MEMOIRS OF A YACHT CLUB
by: Marston W. Keeler, 1970
These pages are dedicated to the memory of our members who have set sail on their last voyage. Without their foresight and initiative our Yacht Club would not have been. May they forever have fair winds and a quiet anchorage.
Memoirs of a Yacht Club
THE SAGA of a Yacht Club, its trials and tribulations, begins in the early 1890's when growing interest in yachting and small boat racing burgeoned among members of the Jamestown colony. Perhaps the urge for boating was an avenue of escape for summer residents of this island bound community. Be that as it may the Jamestown Yacht Club came into being at an organization meeting held on July 14th, 1891. A year later the name was changed to Conanicut Yacht Club and our present Burgee was adopted. The Club was incorporated on October 7th, 1892, and our records indicate much credit is due to H. S. Eustis and Dr. Edward T. Reichert for its formation. Also mentioned are Anthony S. Murray, Horace F. Smith, Dr. D. B. Birney, Frank H. Rosengarten and H. Nelson Emmons for their efforts towards its success.
By 1894, a small boathouse had been built on property South of the ferry slips, and the Club could boast of a covered pavilion extending out into Narragansett Bay. Consequently there was great activity in sailing and racing. In our files is a photograph taken around 1900 showing a number of gaff rigged catboats tied to the dock, ready for the race.
Going back to the year 1890, the Jamestown Club, also known as the Jimtown Club, had been formed by a group of card playing gentlemen, and this was to influence the Yacht Club some years hence. The object of the Jamestown Club, as defined in the Constitution, was the “promotion of Social Enjoyment amongst the members.” This Club was strictly for male persons, age 25 or older, and cause of increasing difficulties in renting suitable quarters, the members voted to join the Yacht Club and build a new clubhouse which would serve the needs of both organizations.
After much lengthy discussion, and some opposition, the two Clubs agreed to merge under the Burgee of the CYC, and plans were submitted by Mr. Herbert J. Wetherill calling for a building with two floors, separate entrances, and no “interior communications”. Yachting and sailing activities were to be confined to the first floor, while the second floor would be reserved solely for the “promotion of Social Enjoyment” among members of the former Jamestown Club. The new Clubhouse, commissioned in June, 1917, “was thought to do great credit to the architect, Mr. Wetherill, and to Mr. Knowles, the builder.”
The construction was financed by a Bond Issue of $10,000, raised by popular subscription. A letter, dated August 21, 1916, and reproduced herewith, gives a glowing description of the proposed new Clubhouse and offers members and others the chance to subscribe. These selfsame bonds were to be a recurring problem in later years, as attempts were made to improve the Club’s balance sheet by “buying in” the bonds from members and Estates.
As some members belonged to both Clubs, on Race Days the incessant poker game upstairs (at which fortunes were made---and lost) would be interrupted by the cry “Here they come!” The Race Committee would throw down their cards and dash out to the dock, arriving just in time to fire the gun and record the finish of the racing yachts.
For a number of years Water Sports were held off the Yacht Club dock, and both young members and Jamestown children were contestants in the various events. Advance scouts roamed the Island to advise the populace, and with the shout of “Water Sports, ten o’ clock at the Yacht Club” ringing in their ears, people of all ages gathered at the Club to witness the contests of speed and endurance. And incidentally the coffers of the Club would be enriched by fees charged the participants and program ads contributed by our local shopkeepers.
Pollution is currently an evil word, and Water sports have not held for many a moon. Few knew and none cared that the old Clubhouse on Walcott Ave was situated directly over the main town sewer line, the outflow of same being discharged in considerable volume at the end of our dock, thus adding to the density of the water on Water Sports Days. It is suggested this is where some of our agile members first learned to walk on the water.
Speaking of coffers, for decades the coffers of the Club were often as bare as the proverbial cupboard. At the turn of the Century, annual dues for active members were five dollars, and the total membership was but 125. We were lucky, indeed that our early Commodores were themselves, but also opened their hearts and pocket books. History relates how often the day would be saved by the Commodores gracefully picking up the tab.
