Plans were made for the first opening day celebration in 1961. Robert Prior, our third Commodore, was the General Chairman of the one day event. A boat parade was held. The local marine dealers had displays and safety demonstrations were given by US Coast Guard. Sailboats had a race. The general public was invited and members of the Yacht Club gave boat rides to the public, soft sole shoes were requested. The date of this gala was May 27, 1961. A skiing contest was planned, but the weatherman did not cooperate – cold, cloudy and windy. We all wore winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, etc. No one went skiing as the temperature was in the 30’s. I don’t think we have ever been as cold. The First Mates served food during the day.
Have no record of Opening Day in 1962. Perhaps we were afraid to schedule one after the cold, dreary day in 1961.
In 1963 a two-day gala was planned to open the boating season. On Saturday we had a flag raising at 2 P.M. Richard Wootten was Master of Ceremonies. Our guest speaker was the Honorable Rogers C.B. Morton. Again we had free boat rides, demonstrations of boats by participating marine dealers; Lombardo’s, Paine Boat Yacht, White Marine Supplies, The Ship, and Holt’s Marine. A steak dinner was served Saturday night by the First Mates – can you believe for $ 2.50 per person. AND dancing to the “Tempos” for $ 1.50 each! Sunday was more dealer demonstrations on free boat rides. A chicken barbecue was served for $ 1.25 and we bought the chicken!
1964 Opening Day was again a two-day affair with the general public invited. Saturday many distinguished guests attended the flag raising at 1:30 P.M. including the Governor of Maryland, Millard Tawes, who arrived aboard the luxurious Maryland Yacht. Tours of this Yacht were available throughout the afternoon. Other guests: Mary L. Nock, Maryland State Senator; Richard Wootten, Wicomico County Commissioner; and V.V. Hughes, Wicomico Yacht Club’s first Commodore. Again, boat demonstrations, free boat rides, steak dinner and dancing on Saturday night and chicken barbecue on Sunday.
A two-day festival again was planned for 1966 Opening. Guests included Lloyd Simpkins, Maryland Secretary of State. Plans during the weekend were similar to past years.
in 1981, after a 12 year lapse, Wicomico revived a tradition by holding an Opening Day Ceremony featuring a review of the history of the club and a Blessing of the Fleet. Only members and guests were invited. Past Commodores were honored, Games, food and dancing filled the day.
This Opening Day schedule has been followed to the present. Wicomico Yacht Club has had many distinguished guests attending Opening day throughout the years. I can only remember one rainy day for Opening Day after the first cold and dreary day.
Memories of Jane Hughes White
Note: Don B. Hughes, Maryland House of Delegates, was speaker for the 1995 Opening Day.
He is the nephew of Mrs. White.