

Twenty percent of the club membership was in the armed services.

Red and Mary Baber were the new stewards.

Mr. Marion (Mellor) Biel presented the flag pole and the club bought a new radio/Victrola.

Palmer Myron closed the season by falling in the basin.

1943

T. M. Blackwood - Commodore.

A wartime economy...gasoline rationing.

E.G. Brown was named commander of the Coast Guard Reserve to man the local Coast Guard

Station replacing the regular crew that had left for sea duty.

Club surgeon, Dr. R. L. Kerrigan, opened the swimming season on March 12...kept all his clothes on

for warmth.

There were 50 yachts entered in the Columbia Yacht Club race.

1944

T.M. Blackwood – Commodore

The Commodore submitted plans for clubhouse enlargement.

Gas rationing still in effect.

Local coast guard station operated by club members.

Bob Moss and Ray Rape co-chair the 2nd annual Beachcomber’s Bail. The write-up in the

Windjammer by John Coulter was a real hoot as he wrote it as an illiterate red neck. "What with all

the good fun and lousy singing and so on the party should ought to be writ up rite good but don’t do

two good a job or them folks what weren't there will feel pretty bad.”

The clubhouse has two new coats of paint and had gold leaf on the front door.

The Windjammer was being sent to members in the armed services. This delivery was greatly

appreciated as they wrote letters home which were then printed in the Windjammer.

The 1944 (our fifth) yearbook was edited by T.M. Blackwood. It was dedicated to our members in

the armed forces. This year we had 10 Life Members, 132 regular members, 25 Junior members, 12

non-resident members (all from Chicago), 7 honorary members and 3 1 military members.

The annual match race between the LaPorte Yacht Club and the MCYC was held in September and

raced on Pine Lake. The Junior Yacht Club members also competed, but the MCYC boat crews were

surprised what Pine Lake had to offer and were defeated 62 points to 47 points.

1945

T.M. Blackwood - Commodore

Harry Frey exhibited plans for the club improvement.

Bingo parties were a great success.

Bill Whelan loses arm in war accident.

Andy Elko lost in action aboard sub SHARK.

W.O. Kohn Hemming decorated by Field Marshall Montgomery somewhere in Germany with the

Order of the British Empire for meritorious service.

War ends.

This year we had 3 life members, 30 regular members and 9 junior members, all of whom were in

the military.

The civilian members totaled 163.

1946

Leslie Schaeffer - Commodore

Members are returning from war duty.

G.C. Calvert named to membership committee of the LMYA.

Bill Whelan was annual dinner speaker.

Winter skating was good.

The 1946 yearbook was dedicated to Peace.

We had 25 life members and 191 other members.

1947

G.C. Calvert - Commodore

Club officials and Park Board chairman, T.C. Mullen, met with Colonel W.P. Trower, U.S. Engineer

officer in charge of this district, to seek state aid in soil erosion survey of Lake Michigan shore.

There were 180 clam hungry boaters attending the 2nd annual Clam Bake.

Peter Urnes returned from world cruise aboard brigantine YANKEE.

Tap room and basement, which were part of phase I of the new building program, were added.

We had 29 Life Members and 202 other members.

1948

G.C. Calvert - Commodore

Plans were made to:

o Add a first floor to the east end on top of the basement.

o Equip the new kitchen.

o Add a second floor.

Mrs. George Fomey was the new steward.

Pi Johnson, sailing a Turn, outscored all other skippers in the Toronto regatta in the Canadian

National exhibit. Walter Bauer was crewman.

1949-1950

Herb Zilly – Commodore

Pep Calvert and Henry Young are new co-editors of the Windjammer, relieving Bill Blackwood as

editor.

Grand opening on April 23, 1949.

Kitchen closed down for installation of the new galley.

Dues increase from $10 to $20 a year.

1951

Bob Vail - Commodore

Locker room refurbished.

Plans were made for members to complete the second floor apartment.

Slot machines were ruled illegal and had to be removed. Club’s income drastically reduced.

1952

Pi Johnson - Commodore

"Dad" Heisman died March 17.

There were 200 members and guests who attended the spring dinner dance.

1953

Pi Johnson Commodore again??

Co-editors of the WINDJAMMER were John and Barb Heming.

1954

Russ Segelstrom named Commodore

There were 70 boats in the Columbia race and eight Michigan City boats participated.

1955

Ken Young, Commodore

MCYC defeated Columbia yacht club in a bowling match.

The Viking Room was air conditioned with a screened in porch.

Michigan City versus Bums Harbor for a deep water port became interesting conversation.

1956

Ken Young, Commodore

We celebrated the burning of the mortgage obtained during construction of phases I and II.

1957

Hartley Job, Commodore

This was a year of big parties and much activity.

In March the New Buffalo Yacht Club was organized.

During April, members discussed the formation of a local chapter of the U.S. Power Squadron.

November saw the reorganization of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Harry and Ruth Morrison were club stewards.

Plans were afoot for a junior sailing program.

The clubhouse was painted and new outside lights were installed.

The booths were refinished in the Taproom.

There were 320 members this year.

Governor Handly was an honorary member.

The Windjammer bunch consisted of Editor Bob Lievensee, Bill Udell, Hal Wellman, Dick Blank and

Eldon Coons. It took a I and a 1/2 cent stamp to mail one.

We had six Lightning’s in our fleet

There were over 100 boats in the Venetian Night Parade.

We had over 300 in attendance the night of the Lobster Pot.

Our flagpole was painted for $75

There were over 2,000 boats in Michigan City.

New lamps were bought for the lounge.

"Who hocked the hook?" was the hue and cry from members when they discovered that the ships

anchor we had in the yard disappeared during the Tri-State race weekend.

This was the year they started charging a fee to get into the park.

Two new phone booths and an intercom system were installed in the club. One phone booth was in

the Junior Room.

1958

Hartley Job, Commodore

We were all were looking forward to another year of parties. The Michigan City News Dispatch was

around to take pictures and write about the parties.

January came and plans were announced for a series of public courses in boat handling.

Harry Morrison was steward.

At the February meeting, Commodore Job called for consideration of clubhouse enlargement. In

March, plans were presented for additional room and improvements to the club house. A fact-

finding committee was appointed in April to seek cost relative to building. The motion to proceed

was defeated by a majority of sailors.

This was the first year of a Junior Sailing program to teach children how to sail. It was handled by

Aled Davies who continued the program for the next few years.

In September, the Commodore reported the general fund was up and the bar proceeds down.

"Skeets" O’Dell, steward, became ill with TB. A big party was thrown to raise money for him.

We asked for a loan of $20,000 to put an addition on the east wing. At that time the Viking Room

had a large window overlooking the lawn. The proposed 20’ by 40’ addition off the front would

create a cocktail lounge, a cloak room, table and chair storage and a proposed terrace area. If a

basement were to be created, then the cost would rise by $1,500. The plans were received with

overwhelming enthusiasm by members.

The stewards, Ruth and Harry Morrison, went on vacation to Florida but were back in February.

A new refrigerator was donated to the galley and everything was a glistening white after a facelift.

The New Buffalo Yacht Club requested that copies of the Windjammer be sent to their officers.

The NBYC held a successful dance at the Rio and many MCYC members were there for the fun.

The Social calendar was filled with many parties including an Easter Ham bingo party in March,

Spring Fever Party, Beachcomber’s Ball, Lobster Pot and the Christmas String Ensemble party.

The bowling game in the Taproom had some serious contenders, one member had 17 games of 200

or more. One member actually had a perfect game Of 300. There were many prize winners.

1959

John Fendt - Commodore

A very active junior program under Alan Davies. There were instructions for 12-to-18 year olds. Of

the 35 who completed this year, two were Larry Job and Dan Spyhalski.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary was actively teaching boating.

Steve Roumel of New Buffalo visited MCYC asking members to appear at a hearing to support the

construction of a refuge harbor at New Buffalo. Over 300 attended the hearing.

The Gary Boat Club was moved by Midwest Steel from Bums Ditch to New Buffalo.

The Lightning Fleet discussed plans for hosting the Midwest District Championship.

The Michigan City Port Authority began a plan to develop a basin for pleasure boats and were

looking at the harbor for commercial crafts. This became a big concern for the club because of the

following situations:

o The tremendous increase in pleasure boating in Michigan City.

o Industry was looking at Michigan City as a commercial port. Dredging would solve the

problems of slips for pleasure boats. It would also solve the problem of industrial

shipping in the river.

The editor said, "The Michigan City Yacht Club is qualified as no other group to voice good judgment in

these matters and the possibilities for mishandling are alarming."

Jack Keane was editor of the Windjammer.

Rudy and Thelma Krueger were our congenial hosts in the galley and bar.

The Great Lakes Star championship was held in Michigan City.

The first Sailing Dinghy fleet of 18 boats was organized.

U.S. Power Squadron had its debut this year. It was organized with 27 members.

1960

Mark Moorman - Commodore

In March District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps, Chicago, was directed to make a survey and report on

the advisability of further navigational improvements in our harbor.

The Coast Guard installed a new diaphragm on the fog horn. It is now known as "the big burp."

Past Commodore, Les Schaeffer, died.

There were 39 graduates from the Power Squadron courses.

Plans were submitted by the Park Board and Port Authority for developing a yacht harbor.

The year ended with a fire that destroyed that famous "Haven of missing yachtsmen" - the pavilion

at Saugatuck.

We had a Venetian Night parade with 200-300 boats entered.

Miss Indiana was here and we had a Tommy Bartlett water show.

1961

Bob Lievensie - Commodore

The Club had a new facelift. The dining room was moved to the lounge, the Viking Room was

changed to the lounge and the Junior room renovated to use as a meeting room.

There were 400 members and guests to celebrate the remodeling.

Rudy and Thelma continued to be in charge of the galley.

Bill Whelan, one of the best known and loved personalities in Chicago yachting, died.

We had another fine dinner dance with 130 people attending.

Mallory Cup eliminations were held in Michigan City.

MCYC hosted the Hoosier regatta by the Lightning Fleet.

Dick Kimble was editor of the Windjammer this year.

A skin divers club was formed, but no one seemed to know much about it.

The barge, the CLAMDIGGER, went aground in a storm when her towline snapped. There were five

men on board, all of whom were rescued after nine hours. Fax Ernst and Rudy Kreiger were among

the rescuers.

After many hours of decorating by members, the club looked downright glamorous for our Open

House in April.

Rudy and Thelma Krueger resigned as our stewards.

1962

Bernard Solberg Commodore

Lake Michigan reached an all-time low of 575.80 feet above sea level.

In May petitions were circulated for up-stream dredging to E Street.

Juniors announced a re-organizational meeting and elected Dan Spyhalski as Junior Commodore.

Captain Eddy, WWII wizard, brought his 40’ Junk into the harbor. It sported red sails and the interior

looked like a giant Heath kit.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary was scuttled. Attempts to reorganize it proved futile.

Dick Thomburgh was editor of the Windjammer and was grateful for volunteer typists to type the

copy.

The Michigan City Power Squadron held its first meeting with the election of officers for 1962-63.

After they received their charter, they started teaching classes.

We had an amazingly large racing schedule.

Great Lakes Marine purchased the Smith Brothers property. A drawing of the proposed building was

done by Jack Keane and printed in the May issue of the Windjammer. The building was to be called

the Marine building and have a general rental store, as well as a retail division for boating goods and

boats. Also planned was winter storage in four different warehouses.

1963

Bernard Solberg - Commodore

Lou and Lil Lombardi retired after three years of club stewardship.

We had a new color TV in the Taproom and it was hoped that raffles, tip boards etc. would pay for

it.

A stag golf tournament was held in June. After the day on the course, a dinner was served and many

prizes were awarded.

