Fostoria Power Squadron Doesn't Miss the Boat
August 1, 1999

It was in 1887 that the first successful motorboat plied the waters of the Seine River in Paris. Power boating has enjoyed an ever-cresting wave of popularity ever since.

The Fostoria Power Squadron will pass a ceremonial ensign (flag) to a neighboring squadron this week to help power boating's national organization, the United States Power Squadrons (USPS), celebrate is 85th year of service to the boating public.

"The ensign we pass is one of five that will travel to all 450 local Power Squadrons across the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Japan," said Bill Dauterman, commander of the Fostoria Power Squadron (FPS).

This voyage symbolizes the journey from our beginnings 85 years ago through the new millennium and into the twenty-first century."

The ensign will fly in Fremont on Monday and then be passed here. It will fly at the Municipal Building Tuesday and that evening be passed to the Findlay group. Wednesday it will move on to Marion.

To mark the occasion Mayor Jim Bailey has issued a proclamation declaring Tuesday United States Power Squadron Day in Fostoria.

FPS shoved off in 1940 when Dr. J.L. Murphy bought a 27 foot boar. He, John Gutknecht and Frank Young decided to take a trip to Georgian Bay.

In Tobemory, Canada they asked directions from a local boater who asked the trio for their chart. They had none.

Surprised, he asked, "How did you get here?"

"Road map," came the answer.

That boater was a member of the Toledo Power Squadron and he arranged for a boating class in Fostoria. Thirteen members passed the course, more than the minimum for a new squadron and FPS was born.

Needless to say, FPS's 60 members do most of their boating on Lake Erie.

In fact, in the late 1940's, Fostoria was the only squadron not on a navigable body of water. That's why the FPS ensign displays the improbable image of a prairie schooner.

USPS has two primary purposes.

First of all, it works with the National Ocean Service to keep the nation's nautical charts up to date.

According to NOS, USPS saves taxpayers $3.5 million annually due to its volunteer efforts supplying chart corrections and additions.

Secondly, USPS teaches several boating courses which is how Bill became involved. In 1972, he bought himself a 26 foot Lyman inboard, the same boat he owns today.

"I decided I needed to know how to run it and how to get from point A to point B and I needed to know the nautical rules of the road," he said. "I bought the boat for family enjoyment and togetherness and didn't want any tragedy to befall us. My sons have taken the boating course. My wife at the time and I took it together."

To that end he signed up for the basic boating course offered each January.

"Once someone passes that, then they can become a members. Beyond that they can take seamanship, piloting, advanced piloting, junior navigation and navigation," he said.

There are also elective courses in weather, marine electronics, engine maintenance, basic and advanced sail and instructional aids.

In fact, Bill once taught the engine maintenance course in which students can fathom the intricacies of the ignition, carburetion and charging systems of inboard and outboard motors.

In the past 85 years, over 4 million men, women, and children have become safer boaters thanks to USPS courses.

"For those who want to go boating and feel more sure of themselves, that boating course is wll worth their time," said Bill.

The USPS was organized in 1914 thanks to Roger Upton of Boston Yacht Club. In 1909, Upton, who owned a 50 foot ketch (a two-masted sailing vessel), bought a 35 foot motor launch and fell in love with power boating.

Upton organized a group of "gasoliners" within the Boston Yacht Club (BYC). He put his power boaters through a course of studies, races, cruises and drills patterned after U.S. Navy maneuvers.

It paid off three years later when 40 of the BYC's sailboats were caught in a vicious storm. Many were disabled.

Upton's gasoliners raced to the rescue, towing damaged craft. All boats and their crews were returned safely to port.

But power boating has its recreational side as well. The Fostoria Power Squadron takes part in several events (known as rendezvous) each year.

Recently, FPS participated in a rendezvous in Huron in June and the district rendezvous July 31-August 1. In Sandusky in addition, there are the annual spring and fall District 29 meetings.

The yearly "Change of Watch" dinner features the installation of new officers (commander, executive officer, squadron education officer, administrative officer, secretary and treasurer).

Awards are presented at the dinner, though not everyone wants to win the "Jughead" award. This honor is bestowed in good humor on the member who made the most glaring mistake the previous year such as running aground or running out of gas.

The squadron newsletter is titled, "The Poop Deck." For those not in the know, the poop deck is the aft or back end of a boat.

So if you enjoy boating, the Fostoria Power Squadron, as it celebrates 85 years of power boating in this country, might be just the group for you.

"It's been challenging," said Bill, "and it's been rewarding."