1956 ❖ ORCAS ISLAND Yacht Club–– First Meeting

CHANTEY
crewed by owners Bob and Mary Schoen,
the boat they sailed on their honeymoon
into Clam Harbor, West Sound, Orcas Island.
1946.
They arrived early and stayed late.
Courtesy of Mary Schoen (1925-2017)

"The first meeting of the Orcas Island Yacht Club was on 24 January 1956, with about 35 people present. For all who attended the meeting, it was felt the time spent that evening was very worthwhile. Bob Schoen acted as commodore for this first meeting, Terry Flaherty acted as treasurer and reported at the end of the meeting that there are now 25 paid-up members.
      No officials were officially nominated or the by-laws set up because it was the feeling that it would be better to wait and see what the outcome of the first meeting was before any action. 
      So, with the encouragement of the enthusiasm of the crowd, the next meeting is planned for 28 Feb, same time and same place. It was stressed that this yacht club was being formed for families, not the men or women, but for the kids and all. 
      We all enjoyed meeting Mr. W. H. Dole, who showed colored pictures of his trip up the west side of Vancouver Island and up the Columbia River. It just made us all wish the winter was over and summer was here. This yacht club is being formed to help us have more of an opportunity to get out and learn how to sailboats and maneuver different types of craft in these waters.
      Bob promised another special attraction for the next meeting, either a speaker or more film.
      Memberships were accepted at the fee of $5 a year per family for just a short time. Those who got in on the ground floor had many advantages over our later members. Let's see the Parish Hall crowded at the next meeting."
Unknown writer, Friday Harbor Journal. 1956.