The St. Pat’s party was so well attended that we had to set up tables in the lounge, hall and dining

room.

We had a robbery at the club in February. The display near the front door was broken into and all

the merchandise was stolen.

Plans were underway for the "Fitting Out" party.

Spearheaded by Evelyn Solberg, the fashion show, with clothes from Grieger’s, went off in April. In

addition to the modeling, there was also a skit and music by Artie Zimm and his band.

We had an Open House and expected over 100 boats to tie up here.

We had a lot of social exchanges with the New Buffalo Yacht Club and the Gary Boat Club.

1964

Richard Thornburgh - Commodore

Thornburgh was still editing the Windjammer. Dick Kimball took over in June.

About 30 members and children dragged out the old Christmas decorations and had fun figuring out

what to do with them, but even so, the club ended up looking quite festive. With the fire going in

the fireplace, they had a delicious pot-luck dinner with the storm brewing outside.

The Christmas party was well attended and the MCYC symphony quintet made up of Jean

Segelstrom, Harriet Spyhalski, Mildred Klein, Fritz Chrisman and Ruth Werdine played carols for

singing.

MCYC lost Harry Schnable, owner of Schnable Boat Mart in LaPorte.

In January there were 17 hardy souls who braved the cold to go on a hay ride. Afterwards they met

at the club for a chili supper. They were looking for more ads to help cover the cost of the

Windjammer.

The Port Authority said that they would dredge Trail Creek as far as Goerg’s Marine so that it would

be five feet deep and 50 feet wide. The water was so low that some didn’t know if they could launch

or not.

We were trying to revamp the Junior Sailing program.

Editor Richard Thornburgh told us that it was a long time between issues of the Windjammer

because three of our advertisers failed to send their checks in to cover the 12 issues. However, he

was able to mail out a December issue because one of our members gave him a generous cash

donation.

1965

Wilbur Schroeder, Commodore.

He revealed plans for the proposed marina and the Windjammer carried a two page picture of the

proposed development. Ex Coast Guard, George Olsen, was named as first Marina Superintendent

of the newly completed Washington Park marina.

1966

Ken Olsen - Commodore

We hustled in 30 new members.

This year saw the sailing of the 75th annual Columbia Yacht Club race to our city.

Leo Taylor took over as the manager for the Port Authority.

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rork were our new stewards. They were also managing the Baily Homestead.

Our galley was closed during the summer months. But we had another grand opening in November

with a fish fry and the Feather Party.

The club really looked festive for Christmas after 30 of our eager members decorated the club for

the holidays. Their efforts were accompanied by member Larry Hill who played the organ.

Our galley opened with new managers and a new menu: Broiled Lake Superior whitefish almandine -

$2.75, New York Strip steak - $4.95, Prime rib - $3.75. Hamburger with lettuce and tomato - 65

cents.

1967

Norm Cipres, Commodore.

Unfortunately we found no written record for this year.

1968

Dr. Thomas Armstrong - Commodore

There was a lot of discussion about adding a "First Mates" or women’s auxiliary to the club.

The Michigan City harbor was dredged to "E" Street and head of navigation extended from 6th

Street to "E" Street.

In August we received an 8"x14" sheet in the mail that shouted "Welcome back to the

Windjammer!"

During the summer, according to the Commodore, we had a very successful L.M.Y.A. Open house,

about 80 boats came in representing 22 clubs. We had caterer George Brown serve a total of 193

delicious dinners and before departing in the morning, crews enjoyed rolls and coffee.

Our sail squadron was very active with racing and the Treasure Hunt.

Our social calendar was full and we needed the support of the members.

Wives of members tossed around ideas of how the women could help with the success of the club.

Evelyn Solberg put a powder puff jar in the Taproom which collected approximately $15 to pay for a

new lamp shade. During the L.M.Y.A. Open House, some of the gals sold chances on bottles of booze

and grossed $120. This will pay for the shutters for three windows in the upstairs lounge. Fax Ernst

was drafted to paint and install the shutters. They said these were a big improvement over the

drawn drapes which were always getting wet, sun-faded and rotting.

The treasure hunt sponsored by the sail squadron in July brought out the "terrier" in those

attending. People were running all over the beach pawing in the sand looking for the prizes that

were really handsome!

This was the year we sponsored jointly the inaugural race from Michigan City to St. Joe. The race

was dismal as the wind disappeared, so we had to motor up to enjoy the hospitality of the SJRYC.

1969

Bob Freier Commodore

Bob Hershey starts as club manager and brings activities back to club.

Snowmobiling was the popular pastime for some of our members during the winter. The group

would rendezvous at the club for cocktails and dinner after some vigorous outdoor activity.

Women were being told that our ballroom was an ideal place for a Bunco game or a fashion show,

hoping to get some activity going.

Manager Bob Hershey wrote in his Windjammer column that our improvements were many: A new

bar designed for your drinking pleasure. New carpeting to enhance the decor. Beautiful new

silverware compliments your dinner. A piano bar giving your group that intimate feeling. The Eye

catching neon sign to identify your club. Comfortable banquet chairs to make our banquets more

successful.

The entertainment committee wanted to know if the members wanted a New Year’s Eve Party and

sent out a request form in the Windjammer.

Apparently the Halloween party was hastily planned, but the buffet was excellent and some of the

costumes were pretty clever and funny.

An item in the Windjammer noted that the club has a public address system with microphones to

aid in the delivery of your speech.

In the November issue, Phyllis Job said that it was decided to put out a Windjammer again so

members will know what’s going on at the club. The reporters are not good but cheap.

The annual tree trimming party was held in December and members were told to bring their own

table service and drinks. Also a hot dish and a salad or dessert. The fire in the fireplace and

Christmas carols ended the evening.

There was a live radio broadcast emceed from our dining room at noon Tuesday thru Friday on

WMCB FM. We were encouraged to come for lunch and participate in the discussions.

Everyone loved the Feather Party in November.

1970

Lawrence (Bud) Lang - Commodore

A new membership program started which increased membership in the club.

The bar and galley were closed in February this year to give our manager, Bob Hershey, a vacation.

The gals were raving about how nice the ladies lounge upstairs looked. New paneling, new carpeting

and a fancy new lavatory was installed.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary had their Change of the Watch dinner in January. Bernie Solberg became

the Commodore.

1971

E.J. (Ted) Amberg- Commodore

The clubhouse sported a new roof.

The dining room was refurbished. (Dick Van Schehema offered the professional design services from

their bank business)

A new floor went into the kitchen.

The Sailing committee ordered five new C-Larks for club use.

A new junior room was created.

Seven of our boats entered the Chicago-Mackinac race.

Mary Amberg (Kelley) became editor of the Windjammer.

Our Junior Yacht Club was organized for the season. George Callum donated several OWL hulls to

the club. Members rallied and finished all the boats. Roger Pecen was Commodore and Jan Amberg

(Hosna) was Secretary.

The club sponsored adult sailing classes both basic and intermediate.

Manager Bob Hershey brought a baby grand piano into the lounge and put up a blue neon sign in

the dining room window. He had envisioned a piano lounge (that didn’t last long).

The club held its first boat navigational contest known as the Ralph Green and sixteen boats were

entered.

We held our first MCYC Invitational Regatta which was a huge success with 60 boats starting. Power

boat skippers offered their vessels as committee boats.

There were over 100 guests, parents and junior sailors at the annual Junior Awards banquet.

We had seven MCYC boats in the Chicago-Mac race this year.

The "Harbors and Rivers Committee" was formed. To become a member of this auspicious group

you had to have fallen in the drink. We had a surprisingly large membership.

Bertha was our cook and nobody could do perch the way she did.

Bob Hershey, our previous manager, died from a heart attack.

The Corps of Engineers spent most of the summer repairing our breakwalls.

George Keeley and Dick Kimball constructed some new dinghy racks for us.

We had a good turnout for the Feather Party considering the nasty weather. Afterwards, there was

dancing and singing to the music of Andy th’ Dandy in the Taproom.

Dave Brown, our new manager, and Andy Anderson (th’ Dandy) lived in the stewards quarters

upstairs.

Dave, with the help of bus boys and a lot of Brasso, set up the old binnacle and the cannons

(complete with fuses) in the foyer to create a salty scene. We were looking forward to a booming

year.

One of our most favorite Coast Guard Chiefs was Joe Kraynak who contributed to the Windjammer

each month. We had great camaraderie with the Coasties.

We had an "Operation Clean Sweep" in November when members were in every nook and cranny of

the building sorting out junk, re-stowing and throwing out what looked like a mountain of debris.

The Taproom was the biggest job when everything was moved out and the walls and floor were

scrubbed squeaky clean along with all the furniture, light fixtures and paintings.

The remodeling of the Junior Room is a milestone in the history of the club. The work began with

the wrecking crew. The room was completely stripped to the cement block walls. After a clean-up

crew removed all the debris, the work began in earnest. The floor had to be broken and re-poured

to blanket the existing drain and to level the whole floor. New heating ducts were installed. The

beams were reinforced and the lolly columns were removed. The existing iron beams were boxed in

with rough cedar. A completely new wiring system was installed for adequate lighting as well as wall

outlets. Plumbing was installed for the new sink. The walls, being badly out of plumb, were studded

to square things up a bit. Wallboard was installed and then covered with paneling to insure better

insulation. The new drop ceiling was installed along with the light fixtures and finished heating

vents. New doors were hung, and everything, then was stained and varnished. The installation of

the carpeting was the last of the major work. This, then, is our contribution to the progress of the

club. The idea for this project was conceived, planned and executed by Bob Frier, but not without

the help of the many, whose names shall go into the annals of club history with gratitude for their

patience, talent, contributions and most of all, their time.

In 1971, our club was valued at $85,000 but has had no major renovations for 10 years.

Commodore Amberg, in his November Windjammer letter, said, "With more new slips and boaters,

the MCYC must lead boating in Michigan City or be swallowed by it".

1972

William A. Kenefick - Commodore

The new Commodore promised implementation of the building program, a membership drive and

club remodeling and expansion.

Membership drive underway.

Director’s room was redecorated.

Club officers approved remodeling plans.

Commodore submitted plans for a land based VHF-FM radio station which became a reality with the

Call letters KTR-941.

Windjammer displayed a proposed club exterior. Monday, April 10 groundbreaking ceremonies.

Commodore Kenefick sets June 24 for the purpose of inspecting the new club facilities and

rededication of the club.

In June, the local Power Squadron won the Midwest "N" Club educational award at Chicago

ceremonies. The trophy is on exhibit.

On July 1, Juniors participated in the Sears Cup championships in Chicago.

Harbormaster Jim Badgley reports timbers and railroad ties are a harbor hazard. Penn Central is

asked to do something about the railroad bridge which is falling apart.

In the past two months we have lost two Commodores - Mark Moorman and John Fendt.

There were 200 boaters on hand for the Annual Lobster Pot.

There were 10 MCYC boats entered in the annual Tri-State race. Commodore Kenefick said that we

were second only to the Chicago Yacht Club with our active sailing fleet.

We had a lot of competition when the bowling machine was in the Taproom.

Our manager, Dave Brown, bought an electronic piano for the "Pickled Peppers", our home-grown

musical group led by Andy th’ Dandy, our in-house musician and poet.

We also had the Dave Brown "Regretta", a race down the creek in the club’s owl fleet. It was a real

hoot.

Women and Junior sailors pitched in to pick up mountains of debris in the yard and weed, rake and

water the grounds.

The furniture truck arrived with the new dining room furniture and 30 people were on band to

unload and set up the furniture before the club opened in the morning to greet the Columbia fleet.

The T.G.I.F. nights were memorable. Zona Harman made a big and beautiful TGIF flag that was flown

on Friday nights. The cannon was shot off to welcome the weekend.

We built our lending library.

