1880 - The First Clubhouse

It is uncertain whether Dr. Field was aware when he organized the Club, that a very small piece of waterfront property amidst the commercial docks on the Red Bank riverfront was, or was soon to become, available, or whether it was merely a stroke of good fortune. In any case, in May of 1880, The Register ran: "The Monmouth Boat Club is growing in size and popularity and promised soon to become one of the institutions of our town." They continued: "The Club has lately inspected plans for the building of a new boathouse on the site of Remsen’s old dock. A grand fair is in the course of preparation by the young ladies of the town, to be held in Music Hall about June 1st, the proceeds to be applied to the building of the new house.” Subsequent articles described in great detail all the plans for the Fair, the Fair itself, etc., finally reporting a profit of $125 from the event.

In April 1882, the Club announced that the Membership had increased to 25 and on May 13th, the Club was incorporated. In the Spring of 1882, having apparently paid for the building, the Club announced that it had purchased the lot on which the building stood for $1000. Several rowing events and the 1st Annual Clambake were announced for enlargement of the Clubhouse by a 25' addition on the river end, adding a 10' "stoop or piazza" and raising a 25' section of the house to two stories in height. “The structure, including the piazza will be 75' in length and 20' wide. The Club is much encouraged by its excellent financial condition and the number of new members who have recently joined." At about this time, the M.B.C. sold a segment of the rear of their property, along with a nine-foot-wide right-of-way to the riverfront to the Red Bank Ice Boat Club, which promptly erected their first clubhouse thereon. It is quite probable that this transaction provided the funds for the clubhouse additions. The two clubs had many members in common, a condition which has continued over the years.

In July of 1887, the Club purchased riparian rights in front of the Club property from the State of New Jersey. The cost was $58.16.

1895 - A Clubhouse Rebuild

In April of 1895, The Register headlined: "A New Boat Club House - The Monmouth Boat Club Has Decided to Build - Plans for a Three-Story Building Now Being Prepared - To be Located on Their Present Site." Although the paper anticipated that the driving of piling would "commence about May 1st," a number of the previous problems remained; the most critical of which being the width of the property. This was resolved in June when the adjacent property owner on the east, John W. Stout, who operated a canning factory, agreed to sell the Club an additional ten- foot strip, which included riparian rights. The builder was Archibald Antonides, one of the then charter members of Monmouth Boat Club. No architect is known. (The writer suggests the builder, with input from the other members, was also the designer.) The building cost was approximately $4,000, well above the $2500-$3000 estimate. There were about 100 members who financed the construction by issuing 150 $20 bonds for a ten-year term at 5% interest. On October 2, 1895, The Register bannered: "THE NEW CLUB HOUSE – Monmouth Boat Club’s New Home a Handsome Three-Story Building on the River Front - Balconies on Each Floor - Many New Members of the Club. The club house of the Monmouth Boat Club is now practically completed. The new house presents a very fine appearance from the river, and is the full width of the lot save that part required by the right-of-way of the Ice Boat Club which is on the east side of the lot. The club has had the improvement in contemplation for some years, but has been deterred by the idea that perhaps a more eligible site might be obtained… Nearly forty new members have joined the club since the new clubhouse was begun and the membership is now nearly one hundred. The bonds issued to pay for the improvements are all held by members of the club. The initiation fee of the club is $10 and dues are $6 a year. William A. Cole, the president of the club, has constructed a slip at the side of the bulkhead for his steam yacht Gladys.”

On October 30, 1895, the Register reported: "The opening ball of the Monmouth Boat Club in their new house was held on Friday night (October 24th). Shortly before nine o'clock, the ball was opened with a grand march led by Mr. and Mrs. William Cole. The ballroom was prettily drapped (sic) with flags and bunting. Just before midnight supper was served. After the intermission, dancing was again resumed until three o'clock when the orchestra played 'Home, Sweet Home.' About two hundred people were in attendance, many of the women being handsomely costumed."

