USA > Wisconsin > Winnebago County > History, Winnebago County, Wisconsin: Its Cities, Towns, Resources, People > Part 58
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In conclusion, I desire to give credit for valuable data ob- tained from the late Captains W. W. and E. M. Neff, two of the earliest boatmen on these waters, for the very complete records kept by these two veteran boatmen.
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COMPLETE RECORD OF YACHTING, RACING AND YACHT CLUBS ON THE ADJACENT LAKES.
By Robert Brand.
Deputy U. S. Revenue Collector.
"The object of yachting clubs is to promote seamanship and the improvement of sailing vessels."
For over 200 years the waters of Lake Winnebago had borne the bateaux of the voyagers and the durham boats of the traders. The first contest for speed between boats used for amusement and pleasure dates back half a century. The yacht "May- flower," built in Menasha in 1859, by Noricong for Mr. Charles Doty, son of Governor Doty, was 20 foot water line, and had a great record as a racer. A yacht for D. J. Pulling, built in 1859, by Noricong, was 20 foot water line, modeled after the yacht "America," a ballast boat, was open for racing at all times. The "White Squall," owned by John Nugent, of Me- nasha, contended in these early races. "Petrel," built in Fond du Lac for Mr. Rowland, clerk in Foster Hotel in the early 60s, joined the sport. The yacht "Falcon," built at Fond du Lac for Joubert Brothers in the early 60s, afterwards bought by E. W. Viall and Charles Riordan, of Oshkosh, and sold to Ebenezer Stevens, of Neenah, long held the lead in races. Several boats were owned by parties in Oshkosh, who were in for racing at the drop of the hat.
In 1860 a yacht race took place off Oshkosh for a cup offered by citizens, open to all comers. Three boats from Green Bay, owned by John Williams, Samuel Neff and Ilank Johnston. The race started in a northeast gale and was won by a Green Bay boat of the deep ballasted type.
The war. with its excitements, put an end to racing for a time, but in 1865 racing was again in vogue at Neenah and Menasha between the "Falcon" and "Mayflower," racing captains being
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E. A. Stevens, Davis and Jones, and others. In 1868 the yacht "Lady Maud," 22 foot water line, square tuck, was built for John H. and William H. Crawford (whose father, John Craw- ford, had owned a racing yacht in Toronto, Canada, of the deep cutter type, where the sons had acquired their love of the sport.) She was tried out at Neenah at a race between the "Falcon" and "Mayflower." Start was from outside the light- house, Menasha to a buoy off Clifton, then to Garlic Island and return to Neenah buoy, running down the wind to Clifton under all light canvas. The yachts were suddenly struck by a thunder squall from the northwest, requiring in some cases lowering of all sails and close reefing to work off the Clifton shore, the rain falling in sheets, so that the boats could not see each other nor the east buoy. The next move was to work out and try for a lee under the island. The boats, under snug reefs, gradually made the lee of the island as the sun broke through the clouds. The race was declared off, not finding the eastern buoy.
1869. During the winter, Commodore Dodd and Captain Dud- ley, of Fond du Lac, had a yacht built by Pierce Brothers, of Bos- ton, to represent Fond du Lac, which proved a very fast, sea- worthy boat for both racing and cruising. The spirit of yacht- ing gained strength under the leadership of Col. H. B. Harshaw, John Hancock, E. W. Viall, Judge Burnell and a host of others, including Charles W. Felker.
The Oshkosh Yacht Club was organized, with H. B. Harshaw as Commodore.
Racing between the "Falcon," of Neenah, E. A. Stevens, Captain; "Mayflower," of Menasha; "Daisy," of Fond du Lac, Commodore Dodd, skipper Captain Dudley; "Lady Maud," of Oshkosh, W. H. Crawford, skipper, were held at Neenah, Osh- kosh and Fond du Lac during this season for cups, spy glasses and pennants.
1870. During this year a regatta was held at Oshkosh on July 4, in which the "Falcon," of Neenah; "Daisy," of Fond du Lac, and "Lady Maud," of Oshkosh, were the competitors for champion pennant of Lake Winnebago, which was won by the "Lady Maud." On September 15, a meeting of the O. Y. C. was called to meet at the office of John Hancock, for the pur- pose of reorganizing the Yacht Club, at which a constitution, by-laws and sailing regulations were adopted. At the annual election the following officers were elected : Commodore, J. Han- cock; vice-commodore, H. B. IIarshaw; secretary, N. M. Strong;
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treasurer and measurer, Robert Brand. The constitution was signed by fourteen members present.