"Funnelating" was the big rage. Crews were filling balloons with water and pitching them at

innocent bystanders and other crew men. It was the rage until someone was seriously hurt. End of

rage.

We were all enjoying the world famous sailor, Peter Barrett, when the police came in and said there

was a potential race riot in the park and that we should leave quickly

This was the year the Boating Safety Act was passed. This meant that now the Coast Guard could

board your boat to make sure you had proper safety equipment.

We had Happy Hour every day between 5 and 6:30 p.m. with cocktails costing 50 cents and dinners

were served Friday and Saturday nights ONLY during the winter months.

We hosted an LMYA Open House with 55 guest boats.

Ground-breaking for the new addition to the dining room was held in April. In June, we dedicated

the addition. Many members took part in the construction and the decorating to ready the room for

Columbia Yacht Club sailors.

This year there was much damage to the shores and homes along the lake due to high water levels

and storms. The area was featured in the National Geographic magazine which showed the houses

that fell into the lake and local people filling sand bags.

We were upset by the poor service from the U.S. Postal service. It was taking up to a month for the

Windjammer to be delivered to Chicago and suburbs. The Nat’1 Assoc. of Professional Bureaucrats

gave its annual award to the Postal service for "Snailistic movement of the special delivery mail" and

a salute for it "dynamic inaction for forthright twiddlism".

We sent our junior sailors to the Columbia yacht Club to compete in the Sears Cup.

1973

Eugene Robinson - Commodore

Phyllis Job begins her 15th year as the Windjammer’s roving correspondent.

The taproom was completely redone. A ceiling was put up where there was a gaping hole, a salty

light fixture adorned a cozy corner area. Walls were scrubbed and waxed. The bar was stripped of its

Formica cover and it was discovered that the bar top had been made out of pear wood. It was

stripped of old varnish, re-stained and took many coats of bar varnish

The Windjammer was desperate for a typewriter. All of our typing was done with borrowed

machines that made it difficult to read the copy after it was printed, so we had a BIG rummage sale

to make money for an IBM Selectric. We came up $100 short of our goal and the board refused to

give us the difference. We had to settle for a cheaper one. A few years later, the machine gave up

and the club bought a new IBM Selectric for a higher price.

Jack Sheets was our cook.

New paneling was put up in the women’s head downstairs to cover unsightly cracks and falling walls.

We had a handcrafted box covered with soap labels for people who wanted to make speeches, a

popular pastime that year.

We had a lot of inter-club camaraderie with the New Buffalo Yacht Club.

There were six MCYC boats entered in the Chi-Mac.

We hosted an LMYA Open House again this year with 65 boats arriving with 225 people aboard and

18 cars and 52 people. There were 249 dinners served.

Club members were sailing vicariously with Vince Poczik, a club member who decided to sail around

the world in a 25-foot boat. He would send films of his travels and they would be developed here

and posted on a big board in the foyer, along with his letters. Mike Milligan made us a time chart so

that we could track his voyage.

Jan Greenwald was heading up the Junior Sail program this year.

Our social committee was comprised of 13 people, six married couples and one stag.

This was the year NIPSCO put the strobe lights on its stack.

We had a marvelous vaudeville show with all MCYC talent.

At the Commodore’s Ball we celebrated our 40th anniversary. The taproom was opened afterwards

having been closed for remodeling.

Suzette and her "models in motion" gave us a beautiful fashion show.

During the racing season the club served brunch on Sundays from 10 to 2.

The power fleet scheduled six events and the fishermen scheduled seven separate days for their

fishing contest.

The Michigan City News Dispatch carried our race results.

We had a rip-roarin’ party to clean up the yard.

1974

Fred Kahn - Commodore

The Junior Sailing program was in full swing.

Two of our members donated mercury vapor lights and installed them along the sea wall. Also

donated were the steel pilings.

We had 17 cribbage players in heavy competition on Saturdays during the winter.

George Lundeen built our new trophy case.

We had special gourmet dinners every weekend, flaming roast duck ala orange, chateaubriand,

steak teriyaki and complete lobster dinner during March.

Andy th’ Dandy, our in-house musician and poet, entertains the girls 1974.

1975

Dr. Richard Murphy - Commodore

We all enjoyed the Dunes Cup Trophy match races. Like boats from two different clubs competed in

buoy races.

In the middle of October, sidewalks, buildings, cars and boats were consistently covered with

NIPSCO soot fallout.

We were really lucky to have a handyman extraordinaire on the payroll.

The trustee report told us that we incurred a $19,000 loss from poor operations in the galley and

bar.

We had a lively cribbage group during the winter and in March they held their awards dinner.

1976

Michael Milligan - Commodore

We had a blessing of the fleet on a cold rainy day in May. Father Charles Doyle officiated.

Willard Harman’s WIZO placed first in section after the Chi-Mac this year.

We lost Palmer Myron.

We were upset because NIPSCO spit out its uglies all over the boats in our Venetian Night parade.

We had 37 boats entered this year. Andy th’ Dandy and his Dixieland group entertained the

spectators.

There were 12 boats entered in the Ralph Green contest.

Chris May came on board as our new manager.

We received a new table tennis table as a donation. This was set up in the junior room and there

were many hot battles.

The Treasurer’s report indicated that for the past two months of the year, the club will lose $11,000,

while the galley and bar will make $15,000 leaving a net surplus of $4,000.

Pam Brown took over as editor of the Windjammer.

We had nice long, interesting articles in the Windjammer written by Harbormaster Jim Maule.

We had a fish bake this year with over a hundred pounds of fish being donated and prepared by

MCYC fisherfolks.

The Gary Post Tribune gave mighty nice write-ups on the Dunes Cup Races. These races pitted like

boats against like boats and good seamanship was rewarded.

This year we had 18 members in the Cribbage Tourney group.

1977

Richard Van Scheltema - Commodore

We remodeled and enlarged the dining room and put new equipment in the galley.

We sponsored a club fishing contest, a Ralph Green Navigational contest and a predicted log

contest.

We installed a new TV in the bar.

Chris May was our manager and John Ruff was our chef.

This was the year of the "deep Freeze". Even by March no one could believe that this wasn’t the

beginning of another ice age.

We had a very nice Venetian Night parade and afterwards the boats went around the lighthouse to

watch the fireworks.

We lost Dr. Tom Armstrong.

We threw a "Basin Street Bash" on Memorial Day weekend that featured great food and a Dixieland

band. Manager Chris May had to turn away customers because WC were so packed.

1978

Dr. Peter Pilecki - Commodore

Our manager Chris May resigned leaving staff and club members to run the club until we hired

James Hoyne.

The road around the marina was repaved and the breakwall was replaced.

We put up a tent for the Columbia race crews and a heavy wind came up and tore off the top of the

tent. Everyone ran for the club or their boats. The storm lasted all night.

We had a great fish bake with the fish donated and prepared by club fisherfolks.

1979

Gene Burrows - Commodore

Charles Pressley is the new manager who came to us from the Whitehall Hotel in Chicago.

Members banded together to clean and redecorate the Taproom. It was done in nautical style and

featured a pub menu, games and activities and informal attire. Jack Keane spearheaded the work.

We had a plant drive for the new wing because we needed more greenery.

This was the first year that you had to have a parking sticker in order to park west of the monument.

Father Charles Doyle blessed our fleet this year.

As of May 15, the club was open for dinners.

There were Five Divisions in the sailing fleet with 42 boats participating in the races.

This was the year we got a new phone number 879-3363.

Ten boats competed in the MCYC fishing contest. There were five Chinooks caught that weighed

over 17 pounds. Fish were donated and prepared by the fisherfolk. There was Coho stuffed with

shrimp, sweet and sour salmon and barbecued salmon. Chef Omsby put out a beautiful salad table.

Jebbie Smith was entertaining in the Tap Room every Friday night. Members enjoyed her guitar

music.

Nancy Porter and Janice Duffy were editing the Windjammer.

Power boaters enjoyed the challenge of the Ralph Green competition and had a special Power

Awards dinner.

Our manager Charley Pressley left the club.

1980

John F. McDonald - Commodore

The club saw two new managers, Jim Peny and Bruce Natale.

A membership drive was held which resulted in many new members.

Marti McDonald was editing the Windjammer.

The club was serving Sunday brunches.

We had a record 65 new members listed in August. In October, we had 19 more new members.

We had a Frost Bite series from Sept 21 thru Oct. 12.

Our Junior Sail program continued to be a success.

A new flag pole was donated by Alan Hill and Ron Muckway, which flew a new burgee on November

3.

There were only 12 boats entered in the Venetian Night parade. This was the first year of the In-

Water Boat show. Hartley Job was a real mover and shaker for this event.

1981

Alan Hill - Commodore

Members voted to start a minimum billing system which was immediately begun.

The First Mates organization was reinstated after many years.

Mabel Fisher and Gail Walker were co-editors of the Windjammer.

Russ Johnson listed 13 things that needed doing to improve the condition of the club. Many

members rallied to the call and accomplished much.

The bar featured 21 different beers from as many countries.

Bruce Natalie was our club manager and Don Martin was our chef.

Members contributed many dollars to buy a “Radar Range ".

Dick Kacena donated and delivered a 675-pound safe.

There were 22 boats entered in the MCYC fishing contest. Two Chinooks over 19 pounds were

caught. The ensuing fish-fry was a great success.

The second Annual In Water Boat show was being held in August.

During Happy-hours Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 7, all drinks were half-price.

We lost Ted Albers.

We had a "Parking Lot" rummage sale in October.

Ron Halus wrote a fishing column for the Windjammer which told all there was to know about the

current fishing scene. The social calendar showed a full schedule of events which were all well-

attended.

The New Buffalo Yacht club captured the Dunes Cup trophy this year for the first time since 1975.

The First Mates organization was reestablished.

Wow! We even had a Thanksgiving Day buffet!

In October, a $25 minimum went into effect.

At the Sail Awards banquet, 180 dinners were served.

This was the year that our cook, On Walz, had a serious auto accident.

1982

Lewis "Corky" Noe – Commodore (Beginning of the year)

Bruce Wyman – Commodore (End of the year)

Improvements were many: kitchen equipment and floor new windows, trophy case and an

enclosure in the foyer.

The First Mates purchased a portable public address system and a Santa Claus suit.

The billing system was completely computerized for more efficiency.

Ron Halus continued his in-depth fishing column for the Windjammer.

To make money to replace the badly deteriorated upstairs, we were offering the first 40 members

an opportunity to see a picture of their boat displayed in our bar room (for a fee, of course).

Editor of the Windjammer again this year was Mabel Fischer with her staff of Phyllis Job, Jan Kacena,

Marilyn Noe and Ron Halus.

The Firs Mates announced their new organization in a meeting on March 25, 1982.

Oh, woe, the Junior Sail program was literally up in the air. The winds in April picked up and moved

our little boats as far as the Coast Guard parking lot. The fate of the fleet was in the hands of the

insurance company. In April the board approved five Laser II’s f or their program. Michael Kiss was

our new instructor for a full summer schedule. There were also adult classes.

The First Mates held a fashion show with a great turn out with champagne and clothes from Barbie’s

in New Buffalo. They also had a bake sale which meant more money for their yacht club endeavors.

The Columbia race had adverse winds and as a result, the fleet didn’t start to arrive until 8:30 p.m.

Volunteers worked hard to feed the hungry crews.

The fishermen did it again, caught all the fish then prepared it in sumptuous ways for the members.

Our manager was Roy Fielding.

We had a full house at our Luau thanks to about 23 boats from the MORF sail group that came from

Chicago.

In July, the steak and corn roast was bursting at the seams in the tent and we had 140 for dinner in

the clubhouse.

Again, volunteers came to the fore to help with the Boat Show and the Tri-State race.

