A list of Honorary Life Members and a list of Past Commodores is presented at the end.
I have added several comments at the end, and
a few notes in sqare brackets within the text.
Cazenovia Lake has had a
long and colorful boating history. It was known to the Indians in
the 1700's as Like Owahgena "Yellow Fish Like" or the "lake of the Yellow
Perch", and formed the dividing line between Oneida and Onondaga tribes,
who fished and hunted its waters and shores, and even fought a battle at
the foot of the lake in dugout canoes [see comment
#1 and comment #2 below] .
In 1793, John Lincklaen
and Samuel Forman arrived and settled at the foot of the lake and on February
17, 1810 drew up a charter for the Town [Village] of Cazenovia, designating
one of its boundaries as "Lake Canaseraga". This name continued to
be shown on various State and Territorial maps for many years, eventually
being replaced in the middle 1800's by the present name.
It is doubtful that the
Indians did any amount of sailing, but views
of Cazenovia as early as 1821 [1827] show sailboats on the waters of
"Lincklaen's lake" [see comment #3 below].
In 1880, Ten Eyck Wendell brought the Yacht "Sandy" to Cazenovia from New
York City. She was a "sandbagger", socalled because of the nature
of her ballast, and a gaff rigged sloop, some 23 or 24 feet overall with
an exceedingly wide beam. How long she had been retired to the Wendell
Carriage House is unknown, however in the late 1950's she reappeared for
a year or two under the helm of Joe Schwarzer, and has since been sold
off the lake.
In 1885, The Cazenovia Club
[originally called the Owahgena Club] was built by L.W. Ledyard, and 4
sixteen foot metal hulled boats were acquired. They had a 5 foot
beam and were equipped with air tanks fore and aft. They were probably
constructed of tin, gaff rigged, and with very high gunwales.
The first known organized
regatta took place on Sept. 6, 1886, when two sloops, three cat boats,
and two cat-rigged rowing boats vied for the "Preston Cup", offered by
banker George R. Preston of "Ormonde". A fixed course beginning at
the public pier "northward to J.R. Barrett's; thence southwest to Beckwith's
Bay; thence southeast to the pier". The course was sailed twice for
a total distance often miles. The winner was Louis Krumbhaar in his
18 foot cat boat "Elizabeth", in a corrected time of three hours, two minutes,
and 30 seconds. The Preston Cup was sailed for six more times until
1899, the final winner being Henry Burden of "Cedar Cove" - The cup is
currently in the possession of Don Hart, Burden's nephew.
No organized sailboat racing
existed until about 1926, when twelve Cape Cod Knockabouts were purchased
by members of the Cazenovia Club. These were actively raced until
about 1956, when the fleet disbanded, although several of the original
boats are still afloat and serviceable.
Sometime in the mid 1930's,
the Comets made their debut and Fleet 79 was chartered. The charter
members of this organization were: Paul Forster, Jack Hill, Tony Manson,
Sam Raymond and Budge Smith.
In 1933, Fairchild "Ferry"
Kennard, a descendant of one of Cazenovia's earliest families, established
a boat business in the lakefront barn complex of his ancestral estate,
"Willow Bank". The complex, part of which was built by John Lincklaen
in 1795, included a boat house built in the 1830's and protected by a small
L-shaped peninsula.
As "Ferry" Kennard's business
grew to include storage as well as sales and service, it became known as
the Ken Boat Company. One well-remembered aspect was the water taxi
service he operated with a Chris Craft runabout named "Oh My".
By 1940, both the Comet
and Cape Cod fleets had removed their base of activity to the Ken Boat
Company. They continued their racing activities with the help and
encouragement of "Ferry".
World War II came and went,
and by 1947, anew Fleet, comprised of four Lightnings, was chartered as
Fleet 164, and began its activity on Cazenovia Lake under the guidance
of the Ken Boat Company. The Charter Members were: W.H.G. Murray,
John R. Tuttle, Harold P. Bentley, and Dr. Don Sanford.
In 1948, there were over
30 Comets, 14 Cods, and 4 Lightnings, as well as a Large umber of in boards
and outboards, operating from the "boathouse",and it was the feeling of
many of the owners, that an organization might be advantageously formed,
which would combine these groups to their mutual advantage. After considerable
discussion and exploration, a meeting was held at the Kennard home on October
1, 1948, under the chairmanship of R. Philip Hart, and the "Cazenovia Yacht
Club" was formally born. Gurdin Freeborn was elected Commodore; Dr,
Sanford, Vice- Commodore; Phil Hart, Rear-Commodore; and Jack Hill, Secretary-
Treasurer. A Constitution and a set of By-Laws were prepared under
the direction of Joe Hopkins, Attorney. At this time, it was suggested
that the name of the organization be changed to "Willow Bank Yacht Club".
This had been the name of the Kennard Home, so-called because of the abundance
of willow trees which lined the lake shore, bordering the property.
