(The Original SPS burgee)
The Early Days of The
SanduskyPower Squadron
The idea of organizing a unit of The United States Power Squadron in Sandusky was first visualized by Wilbert G. Schwer, after reading an article by Commander William K. Anderson of the Detroit Power Squadron.
After learning from Commander Anderson, the necessary procedure for forming an instruction class in Elementary Piloting and Small Boat Handling, Commander Schwer appeared at the December 1936 meeting of the Sandusky Sailing Club and outlined the requirements for forming a unit of the United States Power Squadron.
An Elementary Class was formed in January 1937, and regular sessions were held in the City Engineer’s Building until the course of instruction was completed. Commander Anderson made several trips to Sandusky to help the boys weather the rough going, and on March 12, brought several members of the Detroit Squadron along and administered the final examination.
On March 25, 1937 an organization meeting was held and the following officers were elected: Wilbert Schwer, Commander; Earl Seitz, Lt. Commander and Carl Miller, Secretary and Treasurer. William K. Anderson was then elected to Lifetime Honorary Membership in the Sandusky Power Squadron with the rank of Past Commander, in recognition of his aid in forming the Sandusky Squadron.
Inasmuch as the Detroit Squadron was at that time the first and only squadron west of the Appalachians, the Sandusky Squadron holds second place in this distinction.
The official charter granted by the United States Power Squadron, and dated March 25, 1937, may be seen at any time in the tap room of the Sandusky Yacht Club.
The above description was written by Webster C. Gibeaut, Chairman of the Entertainment Committee, for the program of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Sandusky Power Squadron in 1962.
The charter has since been moved to its new home in the main room of the Sandusky Power Squadron Headquarters building.