In February of 1918, a Mr. Peterson deeded
all the land south of the Coast Guard headquarters and
east to the lakeshore to the KYC. A building formerly used
by the Jackson Lumber co. was sold to the KYC and moved
to the site to serve as headquarters. However, in April
of 1921 the land was returned to Mr. Peterson who lost
it to the City of Kenosha in November of that year.
Little is known of the KYC from 1921 until 1932 when it
was incorporated under Commodore Alex Werner. He remained
commodore for that year and then was re-elected for the
years 1940 through 1943, the year the Club was re-chartered.
From 1932 through 1946 the Club met in the old Morgan
Boat House. This building was erected in the early 1900s
to serve as the Lake Michigan Base for M.P. Morgan’s
steam yachts. But suddenly, in 1946 the Club was evicted
from the boathouse and the building was to be torn down
to make room for additional coal docks. After getting an
extension of time, a Club committee negotiated with the
city for the site where the Club stands today. They received
a 20 year lease from the city and planed to move the boathouse
to the site. However, before this could be accomplished,
the boathouse burned down.
This was not such a bad thing since the insurance company
paid the Club $1800.00 for the boathouse. The KYC was given
until April of 1947 to tear down and remove the old building.
Throughout the winter of ’46 the members managed
to dismantle and save a large amount of lumber from the
old boathouse. This lumber was moved to the new site in
preparation for the new clubhouse.
In May of 1947 the footings for the new clubhouse were
poured and reconstruction began. With the help of the insurance
money, walls, a roof, and a few permanent doors were added.
A contractor erected the concrete blocks, but Club members
did much of the work themselves. It was a long process
since it was necessary to complete the building piecemeal.
As a few dollars were gathered, special meetings were called
to determine what improvements deserved first consideration.
The taproom, of course, came first as it would help bring
in much needed money. The Club did not keep a record of
the members who put forth so much effort to create on of
the finest clubs on Lake Michigan, but much of the credit
goes to Nels Nelson and Earl Nehls. They were the carpenter
contractors who supervised and worked on the project.
In 1952 the Club purchased a stiff leg derrick which allowed
the storing of boats on the Club grounds. Membership grew,
as did the fleet.
During 1965, under the leadership of Commodore Cleve Ward,
major changes were made at the Club. The changes included
a new entrance and foyer, a completely new galley, a remodeled
dining room (with air conditioning!), and relocation of
the heads. All this was made possible by negotiating a
long term lease extension from the city. Members were assessed
$25.00 and dues were raised to $50.00 per year. New members
were required to donate $75.00 to the building fund. Many
members took an active part in this reconstruction, and
to them we owe our thanks.
Many other changes have occurred since then. The flagpole
and plaque were installed during 1071-1972 under the leadership
of Commodore Ed Werner. The bar, previously in the shape
of a boat’s flaring bow and located in the middle
of the clubhouse was replaced in 1972-1973 with the bar
that exists today. The folding partitions replaced a permanent
wall in 1975-1976 and the dance floor was installed. Thanks
to member’s donations, a new roof and lighting were
installed in 1977-1978. In 1984 a gable roof was installed,
replacing the flat roof that had caused much trouble.
Many thanks should be given to the Ladies Auxiliary, past
Commodores and board members, and to the many Club members
who made this Club great. Also thanks to the sailing fleet
that brought us the trophies that appear in the case today.
As we can see from our history, the Kenosha Yacht Club
exists today thanks to the dedication of its members. |
