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Our History |
The late summer of 1938 found Ed Papworth and D.K. Post writing, individually and unknown to each other, to National Headquarters of the United States Power Squadrons. Post sent letters to nearby boatyards and yacht clubs explaining the purposes of the Power Squadron and and asking for signatures of those interested in forming a local group. Later, D.K. Post and R.A. Searles called a meeting of those who had expressed interest. At this meeting, Post assumed the leadership of the group. For meetings, Chip Chapin (Binnacle Island donor), offered the conference room at the Buick agency. Needless to say, his offer was accepted. After one meeting it was obvious that larger quarters had to be found, as the original group had doubled in size. Bill Hickey extolled the beauties and conveniences of the lunch counter at W.T. Grants (a regional department store).
In the spring of 1939 an examination was held after a winter of work, fun and good companionship. After the exams had been corrected, fifteen members of that first class submitted their application for a charter for the Syracuse Squadron. It was issued by the National organization on 19 May 1939. Certificates were received from the hand of Chief Commander Arthur Middleton. These Charter Members, all deceased now, were:
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J. John Bateman |
William J. Hyatt |
George S. Parker |
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Frank E. Harden |
John P. Kipp |
Richard C. Parshall |
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Arthur W. Hawkins |
Godfrey J. Klerks |
Dudley K. Post |
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Jack M. Hickey |
Paul C. Lambert |
Roland A. Searles |
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William J. Hickey |
Edwin C. Papworth |
Kenneth C. Watson |
As Seamanship and Piloting (much less the “Public Boating Course”) were not required in those days, the first AP class was started in the fall of 1939 and was taught by Jack Bateman, with the original fifteen members taking the course. Jack taught the JN class the next year and N the following year; this last class meeting, in the spring of 1942. The first N’s of Syracuse were Dr. Lee Hadley, Dr. Henry Hegenauer, Jack Bateman, Dana Norris, Bud Pratt and Andy Andrews.
For several years the Syracuse Squadron did not have many members - approximately 75 at most. In the early 1950’s the membership began to grow until it totaled 224 in 1964. Today membership is about 220.
During the 59 year history of the Syracuse Power Squadron, approximately 6900 persons have taken the Boating Classes for the public. It is obvious from this that the efforts of the Syracuse Squadron, during its existence and experience in teaching boating safely to that many persons, must have contributed substantially in reducing the number of boating accidents in Central New York.
In 1999 the organization voted to change its name to the Syracuse Sail & Power Squadron to better reflect the interests of its membership.
History of the Syracuse Sail & Power Squadron Pennant
The official Syracuse Power Squadron Pennant was designed by Goldy Gray, a member of the Syracuse Power Squadron.
In 1958, when Syracuse Power Squadron meetings were held at the Trinity Church on South Avenue and Onondaga Streets, the organization decided the Squadron should have their very own pennant. A contest was held. All members, 120 strong, were asked to submit as many designs of their own as they wished. Numbers or letters were not to be used in the design. Goldy entered three different designs. After several months and numerous entries, the judges selected today’s pennant. The pennant was approved by District 6 at the Fall Conference, held in Niagara Falls, New York on Saturday 1 November 1958. Final approval was given at the USPS 1958 Annual Meeting. Goldy was awarded a beautiful engraved plaque and also the first made pennant in 1959 for his design.
The pennant depicts the North Star and the curved white line “S” represents a portion of the Seneca River, but also relates to the Syracuse Power Squadron.
