Seldom does the complete story of an organi- It is unknown when Roger Upton first con- zation's founding survive the passage of time. ceived the idea for a club-within-a-club to embrace Much of the following information was located in a select group of “gasoliners” who would develop archived minutes, manuals and magazines. Memo- such forms of cruising and racing as the new types ries and assumptions of early members closed the of yachts would allow. However, in the summer of remaining gaps. However, it is a certainty that the 1911, Upton presented his thoughts before a small name of Roger Upton of Boston and Marblehead, group of colleagues. With acceptance of his ideas, Massachusetts, stands pre-eminently in the list of Upton was elected rear commodore of the Boston founding fathers. Without the vision and enthusi- Yacht Club in 1912. His duties placed him in asm of Roger Upton, the national organization charge of the unofficial powerboat division of the known as the United States Power Squadrons fleet. A self-taught navigator and stickler for doing would not exist. things correctly, Upton soon had the division's 36 members busy with studies, cruises, races and Recreational boating, in the early 1900s, drills modeled after U.S. Naval Maneuvers. To largely consisted of sailing craft and a few larger quote from one of his articles, “To my mind the steam yachts with professional crews. Commercial organization can be of use to yachtsmen for three ships of the day were all steam-driven; steam pro- major reasons: first, improvement in navigating pulsion had become king by the close of the previ- ability of power-boat owners; second, promotion of ous century. Sailing schooners were fast becoming acquaintance and social intercourse by the power- relics of a bygone era while internal combustion boat owners; third, the fitting of power-boat own- engine, gasoline-driven watercraft were coming ers to be of possible use to the Navy in time of war into their own, albeit with little enthusiasm on the so that they might be received as volunteers should part of dedicated sailors. Yacht clubs taught and they so desire.” promoted the spirit of sailing. When the owners of motor driven vessels joined yacht clubs, there were The social side of the organization included few activities for them. Yachting was still for the monthly dinners at which ship and tow captains, sailors, and the new breed of powerboat men found marine inspectors and other prominent persons scant fun on club cruises and almost none in rac- were guest speakers. From these activities grew ing. confidence in and a change of attitude toward the new breed of yachtsmen. Unintentionally, their Laws of the United States governing naviga- quest for recognition improved during the summer tion applied only to steam vessels. Governed by a of 1912 with the invitation of twenty vessels from board of steamboat inspectors, who were crusty, the Boston Yacht Club's powerboat division to old, sea-going men, these inspectors had little use accompany the sailing yachts on their annual cruise for the small internal combustion engine yachts. It to Portland, Maine. The powerboats cruised in was their fervent hope to gain control over these squadron formation with an elaborate system of boats by placing them under the very same rules maneuvers executed by means of flag signals. that governed ocean liners and other steam-pow- During the cruise, a screeching nor'wester blew, ered vessels. Through education, the founders of and many of the sailing yachts suffered damage, the organization set out to protect power yachts including dismasting, and were disabled. It was from these steamboat inspectors and to disprove then that the worth of the power yachts gained rec- the claims of ignorance and foolhardiness with ognition. Under Upton's command, they sped to the which professional captains and seamen dispar- rescue and towed all disabled craft safely to port. aged power boaters. No lives or boats were lost. To quote the September 1912 issue of Motor Boating Magazine, in their
2021 Page 1-2 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual six-page photostory, “The fellows of the Powerboat ning, the following vote passed. Delegates, whose Division provided meritorious service and emerged names appeared alongside their respective clubs or from the ordeal crowned with glory.” associations, signed the document. The United States Power Squadrons became an official Received at the 14 October 1912 Executive national organization. Committee meeting of the Boston Yacht Club, a letter from Rear Commodore Roger Upton peti- “That we, the undersigned, duly authorized tioned the club to establish officially the Powerboat delegates of the club or association set against our Division. As minutes of that meeting disclose, the respective names do hereby associate such clubs or Executive Committee granted Commodore Upton's associations together as a national organization to petition unanimously. Three months later, at the be known as United States Power Squadrons, and annual meeting in January 1913, the name of the we bind our clubs to abide by the rules and regula- Powerboat Division changed to Power Squadron. tions adopted by said United States Power Squad- The club-within-a-club idea had become both a rons. reality and an official entity. The Power Squadron's • Yachts men's Club of Philadelphia; C.L. officers and rules appeared in the 1913 Boston Lagen, Commodore Yacht Club Yearbook. Officers were Roger Upton, • Power Boat Squadron of New Haven, Conn.; commander; C. N. Burnell, lieutenant commander; J.N. Champion, Commodore and Nathaniel L. Stebbins, a noted Boston marine • Larchmont Yacht Club; Francis M. Wilson photographer, secretary. • Atlantic Yacht Club; Theodore D. Wells • Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia; C. The new Power Squadron designed a distin- Longstreth guishing pennant that flew above the yacht club. • Rhode Island Yacht Club; William St. Streeter, The pennant featured a red field with centered Commodore white star at the hoist; the center third was white • New York Motor Boat Club; C.F. Chapman and the outer end was blue. Prospective members • Hudson River Power Squadron; Franklin P. were required to pass a detailed examination in Pratt advanced piloting prior to their admission into the • Lynn Yacht Club; A.D. Grover Power Squadron and authorization to fly the pen- • Knickerbocker Yacht Club; William E. Spencer nant. • Harlem Yacht Club; R.S. Haydock • Portland Yacht Club; Holman F. Day, Rear Sometime in January of 