In 1920 Alfred “Alfie” Duff, an attorney, was elected Commodore, and at this period two bathhouses and a boardwalk to the lake were built. The boardwalk extended out beyond the marsh grass, so one would be able to get to solid sandy bottom. This was approximately five feet with railings on each side, and it was lighted down the middle by single bulbs approximately 20 feet apart. (The young fry quickly found that they could stand between the bulbs and do what all youngsters do! Just innocent hugging, of course! They would not really have the privacy to do more!!)

In 1921, 1922, and 1923 George Ketcham served as commodore even though he was from Toledo! It was during this period that Commodore Ketcham negotiated with the government to dredge a small lagoon for small boats (there weren’t any outboard engines, only inboards) and canoes. He also moved his sailboat, the “Shark” down to PCYC as his permanent berth.The original spar from that boat became the club’s first flagpole. The club also acquired the anchor from the Niagara, Commodore Perry’s flagship, and it remains on our grounds.

On June 3 of 1921, the decision was made to build a new clubhouse: an estimated investment of $3500! On May 24 of 1923, PCYC purchased the land that they had been leasing, to wit: …from the centerline (extended) of Madison Street to the centerline (extended) of Jefferson Street, bordered on the north by Lake Erie and on the south by the Portage River. Dwight F. Davis, Acting Secretary of War, accepted the offer of $6500, which included “a small building.” (Think what this piece of property would be worth today!)

In 1925, P.K. “Pete” Tadsen was elected Commodore. He was an insurance agent from Port Clinton. The Club hired as caretaker, Sam Jones, and his wife Katie. He was a retired fireman from Cleveland. (And another little personal vignette I would like to share with you….His wife Katie was the one referred to earlier, who would come out to the “pool area” to deliver phone messages from mothers who were calling their kids—and she DID keep us in line. As to the personal note I referred to a bit earlier, these two became very good friends of the Crawford family, and when Sam retired a second time in 1932, as he and Katie were going to move to Long Beach, California, he wanted to go down and say goodbye to his firemen buddies, so he took Rose and Ruel, and Jean along, and Jean had the opportunity to slide down the brass pole in the fire station! Quite a thrill I might add! Also, somewhere in the “wilds” of California was a boat named “Jean.” Also quite a thrill!)

1926 saw John Sorensen elected as Commodore, and during this time the lagoon was lengthened to almost its present horseshoe shape, and muck, sand, and some clay was deposited in the inside of the horseshoe, giving us the basis of our present infield. There were trees there, and they were left. The ground was still soft and wet, and knowledge-able members found many good “sponge mushroom” patches.

It was during this time that the “humpback” footbridge across the north end of the lagoon was built to allow access to the lake for bathers. The Clubhouse also underwent revisions. A “ballroom” was added on the east side of the clubhouse. Since it was not “year around,” it was screened on the east and north, with flaps which could be let down in case of inclement weather. A screened porch extended the south and west sides of the club. (And a minor point that might be added here—these were furnished with long tables and folding chairs, and “family potlucks” were held every Sunday night. They were very popular, and the children found it great fun to run and slide on the ballroom floor without the parents paying very much attention! So what has changed?)

An outside playground was fenced in between the clubhouse and the bathhouse and included a swing set, merry-go-round, and a LONG slide! (These were moved over to the pool area after the pool was built.) Another small comment here—the kids found that they could slide REALLY fast if they could beg a Cracker Jack wrapper, or similar piece of waxed paper, and wax the slide. (There was a “candy and soft drink” stand built at the north end of the porch, offering easy accessibility to waxed paper.) This “stand” of course, was the forerunner of our dispensers of pop, etc. One thing I remember as a child were frozen Milky Ways, ice cream bars, and at certain times, one of the “concessionaires,” Mrs. Zeis, would make her WONDERFUL homemade doughnuts! I can almost taste them now! In those days, too, the pop was made in Port Clinton—NOT any “national” brands.

In 1927 Dr. C.B. Finefrock was elected Commodore, followed in 1928 by Oliver True, an attorney. In 1929, Ed Sprenger was elected Commodore, and the “compartmentalized” boathouse was constructed on the west bank of the east lagoon. Also, Dave Jeremy, a club member, installed a short marine railway into the west bank of the lagoon which could accommodate a limited number of boats which were moved into the infield for winter storage. (NO, we did not have a bunch of marinas in the area. Remember, this was a depression period!) The tracks for the railway were located where the “very narrow” slip is presently located, and is quite a coveted spot as it can only hold one boat!)

