[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 99 (Thursday, June 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ST. PAUL YACHT CLUB

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2012

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the Saint Paul Yacht 
Club in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the organization. For a 
century, this venerable institution has been providing safe and 
affordable boating opportunities to residents of Saint Paul and 
surrounding communities.
  Since 1912, the Saint Paul Yacht Club has played a central role 
promoting and providing access to Minnesota's premier waterways. 
Originally known as the Saint Paul Motorboat Club, the early club 
served an active and growing speed boating population on all three of 
Minnesota's major rivers, the Mississippi, the Minnesota, and the Saint 
Croix. Early members could rent boat slips for 10 cents per foot, and 
purchase gasoline for 10 cents per gallon. To retrieve the gasoline, 5 
gallon cans were lowered by a rope from the Wabasha Bridge to the 
boaters on the water.
  In addition to providing helpful services to its members, the Saint 
Paul Yacht Club organized picnics, boat races and other social and 
recreational events. Boat races were particularly popular in the 1920s 
and 1930s. On one occasion, Christopher Columbus Smith--founder of the 
iconic Chris Craft boat company--set a world water speed record at a 
club organized boat race.
  The Saint Paul Yacht Club has remained in continuous operation since 
1912, and currently manages two state of the art harbor facilities 
within the jewel of the Saint Paul public parks--Harriet Island 
Regional Park--on the Mississippi River in the city's downtown. Today, 
the harbor remains a hub of activity, hosting 230 boat slips for 
vessels that are up to 50 feet long, and serving as home to a thriving 
year-round live-aboard and seasonal boating community. Boaters come 
from near and far to enjoy the tremendous views of Saint Paul and the 
surrounding natural beauty of the Mississippi River National River 
Recreation Area.
  Throughout its century of service to the boating public, the Saint 
Paul Yacht Club has served as a model of responsible stewardship to 
Minnesota waterways. By promoting safe and accessible boating 
activities, the club has provided a tremendous service to many Saint 
Paul residents and visitors. The Saint Paul Yacht Club is truly an 
exemplary asset to our city and state.
  Mr. Speaker, in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Saint Paul 
Yacht Club, it is a privilege to submit this statement for the 
Congressional Record.

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