GBYC 1960s - Historical Events and Happenings

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Green Bay Yachting Club, Inc.


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

While our 1940s and 1950s records have not been located as of yet, the records of the 60s show a period of tremendous growth and improvements. 

February 22, 1960
During a discussion at a special meeting, Fleet Capt. Paque indicated that 60 docks were in use last year and that they could have used 75. It is estimated that dock expense for 1960 will likely be about $900.00. In 1959 it cost $775.00 to have piles driven for docks.

March 3, 1960
During the director's regular meeting a motion was made and carried to have a $5.00 assessment on 1960-61 memberships to help pay for dock improvements.

March 10, 1960
Commodore Doering announced that feature writer Jack Rudolph of the Green Bay Press-Gazette would do an article on the history of the club. There was discussion from the floor on ways to raise money to correct the poor financial condition of the club. Ideas and suggestions were shared regarding activities for the upcoming Commodore's Picnic which will be on the last Sunday in June.


April 7, 1960

At the director's monthly meeting they talked about how to fix a drain line to the cesspool that leaked in the hold of the club house boat. Also, it was agreed to line the bilge to sweeten the air. Treasurer Flatley reported that paid-in members number 83 and paid-in docks number 31. It was decided that the DePere Sportsmen's Club Rescue Squad would be provided with space, at no expense, to install their own dock and locate their boat at the Yacht Club.

June 2, 1960
It was reported that June 18 will be the 25th Anniversary celebration of the club. A chicken dinner will be served at the event. Frank Cowles and Bernard Canney gave an explanation on the operations of the Annual Power Boat Consistency Race to be held on Saturday June 25th. The race will be going from Green Bay to Sturgeon Bay.

July 7, 1960
A committee, Bert Crosby and Ken Deschane, agreed to work with the Green Bay Packer officials to arrange a Venetian Night Boat Parade for the night before the first Packer league game. At the regular member meeting it was reported that the previous month's business was the largest business ever enjoyed in the history of the club.

July 14, 1960
At the regular monthly member meeting Commodore Doering reported that the City of Green Bay will soon be moving the dump which now is to the north of the clubhouse. He advised the membership that the city is talking of either moving the club or enlarging the facilities to include a slip to the north. It could be possible to arrange a dinner meeting with the interested city officials to discuss the Yacht Club's position regarding tenancy at the present location and its need for more room. A motion was made and carried to cooperate with the Junior Chamber of Commerce on this years Venetian Night.

September 1,8,19,29, 1960
In regular and special meetings, plans were presented and discussed for a new clubhouse and grounds improvement . Plans, alternate plans, and more plans continued over the next two and one-half years. The project finally takes shape and begins to really get under way in 1963. Be sure to follow the continuing story at the point of February 1963 and November 1963 . However, to get all the detail, just keep reading along.

The Board of Directors hosted a dinner and special meeting that included the Finance Committee of the Green Bay Common Council, Mayor Denissen, the City Engineer, and the City Attorney. The group discussed the present lease, permission to build a new clubhouse , mortgage reimbursement if asked to vacate the present location, future development of the area on which the Yacht Club is located, moving the city dump which is now to the north of the clubhouse, enlargement of the present Yacht Club slip, and demands being put on the city from other boating groups wanting development of public boating ramps and facilities.

Future developments on the east bay shore in the vicinity of Bay Beach Park were of interest but not likely at this time due to lack of money to provide for such location.

A new Clubhouse change under consideration is a two-story sketch donated by Fritz Schenkelberg and a one-story sketch and floor plan designed by Robert Surplice. Jim Blomquist, Design Architect, and Andy Foeller, Estimator from Mr. Surplice's office reviewed for the members what their plans covered including a breakdown on estimates of approximately $17,000. and $18,000.

Robert Surplice has agreed to donate the plans for the new Yacht Club building and in return accept a lifetime, non-assessable membership.

