[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 120 (Monday, July 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE OAKLAND WOMEN'S ROWING CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 25, 2016

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the oldest recreational 
club in Oakland, California, the Oakland Women's Rowing Club, upon its 
100th Anniversary as an outstanding athletic and recreational club in 
the East Bay Community.
  Oakland Women's Rowing Club, the members of which are known as the 
``Ladies of the Lake,'' was founded on February 2, 1916 when volleyball 
players from Bushrod Recreation Center, Lockwood School, and Mosswood 
School sought a greater athletic challenge. Five boats were donated to 
the Club by the United States Navy. All of these boats, and those since 
acquired, have been deeded to the City of Oakland, so they may be 
enjoyed by the public.
  From the beginning, the ``Ladies of the Lake'' have been rowing on 
Lake Merritt in Oakland, the first designated Wildlife Refuge in the 
United States. The members row weekly on Wednesday mornings all year 
round, no matter the weather. They come from many regions of the United 
States and from across the world. There are many active members, 
ranging in age from their fifties to their nineties. The women come 
from a variety of backgrounds and work an array of professions. The 
``Ladies of the Lake'' value their time on the lake, and many locals 
wave at the women rowing in their old fashioned white and blue 
uniforms, with orange coats in the winter.
  Throughout the Oakland Women's Rowing Club's tenure as the longest 
scheduled activity on Lake Merritt and the oldest women's rowing club 
in the nation, the ``Ladies of the Lake'' have participated in civic 
activities for the City of Oakland, often representing the city in film 
appearances, photographs, parades, and press features. The Club also 
acts as a goodwill ambassador for the City of Oakland.
  Since 1916, the Club has held many successful fundraisers to purchase 
or commission more fiberglass whale boats, all of which are available 
for public use in Oakland. Beyond obtaining and caring for their boats, 
the women work hard to maintain the Club and add to Lake Merritt's 
unique ambience. For instance, the club was the first to donate toward 
the original lamps in the Necklace of Lights that encircles Lake 
Merritt, and has supported Lake Merritt beautification projects ever 
since.
  The Oakland Women's Rowing Club meets monthly for luncheons with all 
of the members and benefactors. The waitlist for membership is always 
long. This organization has certainly inspired commitment and 
athleticism in its members.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional 
District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Oakland Women's 
Rowing Club on the special occasion of its 100th Anniversary. I wish 
Oakland Women's Rowing Club many more years of success.

                          ____________________