In this new clubhouse, the third floor Observatory became known as "St. Petersburg," for here, in the cozy warmth of a coal-burning pot stove in winter, many of the members gathered in their free time to discuss local news, business, watch activity at the docks or on the river, and/or play dominoes. The location of the Club, a brief walk from the Red Bank business district, made it a handy retreat whenever there was a little time to spare, perhaps even a lunch hour. A domino championship was an ongoing event over a considerable period of time and most of the competitors were probably retirees.

Early Twentieth Century

From shortly after its organization, the M.B.C. became a very active participant, and several times the instigator of River Carnivals, so called Gala Days, which includes activities such as parades on land as well as events on the river. These featured every possible type of participatory activity for the residents of the town, including rowing, sailing, swimming, and even "tub" races for children. Lighted boat parades on the water at night were accompanied by fireworks.

In July of 1902, the M.B.C., acting as the only rowing organization in town, sponsored a Rowing Regatta. All the rowing clubs of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York were invited and fifteen clubs entered, bringing their shells by railroad. Events were for single, pairs, fours and eights, the latter two with and without coxswain. The M.B.C. erected a grandstand seating 475 persons on the frontage of the Stout property next door. Another grandstand for 500 persons was erected on the Steamboat dock.

In 1907, a River Carnival and Automobile Parade was held in Red Bank, considered to be the greatest and best ever held. On August 16th, The Register crowed: "RED BANK'S GREAT DAY - The Automobile Parade and River Carnival Prove Great Attractions - Thousands of Persons from All Over the County Brave Threatening Weather and Visit the Town to See the Interesting Events - Governor Stokes, Congressman Howell and Other Notables Among the Guests - The Boat Parade and Fireworks - Last Thursday was a red-letter day for Red Bank. It was carnival day and nothing to equal it had ever been seen before in the town. The carnival committee worked with commendable enthusiasm--houses and stores along the parade line were decorated. At half past one, the reception committee went to the depot to receive Governor Stokes and his parts. Military honors were accorded by the 2nd Cavalry troop, Capt. Edwin Field commanding. The afternoon river events were seen by the Governor and his party from the balcony of the Monmouth Boat Club. The illuminated boat parade at night surpassed anything of its kind ever held before. Riverfront lawns were trimmed with lanterns artistically grouped... The pyrotechnics display lasted an hour… consisted of the latest novelties in aerial illuminations, with rockets, bombs, etc. By far the best display of fireworks ever given in the County.”

The 1920s

By the early 1920, some of the people who amused themselves on the river had acquired some of the old sailboats which had been discarded in favor of the then nascent motorboats, and had rediscovered the simple pleasures of sailing. In 1923, The Register commented on some informal sailboat races the preceding weekend. These races were created on the spur of the moment so as not to disappoint a large crowd of spectators who had come to see an advertised motorboat race which had failed to materialize. With the heading: "Sailing Races Popular", they noted: "Much interest is being manifested in the Sunday sailboat races at Red Bank. The increasing automobile traffic is causing many to return to water sports for Sunday pleasure. So great an interest is being taken that Joseph Applegate, president of Monmouth Boat Club of Red Bank offers a silver trophy as prize for boats of the first class.” Although not yet aware of it, M.B.C. had discovered its future. Back in the year 1900, The Red Bank Yacht Club (one of many which appeared on the river over the years--now long inactive) had ten boats, 24' Knockabouts, built to one plan by one builder. A few of them had disappeared, but eventually seven were acquired, restored by members of M.B.C. and were soon racing at the club.

Meanwhile, the old Red Bank waterfront continued to change. The steamboats ceased operating from Red Bank to NY in 1926, after 108 years. The Town of Red Bank quickly purchased the Steamboat Dock and converted it to a Town Park. By 1929, the Monmouth Boat Club and the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club were the only two 19^th Century structures that remained on the waterfront.

Another event held annually by M.B.C. for many years was the Washington's Birthday Dinner always cooked and served by members. At a time of the year when activity around the river was normally quiescent, it came to be greatly anticipated. Members and their male guests enjoyed a lavish banquet featuring a whole roast pig.