Commodore Corky Noe resigned from the club and Bruce Wyman became acting Commodore in

September.

The First Mates held a special Dinner Dance in October and they sponsored an Aerobic Dance

program led by Grace Freeman.

The Junior Sail Program was an outstanding success.

We served Thanksgiving dinner this year. The Halloween party was extra fun this year because the

Yacht Club crew had special games that turned out to be hilarious.

1983

Ron Halus - Commodore

A banner year at MCYC. New attendance records were set at all the outside events.

More members participated in Club events and volunteered their time. As a result, me income

helped maintain the club’s fiscal integrity.

The highlight of the year was the Commodore’s formal Ball, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the

club. The club was packed for the event - "a great tribute to the leadership provided by Commodore

Halus." Our first Commodore, Harry Frey was there to share the occasion and it was a memorable

event.

We lost Russ Segelstrom, Bruce Paul, Les Smith and Hobie Crosby.

Lewis Timberlake was the harbormaster and he wrote a nice column for the Windjammer every

month. He noted that me ice in the harbor was four feet thick this winter.

The Coast Guard station personnel added words of wisdom and caution to the Windjammer this

year.

Roy Fielding was our manager.

The social, boating and fishing schedule for the season was loaded.

Not only did we have an Easter Brunch, but also an Easter egg hunt.

The fisherfolks sponsored another special fish dinner and dancing with music by Satin and Cinders.

The club was hopping during the New Orleans night with the Dixieland band.

We hosted the 91st Columbia race in which 250 boats participated. The sailing wasn’t too pleasant

as there was little wind and lots of flies.

In August and September we printed the names of 28 new members.

The marina threw a retirement party for dock guard Jack Callahan. Jack’s niece was flown in for the

occasion and he was presented with a nice recliner.

The MCYC board hosted a dinner party for all he volunteers who helped out during the year. Debbie

Smith was on hand to entertain and to play her guitar to the voices of different members.

Russ Segelstrom’s Feather party was in full swing.

The First Mates were so active that they had their own column in the Windjammer each month.

1984

Ron Halus - Commodore

"This year can be characterized as BIG in member participation. ACTIVE in special events, 33 club

sponsored events and parties. SUCCESSFUL in club improvements." These were the words quoted in

the Windjammer to describe the year.

The First Mates deserve special recognition for their leadership and hard work in refurbishing and

redecorating the entire upstairs. A year of solid progress!

Our manager, Roy Fielding resigned for personal reasons.

The First Mates hosted a CPR course and arranged a trip to Chicago to see Lauren Bacall in "Woman

of the Year." In April they arranged a fashion show with the "Sportin’ Life" and in May they had a

Mother and Daughter Breakfast where vintage clothes were modeled.

We learned that Andy the’ Dandy, our in-house musician and poet, died in December in Iowa. We

lost Irv Frigon.

Our new chef was Rick Panfel.

The 300 and the 500 decks were recovered and the fish cleaning station was built.

The Commodore’s Ball was quite elegant this year. The dinner entrees were Veal Oscar w/Béarnaise

sauce, or filet medallions w/Bordelaise sauce. Music was provided by Tom Mile and the

Beachcombers.

The fishermen caught them and prepared a sumptuous meal again. Bruce Wyman was in charge of

the Junior Sail Program.

A new hood has been installed in the galley to help eliminate rising heat.

A project was underway for the downstairs bar to have an ice cream parlor this summer. Pizza and

hot dogs would also be available.

We were trying to raise money to replace old windows.

We lost our past Commodore, Babe Brown. He helped organize and was the first commander of the

U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary in the 1940’s. At the age of 16 he passed a Coast Guard

pilot’s test that allowed him to handle boats up to 65 feet.

We had a Polish Ethnic Night and after dinner there was a Bingo game.

Nancy and Mary were running the club until we hired a new manager.

The First Mates organized a special Luncheon for family members with fashions and a show by

"Return Engagement." They also had children’s clothes from Mayers. Several businesses donated to

the First Mates and to the party.

The fifth annual Boat Show was held this year. Norm Schultz and Ron Benz said that this should be

the best show ever.

The First Mates had a Nacho machine at the Boat show and made a nice profit to help them finance

the remodeling of the upstairs powder room. They were also planning a hayride. It was a BYOB and

Chili or chicken soup at the yacht club.

We lost Richard Kaccna, Ed Westphal, Dr. James Carver and Dennis Coso.

Mabel Fisher informed members that after 10 years with the Windjammer, her services were no

longer needed.

Members on the 600 dock celebrated Christmas in August with decorated boats, a tree and a full

Christmas dinner.

Frank Vasicek became our new club manager. He came with a most creditable background.

Art Jordan took over as editor of the Windjammer.

We had another special night for the hard working volunteers. The dinner was prime rib and a

Caesar salad. Everyone felt that they had been repaid for their time and effort.

We started taking applications for winter memberships with a $25 initiation fee and a $25 minimum.

In December, the First Mates held their first annual "Ornament Exchange" with the "Minnesingers"

providing the entertainment.

1985

Mike Jones - Commodore

This was a year of solid progress... membership increased by more than 50, the club’s finances are

on a solid footing and club management is keeping a tight rein on expenses. But most important to

this year’s success is the increase in member’s use of the club including outstanding support for

special events.

Editor of the Windjammer was Art Jordan.

The First Mates were lauded by the board and members for completely re-doing the upstairs

women’s lounge.

The annual dues were raised from $25 to $30.

At the January board meeting the board decided that we needed better financial management,

more members and increased usage by present members.

They devised a new financial plan with good response from members. Dick Christian offered to help

to make sure we operate within a tight budget each month.

Every Wednesday was "Family Dinner Night".

We hired manager Kenneth Duszynski.

Phyllis Darazee was appointed bar manager.

A new membership drive was launched and as an incentive to new members, their dues wouldn’t

start until July 1.

The First Mates held a most successful fashion show with clothes from several different area stores.

The New Orleans party was enjoyed by over 200 guests.

We hosted the 93rd Columbia Yacht Club race. The organizers of this race planned for extra local

hotel rooms for the sailors, chartered air-conditioned motor coaches to do the driving to and from

the hotels, a buffet breakfast and after 12 noon, a wine tasting and style show AND a "greeting the

fleet" dinner and evening party.

Lake Michigan was at a record high with a predicted high of 585.47 inches.

During the summer months, Sunday morning breakfasts were served.

The 200 Dock was inviting everyone to their 3rd Annual dock party with a cash bar, dinner and

dancing to the music of a live band.

Our head cook, Dennis Pritchard was killed in an automobile accident.

This year we had over 200 boats in the Tri-State race.

At the fifth annual boat show they added 720 feet of new dock space and had more than 300 boats

on display.

The MCYC Laser fleet had races every Wednesday night.

Our new cook was Steve Senglaub.

For the winter season, Bingo games were being held every Sunday night.

1986

George Todd - Commodore

A landmark year at MCYC. The world class Pan American yachting competition was held. MCYC was

the headquarters and centerpiece for the games in August. Key volunteer positions for hundreds of

tasks were filled by club members.

Again, the First Mates contributed their time and money generously to improve the club.

Directors, trustees, First Mates, staff and member volunteers deserve a special thanks for their

many contributions.

This was the year of major shoreline destruction. In December 50 mph winds and 10- 15 foot seas

lashed at the dunes, two houses went down in Beverly Shores and seriously damaged Lakeshore

Drive in Long Beach. The lake water was 30 inches above normal in November.

The Feather party this year was so well attended that there weren’t enough Bingo cards to go

around.

If you paid your annual dues of $350 in a lump sum, the Club paid you 12.5 percent, a savings of $44

over the monthly rate.

All year long, folks were gearing up for the Pan-Am races next year.

Bob Forney arranged to have two Senior IU students to study the club’s operations to see how we

could improve our efficiency and accuracy. This study was in addition to having a consultant from his

firm work with the study group.

In February the Club was closed for cleaning and repairing. The galley, bar and hallways were

cleaned and painted. Draperies were cleaned and re-hung and all the carpeting was cleaned.

Super Bowl Sunday played to a full house.

We had a "Harry Frey" night - "One of the most entertaining nights of the year," said the

Windjammer. Harry regaled members with great stories about the club in the long ago. (Alan Hill

taped this.) Among other things, he said that the wall around the club was built by the WPA during

the depression.

Our manager bought a colorful array of MCYC items which were on display in the foyer.

Art Jordan was editor of the Windjammer and the annual yearbook.

The MCYC was host to Midwest Collegiate Sailing Association event. Over 200 people watched the

exciting races.

The New Orleans Bash was a huge success. It was reported that it was loud, boisterous and late.

The Junior program boasted of having five laser II’s in its training fleet.

There was a nice breakfast at the club every Sunday.

We were the new owners of a popcorn machine and new computer system.

The 94th Columbia race finishers didn’t arrive until after 10 p.m. due to fog and no wind. Only 35

boats finished, the rest came in under power.

Fourteen boats participated in the fourth annual "Tug Boat Pull" competition.

It was the fourteenth consecutive year for the famous Wolverine Cruise from Chicago Yacht Club to

Michigan City - then to South Haven and onto Eldeans at Macatawa Bay.

The officers of the Club voted a special $50 assessment to make overdue payments on the bank

loan. Seems that our food and bar service didn’t have the volume to cover our expenses.

The First Mates donated some new drapes for the bar and new curtains in the upstairs head.

In September the Club sponsored a "Volunteers party" to thank all the members who contributed

their time and money throughout the year.

We sponsored the Lee Wahl Invitational Regatta for 40 off-shore racing sailboats

Members were told that 30 to 40 percent of our revenue comes from outside events. As a result, it

was decided to improve the outside cooking facilities by adding a concrete platform, water and

natural cooking gas.

The Tri-State race had a 200 boat fleet with 2,500 sailors.

Roundtable denizens were amazed to see a Chevy Van blow up right outside the window. They

found out later that it was all part of a movie called "Terror Squad" that needed a power plant in the

background.

This was the year they started to build the Lighthouse Place mall.

The Army Corps of Engineers agreed to dredge the harbor and Trail Creek in preparations for the

Pan-Am games. Two to eight feet of sediment was the amount to be dredged out of the harbor. Trail

Creek will have 50,000 cubic yards dredged out.

1987

Bob Forney - Commodore

His motto was "1987 a year of SPIRIT and TRADITION". Our goal to be the best Yacht Club on the

Great Lakes made some giant strides this year with the addition of the "Foredeck" and the painting

and redecorating of the entire club and the main dining room.

They said that this year’s was the biggest Sail Awards banquet ever.

The 200 dock held their annual dock party at the club.

We lost longtime and colorful member, Dick Cook and Ed Rouda.

There was a drawing by Jack Keane of the proposed new deck to be known as the "Foredeck", in the

Windjammer. The contributions were coming in fast and by early in the year, 100 members donated

more than $42,00O to help with our goal of $50,000.

The Commodore’s goals were to increase net growth by 20 percent and to enforce the By-Laws for

membership admittance. He also intended to achieve a 25 percent increase in member usage. Also

on his list was to operate the Club at a breakeven level.

There was a grand plan for the expansion of Washington Park Marina. The $15 million dollar plan

would add 560 slips.

March 7 was the date designated for the official ground breaking for the new deck.

The First Mates held their 6th annual Fashion show and luncheon with fashions presented by the

Peacock shop in Stevensville, Michigan.

We were looking for volunteers for the Pan Am games.

We sponsored the second annual Collegiate Racing event. Notre Dame swept the fleet leaving

Purdue, Marquette and De Paul in their wake.

The May issue of the Windjammer told us that the foredeck was open for business.

March was not a good month for club usage. Bar sales were down $1,400 from 1986 and $2,700

lower than budget. The galley sales were down $3,500 from 1986 and $6,500 lower than budget.