At this meeting it was resolved that this O. Y. C. have a re- gatta in October during the county fair, and committees ap- pointed to superintend the same. The Commodore's pennant won by "Lady Maud" in the Fourth of July regatta, was pre- sented to Capt. W. H. Crawford, of "Lady Maud," the winner of the second annual regatta of the O. Y. C. Invitations were extended to the Madison Yacht Club and to owners of yachts in Neenah, Menasha, Winneconne and Fond du Lac to attend our fall regatta on October 6, 1870, at which regatta the "Daisy," Captain Dudley, of Fond du Lac, was the winner on time allow- ance.
During this year many new boats of the 22 foot and 18 foot water line were built at the cities on the lake and a large fleet participated in the above races.
1871. At the first meeting of the O. Y. C., March 16, 1871. it was resolved that the club have three regattas and two cruises during the summer. First Commodore's cruise was to commence on May 31, leave Oshkosh at 10 a. m., sail to Neenah and Men- asha, stopping at Garlic Island en route, camping at Neenah Park, joined by the Neenah and Menasha fleet; June 1, sailed to Clifton, and down the east shore to Stockbridge, at which place the yachts had to be beached on account of a thunder squall from the northwest, making a lee shore. The night was passed with song and story in the warehouse. June 2, morning clear, the rays of the morning sun gilded the steeples across the lake in Oshkosh with a blaze of glory. Cruised to Fond du Lac and along the west shore of the lake and camped for the night at Morley's Point, where, on the morning of June 3, the cruise broke ranks, each squadron going to their home station, and ending one of the most enjoyable times ever known on Lake Winnebago-so declared by visitors from Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago.
On June 12, the O. Y. C. held their annual meeting, at which the following officers were duly elected: Commodore, II. B. Har- shaw ; vice-commodore, Robert Brand; secretary, H. E. Rounds; treasurer, Louis Bridge. The thanks of the O. Y. C. were ten- dered to Commodore Ashbury, of the English contesting yacht for the Queen's Cup, for the beautiful photograph of his yacht "Cambria" tendered through M. C. Woolett, of Chicago.
It was resolved that the Fourth of July be set for the annual
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regatta, and that all yachts in the state under 28 foot water line and all professional yachtsmen be invited to participate. Prizes offered were: First prize for first class boats, $50.00; second prize, for first class boats, $25.00; prize for second class boats, $25.00.
The Commodore and Vice-Commodore of the Madison Yacht Club were elected honorary members. Judges for regatta were Matt. Lancaster, J. H. Porter and G. M. Paine. Yachts entered for regatta : First class, "Daisy," of Fond du Lac, Capt. Dud- ley; "H. B. Harshaw," Oshkosh, Capt. R. Brand; "Lady Maud," Oshkosh, Capt. W. H. Crawford; second class, "K. M. Hutchin- son," Oshkosh, for owner, E. A. Stevens; "Dauntless," Osh- kosh, for owner, C. Christiansen.
Judges awarded prizes as follows : First prize to "Daisy," of Fond du Lac; second prize to "Lady Maud," of Oshkosh; sec- ond class prize to "Dauntless," of Oshkosh.
By request of the Madison Yacht Club, the yacht "Harshaw," 18 foot, was sent to Madison, accompanied by a large number of members to participate in their regatta on August 9, 1871; the "Harshaw," of Oshkosh, winning the first prize of $40.00 in light airs. The Madison boys said she must have had a screw underneath her to go so fast in a calm sail. All the boys reported having had a splendid time with the boys of the Madison Yacht Club.
Tuesday, August 29, 1871, was set for Fall regatta, at which time cups valued at $15.00 and $10.00 each were put up as prizes and won by "Lady Maud," and the "Nautilus," Capt. W. W. Tolman.