The 1929 Washington's Birthday Dinner was converted into a 50th Anniversary celebration of the Club. Two of the original members remained, Dr. Van Dorn and Captain Worthley. The historian's opening: "The idea of the Boat Club was born in the fertile brain, and the child of the indomitable spirit, good sportsman and eminent citizen of this community, Dr. Edwin Field, a man whose memory is revered and honored by all who knew him."

The 1930s

In January 1930, M.B.C. had 320 members and a committee was appointed to consider either a new clubhouse or an addition. On June 30th, it was announced that the contract had been let to White Brothers Builders for $5,500 for a major addition of two stories to be added to the west side of the present building, doubling the size of the banquet hall (2nd-floor) which, when completed, would seat 300 persons. The addition would be 25 by 50 feet and the riverfront balconies would be extended across the new frontage. It also allowed more space for small boats and motors at the lower level. An entry porch with a flat roof and round columns on the west facade allows access to a small “Reception Room” in the lobby.

On November 11th 1930, the expanded clubhouse was officially opened. The Register reported: “More than 200 persons were entertained at the opening of the enlarged M.B.C. house."

The 1895 clubhouse was designed in the colonial revival/shingle style which enjoyed much popularity in the late years of the 19^th century. The 1930 addition continued in the same style and the extension of the three tiers of riverfront balconies across the addition successfully leads the eye to perceive it as one structure. Although the interior has been modified due to essential modernization, and sometimes to provide for changes of activity desired by the members, the exterior remains today virtually the same as built. With the absence of the various commercial structures which originally surrounded it, the clubhouse is the outstanding feature of the waterfront and, as The Register stated in 1895, "a handsome three-story building."

Circa 1930 - The Expanded Clubhouse

Sailing activity on the river continued and expanded in the 1930's, both at M.B.C. and independent of it. Despite the Depression, a number of teenagers had succeeded in wheedling their fathers into buying them small sailboats. Most of them were far from new but they received lavish care from their owners and entered all available races. Gradually, the old Jersey-designed, 15 foot Sneakbox became the preferred boat, and there were a number of old rivermen who worked with the kids, teaching them and running races for them, no matter the type of boat they owned. These pickup races usually had no patrol boats, unless some parent volunteered one, and few safety rules. On July 25, 1935, while such an informal race was in progress, a violent summer thunder storm swept the river, overturning nearly all the boats. Panic ensued along the shore as frantic efforts were made to rescue the young sailors, many, but not all, of whom where sons of M.B.C. members. In the end, there were no casualties, but the event was headlined in the local paper and many parents, mostly the mothers, created an uproar over the event.

From its inception M.B.C. had been a men's club and women and children were allowed entry into the clubhouse only on invitation. While many members had young families, there were also many whose years of parenthood were long past and who wished to continue the “men only” tradition. Following the July 1935 storm, the consensus of opinion, mainly among the mothers of the young sailors, was that either the M.B.C was going to run and properly supervise the races of their children or their children were not going to race, "and that was that!" There ensued within the Club a lengthy and heated debate over the admission of young sailors, a debate which remained unresolved until the following season. Finally, in July of 1936, The Register headlined: "Monmouth Boat Club to Amend Constitution to Admit Junior Members." The Club then wrote a gracious letter to all the juniors involved and interested in the small-boat racing. It included the statement that the Club's Constitution had been amended and: "There will be no dues, or fees, for junior members, but we want you to feel free to use the Clubhouse, and also want to extend an invitation to your mothers and sisters to use the Club. In order to keep a boat at the Club, either the junior member must become an active member, or his father must, if not already. Upon attaining the age of 21, the junior must then join as an active member. We want you to feel free to use the Club, fly our burgee, and take part in our sailboat races." A regular membership card was enclosed. Thus the M.B.C. became a family club. One unwritten rule came into practice and was meticulously observed: "St. Petersburg" remained the exclusive province of male members and thus, the safe haven of those who had been out-voted on the Constitutional change. The first two floors of the building were used freely by all and quickly produced many changes, the first of which was a new Ladies Room on the main floor.