Club renovation was moving slowly. The mirrored mantle was installed in May, which made the

room look larger.

According to the Commodore, our club usage was up during April and May over last year.

The main entrance to the club was changed which allowed for a wider entrance and an improved

weather shield.

With the cooperation of the mayor’s office, we got a newly blacktopped parking area.

Did you know that then Purdue professor Jerry Smith designed our new deck?

By Mother’s day we had new deck furniture.

Kids and parents all enjoyed the Easter brunch by Chef Steve and the Easter Egg Hunt on the

grounds.

The First Mates sold ice cream at the Columbia race this year and learned that it was a big money

maker. The cookbook safes needed more support from members, they said.

The visit of the warship JUNO and the first Pan Am qualifying races on May 30 kicked off the big

summer events.

The Commodore’s Ball marked our 54th anniversary.

There was an official notice that Channel 70 was no longer available for recreational use.

The corresponding Secretary this year was Drew Barry who supplied the members with all the

goings on at the board meetings. In the August issue of the Windjammer he noted that the club was

in the best financial position it has been in years and well ahead of budget for next year.

The Pan Am games were held in August and we served breakfast for 11 consecutive days.

We were very upset about the fencing that been installed for security a full month ahead of the

games because it made us look like a compound.

The welcoming ceremonies for the Pan Am participants were held at Ames Field on August 9.

The Treasurer’s report stated that we planned to retire a $27,000 of debt this year. The debt was

used for Club repairs and the completion of the new deck.

The bar and galley safes were 10 percent over last year, but still 9 percent below budget. Tent safes

were at 47 percent over 1986 and 23 percent above budget. The Pan Am income was very

disappointing.

The Slush machine in the deck’s bar, has paid for itself already.

We were having our third annual "Take-out Auction". Ron Hams was the enthusiastic auctioneer and

he raised almost $800. All the money made from these sales went to the club to improve tent

cooking facilities.

We were proud of Ted Reese and his CADENCE as they took first place in the Class A division in the

Port Huron to Mackinac race.

The board encouraged everyone to pay their bills by the end of the month, if not, a service charge of

1-1/2 percent was charged.

The First Mates held a craft show was a big hit. Their cookbooks were also selling well.

In November, the Treasurer’s report noted that our overall net income was $7,000 down from 1986,

but because we had an assessment in ‘86, we were doing better than last year.

The local marinas increased their winter storage rates this year.

We lost our favorite server, "Tiny" Kaloides, when she was killed in a tragic automobile accident on

Monday, October, 5.

By December, we had accepted 35 new members.

The staff worked hard to decorate for Halloween, but very few attended the Halloween party.

We instituted "Early Bird" special dinners on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 4:30

and 6:30.

The First Mates gave us a new 40-inch Quasar TV and VCR as well as reviving the Tap Room.

In January, Commodore Forney, talked about all the positive things that were part of 1987, the club

usage increased. Without incurring additional debt, thanks to contributions of time, money and

materials, we added about $100,000 of value to the club... in addition to the physical changes, we

have three new sailboats, a new outboard engine, air conditioner, grills, race course marks, tables,

lights, pictures, TV, VCR, tent, semi-trailer etc.. During our major events, we made a 50 percent

profit margin. The First Mates did an outstanding job for us. The Junior Sail participation increased

by 400 percent. We had good management and a superior staff. Our tent sales were up 16 percent

over 1986. We also retired three bank loans and spent $27,000 on club improvements with NO

assessment.

1988

James Trost - Commodore

The full social schedule was printed in the February issue to give members time to plan ahead. Also

printed was the complete offshore racing schedule and the Laser Fleet schedule.

At the Change of the Watch, Commodore Forney was presented with a portrait of himself created

by Jack Keane.

The Coast Guard station was completely renovated this year. The crew was based at the armory

building during the work.

The First Mates held their annual fashion show in April with clothing from JH Collectibles at

Lighthouse Place.

The club was expecting over 60 Lasers from the Great Lakes Championship fleet in June.

There was a big membership drive going on and there was even a thermometer poster in the foyer

showing our progress.

The Treasurer’s report in March noted that club usage was ahead of 1987. This was helpful because

our cash flow would be tight until mid-June. Our accounts payable were in excellent shape.

Historian Dude Calvert wrote an article for the Lighthouse Museum News which told about the 19th

Naval Reserve Division, which came into being 66 years ago and saw duty in WW 11. Fax Ernst was

among the local men who were sent to Boston and stayed on the USS Constitution for a while. Fax

said that sailors who served on Old Ironsides must have been a lot shorter because our men had to

stand when walking below.

Members were gearing up for the annual fishing tournament in May.

Our Commodore discovered an interesting little fact that concerned the Columbia race, as we call it

the sailors in Chicago call it the Michigan City race.

This race is the oldest fresh water consecutively held race in the United States.

July brought the Annual Hog Roast and the return of the power cruises to our calendar.

The NIPSCO fall out was so bad this year that Clyde Zeek wrote a scathing letter to the

harbormaster, Lew Timberlake, demanding some answers.

The membership drive brought in 40 new members in August, but 60 less than their goal

"The gang" at the club, spearheaded by Ron Halus, donated a 30-inch fan for the kitchen which

made a dramatic difference in the heat level.

In August, Tovi Kiss became the new editor of the Windjammer with the first computer generated

issues when Art Jordan retired to Florida.

We lost Mrs. Harry Frey, Don Swartzlander, Grace Boese and Ken "Buck" Hirsch.

Heavy winds made the St. Joe - Michigan City leg of the Tri - State the fastest in history. There were

white waves in Trail Creek up to five feet high. The Coast Guard had its hands full trying to moor all

the boats. The C. G. Captain put out a call to boaters at midnight to help dock sail boats and 30-50

responded to the call. Charter boat captains and volunteers stepped in to guide the sailboats to a

safe mooring and help them tie up. The sailors had undying gratitude.

The J/22 fleet had a full race schedule.

We hosted the Lee Wahl Trophy race and we even had New Buffalo boats in contention.

There were two "weather" days during the Boat Show and the Tri-State race which affected the

Club’s income. This loss of anticipated revenue plus a carryover deficit from 1987 of about $11,000

are two of the reasons that the board approved a $50 assessment in November and a small dues

increase. Commodore Trost told members that the Club needs a new roof and the carpeting in the

dining room and bar will be needing replacing. He was hoping to be able to build a gas grill in the

tent next spring. These items plus renovation of restrooms downstairs, kitchen improvements and

improved landscaping all around.

We entered into a reciprocity agreement with Long Beach Country Club on a year-round basis.

The First Mates held their Fur and Jewelry fashion show in November.

We had a net gain of nearly 60 new members this year.

A neon sign of our logo was hung on the east side of the club.

1989

Clyde Zeek - Commodore

The galley continued its offer of Early Bird specials each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The Sailing Schedule was printed in March and listed races for the Offshore fleet, the J/22’s, the

Laser fleet and Special events. It was a full listing of races.

The First Mates held a style show in April which featured apparel from the Whitaker House in New

Buffalo

We lost the "Skipper", Ted Amberg.

The town of Pentwater, Michigan, asked for our help to keep the Pentwater Harbor dredged.

Because of budget cuts, they were very concerned that they would no longer have a harbor. They

wanted us to join them in a letter writing campaign.

At the March meeting of the board, they announced five new members.

Paul Applegate, who analyzes and reports the condition of the club, said that the Club is in the best

shape it’s been on for some years.

At the April meeting, it was announced that the fishing tournament buffet will be in the tent this

year. Also that there are 35 boats signed up for the Power Cruise.

In April we hosted the Hoosier College Invitational Regatta There were six participating schools.

Chef Steve resigned. He was with us for 3 ½ ears.

Vice Commodore of Sail, Ted Reese, planned an exciting and extensive race schedule for us.

The children had a great time at the annual Easter Brunch and Egg hunt with the bunny.

The galley announced that there will be no Early Bird dinners during the summer, but would resume

in the fall. Also that we were serving breakfast on Sunday mornings.

The Clubs new chef was Gerald Rissman, who had worked at many prestigious Clubs.

At the July meeting of the Board, we were told that our sales were down in July and a committee

has been formed to evaluate the normal operations of the club. The new roof has been completed

and we would be getting a new west door soon. In addition, we were expecting a gas log in the

dining room fireplace

Our club was host for the Easer North American Championship regatta in August.

The 1989 Power cruise to Holland was enjoyed by nine yachts.

The Beacher did a special story about the lakefront and the club in the July 27 issue.

At the August board meeting we learned that new siding and trim had been installed on the club

house. We welcomed 10 new members.

At the September meeting, we heard that The First Mates are re-doing the Taproom - carpet and

wall coverings are ordered. They needed help getting all the old stuff out of the room.

We had a lot of willing volunteers this year again.

We hosted the J/22 Indiana State Championships this summer.

During the October meeting of the board, we learned that the west entrance doors have been

replaced. We welcomed six new regular members and six ‘Snow-bird’ members.

We can’t forget to mention the fun day at Arlington Park in October. Our club was the "sponsor" of

the sixth race and some were privileged to go the Winner’s Circle and present a blanket with

‘Michigan City Yacht Club" on it to the winning horse, Curly Fries.

1990

Ted Reese - Commodore

Ted’s feelings about the club were summarized in a short thought: "Bite off more than you can

chew, then chew it. Plan for more than you can do, then do it. Set a course for places far, keep your

watch and there you are."

Our club manager was Jill Holmquest.

The club was decorated beautifully for the Candlelight dinner and the staff looked sharp in their new

uniforms.

George May was Secretary this year and he made sure the minutes from each month’s meeting

were printed in the Windjammer. He said that new siding for the club will be started in January. Also

that we were planning to repair the carpeting and looking into buying a corn roaster and a new

outdoor grill.

We lost Polly Smales, Dr. Norman Henderson, Frederick Sayre, Mrs. John Duffy and Robert

Panaytoich

Our manager’s baby died in February in Indianapolis.

The Windjammer was edited this year by Art Jordan.

Included in the March issue was a volunteer form. This enabled the rear Commodore to have an

early idea as to how many people he could count on for help.

New lights were installed on the east side of the club.

We had a new manager, Belkis Green.

Our membership drive’s theme was "Challenge 1990". New membership packets will include a

burgee and pins. Sponsors of new members received a blazer patch or a lapel pin. At the February

meeting we had five confirmed new members and seven first readings.

There were lots of hi-jinx, dancing and door awards as well as an excellent Irish stew at the St.

Patrick’s Day party.

By April we had I6 new members.

WC hired Chef Marie Dykhuts.

The sail schedule was announced in May which included three classes: The offshore division, the

J/22’s, and the laser fleet. These races are in addition to Friday special events. Included in the Friday

Frolics were dinghy races.

In May we hosted the Mother’s Day Brunch, the Foredeck opening party and a Hog Roast in the

tent.

The dining room was elaborately decorated for the Easter Brunch and a great time was had by the

Easter Bunny, the kids and the old folks during the Easter egg hunt.

The First Mates sponsored a fashion show in April.

The Junior Sail Program was organized and ready to go. This also included classes for adults.

The capital improvements were substantial this year and galley sales were down. New grills for the

tent were ordered and improvements were made in the electrical system.

We had a blessing of the fleet this year in June. As the boats pass in review, they were blessed by a

clergyman.

We held a Spring Regatta in May which lasted for three days.

In June, we hosted the Laser Great Lakes Championship Regatta where 36 boats competed. This was

the fourth regatta held by the MCYC.

In July we held the J/22 District Championship Regatta.

At the July meeting, we learned that club usage was down due to weather. A new oven and potato

oven were ordered. There were three first readings for new members, nine second readings and

three resignations.

Breakfasts were still bring served on Sundays.