1872. Annual Commodore's cruise commenced on the 12th of June. Yachts and owners from Winneconne, Fond du Lac, Neenah, Menasha, Madison and Green Bay participated. Sail- ing south, stopped at Long Point for lunch; sailing to Pipe Creek, camped first night. Second day : sailing down the east shore, lunched at Clifton; cruised to Doty's Island and camped for the night. Third day : cruised to Garlic Island and lunched. Each squadron sailed for home, ending a three days' cruise- one of the enjoyable times of our lives, never to be forgotten. During these cruises, squadron sailing by signal, the different evolutions were performed in splendid form, doing credit to Winnebago yachtsmen.
At the annual meeting of the O. Y. C., held June 2, 1872, the following. officers were elected: Commodore, H. B. Harshaw;
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vice-commodore, Robert Brand; fleet captain, A. M. Horr; secre- tary, Charles Christiansen; treasurer, H. B. Jackson; measurer, E. A. Stevens.
The O. Y. C. resolved to hold their fourth annual regatta to be sailed at Fond du Lac on July 4, 1872. The committee of ar- rangements at Fond du Lac having made arrangements for the club to participate in the procession, and, having a large yacht, mounted on wheels, the O. Y. C. manned the yacht in full uni- form, making a fine appearance which was greatly appreciated by the citizens of Fond du Lac. At 1:30 p. m., the following boats were at the starting line: First class: "Daisy," of Fond du Lac; "Penequa," "Maud" and "Harshaw," of Oshkosh; "Minnie Graves," of Menasha. Second class: "K. M. Hutch- inson" and "Dauntless," of Oshkosh; "Shoo Fly," "Fairy" and "Belle," of Fond du Lac.
On account of calm, start was delayed until 2.30 p. m. The wind being light and flukey, the "Harshaw" got the lead. rounding the first buoy in advance and maintaining the lead during the race, making the twelve-mile course in 3h. 50m., winning the silk pennant and $40.00 for first prize. The second class "Dauntless" made the twelve miles in 3h. 56m., winning second class prize of $20.00. "Maud," first class, made the course in 3h. 54m., winning second prize in first class. The "K. M. Hutchinson," second class, won second prize of $10.00 in 3h. 54m. Squadron sailed for home, ending a very enjoyable outing.
At the second regatta of the O. Y. C., held August 22, 1872, the following yachts were entered : First class : "Minnie Graves," of Menasha ; "Penequa." "Maud" and "Harshaw," of Oshkosh ; "Daisy," of Fond du Lac. Second class: "Dauntless" and "K. M. Hutchinson," of Oshkosh; "Shoo Fly" and "Gen. Grant," of Fond du Lac. Start was made at 3:25 p. m. "Penequa" rounded the home buoy in 2h. 45m., twelve-mile course; "Maud" made the course in 2h. 47m. 18s .; "Daisy" in 2h. 49m. 30s. "Penequa" won first prize, "Daisy" second prize on time allow- ance over "Maud," and "Dauntless" won first prize in second class. This regatta was one of the most exciting races yet held on Lake Winnebago. After the yachts came into the harbor. the club and their guests were escorted to the Revere House for refreshments. The "Penequa" won the challenge silver cup held by the "Daisy," and $20.00 in money. The "Daisy" won
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second money, $15.00; the "Dauntless" won the challenge silver cup and $15.00 in money,
1873. Rufus B. Kellogg, of Green Bay, offered a cash prize of $200.00 for first class yachts to be sailed for at the fifth annual regatta of 1873. Annual election of O. Y. C. was held June 2, 1873, and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : Commodore, H. B. Harshaw; vice-commodore, Gib. Lane; fleet captain, A. M. Horr; measurer, Louis Bridge; treasurer, Wm. P .. Taylor; secretary, R. E. Daniels.
The third annual cruise was set for June 10, 1873; general camping place to be at Garlic Island, from which place cruises were made daily, making another of the bright spots on mem- ory's page, joined in by the effects from Fond du Lac, Winne- conne, Neenah, Menasha and Green Bay, and guests from Mil- waukee and Madison.