"Ferry" graciously extended permission for the use of the name, and the
initial official action of the group included a motion to amend the constitution
to allow the change, which was consummated at the following meeting October
22, 1948.
In 1949, R. Philip Hart
designed a burgee for the club. It consisted of a triangular pennant, with
a white field at the top, representing sky, a green field at the bottom,
representing the earth separated by a horizontal wavy black stripe, roughly
in the shape of a "W." for Willow Bank. For economic reasons, the
Club decided not to register the design with Loyd's of London. Dues
were established at $5.00 for Active members, $3.00 for Associate members,
and $2.00 for Juniors (12-16). There was a membership of 179, producing
an annual income of about $700.00, of which "Ferry" received 15%, for the
use of his facilities.
For many years races on
Cazenovia Lake had been sailed under the benign control of hardware merchant
Horace P. Aikman. Weather permitting, Aikman's "old green flat" barge
was towed to the starting line, where the distinguished if portly gentleman
recorded he fleet accomplishment for all time.
The Club received its first
real committee boat when Harry Parker purchased a 14 foot wooden powerboat
in 1950. The race committee was given use of the craft in return
for storage and maintenance.
In the Spring of 1955, WBYC faced its first major crisis, when the
Ken Bloat Company vas sold to Joe Davoli of the Delo Corporation.
Despite premonitions and anxiety, the initial relationship with the new
owner was entirely amicable. The Club was apparently graciously accepted
and included in the future plans for the rebuilding of the clubhouse and
the improvement of the grounds. Competitive racing continued, and
a long-time dream of WBYC for the establishment of a teaching program became
a reality. Bill Diefendorf was employed as a sailing instructor,
with the cost to be divided between the Club and Mr. Davoli.
Unfortunately, as the season
continued and ultimately drew to a conclusion, it became increasingly apparent
that the original relationship was actually not as acceptable as it had
previously appeared. Numerous difficulties were encountered during
this period, finally culminating in a notification in December of 1955,
terminating the "arrangement with and the organized activities of the WBYC
on the premises of the Cazenovia Marine Basin Incorporated", as the operation
was known.
During the winter and spring
of 1956, Davoli extensively improved the waterfront and clubhouse facilities
at Willow Bank. He then created the "Cazenovia Marine Club" to operate
the improved facility. In order to maintain their access to the property,
most WBYC members also became members of the new club. One of the
Yacht Club's Comet sailors, Gene Barilla, became the manager of the Marine
Club. His presence helped ease a difficult
situation during the 1956 season.
The situation deteriorated
further in 1957, when Davoli terminated the Club's privileges "to conduct
sailboat races". Although the order was later rescinded, it became clear
that WBYC could not continue to exist in such an uncertain atmosphere.
A reactivated Planning Committee sought out alternate sites for the Club.
A proposal to lease land on the west shore with an option to purchase was
proposed but no action was ever taken.
At the end of October, the
Board met to review the prospects for 1958. Mr. Davoli offered to
lease the Lounge, Bar and Kitchen, at a flat fee, or on a percentage, or
to sell the entire operation for $90,000.00. The Lake Meadows facilities
were considered although it was recognized that the adjacent mooring area
was not desirable. The only other possibility was that of leasing
the property on the west side of the Lake at $1200.00 a year - but without
the option to buy! In addition, the Treasury had been, by now, reduced
to $84.75. No conclusive action was taken, and shortly thereafter,
the Club was advised that for the next year there would be no employees
except Mal Reed, no gas or oil would be sold on Sunday, no retail sales,
and the Club and Grounds would be closed at 5:00 p.m. daily.
On December 9, 1957, the
Club was notified that the "verbal" agreement to permit the WBYC to conduct
its races from the Cazenovia Marine Basin incorporated, was terminated.
Further arrangements, if any, would be subject to negotiations. A
limited number of the Marine Basin membership received a letter reiterating
the ultimatum that WBYC would no longer be able to conduct its races or
any other activities at the Club. On February 1, 1958, a prospectus
was circulated by Mr. Davoli to a selected group, noting the establishment
of a new organization, the "Cazenovia Yacht Club", describing the proposed
facilities and activities, and specifically stating that "sailing competitions
have their place - but are not the Club and never were!"
The winter of 1958 was the
Club's "darkest hour" as the Board of Directors wrestled with the problems
at hand and seeking solutions that would assure the continued existence
of the Club and its programs. By February, a plan was devised to
lease the West Shore property, develop the grounds and build a clubhouse.
Previous programs would be expanded with the employment of a full time
waterfront director.
Just before the plan was
implemented, Joe Davoli performed another "about face" and offered to lease
his property unequivocally for a yearly rent of $7,500 with an option to
buy for $75,000.00 within five years. Despite the precarious condition
of the Club's treasury, the opportunity was seized.