In October another Take-out Auction was held which went well.

The December issue of the Windjammer was done by someone other than Tovi Kiss, who had

resigned.

1991

Larry Wall - Commodore

Our club manager was Belkis Green.

A seafood buffet was featured every Friday night.

Lloyd Kittredge was spearheading the membership drive.

The club was filled to capacity for the St. Pat’s Party.

The First-Mates sponsored an elegant style show with cocktails, lunch and clothes modeled from the

Whittaker House in New Buffalo.

The Easter Brunch was a huge success and all enjoyed the magic show.

The annual fishing tournament started in May.

We had a full racing schedule with a separate racing schedule for the J/22 Fleet and a Friday night

"Fun and Frolics" schedule.

We lost George Callum who owned the FOUR GRACES.

This year we had a brand new tent because our old one was completely destroyed during a wind

storm.

The manager was quite pleased with the success and attendance at the Commodore’s Ball and the

Mother’s Day Brunch.

The Board sent out survey questionnaires to give them a pipeline to the membership.

The membership committee was sending out two guest passes with your monthly statements in an

effort to enthuse friends to join the club.

In June they changed the Friday night seafood buffet to alternating different ethnic themes each

Friday.

We were happy that the deck was finally opened and serving a limited menu.

We lost a founding member, Dr. Maurice Ferguson.

Debbie Smith was entertaining with her guitar in the dining room on Fridays.

The Port Authority was involved in the "Riverfest" festivities and also a Venetian Night parade.

The power group had a much looked forward to cruise to Holland, Michigan.

Tom Feeney was editor of the Windjammer.

There were five boats entered in the first inflatable boat race in June.

A member donated vertical blinds for the bar room.

Harman’s WIZO won the Chi-Mac again!

Belkis Green, manager, resigned in October. She had been with us for two years

The Annual In-Water Boat show attendance was down 20 percent.

In October we had a "Take-out Party and Auction" - this was a buffet dinner and auctioning off all of

your old boat stuff.

The bar and galley sales were down substantially and the Commodore said that we have to have

more membership usage.

Members had to take over responsibilities for running the club while we were without a manager.

The trustees were authorized to install a billiard table, electronic dart board and a pinball machine in

the Tap Room.

In November, the First Mates presented a "Holiday Glitz and Glamour" fashion show and dinner with

fashions by Judee’s in LaPorte.

This was the year the Warren building closed, so our two past Commodores, Hams and Kittredge

had to move their business location.

1992

Don Porter - Commodore

John Cam was our manager.

Breakfasts were being served both Saturday and Sunday.

There was a membership incentive advertised in the newspaper. If you came to the club for dinner,

you would get one meal free.

Tom Feeney was editing the Windjammer.

The First Mates have contributed something in the area of $25,000 worth of items up to this year.

They were planning on installing a handicapped accessible washroom on the first floor.

The Fifties and Sixties party was a huge success with the hula hoop and bubble gum blowing

competition... lots of penny loafers and saddle shoes.

The manager, John Cain, said that the club had a reputation for being a stuffy old supper club and

we want to make the club fun again.

Our membership Secretary said that over the past 14 months, we lost a little over 100 members.

Manager Cam said that the deck was closed more than it was open. The deck menu had been

limited and served on paper plates and napkins and with plastic silverware. He said that we would

offer a diverse dinner menu served with china, silver and linen dinner napkins.

For the first time in the club’s history a woman is being sought for the job of rear Commodore. The

Commodore chosen was Lisbeth Slattery.

The new head on the main floor was finished thanks to the help of many volunteers and the First

Mates

The deck was painted.

Ron Halus raised $4,000 to have an extension put on the deck so that we could have a full menu

served. Members got together and made it happen. Actually, the contributions came to $5,700, so

Halus suggested that we use the additional money to build a wheelchair ramp and he did.

We were working very hard to create some inventive measures for increasing our membership and

were also working very hard to control expenses by working a zero budget system; that is, not

spending money we don’t have.

As of July we had 55 new members.

The 100th Columbia race had 112 entries and 12 of them got stuck in the sand at the outer harbor.

It poured buckets but everyone ran under the two tents and partied until late.

At the annual Halloween party prizes were given in two categories: Super heroes and Entertainers.

They also gave a prize for the WORST costume.

The club sponsored a trip to Arlington Park in September. They all bet on a horse called "Follow the

Fleet", but she just followed.

We lost Bill Udell this year.

William J. Connors became our new chef

It was noted that the board of directors was concerned about the waning interest in both sail and

power activities. Participation in both has dropped so low that some events have been canceled. A

special committee was formed to try to revitalize the power and sail programs.

We had a small fire and Mayes Roofing paid to have all carpets and walls cleaned.

Paul Rega became our editor and missed the August issue because he was in the hospital and wrote

an editorial farewell piece from the hospital in December.

After much waning and filling out forms, the Casino night came to the MCYC. It was estimated that

over 400 people passed through the club.

George May put on a most successful navigational contest as well as a fishing contest where

everyone won a prize.

The First Mates finished their cook book and the Windjammer was running some of their recipes.

As of August, we had 61 new members.

The bar has made the most money this year, but the galley showed great improvement, most likely

because of the increase on new membership and participation.

We had a "Bear’s Buffet" every time the Bears played.

The Taproom was opened on Friday and Saturday nights and pizza and light snacks were served.

The board voted to give a contribution to the First Mates for their Needy Christmas fund.

George May came up with the idea that a nice gift for your son or daughter would be a membership

to the club that carries no minimum and greatly reduced application fee.

1993

George May - Commodore

Dave Cross is our manager.

Casino Night was planned for July.

The First Mates were going to have a "Get to Know You" outing over the fourth of July.

The ramp was finished this year and Larry Wall stepped in when the low bidder backed out. There

was still money left over to add some new deck furniture.

The Board met with Lloyd Gordon who specializes in restaurant/club evaluations. He said that the

major areas of improvements and the most difficult to achieve were: club food, office management,

club membership and club event management. He said there was one area that needs to be

accomplished for the club to survive and that is club usage with a 550+ membership.

We sent out a member survey asking for responses to the food quality, attitude and friendliness of

staff, cleanliness of the club, and prices of food and beverage. Only 47 members replied, but they

were all positive responses

From August through September, we gained 110 Promotional members. In the October issue of the

Windjammer, there was a listing of 183 Promotional members.

The Port Authority sponsored the "River Fest" again this year.

We learned that the First Mates were organized during WW II, with the Yacht Club serving as a place

where the wives of our fighting men could assemble socially. After the war, the group disbanded,

only to be re-organized in 1981. This year they sponsored a "Five Star Extravaganza" in November

with dinner and a fashion show with apparel by Judee’s in LaPorte.

The Power group had a most extensive program this year.

The Windjammer printed a bit of history that was given to them by Harry Frey explaining how the

Club got the Indiana flag. "Back when the Club was asking for a lot of help in the basin project, we

made the mistake of offering then, Governor McNutt, the use of a boat when he was at the

‘summer white house’, as they called the cottage at the Dunes State park which he used frequently.

Much to our embarrassment, he eagerly accepted and WC didn’t have a suitable boat. After a lot of

scrambling, we finally got one from the Randall Brothers just being finished at the old Winski

warehouse at the 2nd Street Bridge. During the summer, he came up several times and on one

unforgettable weekend we took him to the World’s Fair. For the trip he gave us the State flag for the

Club. Needless to say, it was eventful summer for those of us involved."

They were still talking about the incredible Halloween and Christmas decorations that were created

by Kathleen Roose and Jennifer Freese.

1994

Lloyd ("Kit") Kittredge - Commodore

The Windjammer was printed with computer type and a new format and edited by Mary Kelley.

The First Mates gave the dining room a fresh new look and added new blinds and chandelier shades.

Our new pavilion was completed on June 30 and members bought new picnic tables for it.

We had some great parties like the Western Line Dance, the Luau, and the Commodore’s Ball, which

also featured a magic show, the Clam Boil and the Candlelight dinner.

In the September issue of the Windjammer, there were over 20 new members listed.

The 800 dock was completed and winter damage repaired.

Trail Creek was dredged. The Port Authority hosted the River Fest and the Venetian Night parade.

The only real downer this year was the unexpected cost of plumbing repairs.

The First Mates continued their "Sharing and Caring" with the needy at Christmas time.

The Tap room was opened every Friday and Saturday night with music for dancing.

The club had a booth at the "Spotlight on Business" show at the Orak Temple. Penny, our club

Secretary promoted the club on three radio stations in three minute interview sessions.

We had 32 sponsors for tables at our Casino Night when the club was filled to capacity.

Willard Harman’s WIZO took first in section and first in fleet in the Chi-Mac.

The club entered a boat in the cardboard boat race called "Crossin’ Trail Creek" and it didn’t sink.

The First Mates bought a new American flag.

We had a great treasure hunt during our Dinghy Derby.

Our manager this year was Dave Cross.

The First Mates painted and wallpapered the walls, in the bar room, installed new curtains, had the

badly scratched bar stools refinished and installed a cabinet for MCYC merchandise. We also had

new navy blue table cloths on order. From there the group went into the dining room where they

installed cornices over the smaller windows and hung new metallic blinds. They also bought new

shades for the chandeliers.

The MCYC Power group had plenty of events: The bottom painters Beer Bash, Fishing Tournament,

Power cruise (Chicago) Raft party and Power Cruise (Michigan).

1995

Tom Blank - Commodore

We rallied ‘round the TV for a big Super Bowl bash which was sponsored by the Isle of Capri casino.

It included a big screen TV in the dining room, a free buffet and free beer during the game.

In February we all snuggled in for an evening of cruising, Caribbean foods and rum during the

Anchor Downer party.

The staff and volunteer members joined forces to clean, paint and repair the whole club.

Professional help was needed to rebuild the galley floor and install tiles.

Folks were getting concerned about the decline of the perch population.

Dave Cross resigned as Club manager in December and Dave Howe "hit the floor running" came in as

our new manager just in time to plan and set up the New Year’s Eve party.

The 50’s Hop was a huge success. Commodore Blank had his Harley Davidson parked in the club so

people could have their pictures taken on it.

The First Mates donated $500 to the club and purchased a freezer and another microwave.

Jack Edds was doing yeoman’s duty with the Junior Sailing group.

During our shutdown in January, members showed up with saws, drills, sanders, and supplies to rip

out the south dining room interior wall and construct a new one complete with additional electrical

outlets. We also contracted with Wall Constructors to repair a section of our galley floor that was a

health and safety hazard. The floor had to be built from the joists upward. Chef Bill is quite pleased

with the new floor. Our manager, Dave Howe said the club personnel were on hand to clean from

the sail loft to the lower level. The club staff was put to work cleaning all the trophies in the trophy

case. It was a dazzling display.

Our Texas Bar-B-Que had a sell-out crowd. They even had a hay ride round the park and Fedders

Alley.

We lost past Commodores Bill Kenefick and Bob

Darnell.

Phyllis Job was reporting to us from "our Florida desk" during the winter months.

We had fundraising for capital improvements. We needed to raise $12,000 to cover the cost of the

new galley floor.

The Club directory listed 303 members.

This was the year we were trying to get enough money to "Save the Catwalk"

The Army Corps of Engineers were busy resurfacing the west pier at the mouth of Trail Creek. An 8-

inch concrete cap was laid to make the pier safer for fishermen.

There were 12 boats participating in the power cruise to the Chicago Yacht Club. From all reports it

was a great time for all to be treated with kid gloves as very special guests. They will remember the

pampering they received with delicious food, great service, good music and fireworks from Navy

Pier. We planned to reciprocate when the CYC came to MCYC for our Clam Boil.

Dave Howe was our manager, who not only managed, but also was a great handyman.