The Oshkosh Yacht Club raised $200 to be distributed for other prizes, the Kellogg prize being first prize for first class yachts. The following yachts were entered for same : First class, "Daisy," of Fond du Lac; "Minnie Graves," of Menasha; "H. B. Harshaw," of Green Lake; "Maud," "Peerless" and "Penequa," of Oshkosh. Second class, "Liberty," of Fond du Lac; "Mayflower," of Neenah; "Dauntless," "Foam," "Grant" and "White Cap," of Oshkosh. Elapsed time in mak- ing the twelve-mile course is as follows: "Minnie Graves," Menasha, 2h. 29m. 35s., first prize $200 and pennant; "Penequa," Oshkosh, 2h. 34m. 25s., second prize $100; "Peer- less," Oshkosh, 2h. 38m. 30s., third prize $50; "Harshaw," Green Lake, 2h. 47m. 4s. Second class, "Dauntless," Oshkosh, 2h. 47m. 25s., first prize $50; "Liberty," Fond du Lac, 3h. 12m. 11s., second prize $15. Prizes were distributed at the club rooms, followed by refreshments at the Revere House. The at- tendance at this race from yachting centers was large and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. Several races at Neenah closed the season of 1873.
1874. At the annual meeting of the O. Y. C., April 1, 1874, the following officers were elected: Commodore, II. B. Harshaw; vice-commodore, Gib. Lane; fleet captain. Robert Brand; seere- tary, John Hancock; treasurer, E. W. Vaill; measurer, Louis Bridge.
Committees appointed and commodore's cruise set for June 10, 1874. This cruise sailed for Garlic island, making that place their camping ground for the three days' cruise, from
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which place races were held each day with camp fires burning at night, with song and story and good fellowship, participated in by all the yachts and yachtsmen on the lake and guests from distant cities.
July 4, 1874, the Neenah Yacht Club put up prizes for re- gatta to be sailed in the bay over the Neenah Club's course. The day was beautiful and there was a large attendance of ex- cursion steamers. The race started at 2 p. m., standing for Clif- ton buoy. When well down this course a thunder squall from the northwest came down and enveloped the yachts, which were covered with light sails, each yacht carrying on until the last moment when lost to view from the judges' steamer by the rain. Old seamen were astonished when the squall cleared to see the yachts under close-reefed canvas, showing fine seaman- ship. Race won by "Albatross." Resolutions of thanks were passed to the Neenah Yacht Club and the ladies of Neenah for their hospitalities during the Fourth of July regatta.
The sixth annual regatta was held on August 26, 1874. The following boats were entered: First class, "Daisy," Fond du Lac, elapsed time of race; "Gypsie," Fond du Lac; "Alba- tross," Neenah, 3h. 12m. 30s .; "Minnie Graves," Menasha, 3h. 12m .; "Penequa," Oshkosh, 3h. 5m., first prize $60 and cham- pion pennant; "Maud," Oshkosh, 3h. 11m .; "Peerless," Osh- kosh, 3h. 10m., third prize $25; "Niobe," 3h. 6m. 30s., second prize $40. Second class "Foam," Oshkosh, and "Woodcock." Fond du Lac, did not finish.
A race for the commodore's challenge cup held by the yacht "Penequa," challenged by yacht "Niobe," sailed September 3. 1874. Race started at 2:37 p. m. "Niobe" upset at home buoy first time around. "Penequa" completed the race of twelve miles in 2h. 38m. 30s., "Penequa" still retaining the cup.
: 1875. O. Y. C. reelected same officers for 1875. The annual cruise commenced June 2, 1875, with headquarters and camps at Garlic island. Racing. baseball and other athletic sports were indulged in.
Mr. M. W. Lancaster, of Oshkosh, offered a cup prize to be known as the "Lancaster prize cup" for first class yachts. to be won three times in succession to retain the prize. August 10 the annual regatta was sailed, at which prizes were offered as follows: First prize. $40 and Lancaster eup; second prize, $35. Second class boats, first prize, $25. Races for the challenge cups filled out the year 1875.
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1876. The following officers were elected in the O. Y. C .: Commodore, H. B. Harshaw; vice-commodore, G. W. Burnell; secretary, John Hancock; fleet captain, John Dickinson; treas- urer, Frank Heilig; measurer, S. P. Gary.
Mr. Edwin Clifford offered a cup to be sailed for during the regatta season of 1876. M. W. Lancaster also offered two cups to be sailed for during the season of 1876. A regatta was held on July 4, which was declared off by the judges on account of violation of rules, etc. Commodore's cruise and challenge cup races filled out the season of 1876.