A motion was made and carried to continue with the present building program with 18 of 27 members present voting in favor and 4 members voting against. A motion was made and carried to construct a one-story structure as per the preliminary drawings and estimates presented by Robert Surplice with 20 members voting in favor and none against. A motion was made and carried to sell bonds for the purpose of raising money to finance all or part of the new building with 15 members voting in favor and 2 against. A motion was made and carried to not pay interest on the bonds sold for the financing of the new building. A copy of the pledge form for the Building Bonds was distributed to members. Finally it was agreed that construction of a building should start by June 1, 1961.

November 10, 1960
At the regular business meeting Vice Commodore Liedeka lead a discussion on paying interest on the Building Fund Bonds. Suggestions were made that paying interest of three, four, or five percent on bonds might be preferable to no interest and that the club should try to raise all the funds for the proposed new building. A question from Lin Jansen asking if the club could legally sell the bonds was answered by Secretary Huntington that he would get the answer.

Herb Keyes' motion and its action made on September 12, 1960 calling that no interest be paid on the Building Fund Bonds was withdrawn. A new motion was made and carried to pay four percent interest on the Building Fund Bonds.

December 8, 1960
At the annual meeting a discussion was held on changing the dues year to a calendar year basis. The motion was made and carried to put the dues on a calendar year basis with dues of $9.90 and a capital assessment of $5.00 for the 1961 year.

March 2, 1961
At the Board of Directors regular meeting a motion was made by G. Kerkhoff that the DePere Rescue Squad be given a dock location. They are to build and maintain it themselves. Motion seconded by W. Stram and carried.

March 23, 1961
At a special meeting of the Board of Directors there was much discussion about discrepancies in funds and inefficiency of the bar operation. The club steward's resignation was accepted and the club was closed immediately.
(There was a lot of 'special' meetings in 1961.)

April 20, 1961
During a special meeting a motion was made and carried to hire Mr. Drezwiski to drive piling and build necessary docks complete with cross members and planking for the sum of $1100.00.

May 4, 1961
At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors there was discussion of how the Green Bay Yachting Club fits in the Brown County Conservation Alliance. A motion was made and carried to withdraw from the Alliance for the current year or until more information is received from the Alliance.

September 26, 1961
A special meeting of the Board of Directors was held. The financial report was reviewed and showed improvement over the previous years position. They talked about potential problems and possibilities of shutting down the old boat part of the club for the winter. It was decided that for the present it would be left open and every effort would be made to insulate it.

October 12, 1961
At the regular membership meeting there was discussion over changing to a new meeting night as a result of the fact that Green Bay stores are now open on Thurday nights. There were eight votes for Tuesday night and three votes for Wednesday night. No action was taken.

January 4, 1962
At the regular Board of Directors meeting a motion was made and carried to close the club for the winter months which will help the club stay within the approved 1962 budget of $15,220. The club will open again in the Spring.

January 11,16,25, 1962
At the regular meetings there was discussion about the insurance claim for personal injury submitted by Harold Kruger which will be turned over to the Wheeler Insurance Co. Discussion continued about increased insurance costs for fire coverage on the clubhouse and coverage on docks. A motion was made and carried to increase dock fees. Dock fees will be $55.00 minimum for boats up to and including 20 feet and an additional $2.00 per foot over 20 feet.

Members discussed and seemed to be favorable to the idea of formation of a Key Club that could still use the club during the winter shutdown. Each Key member would pay a deposit of $2.50 for each key and a penalty of $5.00 if failing to register when using the club. The price of a 12 oz. bottle of beer will be 30 cents, an 8 oz. bottle of beer will be 20 cents and soda will be 10 cents. The club must be closed by 1:00 AM.

Richard Herrman, the treasurer, reported that the cash account contains $488.09 and outstanding debts are $1,312.59.

February 8, 1962
A report was made to the membership of the meeting held with city officials and officers of the Yacht Club and Green Bay Outboard Club. The city has proposed to undertake a project to develop new marine facilities in the city under the Federal Urban Renewal Program. They propose to develop the Cryan Plat between the end of North Quincy St. and Bay Beach for marine purposes and then move the Yacht Club.
Commodore Liedeka appointed all club officers plus Ken Deschane, Robert Flatley, Walter Stram, LaVerne Mills, and John Racine to a committee to study this proposal and potential usage of the facility by boaters.