We had an intense meeting with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles because boaters found it so difficult

to register their boats in LaPorte County. About the "officials", Ron Halus said, "They cover their

ignorance with arrogance." Members were told to find a more knowledgeable source with our

representatives and senators to solve their problems and answer questions.

Clyde Zeek was still keeping members abreast of the marina doin’s in the Windjammer, but he

retired from the Port Authority in the fall and we missed his commentaries.

Commodore Blank complained that we have a great lack of participation and that our financial

strength has been weakened over the past five years. He also said that the annual fishing

tournament didn’t have its normal attendance. In July we welcomed eight new members.

In the 103rd annual Columbia race this year, we had 80 boats on June 10. We entertained with food

and music in the pavilion.

We had a great Dinghy Derby this year with a Treasure Hunt. Clues were scattered all the way from

the basin up to the railroad bridge.

Rear Commodore Hosna had a "boat float" at which time he would photograph member’s boats.

The club made the feature page of the Vidette Messenger from Valparaiso. Featured were Jack Edds

and his boat and Dan Hosna and his boats. We all agreed it was good PR for the club.

We enjoyed another River Fest with the excitement of the cardboard boat races.

This was the year of the Lady Bug. An article in the Windjammer said that the exotic species was

brought by the Federal Government to control citrus scale.

We had seven new members in August.

The Commodore told us that we only had a loss of $4,000 in the first six months of 1995 compared

to a net loss of $26,000 in the same period last year. Fundraising contributed $22,000 to our bottom

line.

Willard Harman’s WIZO managed to take a first in their section after having been socked with a

terrific storm during the 88th running of the Chicago-Mackinac race. There were 29 boats knocked

out of the race.

Lakeland Boating did a nice profile of Ron Halus in the August 1995 issue.

We made $11,000 for the two weeks we worked the Boat Show and the Tri-State race. The boat

income for August was $10,951 as compared to $15,757 for the same month last year. The variance

was mainly due to outside events of ‘94 contributing $10,373 as compared to $5,959 in ‘95.

Jack Edds had a sailing simulator to help neophytes learn the fundamentals of sailing.

The ship’s clock stopped working and we were starting a "fix the clock" fund as it was going to cost

$500 to repair..

1996

Dan Hosna - Commodore

Dan became Commodore when Tom Blank resigned at the beginning of his second term.

The First Mates bought a much needed new hot water heater.

The 50’s Hop was a hoot! Lots of fun and great 50’s get-ups!

T.C. Hosna and friend painted and retiled the men’s head.

We hosted the Hoosier Coho Club fishing Derby and the 22nd annual Sea Ray Hoosier Classic.

The running of the 104th Columbia race was dismal. It was so foggy we couldn’t see the boats until

they were tied up. It was so cold that the sailors all went inside rather than being in the pavilion

We had great challenges during our annual Dinghy Derby. We had more boats and more people

than last year.

Willard Harman’s WIZO became a three time winner in the Chi-Mac race in their section.

Ray Tittle’s WINDIGO took first to finish and first in section in the Port Huron-Mac race.

The Commodore and crew painted all the graffiti off of the lighthouse. He was also busy taking

photos of member’s boats to display over the bar. Many volunteers manned the pavilion during the

Boat show and the Tri-State race.

The Clam Boil was moved indoors into the Tap room because of inclement weather.

We lost members Ardee Smales, Pep Calvert E. P. Boeniger, Fax Ernst, Judy Sprague and Jack Keanc.

1997

Dan Hosna - Commodore

The First Mates contributed a new reach in cooler, a carpet at the entrance and a new refrigerator.

We cleaned and painted our offices topside and installed new carpeting. The floor in the walk-in

cooler was replaced with galvanized metal.

We had a big cleanup during our down time in January with repair of dining room chairs, galley

cleaning, painting, carpet cleaning and general cleaning.

In the spring volunteer’s power washed the building, deck and pavilion, washed all the windows,

hung side curtains on the canopy, painted the deck railings, caulked the roof, replaced shingles,

cleaned the gutters, unloaded the deck furniture, painted the tin roof over the bay window,

replaced the fascia on the pavilion, painted the back fence and trimmed bushes and raked leaves.

(Whew!)

We had some really successful power cruises.

The cold spring put a damper on Junior Sail classes and the Hoosier fishing tournament.

The wall and drive area between the club and the museum were completed.

Damaging winds and heavy rain hit the harbor area in August. There were trees down, power

outages and thousands of dollars of art work damaged at the Art festival.

We had a good crowd to help get the junior racing boats cleaned and stored and to get the deck

furniture stored for the winter.

We mourned members Jim Martin, Wilma Smales, Dr. Peter Pilecki, Ed (Red) Spyhalski, Bill Russell,

Dr. Dave Frank, Paul Rega, Evelyn Solberg, Marian Carlisle, Mrs. Linc Studer and past editor, Mabel

Fisher.

1998

Dan Hosna - Commodore

We hosted a Coast Guard Appreciation night dinner.

Peg Oberle spearheaded a BIG rummage sale. We made good bucks and had a big crowd.

The club was forced to close in March due to severe storm conditions. We had no heat or power and

lots of snow. The storm undermined the catwalk at the north end of the basin.

The sloop AMERICA came to visit and give rides. Also the Nina, Columbus’ flagship was here for

touring.

We suffered the inconvenience of the Franklin Street bridge repairs for months, not only to the foot

and vehicular traffic but also the boat traffic.

Lots of down time cleaning with the help of lots of volunteers.

First Mates sponsored the "Caring and Sharing" program again this year. Members gave generously

of gifts and food for the needy.

The Anchor Downer party was a lot of fun with ‘good island cookin’ and "yacht races".

In May, a crew came in to sand off all the old paint off the deck and seal it. The bar was repaired and

a side bar installed by Eric Miller and the First Mates bought new deck chairs.

The lighthouse was painted again this year by club members.

Manager Dave Howe resigned in September and George Todd took over as interim Manager until

we hired Scott Clement.

We had the best Halloween party ever thanks to the decorations by Kathleen Roose and Brian, our

bartender.

The First Mates donated a new steamer to the galley.

We mourned the deaths of Bob Freier, Roger Pecen, Dick Flanagan and Gary Burt.

1999

Tom Oberle - Commodore

Big cleaning operation in January again.. A big crew took loads of stuff out, Barb and Eric Miller

decorated the women’s head topside, the club’s carpeting was cleaned and floors sealed, we have

new ceiling tiles in the barroom now. The front door was painted and the hall from the dining room

to the board room as well. The Tap room and board rooms were carpeted and completely

repainted. A new ceiling was put up in the Tap room.

The lighthouse we repainted AGAIN!

A group from the 300 dock donated beautiful new table covers for the bar room.

With great difficulty members opened the mysterious safe they found in the basement. It was

empty.

We had a new phone system installed.

The Columbia fleet took refuge in the club from the heavy rains.

The Dinghy Derby was a real challenge this year because we had to "go to sea.”

We had a fun filled golf tournament this year at the Muni North Course.

Lake Michigan water levels went way down after a record high in 1998.

We lost Pat McNeill, Gary Poelstra, Hany Frey, John Chalik and Vaughn Shepherd.

The MCYC racing team participated in the Yacht Club challenge at the "Strictly Sail" boat show in

Chicago. They ended up a few seconds short of the qualifying heat for the gold. There were 30 club

members there to cheer them on.

The deck was a popular spot this summer even though we had several nights when Mother Nature

went on a rampage.

Chef Rhonda resigned her job as chef and Jackie and Rob took over the galley.

We had crab races at the "Fisherman’s Wharf" buffet dinner.

New lights were installed and old ones repaired in the Tap room, also new light fixtures were

installed in the downstairs women’s head.

Bud and June Ruby donated a whole new set of signal flags, which were put to good use on the

weekends.

The ceiling fan over the round table was donated and installed by members.

2000

Tom Oberle - Commodore

We didn’t close down for repairs, but we still managed to get a lot of painting, cleaning and repair

work done. New tile was set in the downstairs hall floor, the dining room was painted, the trophy

case was cleaned out, new carpeting was installed in the board room, bar room and the Tap Room,

new tile floor was installed in the bar room under the bar stools, fresh new steps were replaced and

carpeting laid on the front stairs and porch, new carpeting and tile flooring were installed in the

upstairs women’s lounge.

We raffled off an electric scooter.

The water level in the Lake continued to drop and the area lost 150 slips in Trail Creek and the basin

due to low water.

Scott Clement, our manager, resigned in April. Kathleen Roose, our assistant manager, took over as

acting manager.

The Leukemia Cup, spearheaded by Chuck Dzugas, was a great success. We had Miss Teen Indiana

and single-handed racing sailor, Neal Peterson as guests.

The most fun and the biggest money maker was the jello slide.

Enthusiastic members painted the lighthouse again to cover up all the graffiti.

The two-ton lift south of the pavilion was reactivated and a floating dock added to facilitate small

boat access.

Jan Hosna and her crew dazzled members with their "Hot Summer Nights" fashion launch, a true

evening of elegance. The receipts from the show enabled us to install a new sound system on the

deck and help pay for a new commercial microwave oven for the galley. (The First Mates also

pitched in).

A new color TV was installed in the bar. We manned a membership booth at the B&E Open House.

Our new weather station was installed by members and was a great addition to the club.

Unfortunately, later it was stolen. Whoever took it was probably disappointed that it didn’t work

because he didn’t take all the stuff on the roof.

Tom Oberle and Jon Jollief found a beautiful vintage pool table in Chicago. After many hours of

hauling and installing we finally have a playable table in the Tap room.

We hosted "Taste of a Nation" this year which was a big success.

The "Nina" was here again and moored along the wall of the new Millennium Park.

We had our second annual MCYC golf tournament at Michigan City’s North course. Afterward we

had an award ceremony and a terrific hog roast on the 300 dock..

Many volunteers were willing and able to help with the Boat Show and the Tri-State race.

The First Mates bought six 8-foot tables for the club as our old ones were actually falling apart.

We lost Mrs. Paul Brown, Jack Edds, Al Ostling, Bill Schmidt, Mrs. Jerry Parker (Elisabeth) and past

Commodore Leonard "Pi" Johnson.

2001

Charles Dzugas - Commodore

This year the galley got a complete overhaul. Club members cleaned, painted and built new shelving

for the galley and one member even donated a whole new floor in the north half of the galley.

We had a big membership promotion this year, starting with a booth at B&E Open House. We were

selling lighthouse posters and giving away cards entitling the bearer to specially priced drinks

between noon and 5 p.m., good only for St. Patrick’s Day. We were also raffling off a barbecue grill

as well as to advertise our St. Pat’s dinner which was open to the public.

The old sail loft was attacked by a frenzy of women who tried to sort out all the debris and did a

noble job.

We were accepting no cash transactions in the bar or galley. Members and guests had to pay with

credit cards.

The pay phone had been taken out of the cloak room and there was no long distance calling allowed

on club phones without a calling card. These measures were taken to cut our phone costs which had

accelerated.

According to the Treasurer, last year the galley lost money. (The net profits were less than zero, and

under budgeted sales by $72,000.) The bar was $3,700 over budget sales but $13,009 under budget

net income.

The Commodore gathered an advisory council comprised of past Commodores to help with

intermediate and long range planning for the club.

Three Solings were delivered to the club for member use under a skipper/lease program. The boats

will be used for basic keel boat training.

We hired a management consultant, Robert Estum, to make us more efficient.

We welcomed On Walz, our cook, back. She had been visiting her family in Thailand.

Our server, Donna Glossinger, who had been with us for 2.5 years was let go.

The Lake level was at its lowest since 1965, seven inches below the record low in 1964.

We had an enthusiastic and successful sailing program this year, both with the juniors and the

seniors.