1877. April 16 the O. Y. C. elected the following officers for. the ensuing year: Commodore, H. B. Harshaw; vice-commo- dore, J. H. Porter; fleet captain, Robert Brand; secretary, R. P. Finney ; treasurer, Frank Ileilig; measurer, S. P. Gary.
June 19, on invitation of Commodore Henry, Neenah Yacht Club, the O. Y. C. joined in cruise, which was held in due form. Invitations were issued by the O. Y. C. to the Milwaukee, Chi- cago, Neenah, Fond du Lac and Green Bay Yacht clubs to par- ticipate in our July 4 regatta over yacht club course at foot of Washington street. Yachts competing were: First class, "D. J. Pulling," actual time 1h. 42m. 5s., corrected time 1h. 42m. 8s., second price; "Maud," actual time 1h. 54m. 53s., corrected time 1h., 48m. 24s .; "Penequa," actual time 1h. 42m. 50s., corrected time 1h. 38m. 28s., first prize. Second class, "Daisy," actual time 1h. 44m. 55s., corrected time 1h. 44m. 55s., first prize; "Madeline," actual time 1h. 56m. 25s., corrected time 1h. 55m. 42s., second prize; "Pilot," actual time 2h. 2m. 47s .; "Sapho," actual time 1h. 57m. 19s., corrected time 1h. 56m. 38s.
On July 6 a regatta was held for the purpose of giving the "Lucy," of the Chicago Yacht Club, a chance to try her speed with the Lake Winnebago yachts of her size. The following yachts entered the twelve-mile course: "Penequa," Oshkosh, actual time 1h. 58m. 29s .; "Niobe," Oshkosh, actual time 2h. 3s .; "Maud," Oshkosh, actual time 2h. 11m. 25s .; "Myra Bell," Neenah, actual time 2h. 3m. 36s .; "Albatross," Fond du Lac, actual time 2h. 27m .; "Lucy." Chicago, actual time 2h. 15m. 2s. Second class for challenge cup, "Sapho," short course, 2h. 4m. 41s .; "Pilot," short course, 2h. 3m. 59s .; "Madeline." short course, 2h. 8m. 30s. "Penequa" won first prize. "Pilot" won challenge cup second time. August 9, 1877, the annual regatta with same yachts participating. The yacht "D. J. Pulling" won large class pennant, the "Penequa" second class pennant
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and "Lancaster" challenge cup. The "Sapho" won third class .
pennant and Clifford challenge cup held by yacht "Pilot."
April 1, 1878. The following officers were elected by the O. Y. C. for the ensuing year: Commodore, G. W. Burnell; vice- commodore, George F. Stroud; fleet captain, John Dickenson; secretary, R. P. Finney; treasurer, Frank Heilig; measurer, S. P. Gary.
May 22 the commodore's cruise started from yacht dock at 9 a. m., sailing to Morley's point to meet Fond du Lac fleet, in command of Commodore Dodd. The three days' cruise was very enjoyable and called at all the points of interest on each shore, and Neenah and Menasha joined by their squadron, under Commodore Henry. Cruise ended at Garlic island- another of those happy times that makes life enjoyable.
June 26 the steamer "Lady Franklin," Capt. P. V. Lawson, Menasha, was secured to tow the fleet of the Chicago Yacht Club, under the command of Commodore Munger, from Green Bay to Oshkosh. The fleet was met by the squadron from Neenah, Fond du Lac and Oshkosh. The cruising of the week was participated in by the Oshkosh Yacht Club as host, in which the following yachts participated: O. Y. C., Commodore G. W. Burnell-"Flora," "D. J. Pulling," "Athena," "Rest- less," "Venaroth," "Niobe," "Carrie Morgan," "Beatrice," "Madeline," "Goodenough." "Peerless," "Penequa," "Sapho," "Vulean," "S. M. Hay," "Anna Lee," and "Mack- inaw." Chicago Yacht Club, Commodore Munger-"Cora," "Lucy" and "Goodenough." Neenah Yacht Club, Commodore IIenry-"Myra Bell" and "Minnie Graves," Menasha. Fond du Lac Yacht Club, Commodore Dodd-"'Daisy," "Albatross" and "Sylvia." The week was spent in cruising, the squadron sailing by signal, each squadron forming column and the dif- ferent evolutions, making the finest yachting display ever seen on inland waters. Dances and general entertainments were given at the different cities visited, making one continuous round of entertainment. The O. Y. C. was escorted to Menasha on its return and "Come Again" was signaled from the flag- ship.