1914, the Power Commodore Squadron of the Boston Yacht Club called a confer- • Savin Hill Yacht Club; Charles A. J. Smith ence of many yacht clubs throughout the country to • Kennebec Yacht Club; Charles E. Hyde determine if the “power squadron” idea merited • Hudson River Yacht Racing Association; development independent of yacht clubs. Those Worthington Scott already active with power squadrons agreed that • Sachem’s Head Yacht Club; W.C. Stringer the movement was destined to grow beyond the • Baltimore Yacht Club; Dwight F. Mallory yacht club confines, forming a national body of its • Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club; Elliot own. Only some clubs along the Atlantic Seaboard Tuckerman attended, but the officials of existing squadrons • Indian Harbor Yacht Club; Frank Bowne found enthusiasm. Because no minutes of this Jones meeting exist, the attendees, agenda and meeting • Boston Yacht Club Power Squadron; William location are unknown. However, later evidence A. Hopkins proves that the “power squadron” idea warranted The signatures of Messrs. Longstreth, Stringer, nationwide action. Tuckerman and Jones are affixed subject to ratifi- cation of their respective clubs.” The exploratory group met for a second time on 2 February 1914. Minutes exist of this second The preceding document, along with other his- conference and note that at eight o'clock in the eve- torical documents, resides in the archives at organi-
2021 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual Page 1-3 zation's Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Roger Upton wrote a letter about the establish- ment of the Power Squadrons. Published in the US At this same organizational meeting, the orga- Naval Institute Proceedings for 1917, Vol. 43, Part nization elected officers and members of the Gov- 1, on pages 701-705 (1917), digitized in later erning Board including: years, Upton's article is freely available using an • Henry A. Morse; Internet search engine. • Captain DeWitt Coffman, USN (Boston Navy Yard); The thirteen stars and thirteen stripes in the • Charles Longstreth; Power Squadrons Ensign are from the United • Frank S. Cornwell; States Yacht Ensign and the National Ensign. Thus, • Francis M. Wilson; and those design elements have the same meaning as in • and members of the bridge. the Yacht and National Ensign. In other words, the thirteen stars represent the original states and the Captain Coffman, USN, later Vice Admiral, thirteen stripes stand for the original colonies. served on the Governing Board for many years as Upton's article explained that the original idea was the representative of the Navy Department. The to have Power Squadrons' vessels operate as a form Honorable A.J. Tyrer, Deputy Commissioner of of naval reserve or as an auxiliary to the Navy. The Navigation of the Department of Commerce, was intent was for the special ensign to identify the also an active member of the early Governing Power Squadrons' vessels. Since an ensign is a flag Boards. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, then assistant of national character flown from the stern of the secretary of the Navy, had been so impressed with vessel, the established icons of the American the activities of the Boston Yacht Club's Power nation, white stars in a canton, thirteen stripes, and Squadron, that he sent his aide, Captain William F. red/white/blue coloring, would naturally be used. Fullam, to attend the organizational meeting. As In essence, United States Power Squadrons' Ensign was reported in the press, Captain Fullam praised is an adaptation of the national flag. the organization in the highest terms possible. On page 701 of the 1917 article, Roger Upton April 1914 proved eventful. At a meeting held said, “The idea advanced by the Navy Department at the Harvard Club of Boston, the Governing was to have something on the lines of the Blue Board approved bylaws. Dividing the Atlantic Sea- Ensign of England, which is used to denote naval board into six districts for purposes of instruction, reserve. Wherefore the design approximated our the Governing Board appointed boards of Instruc- yacht ensign with the colors reversed and the tion and Examination to administer the new dis- stripes vertical instead of horizontal.” Upton noted tricts. From the very beginning, the accent has been that the design of the United States Power Squad- upon education, although it differed in the early rons flag made it impossible to confuse with the days from the present system. Then, in addition to flags of other nations. knowing the rules of the road, the compass, buoys, and chart bearings, a member was required to Upton also led the Power Squadrons' founders attend at least three squadron drills yearly to hold in the effort to amend the yacht licensing law. The his membership certificate. When the member yacht licensing law, which had been on the books attended twelve, he became a privileged member. since 1848, required all “licensed yachts” to fly the Privileged members needed only to appear at one Yacht Ensign. The intent of the proposed amend- drill each year. Not more than six drills counted in ment was to add a provision permitting yachts of any one year toward the member's qualification. Power Squadrons to fly the Power Squadron Ensign in lieu of the Yacht Ensign. However, the Two of the organization's founding members, attempt was unsuccessful and the yacht licensing Charles Chapman of New York and Roger Upton law remained unchanged. of Boston, designed the United States Power Squadrons' ensign shortly after the organization's Designed as an ensign, the United States establishment. Power Squadrons flag is a flag of national charac-