In 1930 and 1931 John A. Lay, owner of the Port Clinton Fish Company, was elected Commodore. A “caretaker’s cottage” was erected just south of where the pool now stands. Even though we were not a year around club, it was still felt necessary for surveillance 24 hours, because of the boats in winter storage on the grounds.

It should be mentioned here that it was not all work. For a number of years after the lagoon was lengthened and the boathouse was built, we had a fairly good “fleet” of sailboats grow. No particular “class” per se, but we had everything from “Nippers” to Seagulls, Interlakes (which became fairly numerous, as they were designed and built in Sandusky, and were first called “Sandusky Sailors”). Also somewhere along the way, the Matthews Company started building an Atkins design sloop (26 feet?) and three of these were purchased by local members John Lay, Harry Stensen, Charley Dewitt, and one other. None of our members actively “campaigned” their boats except within the local club.

An interesting vignette here on the effect the weather had on the small sailboats. One Sunday afternoon, two of our stalwart young men were out for a pleasure sail, even though the weather was “iffy.” We were having a year of high water and our breakwall between the lake and lagoon was not terribly far out of the water. These two started sailing parallel to the shore, aiming for the mouth of the river. (Remember, no outboards in those days, only sails and paddles) Good old Lake Erie pulled one of her sneak attacks and right out of the blue she created a seiche, and the Interlake was propelled right across the breakwall into the lagoon! This seiche eventually covered the entire infield, momentarily, and then, as seiches are known to do, receded just as rapidly. We were all watching from clubhouse in case the two in the boat needed any help. They did not, although they were a bit “shook up!” This was during the WWII days, and one of the popular tunes was Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer so this became the by-word for that event. (Needless to say, I would hazard a guess that the fellows had a rapid change of clothing, and not because of Lake Erie water!)

We also found that the swimming in the “new” lagoon was great! The Club had built a “dock” on three sides of the south end of the lagoon, and constructed a tower with a one meter, a three meter with diving boards, and a four meter (?) tower. Although there was no outlet to the river to provide water circulation, we did not let that stop us! (Ask some of the “Old Timers” what the Lake Erie Crawl was!) But do remember that there was little boat traffic (again, the depression period?), so pollution was not really a problem, although the parents of most of the kids had them get typhoid shots! (An extra duty of the caretakers was to run out to the pool area when one of our parents would call! And yes, she knew most of us by name, and also saw to it that we didn’t misbehave! If you will check the picture in the hallway to the ballroom, you will see the swimming area. All of the kids were not club members, because the club permitted the city to use it for swimming lessons.)

Another aside to the sailboat growth—at that time, the power line crossed the west lagoon with quite a sag in it, and I recall one catboat of approximately 22 feet hit it with his mast, putting the fear of God in all of us! Yes, the sag was removed shortly after that incident!

In 1932, Doctor J.W. Sprenger was elected Commodore, followed by Henry Cowgill, who was the manager of the power company.

In 1934, A.A. Watt, from Clyde, was an avid tennis player, and that is when the concrete tennis courts at the east side of the club were installed. (These were eventually moved, and that area became a parking lot.) W.S. Bates, who was, as I recall, a dentist from Fremont, followed as Commodore in 1935.

In 1936, Orrin “Crabby” Miller from Fremont was elected.

In 1937, Stensen Petersen, an auto dealer from Port Clinton, was elected Commodore, followed, in 1938, by Dave Jeremy, who served in 1939 as well. The ladies organized the Shipmates, with Pearl Braddock the first “Captain.” The stated purpose of the group was to make plans for the improvements of the clubhouse and to promote the social program of the club. She, too, continued as Captain in 1939.

In 1939, the boathouse was moved from the east lagoon to the west lagoon, and the marine railway was removed. The club also granted an easement to the village of Oak Harbor for a water main.