The annual regatta sailed August 20, 1878, was won by the yacht "Carrie Morgan," at which time she won the Lancaster prize and pennant for the first time. On October 9, 1878, the "Carrie Morgan" was challenged by the fleet for the Lancaster
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prize, the "Carrie Morgan" winning the cup the second time in succession.
1879. April 7 the following officers for the O. Y. C. were duly elected: Commodore, G. W. Burnell; vice-commodore, George F. Stroud; fleet captain, John Dickenson; secretary, Frank Clark; treasurer, Frank Heilig; measurer, S. P. Gary.
The commodore's cruise began on the 4th day of June, invita- tions having been sent to all yacht clubs to join. The camp was at Garlic Island and each day's program was made and carried out from the island.
A regatta was held on June 18 during the editorial conven- tion, at which all the yachts on the lake were at the start, which, with the large fleet of steam yachts and steamers, made a feast for the eyes of the visitors. Annual regatta was sailed July 23 for money, prizes and pennants, joined in by the Neenah and Fond du Lac clubs. The Geneva Club extended an invita- tion to Lake Winnebago yachtsmen to compete at their regatta, which was open to all yachts twenty-six foot water line and under. The yacht "Niobe," Captain Dickenson, was sent to represent the O. Y. C. The night before the race after the "Niobe" was brought to the water and ready for launching in the morning, the Chicago and . Geneva experts viewed the "Niobe" before selling pools. Capt. John Prindeville and Bussey thought Oshkosh must have poor judgment to send such a tub to compete with "Pat" McGehan's crack yachts, New York winners, and bought on the records made by them as racers. Also the Chicago yacht "Goodenough," a fine lined yacht and larger, seemed to be too fast for the Oshkosh tub, as the "Niobe" was dubbed at the sale of pools. The "Niobe" did not get an honorable mention from anyone except Commo- dore H. B. Harshaw. The "Niobe" was designed after the dis- covery by Froude's steam lines, and looked as if she would draw the lake after her with her low-lying bustle. Next morn- ing before the regatta she was launched and was sailed over the course, which the Yacht Club had charted, in the form of a boot. Her sailing and work astonished the critics, as she seemed to handle so lively. The race started at 2 p. m. The Geneva cracks crossed the line, followed by the "Goodenough," of Chicago, manned by the yachting captains of Chicago Yacht Club, carrying all her kits and save-alls, and looked like a sev- enty-four under stun sails, the "Niobe" crossing last, letting the home yachts show the way. Time was taken for each yacht
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from start to finish, correcting elapsed time. "Niobe" was car- rying jib and main sails and spinaker; wind from southwest and very puffy on account of high shore, so the "Niobe" followed the procession so as to profit by the handling of the other yachts. It was soon apparent that the "Niobe" was gaining. the Geneva yachts luffing under the heavy puffs, while the "Niobe" slacked sheets and held her course. The "Niobe" kept to the leeward of the fleet and as we were passing the "Geneva" to leeward one of her crew, looking under the main sail dragging in the water, sung out, "See that tub from Osh- kosh," the "Niobe" going by standing up like a church. After rounding at the heel of the boot and standing for the toe and gaining slightly on the "Goodenough," a heavy puff carried away the "Niobe" jib topsail, blowing the topsail into the water, which was quickly handled; as we were near the outer buoy we could not have carried it much farther; but the "Good- enough" carried gaff and jib topsail after rounding and going on the wind, which sagged her to leeward, and the "Niobe" soon crossed her bows on the windward tack. The "Niobe" ended eight minutes in the lead, winning the first prize. She also won first place in the second day's race. When the race was ended Capt. John Prindeville said he would have to un- learn all he ever knew of yacht designing, as the "Niobe" did not drag water enough behind her to bring in any of the other cracks anywhere near her.
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