April 1962
The club is officially open again on April 1. The Directors have selected Mr. L.G. Mills, a club member, to be the paid steward. It was decided that hot beverages, soups, and ice cream vending machines will be installed in the clubroom by Everard's Vending Service and that infrared heated sandwiches and a unit to heat the sandwiches will be installed by Stewart's In-Fra-Red Commissary of Appleton. Hot dogs (25 cents), toasted cheese (25 cents), barbequed beef (30 cents), and baked ham (35 cents).

Secretary O'Brien will send a letter to Frank Gallagher, owner of the old, unslightly building east of the clubhouse, to inquire about Mr. Gallagher's plans for this run-down building.

Fleet Captain Corbeille reported that floating docks will be put into the water on April 14 and driving of stake docks will be started the following Wednesday.

May 10, 1962
Progress on city plans to develop a new site for the Yacht Club is dragging. It is suggested that the club ask Ray Hockers about possibilities of locating on or near the Hockers property in Ashwaubenon.

September 20, 1962
At the regular Board of Directors meeting it was decided that the club will close as of Sept. 30, 1962 and will revert back to Key Club operation until a way is found to put its operation on a more sound basis. The club cannot continue to operate at a loss.

November 8,15, 1962
At the regular Board meeting, questionnaires from '61-'62 members were discussed at length and ways of improving involvement in the club for the 1963 season. Secretary O'Brien reported on a meeting he had with F.J. Euclide, Director of Public Works, for the City of Green Bay in which Mr. Euclide outlined the plans the city has for a six block long marine development east of Bay Beach. Mr. Euclide is optimistic that the plan will go forward in the future. However, these plans are in conflict with other plans reported in the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

December 13, 1962
A report was given at the annual meeting on the formation of the Brown County Boating Association. Included in the association were members from the Green Bay Yacht Club, the Sailing Club, the Green Bay Outboard Club, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Contacting the Power Squadron had been unsuccessful to date. Unity of purpose was the reason for this alliance so that everyone was working in the same direction regarding any marine development by Bay Beach or elsewhere in the area.

Ken Deschane mentioned that some dock pilings are in bad shape and will need to be replaced in 1963. A motion was made and carried to increase dues to $20.00 for 1963. The initiation fee would be $10.00. Another motion was made and carried to leave dock fees for 1963 unchanged from 1962. However, the number of docks installed will be at the discretion of the Board.

February 8,14, 1963
City planning for a new marina development project continues to drag. Consequently, it makes sense for the Yacht Club to move ahead with their own building improvements. Plans are presented by Jim McDonald at the regular Board meeting for an addition to the clubhouse . Under consideration are sizes of 40'x52', 40'x42', and 32'x48'. It was agreed that the largest size be selected. The building would contain a combination club room and dining room and a small kitchen. 
    
     [Clubhouse building layout - graphic forthcoming, I hope]

Following selection of a plan, the building plan was presented to the Mayor of Green Bay including a report on the costs of the addition. A motion was made and carried to finance the project by selling 150 bonds valued at $100.00 each. The bonds would be non- interest bearing with a ten year maturity date.

March 20, 1963
The Board holds a special meeting to discuss the club operations, continuation, and the building project. A motion is made and carried to continue operation as a Key Club until May 2. At that time summer operation of the club will be decided.

April 11, 1963
At the regular monthly meeting ideas were taken from the floor on ways and means of correcting the low water situation in the harbor. The water level was approximately one foot lower than normal.
     (This next item is great.)
Co-chairman of the membership committee, Wm. Walters, began his campaign to reach the goal of 500 new members by presenting a large white rabbit to Commodore McGee. The rabbit must remain in his possession until such time as he sells a new membership. He may then pass it on to other members of the Board and they in turn to other members continuing through the complete membership list. This seems like a lot of fun and Dave Nelson, a current member, still remembers his joining the club and having saved his sponser from an embarrassing long-term relationship with the "White Rabbit".