2021 Page 1-4 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual ter. However, in practical use, the Power Squad- reduced the significance of the on-the-water rons Ensign is an organizational flag and does not maneuvers to a subordinate position as a second fly in place of the National or Yacht Ensigns. qualification to a new Junior Navigator course. Shortly thereafter, through lack of interest, the on- Since the Yacht Ensign influenced the design the-water maneuvers requirements disappeared of the Power Squadrons Ensign, one might ask the altogether with further courses of study replacing derivation of the design of that flag. As with the them. In 1917, the educational program introduced Power Squadrons Ensign, the United States a Navigator course. This was the course to end all National Ensign is the answer. Immediately fol- instruction, comprising a detailed review of all lowing the passage of the Federal Yachts Ensign courses the candidate had taken from his entrance Act of 1848, the US Secretary of the Navy, by vir- examination to the JN course. It also included a tue of the authority delegated to him in the Act, practical demonstration of boat handling. requested the New York Yacht Club to submit a design. On 21 February 1849, the Navy Depart- As World War I threatened to engage the ment approved the design of the present Yacht nation, all Americans became very active in the Ensign. Named the American Ensign, the flag preparedness movement. The United States retained the thirteen red and white vertical stripes declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917, and of the National Ensign, and featured a circle of with the coming of hostilities, Charles F. Chapman thirteen stars surrounding a fouled anchor. sent a letter to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Assis- tant Secretary of the Navy, volunteering the entire In March 1915, the Governing Board adopted United States Power Squadrons instructional pro- the Power Squadrons Ensign. On 18 May 1915, gram for the training of men for naval coastal General Orders No. 11, issued by Flag Lieutenant defense. Secretary Roosevelt accepted the proposal Stebbins from Boston, authorized the flying of with gratitude. In New York City, four free nautical Power Squadrons Ensign, with or without the schools were established. Based on records, total Power Squadron pennant, which up to that time, enrollment exceeded three thousand students. had been the distinguishing flag of the squadrons. Local squadrons in Boston, Detroit, Newburg, New During World War I, the Governing Board ordered Haven and Washington, D.C. organized similar that a new pennant of somewhat different design schools. Over five thousand men who attended from that of the original flown by squadron boats. these classes entered the armed services and, based The Governing Board further instructed that squad- in significant part on the quality of the training that ron vessels fly the new pennant and the American they received, many received officer commissions. Ensign at the taffrail or gaff. Similarly, during Squadron members themselves enlisted in the navy World War II, Old Glory flew in her proper place and many, because of their outstanding nautical and United States Power Squadrons Ensign at the education and background, soon earned commis- starboard spreader. sions. Additionally, the Secretary of Commerce appointed some members as “Navigation Inspec- As the squadrons grew, both in number and tors” with on the water duties similar to those per- size, the educational program developed to keep formed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary during World pace. There were continuous revisions and enlarge- War II. These men received a dollar per year for ments. Members submitted their suggestions and their services. the educational program adopted many of those ideas. Highly skilled yachtsmen enthusiastically Efforts to recruit new members into the organi- served on course committees. zation declined during this period. With many of the officers of the local squadrons in service, inter- By 1916, there were 500 members and many of est in the United States Power Squadrons began to these were clamoring for abolition of the on-water- wane. With the coming of peace and the release drill requirements. However, it was not until some from the Navy, many of the members desired a rest years later that a general uprising against the from anything pertaining to the sea, so without requirements caused official action. The leadership their leadership, local squadron activities all but
2021 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual Page 1-5 ceased. In addition, one of the principal objects of Bennett further suggested that inasmuch as the the squadrons had been, up to that time, to be of oldest institutions of man in the world were institu- service to the U.S. Navy in time of emergency. The tions of learning, the United States Power Squad- emergency had passed, and most members had all rons should stress education and nothing else. He they wanted of small boat maneuvers based on ended his suggestions by proposing the rewriting anything connected with the Navy. Conditions of the constitution to include his suggested were not unlike those in most yachting organiza- changes. The Governing Board authorized Vice tions of that time. Interest was at a low ebb, and Commander Bennett to rewrite the constitution and many yacht clubs and similar organizations went to present it at the next annual meeting of the Gov- out of business. On 26 January 1918, Chief Com- erning Board. mander Coe wrote the following in his annual report. “The demands of war have affected all At the annual meeting of 28 February 1920, social, fraternal and economic life, and our orga- Vice Commander Bennett advanced to chief com- nization has not escaped the problems and handi- mander; Rear Commander Harry Jackson caps which have arisen from this abnormal advanced to vice commander; and James T. Bres- condition.” nahan of the Potomac Squadron to secretary. The Governing Board adopted the new constitution. At At the fall meeting of the Governing Board in that time, there was no list of members; however, 1919, Chief Commander H.M. Williams reported The Ensign mailing list contained a thousand that local squadron secretaries did not answer his names. Chief Commander Bennett and Secretary letters; dues were uncollected; there was no money Bresnahan drafted a letter to each name on the in the treasury; and, the organization's debt was mailing list, informing them of the changes in the $450.00. He closed his report with two recommen- constitution; announcing the waiving of all unpaid dations: 1) that the members of the Governing dues; and, asking each person to enroll in the Board chip in to pay the debt and 2) that the United national organization by paying one dollar in dues States Power Squadrons disband. Chief Com- for 1920. One hundred forty two plus nineteen mander Williams was not a defeatist, but he viewed reinstatements enrolled - a few from each of the the existing situation from a realistic standpoint. former squadrons. Appointed as local boards of His recommendation brought the matter sharply to examiners, the duties of these newly enrolled men attention where it obtained immediate and definite were to start classes of instruction to prepare men action. for the spring entrance examination.
