History of HPS
Founding of the Hartford Power Squadron
The following is excerpted from the 50th anniversary Bilge Pump in April, 1981 (Kenneth Weeks, Jr., AP, Editor) as well as the 75th anniversary booklet of District 1.
The Hartford Power Squadron had its beginning in late 1930 when Kenneth B. Noble, JN of New Haven Power Squadron sent Piloting class placards to local yacht clubs. Walter Pittman of Wethersfield Cove Yacht Club wrote to Noble expressing interest in the course and offering full cooperation.
On 23 January 1931, Captain Noble, having received authority to give the class from then C/C Frederic W. Keator, N, of the New Haven Squadron, reports that he began the Hartford introductory course with 23 students. The course was held at the Morse Business College in Hartford. Attendance grew to 70 men from Springfield, Hartford, Wethersfield and Middletown.
On 27 March, 1931, it was reported that 23 Hartford men passed the exam, most with very high scores.
The original By-Laws of Hartford Power Squadron were voted on 9 April, 1931 and captain Noble was elected the first Commander.
On 28 November, 1931, the Hartford Squadron received its charter signed by C/C Frederick L Reid. The names of the following twenty-seven charter members appear on the charter: C.D. Belanger, C.C. Bell, G. Benoit, A.W. Bevin, F.N. Deardon, R.P. Drew, M. Fishborn, R. Fox, H. Halliday, S.S. Hasbrouck, S.A. Hasbrouck, T. Holden, R.A. House, W.E. Morse, E.A. Moyer, K.B. Noble, W.T. Palmer, H.R. Philbrick, W.E. Pittman, K.B. Post, R. Robbins, J.H. Schwarz, Jr., H.A. Sorenson, E.G. Spencer, H.R. Stockder, W. Walther, H.B. Wilson.
Past Commanders: Click here