Membership quickly rose
to 224, which provided sufficient income to operate the club and raise
hinds for its purchase. Jim Davitt was hired as the club's first
steward.
At the Semi-Annual Meeting
in June 1960, the membership approved the purchase of the property prior
to the next renewal date of the lease. By August, the Finance Committee,
headed by R. Philip Hart, had determined that the purchase price of $75,000
could be raised by using the $10,000, which was presently in the Reserve
Fund, augmented by a bond issue of $27,000, in units of $100.00 to be sold
to members, these to draw interest at 6%, and to run for a maximum of 16
years; and with a mortgage of $37,500. Inquiry and investigation
had already provided relative assurance of obtaining such a mortgage.
By September 16, 1960, $25,400.00 had been raised, and during the next
10 days, another $1900.00 had been added. On December 1,1960,2 years
and 9 months after taking over the operation, WBYC purchased the Club property.
During the 1960's many small
physical improvements took place, including a flagpole and yardarms on
the pier, improvements in the ballroom and kitchen, and increased docking
and launching facilities.
Regattas became commonplace
and new fleets including Sailfish, Sunfish and 420's became active.
The 1970's were a decade
of great change at the club. In 1972- 1973 a major alteration was
made in the seawall by cutting an opening in the middle and sheathing the
entire structure with interlocking steel pilings. To improve traffic
circulation in the parking lot, the old gate house on Forman St. [#31 Forman
Street] was razed.
In 1973, they formulated
a long range development plan to reorient the club building to the waterfront
side. Through the end of the 1970's much progress was made, including
installation of large windows, new entry, new lighting, and a refinished
floor in the "Owahgena Room". On the lake front a new door was added
to the north wall of the Sunfish sail loft. In the spring of 1978
the old boat house wing was razed and a new slip with a modern sundeck
constructed.
Sailing in the 70's continued
to evolve. The club annually hosted four or more major regattas.
The 1973 season witnessed the introduction of another new dinghy, the Laser.
By 1980, with a fleet of 2l boats, the Laser was awarded fleet status.
In the meantime, the 420 fleet slipped quietly out of existence.
As the 1980's started, the
work of reorienting the club building was well on its way with the construction
of a large, well- equipped gallery being completed in 1981. New restrooms,
windows and interior completed the mechanical portion of the mid-level
remodeling in 1982.
The economic climate of
the 1980's has brought a serious challenge to large boat fleets; the maintenance
and growth of their fleets in the face of ever rising costs of equipment.
As each new season arrives
the Club's faithful come out to put the property in condition to enjoy
yet another season of boating and racing on Cazenovia Lake.
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS (as of 1980s)
Paul R. Forster (deceased)
Jack Hill
Damascus (Tony) Manson
Samuel S Raymond, Jr (deceased)
C. Fairchild Kennard (deceased)
Budge Smith
Donald G.M. Hart
R. Philip Hart (deceased)
Donald W. Diefendorf (deceased)
Gurdin W. Freeborn
Dr Don B. Sanford
1949-49 Gurdin Freeborn
1949-50 Gurdin Freeborn
1950-51 Tony Manson
1951-52 Monte Wilkinson
1952-53 Dr. Don Sanford
1953-54 Orin Broberg
1954-55 Don Hart
1955-56 Don Hart
1956-57 Jim Shepard
1957-58 Dr. Don Sanford
1958-59 Dr. Don Sanford
1959-60 Don Diefendorf
1960-61 Charlie Butler
1961-62 Charlie Butler
1962-63 H. Leo Dickison
1963-64 Joseph Owens, Ir.
1964-65 Joseph Owens, Jr.
1965-66 Robert Seiss
1966-67 Arthur Pulos
1967-68 Charles Johnson
1968-69 William W. Poorman
1969-70 William Lynch
1970-71 Willis Diefendorf
1971-72 Donald Jaquith
1972-73 Donald Jaquith
1973-74 Houghton Carr
1974-75 James W. Hole
1975-76 J. Rush Marshall
1976-77 Frederick W. Twitchell II
1977-78 Bob Barbero
1978-79 Art Diefendorf
1979-80 Mike Hughes
1986-81 Richard Sinn
1981-82 William Jenner
1982-83 Russell A. Grills
1983-84 Russell A. Grills
1984-85 Thomas Currie
1985-86 Jim Hughes
1986-87 Don Stehle
#2: The "Indian canoes" found in Cazenovia lake are most likely to have been made and used by the earliest pioneers in the first years of settlement when good roads were not available. Water was was the most efficient transportation route for many who lived on the lake shore. Three different canoes have been found, one of which had iron fastenings on either end.
#3: The view of 1821 is, I presume, the 1827
oil painting by Samuel F.B. Morse which shows a small square-saild
vessel on the lake. A sketch made in the 1790s shows a small canoe-like
boat with sails plying the lake. A larger sailboat was put on the
lake in 1808.