In 1940, R.E. “Salty” Reynolds was elected Commodore, and Sue Lay as Shipmates Captain. In 1941 Charley Dewitt, a Port Clinton hardware store owner, was elected Commodore and Margaret Needham became Captain of the Shipmates. Charley owned an outboard, and was an avid racer, winning a race from Port Clinton to Cleveland sponsored, if my memory serves me right, by the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

In 1942, F.M. “Fred” Zeis, became Commodore. He was the father of Lockwood Zeis, who became Commodore in 1976. Fred was an insurance agent, with the P.K. Tadsen agency. Barney Roose became Shipmates Captain. On October 6, the dues for active members were raised from $15.00 to $22.50. “Special Members” dues were increased from $20.00 to $30.00. Dues for “Junior Members” were established at $7.50. (And today some members complain about our dues and occasional assessments which became necessary for capital improvements! But what other club offers the facilities, etc., that Port Clinton Yacht Club does?)

In 1943, Lee Bracken was elected Commodore, and he remained very active, becoming a delegate to I-LYA and eventually became Commodore of the I-LYA. Mae Schaper became the captain of the Shipmates. The following year, Roland Schaper was elected Commodore and Ginny Bracken Captain of the Shipmates. (Nothing like keeping it in the family!)

In 1945 Bill Allan, a local Ford dealer, became Commodore, with Adelaide Reifschneider as Shipmates Captain. He was followed in 1946 by Ray Lambert and Ethel Allan as Captain.

In 1947 Carleton “Pinky” Allan, a local Ford dealer, became Commodore and Mary Lambert was selected as Captain of the Shipmates. The Club applied for, and received, a liquor license, which arrived on a Friday afternoon. The Commodore and I dashed to the liquor store and grocery store for minimal supplies, and we set up a temporary bar in the kitchen of the clubhouse. Another aside: since I was in college and not working in the summer, I was a volunteer bartender. The first person who walked in the door was a gentleman I did not recognize, but I figured he was an out-of-towner who had come down for the potluck and PCYC meeting, which were then held on Friday evenings. Trying to be hospitable, I asked if I could get him a drink. He replied, “Perhaps you had better ask who I am!” My reply was that since there was a sign at the gate that said “Private,” I assumed he was a member. But he denied that, and said he was a liquor agent. I told him that we had just received our license and that I was a member who had volunteered for the evening. He took it in good stride and acknowledged that he knew that! So, I invited him to stay for the potluck and meeting, and explain the rules of our license. He seemed pleased to do so, so there were no repercussions! Also in this year we held our first small-boat regatta, in October, and named it the Snow Flurries Regatta, since Buckeye Lake Yacht Club had a regatta scheduled the following weekend named the Snowball regatta! In 1948 Eddie Reifschneider became Commodore, and Ginger Fox was elected as Shipmate Captain. In this year, although we had no “Comet” class, we hosted the International Comet Class Championships in September, and had entries from all over the world. This involved very hard preparation, as we had to arrange for housing, meals, etc., for them, but it was still exciting!

Over the winter of 1948-1949 we did extensive remodeling of the clubhouse. The club lounge was completely refurnished, the former bar area was converted to restrooms and a coatroom. (Gee, inside plumbing with running water, replacing the five-gallon cans topped with life rings for seats and members took the responsibility of dumping them in the river!) A new constitution was adopted at the annual meeting in November in which the following appeared for the first time: “All powers and interests in the Club and its property not expressly granted to the officers or duly constituted committees of the Club are reserved to the members.”

In 1949, John W. “Jack” Lay, son of John Lay, Commodore in 1930, was elected Commodore, with Madeleine Friderici as Shipmate Captain and Bill Allan as I-LYA delegate. (Isn’t it interesting how this demonstrates our referring to PCYC as a “family club?”) Paul Rohach was hired as the resident caretaker, and he eventually became our first full-time bartender.

In 1950, Kenny Black became the Commodore, Ginny Hattwick was Shipmate Captain, and Bob Englebeck served as I-LYA delegate. Carleton “Swannie” Schwan was elected Commodore in 1951. Betty Schade was the Shipmate Captain. This was the first year that the club held its “Recognition Dinner,” honoring all the club members who had contributed “over and above” the expected contributions of time and effort. This tradition continues today.

In 1952 we had a high water year. Carl Keller was elected Commodore, and Lola Snider as Shipmates Captain. In 1953 Bob Englebeck became Commodore. He was a small-boat sailor, a well as a power boater. Evie Lay (Mrs. Jack) was elected as Shipmates Captain. John Sorensen was the oldest living Commodore at that time. He had served in 1928.