Every organization relies on its loyal employees, and the Yacht Club is no exception. For years Ulysses G. Gooby, a retired Chief Petty Officer, was our steward. Gooby, as he was affectionately known, was a man of all works, and a fixture of the Club. When Gooby, marched down the dock in his blue uniform, white cap, black tie and shoes, one felt the power and majesty of the United States Navy as he swept by. Our steward was also a qualified bartender, and the Commodores of the period, together with their cronies, formed the habit of meeting at the Club in the afternoon to take care of the business of the day, as served by Gooby. To be invited meant you were part of the “in-group.”
When Pearl Harbor came, Gooby rejoined the Navy and was stationed as Beavertail for the duration. With hash marks up to his elbow, it is said more than one Admiral approached Chief Petty Officer Gooby for advice on how to run the Navy.
During World War II our needs were amply served by several pensioners from Newport who would arrive on the 8am ferry depart at five o’clock. And for the past two decades the Club has been fortunate to have the services of Tony and Marie Vieira as steward and stewardess. On any given night other faithful people are on the job, and without the combined help of all, the Club could not function.
Our more mature members will recall the numerous fine yachts (and some not so fine) flying the Burgee of the Conanicut Yacht Club during the twenties and thirties. Among these, with their owners, can be mentioned
DOG STAR III, Commodore F. O. Allen ---THE ANNAS, Mrs. Harrison S. Morris---12-Meter Sloop ANAWA, Commodore Horace F. Smith, Jr.---VEGA, J. S. L. Wharton---PENGUIN, L. M. Keeler---10-Meter Sloop REVENGE, T. Albert Potter---Catboat ARUSA, W. Wetherill---Schooner GERTRUDE, B. Block---FISHER MAID & FIREFLY, Mrs. J. Bertram Lippincott----74 foot Sloop AVENGER, W. W. Watson, Jr.—FAYELLE, Mrs. James M. Dodge---Sloop THELEMA, Commodore Charles W. Wharton---Crosby Yawl CHERIE, W.M.C. Kimber---TODDYWAX, Herreshoff-built in 1906 for William P. Henszey--- TODDYWAX II & III, built for Dr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Ashton in the early 30’s---THANIA, ex-TODDYWAX I, now Daniel A. Newhall’s and still going strong---Friendship Sloop ESTELLA A, owned by Duncan Selfridge and presently at Mystic Seaport—And one can not forget the palatial 100 foot Yacht WILD DUCK, belonging to Miss Margaret B. Levey and Commodore Charles B. Levey, with its crew of nine, plus a watchman to patrol the decks at night.
It should be noted in this era yachting was a Gentlemans sport, and in our fleet there were few boats if any size, either sail or power, which were not run and maintained by uniformed paid hands. Fortunately the game has changed with the times, boats have shrunk in length and professional help is no longer a required standard for yachting.
Hurricanes have played a part in the destiny of our Yacht Club. The first of the century, coming ashore Long Island, hit the Northeast coast with tremendous fury and without warning on the afternoon of September 21st, 1938. Little Rhode Island stood directly in the path of this killer storm, and before nightfall over 300 lives had been lost and $100,000,000 worth of damage had been wrought in the State. In Jamestown 7 school children died when their school bus bogged down at Mackerel Cove, and the ferry “Governor Carr “found a new berth for itself on the Wetherill’s front yard. By five o’clock the wind was recorded at a velocity of 121 miles-per-hour and every boat anchored off the Yacht Club had either sunk or been washed ashore and wrecked. The pier was soon demolished, and tidal waters rose beyond the first floor level. At this point, the ranking member present removed the list of Officers and Trustees from the wall, and declared the Club “out of commission.”
Next spring the dock was rebuilt, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Levy and Mr. Morris, and a new class of sailboats, the Lawley 15’s had been started to replace the many boats destroyed by wind and wave on that fateful day.