Within a month The Register reported: "River Activity is Setting New High - Unprecedented interest in sailboat racing with the largest fleet in year begin augmented weekly. Five classes of boats were started, Knockabouts, Birdboats, Comets, Sneakboxes, and Snipes. The Club has decided to hold weekly classes for the instruction of junior sailors.”

In 1938, the M.B.C., returning to its origins, hosted "The 66th Annual Rowing Regatta of the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen," an event for which the Town once more turned out by the thousands, on shore and afloat. The oarsmen, the Town and the Boat Club were all so pleased that the event was again hosted here in 1940, this time jointly by the M.B.C., the Ice Boat Club and the Borough Council.

In 1939, the wives and mothers of the Club formed a Ladies Auxiliary and were immediately offered the first floor Reception Room (in the 1930 addition) for their meeting room. Their first project was the revamping of a portion of the original building to provide additional locker space for the storage of sails and other sailing gear. The funds were raised by such activities as bridge luncheons and fashion shows held at the Club.

The 1940s

Racing activity and membership both continued to increase. At the first meeting of 1941, the Treasurer reported that with all bills paid, including $500 on the mortgage (for the 1930 addition), there remained a balance on hand of over $550. The Club was in the best financial condition ever. The membership was nearing 350. In June, extensive interior improvements were made to the building, paid for by the Ladies Auxiliary, notably the installation of pine paneling in the main room. of the first floor of the 1895 building.

On December 7, 1941, M.B.C., like the rest of the country, was forced into a new era. Nearly all of the junior members and quite a few of the regular members were subject to the Draft. Sixty-eight members of the club eventually served in the military. Two members of the Ladies Auxiliary, whose sons were in the military service, began a monthly newsletter called the "Barefoot Bulletin." The name evolved from the Barefoot Yacht Club, an informal group of junior skippers which had existed for about five years with their headquarters in Dr. Field's old boathouse, where M.B.C. was born. (Dr. Field's riverfront property had been inherited by a nephew, a member of M.B.C., whose son was one the early junior skippers). The Barefoot Bulletin was printed monthly throughout the War, at private expense, and mailed to the erstwhile juniors wherever they were located throughout the world. It reported on activities on the river and on the juniors themselves, insofar as was permissible by the military censors. They always tried to keep it light, but twice were obliged to report the loss of boys who would never return to the river. By 1945, they were mailing 150 copies, including some home front subscriptions, and had boxes of letters from far-away places, saying how much their efforts meant to the servicemen.

By the end of the war, a whole new generation of juniors had become competent sailors. One of the first things M.B.C. did when the servicemen returned home was to hold a Veteran’s Race. The new “juniors” volunteered their boats and served as crews. The 1946 season at M.B.C. began with a plea to the membership for assistance in making repairs to the clubhouse and docks for which, like most other civilian activities, there had been neither manpower nor materials during the war. These repairs were soon undertaken. The 1946 racing season officially began with the Flag Raising on the Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day) and immediately interest in sailing and the number boats increased. Quite a few of the new boats were Lightnings, a new sailboat class started in 1938; several had been built by a local builder. Half a dozen of the former junior members were admitted to regular membership in 1947, along with many new members. The Lightning and Comet class sailboats predominated, but the cost of both were out of reach for many of the war veterans.  Dances with recorded music were the big activity of the social scene at the Club that year; $1 per couple admission, which paid for ice and snacks, and BYOB.

Racing continued to pick up in activity and numbers, as well as types of boats. The best and most experienced sailors volunteered to give weekly instruction to beginners. By the Fall of 1949, most of the pre-war members who had served in the military during WWII were still club members but quite a few still didn’t have their own boats. A group of them worked out a plan to build their own as a cooperative project. The Club made space available on the first floor and for the winter of 1949-50, the clubhouse rang with the sound of saws and hammers. At a total cost of approximately $150 per boat, including sails and rigging, 24 new Penguin Class sailboats where completed, then drawn for by lot.

On April 6th, a celebratory dinner was held; as each member drew his boat number, they were serenaded by verses of a song with the skipper's name and the boat's name inserted at appropriate places. Then the group was serenaded by the wives who had created an original song of many verses, entitled: "The Penguin's Wives Lament. " Ten days later, 21 of them sailed their first event -- the other three had suffered unscheduled dunking at the dock while learning to master their tricky, new little craft.