Harvey Snider was chosen as Commodore in 1954. Pat Clemons served as Shipmates Captain, and Lee Bracken was again named as I-LYA delegate. In July of this year we held our first “Nite Club” party, at which some of our talented members put on a floor show for the entertainment of the rest of the attendees. It was very well received—and hilarious, as I recall!!! In 1955, Howard Fulton, a local insurance agent, was elected Commodore. The Shipmates chose Jan Ley, the wife of a local physician, as Captain. The small boat regatta in October was officially called “The Snow Flurries Regatta” and became an annual event, which we still hold every year.

In 1956 Dick Semon, a Port Clinton optometrist, was elected Commodore, and Lou Hablitzel, wife of dentist Derrill, became Shipmate Captain, and Bob Kyle, Sr., was chosen as the I-LYA delegate. In 1957, Dr. D.A. “Hab” Hablitzel, a Port Clinton dentist, was elected Commodore. Janice McRitchie was Shipmate Captain. The first planning committee was appointed. Membership was open, and stood at 278. It was in this year that PCYC held its first power boat regatta for members and included “Predicted Log Races.” We again held what was to become one of our most popular parties, the Nite Club Dance, and these lasted through 1977. (Maybe we ran out of talent?)

1957 found Clarence Bugbee elected Commodore and Eurdine Black as Shipmate Captain. In the following year, T.P. “Tom” Finefrock was elected Commodore, and Shirley Arft Shipmate Captain. Lee Bracken became Commodore of I-LYA (all those years of being a delegate paid off!). If you have ever examined the Commodores’ memorial at Put-in-Bay, you will see him so honored!

In 1960 D.G. “Shine” Maxwell became Commodore, and the Shipmates selected Jean VanNatta as Captain. This was also the year in which we tore down the old clubhouse in the fall. Construction was begun on the new clubhouse (which, of course, is the one we have today). Those of us who grew up with the old clubhouse did have a few sad thoughts, and happy ones, too. The club had been part of our childhoods, although, as adults, we realized that the old wooden structure was outgrown. We had had many a card game, much sitting around the fireplace gabbing, much dancing in the ballroom to a “jukebox,” which we rapidly learned how to trip so we didn’t have to spend the nickel it took to play it! I often wonder if my own mother knew we were doing it. And yes, sitting on the porch swings, waiting for something exciting to happen! Oh well, enough of the reminiscing! 1961 found A.J. Davids, better known as “Sonny,” as our Commodore, and Betty Spring as Shipmate Captain. In June the new clubhouse was opened, and an Open House was held on July 24, with 800 people attending. Our daytime bartender was Oscar Meier (who had been at the Island House) and “Howdie” French was the evening “mixologist.” It was in this year that the club hosted the National Rebel Regatta. The Rebel was approximately sixteen feet long, and, as I recall, we had only one in the Club at that time.

It was also in this year that we introduced the first “Green Island Race” on Labor Day weekend. This race, too, has become, and remains, an annual event, although we have seen a change in the size of boats we now get! Also, the “No pets rule” was adopted, and this, too, remains to this day, although some of our visiting boaters don’t like it! One year, we had a cruiser from Cleveland who had a monkey on board! (with a diaper on, of course, and tied to the boat’s “military mast” on the foredeck!) Kenny Krupp was elected as Commodore in 1962. He was with the local newspaper. Joyce Anderson was chosen as the Captain of the Shipmates. In this year, PCYC hosted the Magruder Hospital Charity Ball on November 17. Club records show that a bathhouse/restroom facility was built on the North Shore, mainly by club members. Among the “memorabilia that we have are some good candid shots of this endeavor. Yes, the Club provided the beer! Lee Young was hired as caretaker, and the females in the club tended to give him a wide berth. If you ask why—forget this comment! In this year the Cliff House restaurant on Catawba Island was demolished by fire, but the owner, Ray Lambert, a club member, managed to rescue the bake ovens, had them reconditioned, and donated them to the Club, where they are still in use today.

“Howdie” French retired as bartender, and was replaced by Joe Gaiffe, who whiled away his spare time with a pair of strong binoculars. After all, the motel guests at the Lakeland Motel, across the river, didn’t always close their drapes! Our membership stood at 290.

In 1963 George Schade was elected Commodore, and Mary Lavalle served as Shipmate Captain.

Gordon McNeil, who was with Standard Products, became Commodore in 1964, and Mary Fall, Shipmate Captain. The Club hosted the National Thistle Championships on July 11 and 12. Another side note: the Thistle was designed and built by Sandy Douglas, in Painesville, Ohio. It was basically a lengthened International 14, and she measured 22 feet as I recall. She was a fast boat for racing. Lee Young remained as caretaker.