On September 14, 1944, a second hurricane roared up from the tropics and again we lost our dock, much to the despair of Officers and Trustees who met several days afterwards to discuss the catastrophe. When it was disclosed that a $5000 insurance policy on the dock had been taken out verbally just to days prior to the storm, the Board was quick to authorize immediate payment of the pending bill. A new pier was put in the following spring, paid for by the Insurance Company, and we sat back to await what might come next.
With the end of World War II, it became apparent that the Yacht Club was to be the social center of the Community. This came about because the Beavertail Golf and Country Club, as well as the old Casino, had passed into oblivion. To meet the challenge, the first floor was enlarged, a bar was installed on the second floor and other improvements made. Saturday Night dances were initiated, also Sunday Night buffets, which were an instant success. Here $1.00 and all the food you could eat was the policy. Remember the good old days?
In 1951, at the request of tennis minded members steps were taken to acquire the Shoreby Hill tennis facilities. The purchase was financed by our tennis enthusiasts, and we found ourselves in the racquet business.
A lady named “Carol” paid us a visit in August, 1954, knocking out the dock, and this time causing severe damage to the lower floor and structural members of the building itself. When the remains were assessed, it was evident to some members and Trustees that Hurricane “Carol” was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and a movement was immediately underfoot to relocate the Club, in a safer area.
Various committees were formed to study the matter, and the battle of the ages commenced. To move or not to move, that was that the question discussed at every cocktail gathering, and heated debates were the order of the day. Good neighbors became enemies overnight, rumors were flying around the Community, and bets were placed on both sides of the Bay as to our ultimate decision. One report, which received prominence in some quarters, was that the Yacht Club had taken over Dutch Island on the West side, and would operate a “gambling hell,” as well as other notorious pursuits. In this event, several of our mischievous members suggested the Club should change its colors from blue and white to scarlet.
That Labor Day, with the Clubhouse in shambles, the festivities were held up on Shoreby Hill tennis courts, with dinner being served on set-up tables. Because of the uncertain future of the Club, the affair was not overly gay, even though our Burgee was flying bravely from a make-shift flagstaff.
The final decision to move was made during a meeting of Trustees held at the New York Yacht Club in January, and arrangements were completed to purchase from Miss Esther Lyons a large house situated next to the Webster Wetherill property. Located on the waterfront, and with considerable land for future expansion, it was felt the former Knight house, after renovations, would adequately fulfill the needs of our growing membership. The property was further enhanced by the generous donation of Mr. Webster K. Wetherill of land located to the North of the Club for a much needed parking area.
Unfortunately the spirited and often bitter controversy continued into the following summer, and by August a majority of Trustees had resigned, leaving the Club without an effective governing body. Luckily calmer heads prevailed, a special membership meeting was called, the Trustees were reinstated, and under a new administration the necessary improvements were completed and the Club put on a firm financial basis.
In retrospect, 15 years later, it is clear that the right move was made, time is a fine healer, and there are few members who recall or care about the great unpleasantness. The old Clubhouse was sold to a speculator for $4000, and later condemned and torn down. The only souvenirs of by-gone days are a glass-inlaid panel, now part of our front door, and a circular CYC plaque removed from the old fireplace and presently mounted over the bar entrance.
Cruising and racing are the main purpose of any active Yacht Club, and we can be proud of our Burgee which has been displayed halfway ‘round the world. The colors have been seen from Nova Scotia to the Florida Keys and the Out Islands. Several voyages have been made by members’ boats to Mediterranean Ports, the Greek Isles and other foreign lands. Our racing boats enter most long distance events on the East Coast, including the Bermuda and the Annapolis-Newport contests. On the Onion Patch year, Conanicut and Corinthian of Philadelphia jointly sponsor the Cape May to Newport Race. Over the years, our Race Committees have handled races for many types of boats, ranging from 12 Meter Cup Defenders to Sailfish. And lest we forget, enthusiasm for racing and yachting should be generated at an early age. To this end we have a fine fleet of more than thirty Blue Jay sailboats, five of which are Club owned.