May 1963
It was decided to continue Key Club operation until June 1st with the exception of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The whereabouts of the white rabbit is not certain but Henry Liedeka will check on it and will post a roster on the rabbit's cage. So far 90 memberships and 28 bonds have been sold. On the matter of harbor business, it was agreed that $150.00 at the rate of $7.00 per hour could be spent to deepen the harbor.

July 1963
The present membership is at 118. During this time there was much discussion about the building program and the desire to start laying the foundation for the new building. The secretary was asked to get letters out to civic-minded persons asking for their help in buying bonds. It was hoped that by this the club may be able to raise sufficient funds to start building.

September 1963
Operation as a Key Club will be reactivated on Sept. 16. Commodore McGee reported on the proposed addition of a 30'x22' building. The old boat is to be torn down as soon as possible and work begin on the new extension at the east end of the current bar.

October 1963
Razing of the Fox is under way. As soon as clearing is completed the new structure will be started.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 



November 1963
Clearing of the site for the new building addition has been completed. Everything is ready to lay the footings for the addition. It was agreed to change the size of the room to 38'x20'. Additionally, it was decided to install a new pump, tank, and water system for $525.00. 

                 Below left is a 1964 picture of the New Building and below right is the same building 4 years later in 1968. 


 


 

 

 


 

 




December 1963
Dues will remain the same $20.00 for 1964 (dues $10, assessment $10).

February - May 1964
Bond sales progressed and projects for the new building addition continued. Arrangements were made with the J.C. Basten Co. to do dredging of the harbor slip. Plans were explained for further building development, landscaping, and removal of the shed north of the club. The Outboard Club expressed an interest in holding their meetings at the Yacht Club and were invited to visit the club and see if it would serve their purpose.

June 11, 1964
At the regular meeting it was reported that the current 33 docks would be expanded to 40 and that club members would build the new sections. The club in turn would provide the refreshments for the workers.

July 9, 1964
Current membership is at 102. A decision was made to have the club remain open on Mondays. Further dicussions focused on club operations being open for non-members. To comply with city ordinances it was decided that the facilities need to be restricted to members and guests only and signs would be posted at entrances as such.

September - October 1964
Key Club operation is to resume on Sept. 13 once again. There is currently 115 members and 34 paid docks. Ed Paque, Fleet Capt., outlines plans to build a hoist for pulling boats. The plan is met with approval and the date of Oct. 24 is set to pull boats. Several plans were suggested for finishing the kitchen and it was decided to leave it up to the Board according to best pricing available.

November - December 1964
During the regular Board of Directors meeting a motion is made and carried to purchase a color T.V. for the club. Also reported, installation of plumbing for the kitchen is to start on Nov. 7 with the interior work following. The work plan is to be done in time for the Christmas and New Years Eve parties. Three names are drawn for retirement of the building bonds. The money may be left in the fund if the donor so states and retains the power to be paid on demand in the following year. A committee of Dave Nelson, Red McDonald, and Ed Paque begin the planning process for docks on the southside of the harbor.

March 4, 1965
During the regular Board meeting it was indicated that there are requests for more docks than the club currently has available. It was decided to do a cost study on hiring someone to build new additional docks. Discussion followed on finishing the kitchen with a sink conforming to state standards and installing a grill. Permission was granted to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxilary to use the facilities on Tuesday for the next eight weeks to hold instructional classes.

April 8, 1965
New dock construction is under way. Ten additional docks are being built for the southside of the harbor. Materials have arrived for construction of a ramp which is expected to be completed shortly. Hiring the J.C. Basten company for dredging at a cost of $1,923.00 is approved.

April 27, 1965
At a special Board meeting dredging of the harbor slip was discussed. Damage last year to the slip caused by the Boland and Cornelius Steamship Line was the topic. Attorney John C. Jaekles, club attorney, reviewed the progress made in negotiation with the company indicating definite responsibilty for damages. Only the amount of damages need to be determined yet. $7,500.00 is finally agreed to.