1965 found James “Jim” Wolf, a local furniture dealer, elected Commodore, with Mary Margaret Krupp, wife of Past Commodore Ken, becoming Shipmate Captain. And Pete Guba, from Marblehead, became our “head” mixologist. The first summer Luau was held. Bill Benedict, a local contractor, became Commodore in 1966, and Jean Rutan as Captain of the Shipmates. Clarence Bugbee became the I-LYA delegate. A new constitution was adopted on December 16 at the annual meeting, and our membership stood at 335, including surviving spouses.

In 1967 we elected Keith Montgomery, who was manager of Port Clinton Savings and Loan here in Port Clinton. (This is now the bank located at the corner of Second and Jefferson which is always changing its name.) Lois Gates became Shipmate Captain. PC Shine Maxwell was named the delegate to I-LYA.

A 150 foot wide piece of property adjacent to the club property on the west was purchased from Delores Rohach, who had inherited it from Mrs. Kelley, for having been Mrs. Kelley’s caregiver for many years after Paul Rohach’s death. This gave us adequate area to begin considering a “real” pool, as we had had to give up lagoon swimming because of the pollution in the lagoon.

The Jack Lay Memorial Trophy was initiated. The Flag Officers were to annually choose a sailboat class, based on the accumulated points from the Club’s August regatta and Snow Flurries Regatta. Also all of the past commodores were to be presented with a matching cup at the Recognition Dinner, following his year in office. Also, on the boating front, PCYC hosted both the Thistle and the Flying Scot District Championships, even though we had none in our club! (PCYC had developed an excellent Race Committee, and other clubs found us dependable and accurate. A good recommendation, don’t you think?) George Nichols, who was also a Standard Products employee, became Commodore in 1968, with Colleen Gill as Shipmates Captain. On November 21, the Constitution was amended to expand the title of “Measurer” to Fleet Captain and Measurer of Sail and established the office of the Fleet Captain of Power. We also held our first Feather Party in the fall and these continued for a number of years.

In 1969 we elected Bernie Gates, a contractor in Port Clinton, as Commodore, and Mary Boon was chosen as Shipmate Captain. The summer PCYC regatta was discontinued. The membership was adjusted to 350, not including surviving spouses.

Paul Riehl, owner of Riehl Manufacturing company, which manufactured, among other things, floating steel docks and steel boats, many of which were purchased by the State of Ohio, was elected Commodore in 1970. Mary Dietrich was named Captain of the Shipmates.

Construction of the swimming pool was started, located on the site of the “Rohach property,” which is its current location. PCYC again hosted the Flying Scot District Regatta, and not to be outdone, the power boat fleet held the first of three “Power Boat Carnivals.”

In 1971, Henry “Chick” Schaffner was elected Commodore, and Martha Stefano was named the Shipmates Captain. The swimming pool was completed, and put into full swing. The playground was moved from behind the clubhouse to north of the new pool, and fenced in. On April 2, the current Caretaker’s House adjacent to the pool area, and also known as the “Dietrich House,” was purchased. The Power Boat Carnival was also revived. Commodore Schaffner passed away on October 31, and Vice Commodore Elbert Gill finished out the year.

Elbert Gill was elected Commodore in 1972, and Beverly Cullenen became Shipmate Captain. It was in this year that Dick Wolfe was hired as caretaker, and he remained caretaker until 2006. PCYC hosted the International Interlake Championships, and Bob Kyle was named I-LYA delegate.

1972 developed into a busy year. First of all, it was a “high-water” year, and we had one storm on November 12-13 during which the water rose so high it washed out under part of the floor of the clubhouse. It had to be jacked up on the northwest corner and have the foundation repaired under the men’s restroom. In addition to this repair job, we also moved the no-longer-used Caretaker’s cottage, and it was transported north across the beach, and transferred to the buyer’s conveyance. The garage was also moved, and this provided space for the relocated playground. This became the workshop, which it remained for several years. (One more small vignette here. PC Bob Englebeck, who was a member of the race committee, was inadvertently shot by the starting cannon at one of the races that Port Clinton hosted!)

