The year of 1903 may have little interest for many – most had not yet started to count their birthdays; others were very young and any interest in the sea was limited to castles in the sand and wary wading expeditions. However, another group of young men and women were concerned with the same interest in these waters of Long Island Sound that continues to draw us to its shores.
Boating in the waters around Milford was enjoyed by many in cat boats, sharpies, sloops, and an occasional power boat. There were many impromptu races. It was not long before it was evident that there existed a need for winter storage space for hulls and spars, and the community of interest finally led to serious consideration of forming a Yacht Club. There were few such clubs in those days when compared to the many now in operation on both sides of the Sound. There were few docks, and no tender service solely for pleasure boating. It was inevitable that sooner or later definite steps would be taken to organize a Yacht Club.
In the summer of 1903, on June 23rd, a meeting was held at the home of Dr. W.S. Putney, who then had his office and home at 55 Broad Street in Milford. Apparently this was the third time that an attempt was made to form a club. As a result of this meeting, proper papers of incorporation were drawn and filed on June 27, 1903. The signers of these articles are known to have been Dr. W.S. Putney, Thomas J. Falls, Henry A. Taylor, and and Ashmun Beavon. Robert C. Stoddard took the acknowledgments of the signers in his capacity as a Commissioner of the Superior court for New Haven County. Article 2 described the purpose of the association as follows: “The purposes for which said corporation is formed are the following, to wit: to encourage yacht building, to promote naval architecture, and the cultivation of naval science, and to encourage yachting and other social recreations, and to promote social intercourse among its members.”
It is evident that the State of Connecticut approved the papers of incorporation. The next step was to provide quarters on suitable land. Upon the property now owned by the club there was a dwelling owned by the H.J. Lewis Oyster Company, and after some deliberation our early members were successful in renting the property for the sum of $10.00 per month. We have a very early photograph of this building, and on the west wall we can observe the words “Sport Club.” We do know that the building had been used for purposes other than yachting, but beyond that we cannot be specific. Not until 1918 is there any further reference in the minutes as to a lease. At this time we note that a committee was appointed to call upon the Oyster Company and discuss the possibility of purchasing the property, or effecting a long term lease. It was later reported by the committee that a four year arrangement was the best that they could do. Again, in 1926, another committee met with the owners and secured a lease which provided an option to purchase.
In November of 1926, when the Club was a tenant, a few individuals formed the Milford Yacht Realty Corporation and purchased the property from the Oyster Company. Stock in the corporation was offered for sale and was held by a comparative few. At the start of the 1928 season the Club received notice from the Corporation that the rental fee for the premises would be $1500. a year. The Club held many conversations with the Corporation relative to purchasing the property, and it was finally accomplished in 1945.
During the years when the Club was a tenant, repairs and improvements were made at its expense. More often than not, our treasury contained little money, and several methods of raising funds were considered. No one considered raising the dues. There is record of the members subscribing funds without notes. One Commodore loaned a substantial amount on a 6% note. It is interesting to note that in 1933 the dues were $25.00 for a boat owner and $10.00 for those not owning a boat. At that time only the boat owners had the right of voting. (How could anyone not owning a boat possibly know anything about boats, or how to run a Yacht Club?) The difference in dues and member’s status was eliminated when we received our liquor license, as the issuance of such a license required that all members have an equal voting right. The Board of Governors, as it was known then, voted the right, and the dues of $25.00 applied to all members. To make this increase acceptable to the non-boat owners, the charge of $1.00 for the Saturday night dances was dropped. While on the subject of Saturday night dances, we quote an article from the New Haven Register in March of 1922.
