Ottawa River Yacht Club was chartered by the state of Ohio on October 25, 1910. Five members who witnessed and signed the charter were George Seney, Charles Fowler, Walter Torgler, Carl Meyers and Leo Hillebrand. Leo Hillebrand became the first commodore. One hundred and twenty-two names are affixed to the charter. These are our first members.
On January 6, 1912 our Ladies Auxilliary was formed. The ladies have always been an asset to the Club. In 1913 they pledged $100.00 for the installation of a metal ceiling. Ten members installed it and it still remains as a support for over 100 bags of insulation when we lowered the ceiling in recent years.
In the 1930's when the depression came, O.R.Y.C., being a working man's club, became dormant and deserted due to financial hard times.

In 1941 the club came back to life with the leadership of Walt Duling. At that time, the Club was nothing but a shell. Many improvements have been made since then, from a hand winch to pull boats to a 20-ton electric hoist.
The club was remodeled, new paneling on the walls, full carpeting, offices for the officers in the basement, showers and lockers for the men and a fireplace in the basement. Also, a dance floor with restrooms and bar were added. As time went on the club purchased two parcels on each side of it and removed the homes for additional parking.
Counterman's Marina was purchased to give us a recreation building with restrooms for the ladies and gents. We also got 75 additional docks. The Club also purchased more property on 314th street and removed the homes for parking.

The club starts and completes the most expensive and biggest undertaking to date, the addition and remodeling of the clubhouse. Looking at our clubhouse now, one can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
Through it all, the Ladies Auxilliary have come through time and again with money for various projects. With their help the kitchen was furnished and many decorating projects were completed. However, they are not the only ones to have helped with the addition. The Blue Gavel, Yellow Dogs, and Satin Gavel have all contributed to the project.
In the end, though, the real force behind the tin ceiling, 20-ton hoist, restrooms, showers, offices, new docks, and the new addition is YOU, the membership. Looking back over the last 90 years the fact keeps recurring that through your hard work this Club has become the best club, not only on the Great Lakes but the world. Thanks to your efforts we can look back at all that has been accomplished with pride. Ottawa River Yacht Club is second to none.