In 1973 Harold “Hap” George was elected Commodore, and Pauline Bugbee was chosen as Shipmate Captain. The Oliver True Memorial Trophy for “Outstanding Service” was instituted. PC Kenny Black was the first recipient. The recipient was presented with a silver goblet as a keeper trophy, and his name was engraved on the large trophy which would remain in the Club’s trophy case. The trophy was filled with champagne, and, in the future, recipients would use their goblets to share a toast with the latest recipient.

1973 developed as a high-water year, again, and boat owners again had to make “landing” arrangements. PCYC again hosted the Flying Scots. Pete Guba resigned as bartender, and he was replaced by Les Bowser, his son-in-law. The Change of Watch was switched from New Year’s Eve to a separate ceremony between the Christmas holidays. Part of the new tradition was for Flag Officers to serve Put-in-Bay punch from the Lay Memorial Trophy to the members in attendance.

Bob Kyle was elected Commodore in 1974 and Pat Gates was Shipmate Captain. The True Trophy went to PC George Schade. The “Shark” Trophy, which had been presented by Mr. and Mrs. Al Merrill for “Skipper of the Year,” went to John Kelley. The award was so named after the Merrills’ boat “Shark.” Because of the high water problems we had experience, the club commenced a high-water protection program—dikes, and raising the sheeting and the docks.

1975 found Eugene “Gene” Bolte elected Commodore, and Donna Kelley became Shipmate Captain. The True Trophy went to PC Burnell Gates, and the Shark Trophy to Don Dietrich.

Lockwood Zeis was elected as Commodore in 1975, and the True Trophy went to PC Carelton Schwan. Tom McRitchie was awarded the Shark Trophy. PCYC hosted the Quarter Finals of the Smythe-Bemis Trophy races for Junior Sailors.

In 1977, R.E. “Dick” Coyle was elected Commodore. The True Trophy went to Evie Lay and the Shark Trophy to PC Lock Zeis. Two tennis courts were built along the west property line, south of the bathhouse. PCYC again hosted the Smythe-Bemis Trophy quarter finals, as well as the Pintail Class National Trophy race.

In 1978 Angelo “Ange” Cuttaia was elected Commodore. The Shipmates disbanded after over 40 years (We figured we had little more to contribute! Everything was being hired out.) The True Trophy to PC Richard Semon, and the Shark Trophy to Charles Schaffner.

John Stefano was elected Commodore in 1979, with the True Trophy going to PC Lock Zeis, the Shark trophy to David George. Mike Gerrard (we seem to have a lot of “Mikes”) was the head mixologist.

In 1980 Fred Kollman was chosen as Commodore. The True Trophy was presented to PC Gene Bolte, and the Shark Trophy to Marshall Dorr. The river jetty at the entrance to the lagoon was constructed. Jody Marinis became our first female mixologist. The river jetty at the entrance to the lagoon was constructed. Jody Marinis became our first female mixologist. She and Suny Ponke were both hired as bartenders, replacing Mike Gerrard.

Max McLaury took the helm as Commodore in 1981. The True Trophy went to PC Paul Riehl, and the Shark Trophy to PC Bob Englebeck. A “Kids Room” addition was built onto the Clubhouse to the north, as we had found that the alcove in the northeast corner of the ballroom was not adequate. (We had wanted an area which could be within view of adults, but we found this wasn’t feasible. So we built the addition, and had it monitored by the bartenders. “More than one way to ‘skin a cat’!”) The 75th anniversary of the club was observed with a dinner and dance. Mary Grummel Gordon was the head mixologist. In 1982, Max Stephenson was elected Commodore. The True Trophy went to PC Bob Englebeck, and the Shark Trophy to Harvey Snider. A major northeast storm on April 5 devastated the north shore. Membership was raised from 335 to 350 on January 15. The dues stood at $230. Membership residency split was established at 70% of members from the 43452 ZIP code area, with the remaining 30% outside.

Ted Mason became the Commodore in 1983. PC Lee Bracken received the True Trophy and Park McRitchie the Shark Trophy. Since the ballroom was not air conditioned, ceiling fans were installed. Two more “Mikes” became bartenders: Mike Carman and Mike Benner. (We seemed to have an affinity for that name!)

Attorney Doug Meyer was elected Commodore in 1984, and the True Trophy went to Tom McRitchie. The Shark Trophy was presented to Jean Dejarnette. A new shop and storage building was built. The old “Rohach” garage was moved off the premises, and the new “Glass House” was constructed. (When we built the new clubhouse, we had been “promised” a screened porch. Guess this has to do!) The Luau was replaced by the Riverfront Party, even though we still had no “deck” on which to hold it. (Our present deck would not be built by members until a few years hence.)