“xxx the dignified members of the Milford Yacht Club are all aflutter with excitement today as a result of the publicity brought on by reports regarding the improper conduct of certain dancers being curbed at the dance given by the Club at the Town Hall Tuesday night. It seems that down in Milford, the Police have decided to ban cutting in, and have issued such drastic laws that no longer may the fair guests at the dances given at the Town Hall even sit on the window sills, but they must occupy chairs, the latter being due to the effect that there is entirely too much exposure of silken ankles displayed by usage of the window seats. Then too, the censor is going to keep a rigid watch that “scandal walking” and modified clutches are to be discarded. The wide spread gossip seems to have added largely to the affair which places the Yacht Club in a rather embarrassing light.”
(This article comes from a collection of clippings saved by Captain John Anderson, who was the first Steward of this Club, and at the time, the final authority on matters pertaining to boats. His son, Henry Anderson, a member of the club, has saved these clippings and we are indebted to him for some of our early information.)
A telephone was installed in 1920 after many conversations with the telephone company over the matter of a deposit for the installation. The Board felt that we were substantial citizens and should not be required to deposit a guarantee of our honesty. We prevailed, and the phone was installed. At the next meeting it was voted to purchase a pool table, a gum slot machine, and a weighing machine. $100. was appropriated. There was some objection to such frivolity.
The breakwater across the river from the Club was installed about 1900. This was a federal project primarily for the protection of the docks and boats of the oyster industry, which was a most important commercial operation of those days. Originally there was a kerosene lantern at the end of the breakwater to mark the entrance to the harbor. It was lighted each evening by one of our members, Charles Platt – winter and summer.
It is of passing interest that Sir Thomas Lipton was made an Honorary member during his early days of competing for the America’s Cup. He was the first to have this honor.
Our constitution has had few changes since its adoption. With the exception of entrance fees, dues, and changes brought about by changing times, it is in much the same form as when originally drawn. In the earlier days there was no provision for the offices of Rear Commodore and Fleet Captain. These offices were established in 1921. In 1935, when the Snipe Fleet was started, a separate captain was elected for that group, and as other racing fleets came into being each had their own fleet captain reporting to the Flag Fleet Captain. In 1940, or 1941, it was voted at an annual meeting that any nominee for the offices of Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, or Fleet Captain must be the owner of a boat. (Outboard and craft under 16’ do not qualify).
For years we have been plagued by the condition of the channel from the Sound northward in the Wepawaug River. It has built up near the breakwater and in mooring areas, and periodically we seek relief from the Federal Government. Our records show that as far back as 1908 and 1909 our officers tried to interest the Town in taking action without any success. Commodore Stoddard made at least one trip to Washington hoping to get Federal assistance. It was many years later that a complete dredging was done. At the moment there is some hope that Federal funds may be available for the work in 1979. There is practically no commercial use of the harbor other than boat yards and marinas.
The older records contain little information in regard to sailing activities, and practically no reference to boats by name, with the exception of a few owned by early Commodores.For this reasaon we had to rely upon information from some of the older members living at the time we prepared our 50th Anniversary Year Book. It is unfortunate that all minutes prior to 1919 were not in existence in 1953, and other minutes to about 1954 were destroyed in a fire in 1961. We did learn of one race August of 1920. First place was won by “THELGA,” second by “IDEA,” and third by “MARY LEE.” We could not determine who sailed them, but there are cups in our trophy case bearing the names of these boats. We also heard that the first regatta was held in the first year – 1903. There is little doubt of it, for Commodore Stoddard, and other old timers, told of it in 1953. Commodore E.W. Putney was said to have been the winner in his Swampscott dory “SNOOZE.”
In our search for information in 1952 we were fortunate to locate Colonel W.W. Putney of Durhan, New Hampshire, who was the son of our first Commodore. He furnished much information, and many pictures which had been save by his Father. He spent hours searching for the pictures and had some copied that we might have a good record of our early days, not otherwise available. The pictures were on display during our 50th Anniversary Year.