Vice Commander A.B. Bennett expressed the With the newly reorganized United States opinion that such action would be a mistake and Power Squadrons, the leadership issued new certif- that he was sure that with the adoption of certain icates in 1920. Chief Commander Bennett hand- changes that the squadrons could be revived. The lettered the names of the members onto the certifi- changes he suggested were: cates in Old English style. Charles F. Chapman 1) To change the certificate holder from being received Certificate Number 1. As a founding only a member of a local squadron, reached only father of the organization, his membership date through his local squadron secretary, to first being was among the earliest. a member of United States Power Squadrons, thus making him answerable to the national organiza- Communication between the national organi- tion and secondly, a member of the local squadron; zation and the local squadrons relied on the U.S. 2) To eliminate all boat drills and maneuvers. Postal Service. However, Chief Commander Ben- The war was over, and men were through with such nett visited many squadrons, helping them to make activities; and, a new start. This difficult task ended in success for 3) To eliminate the restriction of membership Chief Commander Bennett, the only chief com- to members of yacht clubs and admit any worthy mander to serve more than two years. At the close man who passed the examination. of his fourth year, there were over four hundred members, over four hundred dollars in the treasury
2021 Page 1-6 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual and no debt. If 1939 was a milestone in history, it was also a year of tragedy. Once again, the world erupted into Chief Commander Harry Jackson inherited this war. On 8 December 1941, less than 24 hours after organization in January 1924. Following the plan the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Vice Com- that Bennett had implemented, Jackson whole- mander William Sayers sent a telegram to Presi- heartedly nurtured the reviving organization, dent Roosevelt and to the Secretary of the Navy enthusiastically supporting squadrons throughout offering the United States Power Squadrons' sup- his tenure. Credit for the perpetuation of the United port for America's war effort. For the second time States Power Squadrons is due to the efforts of the in 24 years, President Roosevelt accepted this sup- Bennett-Jackson team. port with appreciation.
The Power Squadrons grew slowly during During World War II, over 3,000 members of these formative years, and by April 1931, the orga- the United States Power Squadrons entered the nization reported a total membership of only 840 in armed forces, including C/C William Anderson, 12 squadrons. However, if the quantity of members who served as a lieutenant commander, U.S. Navy was disappointing in the early thirties, the quality Reserve. In February 1942, the National War of instruction taught by members was not. With the Course Committee was formed which set standards introduction of Advanced Piloting in 1932, the in the instruction of navigation and related sub- advanced grades program was established. By jects. Also in 1942, the Special Courses Committee November of that year, the organization had 1,431 was formed which developed curricula in first aid, members in 13 squadrons. signaling, motor mechanics, air navigation, meteo- rology and seamanship. Classes filled with service In October 1933, the Committee on Rules pre- personnel, civilians and members, all eager for the sented a plan for creating bylaws from the constitu- instructional offerings to qualify for advanced rat- tion and writing a second set of bylaws containing ings. Members served with the Red Cross, mer- details for the operation of a squadron. The Gov- chant marine and other war-related services, all erning Board approved both sets of bylaws the fol- contributing significant assistance to the nation. lowing year. With the encouragement of the national organiza- tion, more than twenty-five squadrons actively The Governing Board, on 13 December 1938, assisted the Coast Guard Auxiliary during this approved the establishment of seven divisions con- period. Friendly cooperation between the two orga- sisting of thirty-three squadrons and the appoint- nizations has been traditional ever since. ment of a rear commander to administer each division. A later Governing Board approved The United States Power Squadrons grew changing the division designation to “district”. The during World War II. By 1945, the National Secre- United States Power Squadrons had 4,406 mem- tary needed a paid staff and office space in order to bers by the end of 1938. meet increased responsibilities. The Governing Board adopted a resolution authorizing Secretary On 14 January 1939, the organization cele- Charles Leach to employ such clerical help as nec- brated its twenty-fifth anniversary. Representatives essary. The organization rented a three-room from twenty-one squadrons attended a dinner- ground floor apartment in Englewood, New Jersey dance at New York's Hotel Astor, one of the largest for the storage of supplies and records. Shortly and most successful affairs ever held by the United thereafter, the organization hired an office manager States Power Squadrons. In honor of the occasion, and, with a staff of three, satisfied the clerical and President Roosevelt sent a letter of congratulations, storage needs of growing membership and educa- praising the organization's civic service. Later that tional programs. year, the president accepted an honorary member- ship bestowed upon him by vote of the Governing With the war ending in September 1945, the Board. educational program updated the courses devel- oped by the Special Courses Committee - namely