Flashbacks into History
The look of total disbelief on Bert Lippincott’s faced when his brand new Marconi, in its first race, capsized off Gould Island and sank like a stone straight for Davy Jones’ Locker. (After incident, flotation tanks became much in vogue) Circa 1921.Porch memberships at 5 dollars a season were available for Ladies of the Colony who wished to watch the boat races. This gave the “girls” a fine view of the activities, and also afforded a built-in opportunity for idle chatter. (Horrors!) The topics discussed covered a wide gamut and nothing seemed to escape the attention of this merry group. The last scandal---who danced with whom at the Thorndike Hotel on Saturday night ----and the last word on that impromptu midnight swim at the Dumplings were all grist for their mill.
The sight of a Marconi, washed ashore in a Northeast storm, being held off the rocks and certain destruction by the sheer determination and willpower of Captain Soule. Flat on his back, with his feet braced against the boat, Captain Soule stayed in this position for three hours, being refueled every fifteen minutes from a Scotch bottle administered by enthusiastic onlookers. Circa mid-thirties.
The new class of sailing Dories which would capsize at a gentle hiccup. Designed by John G. Alden in one of his bad moments, Mr. Alden refused to sail his own creation. Circa about 1925
Excerpt from the minutes of a Trustees Meeting held August 4, 1934. “Mr. Crozer said he had two boxes of shells suitable for the Club’s cannon for which he had no use, as firing his gun (at his residence on Shoreby Hill) scared his parrot and he offered the shells to the Club. On motion duly made and seconded, they were accepted with thanks to Mr. Crozer (and the parrot).”
Regatta Days were when boats from all over the Bay would converge on Conanicut. Fifteen classes and 125 boats were not uncommon, and the confusion was great! Our last Regatta was sailed in 1946 when the Clubhouse was taken over for the night by a group of cheerful boys and girls, participants in the races. Although our steward was a stern chaperon throughout, this was more than our exacting members and Trustees could tolerate. My –how times have changed!
Remember the Saturday Afternoon Teas served by the Ladies of the Club? And the punch made by Gooby for the Juniors, which would occasionally be spiked by said Juniors, with something stronger than fruit juice!
Remember too, the weekly races with nine Triangles crossing the line as one, followed by half-a-dozen Marconis, a class of ten Pilots and various Handicap Boats. The starting line being directly on the ferry route to Newport, it was our custom at the end of the season to send the Ferry Co. a note of appreciation for the many times Ferry Captains delayed their boats during our starts and finishes. Circa gay twenties, early thirties.
And in our more heroic days, the sterling silver cups, standing three feet high, which on Prize Day would be filled to the brim with champagne by the winner and passed along the dock.
Gone but not forgotten---The Sunday sail out to the Brenton Reef Lightship with newspapers and magazines for the crew. Where, oh where is our Lightship now?
Club History
All Clubs have their customs and traditions. Starting with Commissioning Ceremonies at the end of May, we have the Commodore’s Tea on July 4th, and in August the Annual Yacht Club Cruise and Picnic, and event anticipated by all. (This affair is not for the sober minded) The Round-the-Island Race always held on Labor Day weekend is a sad time for many Juniors and families who have to depart for homes, schools, and jobs. Labor Day evening is Prize Night, the sunset gun is fired, and all Commodores, past and present, gather around the flagpole for a farewell salute to the colors as they float gently downward.
Our Club is 78 years young and the future is bright. Conceived in the horse and buggy era, surviving a turbulent past, its life span has now encompassed man’s conquest of the moon. As our Juniors assume the reins of responsibility, we can rest assured the traditions of the Conanicut Yacht Club will be upheld, new ones will be added, and our Burgee will to continue to fly proudly at the masthead.