Dr. W.S. Putney had several boats over the years, the best known being “Gypsy.” We do know that he had her in 1902 and that she was the first Flag Ship of the Club. Joseph Rowland, another Commodore and also a Secretary, later purchased “Gypsy.” He made many cruises with her and was well known on both sides of the Sound. The last owner of “Gypsy” was Dr. Dewitt Nettleton who was Commodore in 1938 and 1939. It was while under his ownership that she set sail for Florida. Dr. Nettleton was not aboard on this trip, and she was under the command of Hunt Trowbridge, most able seaman and a member of this Club. He had as crew Harry Nettleton and one of the Baldwin boys. The vessel ran into a northeaster off the New Jersey coast and had to be abandoned.
Commodore Robert Stoddard, a most enthusiastic sailor, owned a smart Sharpie named “Gracie.” There were three such craft in local waters, but she was probably the best known. The Sharpies originated in New Haven, and were built for the oystering business. They were usually 35’ in length, with a beam of 8’. A long centerboard was used as they only drew 12’ of water. This permitted working in shallow water. Stoddard added a hard top and drop curtains. She was later sold to Matt Botsford and used in lobstering off these shores. The last we heard of her, she was sold to a man in Bridgeport who installed a motor. The final resting place is not known, but she had a long life and many owners. Other Putney boats were “Bunkie” and “Ocean Racer.”
Commodore Stoddard later owned a 41’ yawl – “Amorita.” He bought her in East Greenwich, Rhode Island and sailed her many years. We should note here that most of these early sailors were Milford residents. Commodore Putney practiced medicine from his home at 55 Broad Street. Commodore Stoddard lived on Gulf Street across from the Club in the large white house we see from our porch. He practiced law in Milford and New Haven.
In the first regatta, noted earlier in this history, Stoddard sailed “Shilelagh,” a sloop owned by Commodore Prime of Yonkers, New York, who had a summer home in Milford. He did not claim to have won the race, but in 1953 we received a cup from him won in the race.
There were many other Commodores and early sailors, but to list them all, and their boats, would take many pages. It seems that they were constantly trying to find a faster boat and sometimes felt that they could do better with a boat than its previous owner. We also learned that there was often more at risk than a cup.
The Brotherton family was well represented in any racing or cruising event, and we know of several boats owned by them. They had “Onaway,” “Kowtow,” a 30’ motor cruiser, “Didje,” and a 22’ launch called “Mist.” Brotherton descendants are still living in Milford. The family certainly added much to boating. Herbert Rose is presumed to have been the “Father of power boating” in Milford. He had a 40’ launch, “Florence.” It was aboard her that several Club members took part in the Dewey Naval parade on the Hudson River in 1899, before the Club was formally organized. Rose was the owner of “Rose’s Mill” an earlier landmark in Milford. Flour ground at the mill was well known in the East as a most superior product.
In 1920 the Club advised the American Power Boat Association that we would join them if we could be assured that our name would be listed in their book for that year. In May of 1925 we resigned from the Association stating that “this being a social Club, and not being particularly interested in racing.” Apparently a strong plea was made to us, for we reconsidered and continued the membership.
In the early 1930s, a group interested in class racing, formed the Wepawaug Yacht Racing Association, and included some members of our Club. In 1935, when our Snipe fleet started, there were other Snipes in the Wepawaug Association and it was thought that both clubs would benefit if all Snipes were to be raced together. An arrangement was made and the Wepawaug group joined with us as Club members and part of the racing fleet. There were also other Wepawaug craft that added to our handicap group and made for most interesting competition. Wepawaug continues its identity and annually sponsors racing events.
Since its founding, this Club has been most active in boating, both sail and power, and the history afloat is more than of passing interest. A yacht club owes its existence to the interest of the members in boating, and the relative merits of power or sail will never cease to be a matter of discussion. Boating is enjoyed in cruising, day trips and fishing, and by others in class and handicap racing. There was a time when boating was pretty much limited to the men of the family. Boating today is a family affair and enjoyed by all, even in the racing classes.