The 1950s

By 1950, activity in all phases had gotten to the point where the wiser heads recognized that the old hierarchy of the Club, traditionally President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and fleet Captain, simply was not adequate to cope with the current level of activity, and besides, their titles were very un-nautical. Once again, the Constitution was amended. The revision provided for a Commodore, the chief officer; a Vice Commodore, in charge of the building, ground, and boats owned by the Club, other than the Race Committee's boat; a 1st Rear Commodore, in charge  of all racing activity and the Race Committee Boat; a 2nd Rear Commodore in charge of the Ways and Means Committee, the Finance Committee, and Parliamentarian; a 3rd Rear Commodore, Chairman of the Membership Committee; and the Fleet Captain, to coordinate the activities of the various racing fleets; a Recording Secretary and a financial Secretary, the latter to collect all dues and deposit them--also responsible to the Treasurer; and a Treasurer, custodian of all funds and disbursements. There had previously existed a Board of Governors--this was expanded to include all the officers, the Board of Trustees, every Past Commodore who was an active member, and eight other members to be elected at large; and the Board of Trustees consisting of five members, to serve for five years in rotation, one appointment tb expire each year. This distribution of responsibilities has served extremely well. It was also concluded that the membership was to be limited to 300, the reduction to be achieved by attrition and new members to be accepted only as vacancies occurred. This was and has since proven to be essential; the facilities of the Club were totally overwhelmed when there were 350 members.

From at least as early as 1887, perhaps always, the Club had one employee, a Steward. About 1957, the membership first employed a sailing instructor during the summer whose responsibility it was to conduct classes for children under 16 in three divisions: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The demand after a few seasons necessitated an assistant sailing instructor, and eventually several of them. It was a common occurrence for children who had “graduated” from the advanced division to become assistant sailing instructors themselves.

Advanced racing instruction for juniors over 16 who were interested has always been provided by volunteers, the best sailors in the Club having devoted hundreds of hours to this activity using the Club's boats as well as privately owned racing boats made available by the members. The results have justified the system. Members, both senior and junior, have won many racing titles over the years, including: the North American Junior Championship of the United States Sailing Association (Sears Cup); The North American Women's Championship of the U.S.S.A. (Adams Cup); the North American Single-handed Championship of the U.S.S.A. (O'Day Cup) (the latter by an M.B.C. junior while in college and officially representing the U.S. Intercollegiate Racing Association); a member voted Yachtswoman of the Year by her fellow sailors (Martini & Rossi Trophy); the Flying Dutchman Gold Medal in the Pan American games (five straight firsts, and this crew went on to the Olympic Games); National One-Design Class Championships in the Blue Jay, Albacore, Wood Pussy and Jet 14 Classes; Women's National Championships in the Albacore and Flying Scot Classes; Junior National Championships in the Jet 14, Lightning and Albacore Classes; and the Husband and Wife Team Championship in the Flying Scot Class. M.B.C.  also had a woman who has represented the United States on the Women's International Sailing Team and has twice sailed on the U.S. Olympic Team.

1975 - Welcoming Women Members

In 1975, the Club again revised its Constitution to eliminate gender from the requirements for membership. Effectively, the Club had female members for many years prior to this, for there was a long-standing policy that when a male member passed away, his membership was continued as an "Estate," if his wife or children wished. Not long after the Club’s Centennial in 1979, a woman who had been an active "Estate" member for many years (and one who had been a junior skipper in the 30's) was elected an Honorary Member of the Club in recognition of long service to the Club in several activities. Meanwhile, Marguerite Siegel, the first woman to become a club officer, worked her way up through the ranks (as is the usual but not rigid practice with the Club's officers, unless they decline to serve) and in 1994 was elected Commodore, the first time a woman achieved this position. (Note: M.B.C., is an open boat club whose membership is affirmatively active with varied ethnic representation). 

