|
Flags that fly are part of the Club's customs. The American flag is flown from the gaff (a broken Lightning mast), the Chelsea Yacht Club burgee at the masthead or truck, and the flag of the senior club officer present from the starboard yard-arm facing seaward. One of the Club's former American flags was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Schwab in memory of their son, Marvin, a Lightning skipper who gave so many hours and was so much a part of the Club. The flag was retired and now occupies a place of honor in the glass-fronted cabinet next to the outer door to the Fireplace Room.
Many people have worked hard to give Chelsea its rich history. Many wonderful, warm, colorful, funny, and even sad events have taken place in this history, and most of these have not been mentioned as this is a brief history. Chelsea exists because of its members. A quote from a letter written in 1943 by Frank F, Collyer to the Club very aptly describes the spirit of the Chelsea Yacht Club and what it means to its members:
|
"....In these two score years, there have been great changes. That is but
natural in the course of human events. In all times, however, the Chelsea
Yacht Club has grown and prospered. Through a succession of officers,
many loyal members have given freely of their time and money to carry on
the splendid traditions of boating on the Hudson River, but perhaps what
is more important than all---the furtherance of good fellowship and socia-
bility that rightly are such a part of club life in this community. These are
the things that really make life worthwhile.....and may that always continue
to be so.....!"
|
A chronological study of the administrations from 1971 to 1983 shows that each brought its own unique set of skills and priorities to bear on the Club's development. Some commodores enjoyed a routine tenure; others were involved in landmark decisions or major projects. Some commodores just happened by when a dramatic change was in order; others made changes happen. One important point: No tour of duty for a commodore is easy. Members exert personal demands. There are pressure groups -- yes, even politics-- . There are meetings and conferences where each officer gives much of him or herself in exchange for the title.
One common denominator of all the administrations since 1971 has been significant expansion and improvement of the Club's facilities. Commodore Bill Witkowski (1973) oversaw the installation of the Cyclone fence around much of our property and was instrumental in the purchase of the launch. Under the guidance of Sam York (1976), the Club improved the North Point ramp and, with considerable effort on the part of Zane Avery, put in the deep-water dock on the North Point. The Miller house ( the first house on the left as you go along Front Street toward the clubhouse) was purchased at this time. This 100 year old house is constructed with hand-hewn timbers and wooden pegs. It was the home of two former commodores: John Sturges (1890) and Paul Miller (1930). Paul, a railroad engineer, lived there most of his life.
Efforts on the North Point continued in 1977 under the direction of Commodore Bob Bennett. Bob renewed the bulkheading and installed a holding tank for the heads on the North Point.
In 1978 Commodore Sal Cerniglia completed the fireplace room and added the Ackerman house, the house nearest our gate, to be our steward's quarters. That year was also the one in which the marina crew gave birth to the "Happy Hooker" to haul out the moorings.
With the Club's Centennial on the horizon for 1981, renovation activity soon reached a fever pitch. Under the direction of Commodore Matt Bingham (1980), work started on a new kitchen and upstairs bathroom facilities. This work was completed in 1981 by a volunteer team headed by Bill "Big Daddy" Witkowski.
Our memorable Centennial celebration in 1981 took much of Commodore Dick Stevens' time. Each event -- Memorial Day, Fourth of July, the CYC Open Regatta, Labor Day, and some in between were dominated by special activities -- music, fireworks, covered-dish suppers, and, to commemorate the Club's origins, a display of ice boats ("Jack Frost," "Vixen," "Whiff," and "Glace") on the lawn. To top things off, Dick inspired one of our artists to paint the CYC sign now at the entrance and another to carve the huge mahogany sign facing the river. The Club was at its best, with everyone working together. We were on display, and we were beautiful.
As noted earlier, the Club admitted its first women members in 1925. Then, in 1982, 57 years later, we elected Linda Muller our first woman commodore. As can be seen from the following table, she is one of a small company of women commodores.
|
