DUBUQUE MOTOR BOAT CLUB

DUBUQUE MOTOR BOAT CLUB. Plagued by a series of thefts of brass from their boats, break-ins at boat houses, and vandalism, as well as their interest in boating, Dubuque motor boat owners first met on February 23, 1910. A committee of five was created to draw up articles of incorporation, bylaws, rules and regulations for the organization. The group was intended as a group of owners of motor boats, launches, and anyone interested in the sport. This group would eventually affiliate with the Mississippi Valley Power Boat Association. (1)

The club officially organized on March 19, 1910. Fred BELL was elected "commodore" of the proposed club until the annual meeting. The charter membership was set at five dollars including dues for the first year. A board of directors was fixed at nine active members. Encouragement from those present led to a committee being formed to write a constitution, bylaws, and articles of incorporation. (2)

The first formal meeting was held on May 1, 1910. A few meetings were held to vote on new members and a strip of land 150 feet long for their boats was obtained from the city council. (3)

In July, 1910 after the club had affiliated with the Mississippi Valley Power Boat Association, several members attended the regatta in Peoria. They made the trip by water, a distance of 800 miles. It was there that the Dubuque delegation lobbied daily for the next regatta to be held in Dubuque. Their efforts were successful. (4)

Articles of incorporation were filed in January, 1911. The object of the association was to encourage all aquatic sports and to unite the owners of water crafts besides encouraging sociability and friendship among motor boat enthusiasts. (5)

See: DUBUQUE REGATTA

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Source:

1. "Step Taken for Power Boat Association," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, October 2, 1924, p. 3

2. "Dubuque Motor Boat Club a Fact," Telegraph-Herald, March 20, 1910, p. 8

3. "How the Regatta Was Brought Here," Telegraph Herald, June 25, 1911, p. 1

4. Ibid.

5. "Boat Club Incorporated," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, January 9, 1911, p. 15