1979 - One Hundredth Anniversary

From time to time, special volunteer projects have been done by the Club. As early as 1970, plans were being laid for the celebration of the Club's 100th Anniversary, 1979. One of the idea advanced was that the Club should create a permanent museum of its history and also that of the River during the Club's era. By 1970, the male members who had opposed the 1936 transition of the Club to a family club had all passed on and the 3rd floor Observatory had fallen into disuse. With entirely volunteer effort, it was transformed into a combined museum, lounge and meeting room for groups up to about 25 persons, and includes a large built-in trophy case, a reading library of nautical books and magazines in addition to a full wall panel of framed photographs covering the period. As soon as the project became known, many early mementoes and trophies from the Club's early years appeared from attics. (There have always been succeeding generations of many the Club's early members who have stayed in the Club, in one instance four generations in direct line, and several three-generation families, one being descended from Dr. Field.) The original oak poker table and the famous domino table, plus six of the original "country store" chairs were restored. The Ladies Auxiliary had a sewing bee and produced new drapes and cushions. Diligent research located photographs of all but two of the Club's former "first men," and these now line the walls of the stairwell where they are joined by each subsequent Commodore on his retirement from office. The number of early photographs found of the river and its activities, as well as members and activities of the Club greatly exceeded the available wall space, and the attic space behind the room, long ago intended as a bunkroom, is now a photo gallery. Since the location of the observatory removes it from the everyday activities of the two lower floors, the Third Floor is a delightfully peaceful place, and the pride of the clubhouse. A Club Historian was added to the list of appointees made by the Commodore annually.

Another idea advanced to celebrate the Centennial was the writing of the Club's history. This was done, it was printed and copies were given to every 1979 member, all the living prior members and to local libraries. Additional copies were sold at cost and many were purchased by newer members. Again, the entire book was produced by volunteers and printed by a member/printer at cost. The title is: "100 Years On the North Shrewsbury," subtitle, "Monmouth Boat Club 1879-1979."

When the Centennial arrived on May 29, 1979, the Club celebrated with a three-day weekend of non-stop events, beginning with the Flag Raising ceremony at which many of the prior officers, in Club blazers and whites, were introduced one by one, the earliest present having been elected Secretary of the Club in 1927, 52 years earlier. The Club's burgee, specially created for that year, was the regular burgee, superimposed over the numerals "100," first raised that day and flown for the balance of the year. This same burgee was molded into the design of trophies, specially created through the connections of a member and awarded for all racing events conducted in 1979, and also for some special awards during the Birthday Celebration Weekend. Events during the weekend included sailing races conducted under 1879 racing rules, a decorated boat parade emulating those held on the river in bygone days, a reception and dinner at the Club, a brunch at the Club, and finally, a period-costume 100^th Birthday Party/dinner dance attended by about 450 persons, which space required that it be held off the Club premises. The earliest member of the Club present at the latter event carried a membership card dated 1917, which he had saved all those 62 years. It is perhaps indicative of how people are, and have been, proud of their association with the Monmouth Boat Club.

1979 - Members in Period Costume Celebrating the 100th Birthday of M.B.C.

1976, 1982, 1992 - the Tall Ships

During the three "Tall Ships" events in New York Harbor in 1976 - the Bicentennial of the U.S.A, 1986 - the 100th Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, and 1992 - the 500^th Anniversary of Columbus' Voyage to the Americas, the M.B.C. was selected, on each occasion, to host a crew of one of the Tall Ships, each of which included a dinner, or clambake at the Club. In 1976, M.B.C hosted the crew of the Polish Tall Ship DAR POMORZA. For the 1986 Statue of Liberty Centennial, M.B.C. had the honor of hosting a dinner for 60 cadets of the U.S. Coast Guard bark EAGLE. On July 3, 1992, MBC held a social event as part of Op Sail '92 which included hosting the cadets and crew of the German tall ship GORCH FOCK.  Also, for each of these events, the Club chartered a vessel large enough to accommodate all those members and guests who wished to make the trip by water to view the Parade of Tall Ships in New York Harbor.

1976 - Cadets of the DAR POMORRZA on the dock at M.B.C.