In 1985, Dr. John Bodie was elected Commodore. The True Trophy went to Kells and Joan Pugh, and the Shark Trophy to John Schaffner. The Nite Club Party was resurrected.

The following year, 1986, Chuck Schaffner was elected Commodore. The True Trophy went to PC Ange Cuttaia and the Shark Trophy to Bill Kyle. Because of the high water, part of the infield and the old tennis court were blacktopped, the docks were raised, and the sheeting was capped.

1987 brought Dave Audiano to the position of Commodore. The True Trophy went to PC Max McLaury, and the Shark Trophy to John Nicodemus. And with all the work done the previous year to combat the high water, wouldn’t you know it—a low water cycle begins! Jeff Warnicke was elected Commodore in 1988. The True Trophy was awarded to Jean Crawford Rutan, and the Shark Trophy to Park McRitchie. This year the bar was completely remodeled, but we continued with our bar use by setting up a “temporary” bar in the alcove which had been intended as “the kids’ room.” In the summer of that year, the Presidential yacht Sequoia paid a visit to PCYC.

In 1989, another Bolte was elected as Commodore—this time it was John Henry, the son of Eugene (are you starting to see the pattern that this is a family oriented club?) Janice McRitchie was the recipient of the True Trophy (again, that family pattern!) and the Shark Trophy went to Todd Finke. (Incidentally, the canopy installed at the front entrance to the club proved to be a Godsend!)

In this year, we finally installed air conditioning in the kitchen and ballroom. And on February 24, the club changed its membership limit to 400.

John Kelley was elected Commodore in 1990. The True Trophy went to Warren Stahl, and the Shark Trophy to PC Lee Bracken. The Junior Sail program was resurrected by Park McRitchie (there’s that family pattern again!). Our bartenders were Karen Schiewe and John McHale.

Karl Messner was elected as our leader, becoming Commodore in 1991. The True Trophy went to Donna Kelley, wife of PC John, and the Shark Trophy to John and Gerrie Bolte (there’s that family pattern again!). PCYC hosted the Matthews Boat Owners Rendezvous, which was fitting, since the Matthews Company was located in Port Clinton. In 1991 we hired another “Mike” as bartender, this time Mike Gabel, and he is still with us today, in our Centennial year.

In 1992 Park McRitchie was elected Commodore. The True Trophy went to PC Dick and Sue Coyle, and the Shark Trophy to Bob Moyer. The bathhouse out on the “North Shore” was remodeled by the members into “heads” (or toilets for you landlubbers who don’t understand “boat talk!”)

John Kocher, a Port Clinton attorney, became Commodore in 1993. The True Trophy was granted to Denny Snyder, and the Shark Trophy to PC Max McLaury. Clubhouse renovations were made to the restrooms, office, gift shop, front hallway, and the lounge. In 1994, Jeff Bugbee, son of PC Clarence Bugbee, (there is that family pattern again!) was elected Commodore. The True Trophy went to PC Karl Messner, and the Shark Trophy to Nanc McRitchie.

Jeff Davds, son of PC “Sonny” became Commodore in 1995. The True Trophy went to PC Bill Benedict, and the Shark Trophy to Doug Blackburn. PC Lee Bracken retired as I-LYA delegate, replaced by PC Park McRitchie. Terry McNally was added to our bar staff, under the direction of head bartender Mike Gabel.

Denny Bergeman was elected Commodore in 1996. The True Trophy was given to PC Jeff Bugbee, and the Shark Trophy to Cindy Bolte. On April 18, the membership limit was raised to 500. The renovation of the playground was completed. Unfortunately the long slide, which had given us, when we were youngsters, such a “thrill” was deemed as being “unsafe” and was replaced by a smaller and shorter slide. (May we shed a few tears, here?) Jack Nitz took over as Commodore in 1997. The True Trophy went to PC Howard Fulton, and the Shark Trophy to Nanc McRitchie. Members built the deck on the south side of the ballroom, and it became one of the favorite watering spots in the club! (In fact, several years after this, we installed moveable propane heaters, so that this deck could be enjoyed on into the fall!)

Kells Pugh was elected Commodore in 1998. The True Trophy went to PC Doug Meyer, and the Shark Trophy to Tim Kyle, the grandson of PC Bill Kyle. The Feather Party, which had been an annual event for 30 years, was discontinued. And, after 25 years, the Change of Watch was changed from a “between the holidays” event to a date in mid-December.