The Commodore wanted to put an end to pesky rumors by writing a "Rumor Knots" column for the

Windjammer. Also, in order to squelch rumors, he asked Sally McManis to be an ombudsman who

was to answer member’s questions because of her affiliation with the board members.

The Commodore’s Ball was unusual this year because the dinner featured special items made by

Char Dzugas and photos of attendee’s youth were required. It was fun guessing who was who.

There were 58 boats sailing in the Columbia this year in June.

Kathleen Roose celebrated her 15th year with the club by being named our new manager. Former

manager, Chris May came aboard to help adjust to her new role.

The McMillan family donated a changing station for our main floor washroom. Stewart McMillan

also set the club up on its own web site. We had a good rating from the Health Department. Robin

Davie, a "Premier Around Alone" sailor, came to talk to us in January at our Sailor’s Social.

The First Mates were responsible for having our wobbly chairs repaired.

Our Junior Sail program had 20 students enrolled who sailed on Optimist Prams and Solings.

Char Dzugas made it possible for us to have CPR classes at the Club.

In August, it was reported that we were up another $15,000 because of the controls we put into

place.

We hosted the Poker Run crowd for lunch in the pavilion. There were 50 "Go-Fast" boats tied up to

the wall.

The Survivor Dinghy Derby started after the Poker Run boats left. It lasted up to 17:00 hours, then

the Gilligan’s Island party started with roast pork and Caribbean chicken on the menu then dancing

on the deck.

The club’s goal this year was to fund a $20,000 Point of Sale computer system with two terminals.

George Pazak supplied all the wiring and did the installation which saved the club many thousands

of dollars.

A new pool cue rack was donated as well as new balls and cues to be used on our vintage table. A

member donated a new baize table cover which was needed badly. The table was moved into the

Board/Junior room.

We had a great Boat Show committee and lots of willing volunteers.

We bought and installed a new hot water heater, thanks to the generosity of Nancy Porter.

The First Mates contributed $1,700 toward the installation of a new furnace

A generous member made a generous donation to cover the cost of the insurance for the Junior Sail

program.

In October, the Commodore said that we were up $60,000 versus last year.

We were all in shock on September 11 when the World Trade Center/Pentagon was destroyed by

terrorists in New York and Washington.

The Boat Show in August was cut a little short because of a severe storm. Nonetheless, we did well

financially.

The club was actively negotiating to join an existing educational 501c3 foundation to help the sail

and power groups to benefit from tax deductible donations.

We lost Bernie Solberg, Jean Segelstrom, Dr. Edward Bruchan, Barbara Zawacki and Jim Condon.

2002

Charles Dzugas - Commodore

We stayed open during January and February but we were able to get some of the Tap room walls

cleaned and spot painted and painted the galley steps.

Margaret Zeek thanked club members for their contributions of food and gifts for the needy at

Christmas. She said that she and Clyde and Nancy and Bob Forney had been delivering these special

gifts for 12 years.

The Commodore said that the difference between 2000's losses and 2001’s profits is over $50,000.

After many years of helping the club, the First mates decided to call it quits. A sad day for the club,

indeed.

A generous donor was responsible for the new American flag flying from the staff. The old one was

so tattered we were ashamed to fly it.

The Sailor’s committee was delighted to have Gale Browning as guest speaker. Gale is a solo sailor

who sailed in the mini-Transat race among other long races.

LITTLE MURPH, the sea scouts tug, sunk at the Trail Creek Marina.

In an effort to get new members, a plan to recruit people 21-30 years old was proposed.

In May, we completed the first pass at spring cleaning.

John Kieffer was hired as manager after Kathleen Roose was let go after 16 years of service to the

club.

The new manager tried to activate the Tap room with a juke box, video games and live

entertainment. The name of the room was changed to the "Boater’s Bar".

We hosted a Thistle Regatta in June.

In June we posted 10 new members.

We lost Harriet Spyhalski.

Christine, our bookkeeper, who was a shining light in the office, resigned, but continued to help the

new bookkeeper, Bob.

Our "Cook Your Own" was a big winner this year. Members cooked their own New York Strip steaks

or chicken on our grills for a nominal price.

This was the year of the dredge, a great inconvenience at the harbor area but a great necessity. Tons

of silt etc., were hauled out of Trail Creek at the Club’s wall among other areas. The water level was

so low that it was almost impossible to get into the harbor.

Club members were written about in the summer edition of LAKE Magazine. Good publicity for the

Club.

In July 13 more new members were recruited by John Whelan.

John Kiefer was let go after a short time and Michael Mellen was hired as our new manager in July.

The club hosted another Poker Run when 2.50 racers invaded our pavilion for a feast of three

roasted pigs. Many volunteers appeared to make this a smooth affair before the "Go Fast" boats

took off for other ports.

We had seven boats in the Chi-Mac. Best time was recorded by Rob Forney’s GERONIMO who came

in 2nd in section.

Hartley Job was looking for someone to take over the care and feeding of the By-laws. He had this

awesome responsibility for many years and felt that he needed a rest. Unfortunately, no one

volunteered for the job.

Our new manager, Mike Mellen, started grilling chops, steaks, chicken and fish on the grill on the

deck every weekend and members loved it.

A new law was passed that involved boaters and their boats. It stated that any boat leaving the

scene of an accident resulting in injury or death was considered a felony and punishable by a jail

term and a $10,000 fine.

The front door got a fresh coat of paint for the season. The life ring that had been on the door blew

off in a storm and one of the letters was missing. Hartley Job had the letters replaced by a sign

painter.

Members volunteered to get the floor in the walk-in cooler replaced.

Mary Kelley resigned after eight years as editor of the Windjammer in September.

Kathy McMillan assumed the role of editor and sent the October issue out over our web site.

The unisex head was given a bright new look by Julia Hoskins.

Trustees were concerned about the level of uncollectable bad debt (3% of annual budget) and

requested that club members voluntarily authorize a credit card on file. Members with

delinquencies would be charged the unpaid amounts.

With the September issue of the Windjammer, Phyllis Job has spent nearly 50 years of dedicated

reporting. Because she has loved the club and contributed so much toward letting the members

know what was going on, not only at the club, but while cruising up the lake and then later, how old

members were who retired to Florida. The Club gives her a great vote of thanks for all her years of

service and caring.

We lost past Commodore, Gwalter Cowdin Culvert who died at the age of 99 in Lowville, New York

on December 17, 2002.

2005

CYC Race to Mackinac flag winners; Miguel Gambetta’s Michela took 3rd in Section 5

mcycracing@yahoogroups goes online.

2006

Carl Taylor - Commodore

CYC Race to Mackinac flag winners; Thomas Londrigan’s Realt Na Mara took 1st in the J/109 class,

Herb Philbrick’s Geronimo placed 3rd in section 4, Vic Warren’s Rock On took 2nd in section 7.

Columbia Race stops overnighting in Michigan City citing channel depth as the reason.

Michigan City Yacht club explores sale. At one time, the MCYC had nearly 400 members. Over the

last 10 to 15 years, though, membership has gradually declined to about 150. Annual dues were

increased to compensate for the loss in revenue, but the fees can be raised only so much or more

members could drop out.

2007

Clyde Zeek - Commodore

Michigan City Yacht Club clubhouse goes up for sale.

2008

Clyde Zeek - Commodore

Sale of clubhouse completed in April, Michigan City Yacht Club building reopened as Harbor Grill.

CYC Race to Mackinac flag winners; Thomas Londrigan’s Realt Na Mara placed 3rd in the J/109 class,

Miguel Gambetta’s Michela took 3rd Section 5.

2009

Clyde Zeek - Commodore

CYC Race to Mackinac flag winners; Thomas Londrigan’s Realt Na Mara won 1st in the J/109 class,

Herb Philbrick’s Geronimo placed 2nd in Section 5, Tom Mullen’s Celestial took 2nd in Section 10.

First year of the Great Lakes Grand Prix including Super Boat classes.

First annual Socks Burning Bash, thanks to Mike Cooper.

We lost Bob Whalen.

2010

Nancy Lund Moser - Commodore

2011

Lew Noe - Commodore

CYC Race to Mackinac flag winners; Michael Leland’s Hope won 1st in the Cruising 2 class.

We lost Ron Lester, a MCYC legend in Area III racing.

Giorgetti’s was renamed to 12 on the Lake - the Pierside Grill

2012

Lew Noe – Commodore

CYC Race to Mackinac flag winners; Thomas Londrigan’s Realt Na Mara was 1st in the J/109 class and

won the prestigious Mackinac Cup Trophy!

Water’s Edge opened for business at 12 On the Lake.

Washington Park installed WiFi in the marina.

MCYC’s Dave Rearick (with Matt Scharl) took 2nd place in the Atlantic Cup race, the only dedicated

Class 40 race in the US. This was Dave’s first competitive race on his brand new Class 40.

2013

Bruce Carter – Commodore

Bruce convened his first MCYC planning meeting in Jun at the NBYC.

Herb Philbrick, VC Sail, developed a new annual Area III Race for MCYC – the PHRFection race held

Aug 10 & 11. Boats were invited to start from Waukegan, Chicago North (Belmont), Chicago South

(SA7) & St Joseph and finishing in Michigan City on Saturday. Results based on ‘corrected speed

(with wind adjustment)’ with prizes awarded using Area III class section breaks. On Sunday, visiting

boats raced back to their starting location, with results again based on ‘corrected speed.’ Feedback

on the first PHRFection was very good!

Drs Cindy & Michael Leland hosted ‘A Sailing Soiree’ raising money for MCYC Junior Sailing.

Dave Rearick, distinguished lifetime MCYC member, completed a 256 day solo around the world

circumnavigation aboard the Class 40 yacht Bodacious Dream on Jun 14th. His four leg adventure

included ports of call in Cape Town, South Africa; Wellington, New Zealand; the Galapagos Island,

Ecuador, and finishing as he started in Newport, RI, USA. His adventure was well chronicled online

through a web blog, Facebook & Twitter with frequent word and video updates in real time.

CYC Race to Mackinac flag winners; Michael Leland’s Hope finished 3rd in Cruising 2, Thomas

Londrigan’s Realt Na Mara won 1st in the J/109 class & placed 2nd Chicago Mackinac Trophy Division.

We lost Jeff Lowe, a longtime MCYC member.

2014

Bruce Carter – Commodore

Charlie Mueller took over leadership of Junior Sail

CYC Race to Mackinac flag winners; Michael Leland’s Hope won 1st in Cruising 2 & Cruising Overall,

Mike Jones’ Mrs Jones placed 3rd in Section 5.

Drs Cindy & Michael Leland hosted a 2nd ‘Sailing Soiree’ raising over $2,800 for MCYC Junior Sailing.

The Michigan City lighthouse was repainted, much improved!

The NIPSCO expansion project began, which included dredging the channel, benefitting recreational

boaters as well.

2015

Bruce Carter – Commodore

Jennie Girton took over leadership of Junior Sail

Drs Cindy & Michael Leland hosted a 3rd ‘Sailing Soiree’ raising over $2,100 for MCYC Junior Sailing.

Dr Leland’s Hope won section and overall in the 2015 Super Mac race.

CYC Race to Mackinac flag winners; Maggi Spartz sailed on Spirit Walker SHYC, won 1st in Section 3

and won the prestigious Chicago-Mackinac Trophy!

The new Washington Park North Pointe Pavillion and Breakwall repairs were completed.

Overboard Restaurant reopened a bar & grill at 12 On the Lake.

Suzanne Philbrick’s Tartan Ten Tenacity was dismasted during the Chicago NOOD regatta.

Fortunately no one was hurt, and she was back on the water in time for the Mac race.

Michigan City Trail Creek draw bridge repainted.

We lost Bill Kehoe, and avid sailor, MCYC Junior Sail director and longtime MCYC member.