The Year Book for 1937 listed the Fleet as having a total of 59 craft of most every description. There were motor cruisers, auxiliaries, sloops, schooners, and outboards. A separate listing showed the first, and at the time, the only racing class. These were the Snipes.There were ten boats, and their races were hotly contested. Even those of the “Rocking Chair Fleet” backed their favorites. Some of the older members, particularly officers and members of the Board of Directors, used to sailing larger craft, felt that the sailing of these Snipes was but child’s play. To prove their point a race was arranged with those doubters at the helm. It is sad to report that some could not even gain the outer harbor, and one or two jibed up on the beach. It was only then admitted that it required a skilled hand to race these “toys.” A few converts to class racing was the result. (The NEW HAVEN REGISTER sports editor devoted one of his columns to that race). The 1977 Year Book lists 341 craft in the Fleet, 183 Auxilliaries, 52 Cruisers, 33 Sail and 15 Outboards. In addition there are 58 boats in the Racing Classes.
We know that the first race of the Smipes was won by Gordon Goldsmith in “Weary Spirit.” Other skippers of that first racing fleet were C.N. Bristol, A.L. Worthen, Dr. A.M. Yudkin, J.P. Swink, Earl T. Lyon, J.E. Doolittle, W.N. Guthrie, Charles E.Sigler, and Walter Rose. The Snipes continued year after year until they ceased as a unit in 1957.
In 1936 Mrs. Charles Harrison donated a trophy, and the Harrison Trophy Race became an annual event. It was open to all Snipes, and they entered from many clubs on the Sound. Unfortunately only in one year did a boat of this club emerge the winner. Joe Swink, sailing “HoJo,” won by a large margin. Any boat winning the race three times retired the cup. The original trophy was retired by “FBI” from the Cedar Point Yacht Club of Westport, Connecticut. Mrs. Harrison donated another cup in 1951, and this too was retired by the same boat, “FBI.”
The first Star was sailed by Betty Kelly, the daughter of Herb Kelly, one of our Honorary members. Betty sailed alone, or in handicap racing until 1948 when Don Spengler joined with “Skarliss.” Later in the same year, George Meng arrived with “Serenade.” Formal Star racing began in 1948. Since then the Stars have become one of the larger racing fleets. The Year Book for 1977 lists 12 Stars. The Past Commodores Club established the Nutmeg Trophy for Stars in 1952, and this series continues to be a major event. In 1975 it was won by Steve Andrews of Huntington, Long Island; in 1976 by Peter and Philip Beam; and in 1977 by Joseph Zambella of Boston. Like the Harrison Trophy, it appears difficult for local boats to keep the cups at home.
We all know of our Junior swimming teams which had their beginning in the early 1950s. Practice and meets were held on the old beach long before our pool. Race lanes were set between the boat slips, and while distances were perhaps not standard, they did serve for good competition. No one seemed too disturbed by the wash from passing boats, nor the debris in which they often had to swim.
It was about 1957 that Bob D’Ambrose, one of the early coaches, got together with coaches of other clubs and established the league in which we now compete. Our success has varied from being the champion to holding a lesser postion. Perhaps the high point was in 1956 when we sent our team to Burlington, Vermont to compete against other teams of New England. We won that meet, and as evidence, the trophy may be seen in the Club trophy case. There can be no low point, for the pride and enthusiasm of our Juniors will not admit such a position, but spur them on to a better year.
In noting our teams, we do not for a minute overlook the many who have learned to swim, and to know the safety rules of swimming, and to care for themselves and others in the water. Truly, this has been, and continues to be, the goal of our water programs.
There have been many alterations and additions to the building as our membership grew. With excellent sailing and social programs, we “got along” fairly well, but we were not quite content with what had once been adequate but no longer served our needs and ambitions. With increasing costs of operation, and our desire for improvements, it was inevitable that initiation fees and dues had to increase in proportion.