2021 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual Page 1-7 seamanship, first aid, signaling and motor mechan- Contrary to the original concept, the squadron ics - to civilian standards. Meteorology transi- commanders had become a minority of the Gov- tioned into Weather. A new course, Instruction erning Board, outnumbered by 20% by members- Techniques, launched in this time frame also. at-large (one for each 100 members). The Govern- ing Board reduced this ratio to one for every 300 Due to the rapid growth from 1935 to 1945, the members (600 currently) in addition to restricting organization underwent needed administrative the number of members-at-large not to exceed the changes. In 1945, the Governing Board approved number of rear commanders. the formation of the Planning Committee under the direction of P/C/C Frederic W. Keator, N. The With the success of the district pilot program, Planning Committee conceived of a district organi- the first sixteen districts elected district officers at zation. Until then, the “rear commander in charge their conferences. The Governing Board approved of district” served without any staff. The Planning the formation of a special district to represent unat- Committee then prepared district bylaws as a tached squadrons and members. The headquarters model. District 1, to which Keator and other Plan- staff, which had increased to six, moved into a ning Committee member belonged, adopted the combination office and warehouse in the same NJ model bylaws. At the 14 April 1947 meeting, the community. However, within five years, headquar- Governing Board approved the model district ters also outgrew those facilities. In 1958, United bylaws, on the recommendation of the Committee States Power Squadrons moved into even larger on Rules. The United States Power Squadrons quarters located in Englewood, NJ. The organiza- more than doubled its size during the forties. As tion grew significantly during the fifties. In May the organization entered the fifties, the demands 1959, the National Secretary reported 45,000 mem- placed upon headquarters became even greater. bers in 268 squadrons.
The first model district bylaws provided for the In 1960, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey election of the district officers by the delegates to initiated a program to provide a series of specially the district conference, rather than the Governing designed charts for recreational boaters. To assist Board. The officers included the district com- in this new program, the Governing Board mander (reserving the rank of rear commander for approved the formation of the Cooperative Chart- the national organization), staff captains (forerun- ing Committee to train members to participate. ners of the executive and administrative officers), Although the program's first year produced fewer the secretary and treasurer (serving without rank) than 300 reports, by the year ending 30 September and appointed officers as required. The district 1992, the United States Power Squadrons members council included the district bridge and command- had submitted nearly 60,000 revision data reports ers of the squadrons of the district, met more fre- representing more than $15 million in supporting quently than the two conferences annually. The services and taxpayer savings. result was increased interest in district affairs, improved interchange of ideas between squadrons Recreational boating was booming as the and improved performance of the district com- United States Power Squadrons entered the sixties. mander. The educational program added a sail course in 1953 and a marine electronics course in 1961. By During the testing of the pilot district opera- 1966, when Commander Chapman earned his fifti- tion, the Planning Committee developed plans for eth merit mark, the organization had recorded a the national operation to provide for the executive, membership of over 60,000 members in 348 administrative and educational departments, as squadrons. well as the secretary and treasurer, each headed by a vice commander and assisted by rear command- In the early 1960s, the government of Portugal ers as required. The Planning Committee also rec- was planning the 500th year commemoration of the ognized the need for legal officer, financial officer death of Prince Henry the Navigator. In 1965, and assistant secretary positions. P/R/C James D. Paris, SN, then commander of Dis-
2021 Page 1-8 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual trict 4, was approached by the Portuguese Embassy important and significant aspects of participation. in New York. The Portuguese government awarded The Governing Board, in September 1981, an alabaster replica of Prince Henry to each of the expanded their ranks to include members who had districts of the United States Power Squadrons. earned 50 merit marks. Granted the status of Gov- After presenting the gift to District 4, Commander erning Board member emeritus, this position Jose Cabral, representing the Portuguese govern- granted lifetime voting privileges. In 1982, ment, accompanied Commander Paris to twenty changes to the constitution and bylaws eliminated districts, presenting the replicas at their confer- the male-only membership rule and permitted ences. The deed of gift gave each district the women to become active members. Prior to that authority to establish its own criteria for earning time, women could hold a Women's Certificate, the award. Additional information about Prince entitling them to enroll in all of the courses. How- Henry is contained in the Educational Department's ever, by 1982, it was more than apparent that boat- Awards section of their web page. ing had become a family-oriented endeavor. The bylaw change also made family membership avail- In April 1973, on the advent of the sixtieth able. In November 1982, the first females received anniversary of the United States Power Squadrons, active memberships. The first family memberships the organization presented a plaque to the Boston also occurred in November 1982. To accommodate Yacht Club to commemorate the origin of the the change, the Governing Board voted to establish United States Power Squadrons in 1913. In Octo- a reduced dues structure. However, not all women ber of the same year, the organization presented a chose to become additional active members and plaque to the New York Yacht Club to commemo- retained their status as Women's Certificate Hold- rate the chartering of the United States Power ers. The Governing Board also voted to limit Squadrons in 1914. households to only one copy of the national publi- cation, The Ensign. Concerning that publication, the On the sixtieth anniversary in 1974, member- Governing Board