The amount of expense or debt for a single purpose that the Board could authorize was changed on May 7 from $5000 to $15000. (And again, think of the labor costs which are saved by the work our own members do!)

In 1999, “Rusty” Jack was elected Commodore. The True Trophy went to PC Park McRitchie and the Shark Trophy to Evie Lay.

Dr. Mark Hablitzel, a Port Clinton dentist, and son of PC Derrill Hablitzel, was elected Commodore in the year 2000. The True Trophy went to Barb Riehl and the Shark Trophy to John and Marcia McIntire.

In 2001, “Jerry” Stahl, another “rugrat” who had grown up with PCYC being a big part of his life, was elected Commodore. The True Trophy went to PC John Bolte, and the Shark Trophy to Jean Crawford Rutan. The high western end of the riprap north breakwall was raised, with an opening installed so that the small sailboats used by the Junior Sail classes could be launched directly into the lake, thus eliminating the need to have them towed out the river.

In 2002 our first female Commodore was elected—another Bolte—she being the daughter of PC Gene and sister of PC John Henry, by name, Cindy Bolte. The True Trophy went to Mike and Sharon Garber, and the Shark Trophy to Doug Young. PCYC hosted the Youth Multi-Hull Nationals. Cody Gabel was hired to assist Dick Wolfe.

In 2003 we elected Jim Bowlus as Commodore. The True Trophy went to PC Jack Nitz, and the Shark Trophy to Dave Nighswander. The George Schade Memorial Trophy for “Junior Sailor of the Year” was instituted, with the first recipient being Thomas McRitichie, son of PC Park, who was also coach for the Junior Sailor Program. (Incidentally, father PC Park had been named “U.S. Sailing Volunteer Youth Coach of the Year” during that year.

Since the tennis courts north of the workshop/boathouse had deteriorated, (after all, this area had been used as a “dump”) this area became the “dry sail” area. (Interest in tennis had somewhat waned with the construction of new tennis courts at the local high school).

In this period, the adjacent property to the immediate west of the Club, which contained the cottage built by Bob Wolfe, became available for purchase. After much discussion, the decision was made to purchase it (now referred to as the Wolfe-Allen property), fearing that it might be purchased by someone who would build a high-rise. So the Club floated a loan, and made an assessment on all members. (Don’t panic—and don’t forget our pride at being the “nicest” club in the area!) This property also contained a tennis court, which provided another facility.

The Change of Watch was changed again, this time being combined with the Christmas (later changed to Holiday) Open House in early December, with a fee charged to attendees, this being necessary since the costs for this event had been covered by revenue from the “Feather Parties”, which, as mentioned before, had been discontinued. The second small boat-hoist was installed, along with a spar/mast hoist being installed as well. Josh Bement was hired to assist Mike Gabel as bartender.

In 2004 Jim Amato was elected Commodore. The True Trophy went to John Luscombe, and the Shark Trophy to Rusty and Betsey Jack. The Schade Trophy went to Ryan Kyle, grandson of PC Bill Kyle. The house on the Wolfe/Allen property was torn down, as it was decided that really, the Club had no use for it. However, we did retain the tennis court and shuffleboard court. The 70/30 membership split was revised to include ZIP codes 43440 and 43449 as “in-town”, as so many of our members who consider themselves as “Port Clintonites” don’t actually live in Port Clinton, but rather live in the “suburbs” (??) of town.

Todd Finke became Commodore in 2005, with Chuck Reichman as Rear Commodore and Dr. David George as Vice Commodore, thus making him what will be our “Centennial Commodore”—if he can survive the time in between! The True Trophy went to PC John Kocher (because he sold so many memorial bricks?) and the Shark Trophy to Ramon Eickert. The Schade Trophy went jointly to brother and sister combo Aubrey and Tristan Nighswander. The new yardarm was installed at the southwest corner of the clubhouse, as it was deemed foolish to install it at the location of the old one, since that was unstable ground.

In 2006 we found that Dr. David George had survived, and he was elected our “Centennial Commodore.” The dedication of the new yardarm and Centennial Plaza was held, and I, for one, couldn’t be more thrilled that a club of which my father, Ruel Crawford, had been a “founding father” and a Charter member, had existed long enough for me to help celebrate this Centennial year!