We have been rather proud of our lounge and restaurant, and they are the result of many changes brought about by the desire to do all we could to keep abreast of the times. It was not until 1935 that we had any food facilities at all. We started with a small sandwich counter that was soon proven inadequate, and a full restaurant was provided. From year to year desirable and needed improvements were made in the restaurant operation, and we learned through trial and error that the operation of a restaurant was not any easy undertaking. It required the services of a full time manager. Thus our commodores were relieved of some of the responsibility of operation. At a special meeting in 1953, an assessment of $5.00 was voted for two years to pay for the remodeling of the kitchen.
In 1961 a fire occurred on Christmas Eve and destroyed a good portion of the north side of the building. We recovered about $40,000. from our insurance carrier, and it seemed to be the proper time to consider major re-building. The Board of Directors considered alternatives and called a special meeting to explain their plans. Their proposal was approved and authorized an assessment of $30. for Class A members, and $20. for Class B. With the insurance recovery, and the assessments, the Club was remodeled as we knew it through the 1977 season. It is a bit difficult to realize that in 1937 the building was not much larger than the area of our present dance floor. At that time there was a porch and entrance on the south side.
For many years our beach and bathing facilities were primitive in comparison with today. We had a small beach that left much to be desired. The sand washed away with the tides, and was not really clean. We brought sand in from Long Island nearly every year, but it was a losing battle. The depth dropped off abruptly and the children had to be under constant supervision. The normal mooring and passing of boats in the harbor did not contribute to ideal bathing. We had a few lockers, a snack bar, and bath houses, but no one was very happy.
In 1955 a small building was built for the use of our Junior Yacht Club during the summer, and for the storage of equipment in the winter. This gave the Juniors a needed place of their own without the use of the Club house, except for dances. This was replaced when the new pool and activities building was completed in 1966.
A swimming pool had been considered for many years, but the cost was felt to be much beyond our means. It was not until a Pool Committee was appointed in 1959 that serious consideration was given to the project. In 1960 the committee reported that a pool was feasible and suggested exploration of means of financing the work. In 1965, at a special meeting called for the purpose, the Board of Directors was authorized to borrow $215,000. and build the pool, the activities building, and construct the new slip and the supporting bulkhead. Past Commodore John Gunther assumed the great responsibility of overseeing the work. He did his job well, and the Club is grateful. It was completed early in 1966, and the pool opened for the season. The money borrowed for the project was fully repaid in 1976.
At various times we have considered the purchase of adjoining property. One purchase was of land to the west to enlarge the parking area. The most recent acquisition was late in 1974 when we bought the property on Rogers Avenue to the west, at the corner of our access road from that street. At one time the home across to the south became available, but we could not agree with the owner as to the price, and the idea was dropped.
The history of any organization records the past and the present, and it is usual to have consideration for the future. Surely, the day had come when the ravages of time, the seeds of ambition, and the needs of the day combine to demand a close look for the future. Almost on an annual basis, several Boards of Directors have had the future very much on their minds. In 1975 a Planning committee was appointed, and in October of that year reported that they would have a report in February of 1976. That report was made, and it became the subject of most serious consideration for the better part of the year.
In February of 1977 the Planning committee presented an exhaustive report. We could build an entirely new Club House, make only the repairs needed for good maintenance, or as has been decided, completely renovate and also provide the many niceties that we have wanted for so long. For twenty years or more, the matter of a year-round operation has been proposed, considered, and been the subject of discussion at annual meetings. The plans now under consideration will make year-round operation possible.
In July of 1977, an architect was selected who prepared the plans and specifications for the work. Those plans were approved by the Board of Directors and submitted to the membership at a special meeting on October 16, 1977. The proposal was approved by the members, who also authorized the Directors to borrow $250,000. for the project. In January of 1978 we advertised asking for the submission of bids by contractors. It is presumed that the work may be completed by opening day in 1978.
Twenty-five years ago we would not have thought that the building of 1978 was even a slight possibility. We have come a long way, and we dare not venture even a small guess as to what we shall see on our 100th Anniversary in 2003.