also approved the transferring of ship exceeded 70,000 in 425 squadrons. Headquar- the editorial and publishing functions from San ters resided in a newly constructed building located Mateo, California to Headquarters. Headquarters in Montvale, New Jersey. However, due to a legal completed the transfer of operations in December situation, in September 1975, the Governing Board 1982. voted to move its base of operations to Raleigh, North Carolina. The relocation was completed, and During the mid-eighties, the Educational operations were well underway when, in 1978, Department introduced a new piloting course and construction started on a modern office and ware- added a new elective course - cruise planning. A house. Completed by the end of 1978, Headquar- varied curriculum of supplemental courses were ters relocated to their present location. An also made available including a skipper saver pro- additional two-story wing was added during 1990- gram which was designed to be presented by a 91 to include a memorial library and up-to-date Power Squadron member to any interested group. computerized procedures which would enable the To assist public boating enthusiasts who preferred staff to handle extensive printing requirements, TV instruction to classroom attendance, the United control educational inventory and respond to virtu- States Power Squadrons and the William Morrow ally every kind of membership request. Company produced a boating course on video. The Leadership Development Committee developed Because of litigation in New York and New the Operations Training Program during this time- Jersey during the latter half of the seventies and frame as well. In 1989, the Governing Board early eighties over the issue of private status versus elected the first female Rear Commander. By the public accommodation, coupled with a sagging close of the 1980s, the organization had also estab- national economy registering high rates of inflation lished its own marine insurance program with both and unemployment, membership fell to the low low rates and sound coverage. 50,000s in 454 squadrons and 33 districts. Govern- ing Board actions in 1981 and 1982 addressed two To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the organi-
2021 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual Page 1-9 zation, five large United States Power Squadrons In 1992, mariners celebrated the 500th Anni- ensigns traversed the United States and Canada, versary of the discovery of America by Christopher visiting every U.S. squadron and many of the Columbus. More than 230 sailing vessels from Canadian Power Squadrons. Two special ensigns around the world celebrated by gathering together logged 1,000,600,000 miles in their journey over 5-14 June in the harbor of Old San Juan. The all seven seas on board the National Aeronautics armada enjoyed the gracious hospitality of the and Space Administration (NASA) shuttle Atlan- Puerto Rican squadrons before making its way tis, on 4-8 May 1989. Still another went to Moscow toward New York Harbor. Replicas of the three and a replica of the ceremonial ensign flew at the Columbus caravels made their first of 21 ports-of- Greenwich Meridian in England. Eventually, all of call as local squadron vessels led the parade of the ceremonial ensigns converged at the Governing boats into the harbor of Miami, Florida. The United Board meeting in Richmond, Virginia on 16 May States Power Squadrons rendezvoused with the 1989. Another part of the celebration included a armada as they participated in the parade of Tall visit to the White House by Chief Commander Ships into New York Harbor for the Fourth of July William D. Selden, IV, SN, where he looked on as Tall Ships Festival. President George H. W. Bush signed a proclama- tion honoring the United States Power Squadrons. The United States Power Squadrons offered broadened coverage in a new On-The-Water Insur- In the 1990s, the organization began using a ance policy. This policy aided squadrons in attract- shorter, six session boating course. At the same ing new students and retaining members. The time, the Educational Department released a new Governing Board also approved a youth program video boating course. The Governing Board partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in approved a new “Life Saving Award” for recogniz- a cooperative effort to prepare and teach the same ing members who saved the lives of others. The youth course, namely Boating Safety, to any age Governing Board also approved the reduction of group with the target audience of ages 10-16. The dues for “additional active members” in the same Treasurer's Department, in cooperation with a household. The United States Power Squadrons credit card company, offered a no-fee affinity assisted with the 200th anniversary celebration of credit card, which paid dividends back to local the United States Coast Guard held in “Coast squadrons. The Governing Board adopted a new Guard City, USA” (Grand Haven, Michigan). The membership Pledge and approved new bylaws for United States Power Squadrons also extended the organization. These new bylaws combined the cooperation with the United States Coast Guard organization's constitution with the bylaws. Conse- Auxiliary, reaching an agreement wherein each quently, the Governing Board voted to repeal the organization would accept one another's basic United States Power Squadrons Constitution. boating course as the requisite for membership. Of major significance during 1995, the Carib- There were other significant commitments and bean squadrons became District 33. In October changes as well during the 1990s, but the unity dis- 1995, Headquarters listed 59,746 active members, played by the organization's membership in donat- of whom 16,060 were women - about 27% of the ing to “The Headquarters' Building Fund” membership. Women had been eligible for mem- campaign was perhaps the most meritorious. In bership for fifteen years, and their numbers were order to provide additional space that was desper- growing. ately needed, members voluntarily purchased deeded square inches of North Carolina real estate, In 1997, the United States Power Squadrons purchased bricks for a special wall, bought silver adopted the slogan T.E.A.M., “Together Every- or gold anchors, and even purchased raffle tickets body Accomplishes More,” which challenged the for talking toy parrots. Overall, the members raised membership to greater heights. Policy changes per- in excess of $450,000.00 - more than sufficient to mitted boating courses in squadron-owned or pay for the expansion without touching the funds in leased facilities. Significant bylaw and policy the treasury. changes were also made to move the organization