May 6,13, 1965
Construction of a new storage area will begin on May 11. At the same time, finishing the outside of the new building will continue to completion. Arrangements were made with Leichts to have their portable crane at the club on Saturday May 15 to put boats back in the water. The club will continue regular operation hours all days except for Monday closing. Once again the Sea Scouts received permission to dock their boats at the club. The DePere Sportsmans Club also received permission for the White Angel.

Commodore Dost reported that Ben Wittig has donated the building to the northeast of the club to the club and it will be moved on club property.

July 1, 1965
The Board at their regular meeting had a discussion regarding the fact that many people in Green Bay joined the Oconto Yacht Club simply for the lower membership charge. The Secretary was directed to write a letter to the Oconto Yacht Club outlining concerns and explaining G.B.Y.C. will continue to honor Oconto members, if from that area, but not any Green Bay Yachtsmen who join Oconto just to use our facilities.  (Gee whiz... I should say so... that bunch of cheap skates...)

November - December 1965
An additional three building bonds are to be retired this year at the annual meeting. At the annual meeting a motion was made and carried to set dues at $20.00 and initiation at $20.00 for 1966. 1966 dock rentals will be $60 for boats up to and including 20 feet and $5.00 additional for every additional 5 feet (or part) of length. The launch ramp was completed during the year and is available to members only and members of visiting clubs.

February 1966
A letter was received from the Boland and Cornelius Steamship Line now denying responsibility for damages that occurred during the summer of 1964. This is a contradiction of negotiation agreements previously reached back in April 1965. The Secretary was instructed to send pictures and newspaper clipping to the company regarding the event and their action.

March 10, 1966
At the regular meeting, Fred Luicier presented Small Craft Warning flags to the club on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxilary. The meeting was then turned over to the Coast Guard Aux. for a movie for a Safe Boating and Navigation Course.

March 24, 1966
A special Board meeting was called to discuss the possible purchase of the docks from the Nicolet Marina which is located up the river. The docks are assembled in a group of 27 and are available for approximately $900.00. Elmer Dost is authorized to spend up to $1,000.00 for the docks if available. April 7, 1966 Plans are made to move the newly purchased docks from the Nicolet Marina to the Club slip on Saturday April 16.

Member Dave Nelson clearly recalls this period and specifically the project of moving the newly acquired docks down the river. As described to me, "history guy", a number of club members as a group took their own boats to the Nicolet Marina. There they tied a couple boats inside the slips and these would serve the purpose of steering. Other boats were then used to move the whole assembly out of the Nicolet Marina and down the river as if it were a giant barge. The boats on the ends moved it down the river and stayed in radio contact with the other boats ("steering boats") tied inside the slips. This way the steering boats were told to either forward or reverse power their boats to push the docks from side-to-side. It was said that the main reason it took so long to make way down the river was because of all the Beer breaks needed as they passed every bridge along the way. Not at all hard to believe that!   (Some might say they were lucky to make it at all.)

With the new additioned Clubhouse and now these nice new docks, Dave tells me that improvements just kept getting better and better and G.B.Y.C. began to have the feel of a completely revitalized club. It was most certainly a very active period of improvements and growth.

September 8, 1966
At the general meeting there was open discussion about the club's role in policing the Long Tail Point area. Additionally the club supported a project to do a cut through at Long Tail Point. This project also received the support of the Brown County Alliance. However, it never happened.

Next, Elmer Dost reported that he had contacted the Corp of Engineer officials with regard to acquiring the twin Lighthouses at Grassy Island. He was awaiting a reply at this time.  The Grassy Island Range Lights were established in 1872 and decommissioned in 1966. See the original location of the Lighthouses in the picture on the left below.  And, on the right is the Lighthouses after they were relocated. 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

 


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November - December 1966
The Lighthouses on Grassy Island are moved in. Elmer Dost suggests that a letter of thanks be sent to Mr. Carl Petersen of the Corp of Engineers expressing the club's gratitude for his help in acquiring the Lighthouses

In other business it was agreed to keep dues, initiation, and dock fees unchanged for 1967. As in past years, three names were drawn to retire their building fund bonds.


The years of
1967, 
1968, and 
1969 are not completed yet.  

 

--- End of the 1960s for now ---

 

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