2021 Page 1-10 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual from a strictly “by invitation” type of membership age. One example was DB2000, a computer pro- procedure to membership by “application” with a gram designed to build local databases for squad- means to determine membership interest while rons, districts and national to use in maintaining retaining selectivity. The Marketing Committee records, submitting forms and providing contact received direction to redefine the United States information. Over the years, DB2000 expanded to Power Squadrons as the premier educational boat- facilitate entry of electronic merit mark and histo- ing organization worldwide. To help solve an iden- rian report submission, educational department tity problem, the bylaws were changed to allow updates and officer slate (OD-1 and OD-2) submis- squadrons the option of adding “Sail and” to their sions. This action saved storage space, postage squadron name. costs and reduced manual data entry at Headquar- ters. The organization also established standards In 1999, the United States Power Squadrons for web access at the national, district and squad- celebrated its 85th Anniversary with enthusiasm. ron levels. The Committee on Rules updated the The Public Relations Committee released a styl- model bylaws for squadrons and districts and, for ized logo to commemorate the 85th Anniversary. the first time, offered the documents online in order The Ship's Store stocked all types of anniversary to streamline the process for changing and updat- items, including embroidered ensigns. The 2nd ing existing bylaws. Voyage of The Ensign began in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the 1999 Spring Governing Board meeting To reduce expenses and become more environ- and concluded in Orlando, Florida, at the 2000 mentally responsible, the organization started Annual Meeting. Five commemorative ensigns offering many newsletters and The Ensign online. traveled thousands of miles throughout the squad- Another cost-saving measure was the reduction of rons of the United States and Canada. During the national meetings from three to two per year. On course of that year, the ensigns also flew aboard the 10 May 2003 approved the elimination of the Challenger spacecraft and the USS Kanawha. Spring Governing Board Meeting with the effec- Those ceremonial ensigns visited Turkey, traveled tive date of 2006. In September 2003, the Govern- through Switzerland, France and flew on an ing Board also ratified the Operating Committee's armada that sailed from St. Petersburg, Florida, to establishment of the P/C/C Raymond A. Finley, Jr., the Annual Meeting to be welcomed home with SN, Sea Scout Service Award. music and a laser light show. There had been din- ners, boat parades and rendezvous all across the The Governing Board approved structural nation. These ensigns are now on display at Head- changes and consolidation of committees with quarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. overlapping or obsolete missions to make the orga- nization more efficient in meeting the needs of The organization commissioned the renowned members. The Governing Board also authorized marine artist Donald Demers to create a historic the formation of the Environmental Committee, painting depicting a 1915 scene in Marblehead created to promote conservation of environmental Harbor. This painting included a limited edition of resources, to educate the membership and to publi- 2000 signed and numbered prints. Demers pre- cize efforts both internally and externally. sented the completed painting to the United States Power Squadrons at the anniversary party held at The Educational Department continued to the Boston Yacht Club where the organization's evolve into the new millennium with some major history began so many years ago. changes and revisions in an effort to bring mem- bers the most current and accurate information in With the arrival of the Year 2000 and the new the available courses for members. The introduc- millennium, the United States Power Squadrons set tion of the USPS University and seminars new goals and reorganized to meet the needs of expanded the offerings to the public. The first new and existing members. To meet the needs of online offering, America's Boating Course, the membership, there were many changes and replaced The Squadron Boating Course. The Exec- updates to bring the organization into the electronic utive Department also stepped forward by intro-
2021 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual Page 1-11 ducing a new program: Vessel Safety Checks, At the 23 February 2008 Annual Meeting, the established in a working partnership with the Coast Governing Board approved the reorganization of Guard Auxiliary. The United States Power Squad- the national structure to resemble more closely that rons developed many working partnerships and of a national corporation as opposed to a local negotiated memoranda of understanding (MOUs) boating club. Implemented at that meeting was the within the boating industry - the Coast Guard, the Board of Directors. The purpose of the new struc- National Association of State Boating Law Admin- ture was to increase the organization's competitive- istrators (NASBLA) and other organizations. ness, visibility and voice as a leader in recreational boating. More importantly, the new structure cre- In 2004, the United States Power Squadrons ated a more efficient and effective leadership celebrated its ninetieth anniversary. In May of that grounded by sound fiscal management and year, the Governing Board approved motions to accountability for its actions. amend the by-laws to allow family members to serve on squadron committees and to serve as The election of the first female National Secre- chairs on non-elected committees. Also approved tary occurred in 2011. By 2014, women comprised was the motion to extend the age-limit of the approximately 34 percent of the membership and apprentice membership to the age of twenty-three. were actively involved at all levels of the organiza- At the Governing Board in September 2004, the tion. In 2014, the United States Power Squadrons Governing Board approved motions to amend the celebrated its 100th Anniversary. In 2016, the elec- by-laws section 3.8.1 to allow family members, tion of the first female National Administrative Women's Certificate holders and apprentice mem- Officer occurred. In 2018, the election of the first bers to serve on appointed committees. female National Executive Officer took place. Finally, in 2020, the organization elected its first During 2006, several more organizational female Chief Commander. changes occurred in order to streamline operations and to promote growth. Accordingly, the Rules Recognizing that some districts and squadrons Committee updated the bylaws and the Planning have disbanded over the years, the Board of Direc- Committee revised The Strategic Plan for Member- tors, Planning Committee and Marketing Commit- ship and Education, adding financial stability as a tee developed a branding strategy to enable the goal. The Treasurer's Department introduced Vol- United States Power Squadrons to continue to meet untary Headquarters Anniversary Billing featuring its mission. The Marketing Committee discouraged a centralized billing and collections process at members from referring to the organization as Headquarters. The Governing Board also approved USPS. Research indicated that the acronym's use a revision to the dues structure and a $25 entrance resulted in target markets confusing The United fee for primary members joining the organization. States Power Squadrons with the U.S. Postal Ser- vice. After developing a new, lettered logo, the In 2007, the election of the first female Assis- Marketing Committee began publishing an annual tant National officer and the recognition of the first guide to establish branding standards and to down- women life members occurred. In 2009, the organi- size the local squadron names. zation moved forward with more efforts to stream- line and remove duplication. For the preceding five In 2016, the Governing Board authorized the years, the annual appointment of an independent name America's Boating Club® as a trade name for auditor to ensure the organization's compliance the United States Power Squadrons. In the first with the bylaws and charter was necessary due to year of implementation, both names and logos the increasing complexity of tax laws. As a result, appeared in a co-branding strategy. The Ship's the Governing Board voted to eliminate the Store began to feature items with both logos. National Auditing Committee. Anniversary billing Throughout the three-year transition period, squad- became mandatory for all members. In 2010, the rons moved to promote the America's Boating Club Governing Board approved unified membership name as being more appealing and informative to classes. the public. There is no plan to change the name of
2021 Page 1-12 United States Power Squadrons® Operations Manual the legal entity The United States Power Squad- time that women constituted one-third of the rons. However, The Strategic Implementation Plan National Bridge. In March 2020, the country called for the trade name America's Boating Club entered various stages of quarantine for the to be fully implemented with all local squadrons COVID-19 Pandemic. Many districts and squad- and districts having registered fictitious names and rons started exploring ways to conduct meetings, doing business as America's Boating Club of Changes of Watch and classes virtually to protect by the end of 2019. Interesting their memberships.The Vessel Safety Check pro- enough, the May 2003 Governing Board approved gram was suspended for safety purposes along with “America's Boating Club” as a tag-line to the cover in-person classes as most locales encouraged popu- of The Ensign. lations to self-isolate. As the COVID-19 Pandemic infections continued to increase during the sum- In 2019, the United States Power Squadrons mer, state travel restrictions were implemented doing business as America's Boating Club, with many restaurants and hotels affected. These expanded its electronic presence to the public and restrictions made the physical meeting of the Fall membership with “America's Boating Channel” on Governing Board impossible. Several national the video-sharing website, You Tube. The organi- committees and the Board of Directors (BOD) had zation produced several mobile applications also. held some of their meetings via assorted web plat- Marketing campaigns advertised America's Boat- forms for a couple of years. This experience helped ing Club via online, television, social and printed build the basis for the Fall Governing Board ses- media. Expanded Educational offerings included a sions to be held virtually. Lessons learned from wide variety of online courses and seminars to the that first virtual Governing Board meeting and the public and membership including America's Boat- various platforms used enabled the BOD to begin ing Course, Boat Operator Certification for development on a plan for future virtual meetings advanced on the water training, and over 30 semi- including an electronic voting function. nars. The United States Power Squadron continued to work in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard The efforts of the United States Power Squad- and the Coast Guard Auxiliary as well as with rons, America's Boating Club continue, becoming NASBLA to provide the best in boating education readily accessible to the public and its member- and civic involvement in local communities. ship. As with all civic organizations, it has experi- enced challenges and made changes to meet those 2020 was a year of firsts for America's Boating challenges. Members have always been, and con- Club. The Governing Board elected the first female tinue to be, the backbone of the organization's chief commander and the first female treasurer at future the Annual Meeting in February. This was the first