The idea of forming a yacht club in South Venice started in 1955. A few people got together, started playing Bingo, and earmarked the profits for the future club.
The Venice Yacht Club was already in operation at that time and was know as the "Rich Man's Club." With tongue-in-cheek, our people applied for a charter to form the South Venice Yacht Club, know locally as the "Poor Man's Club." The charter was granted, and the club was incorporated on August 7, 1957. In those days, it cost $5.00 to become a member, which included the first year's dues.
The Inland Waterway was not yet on the west coast of Florida when the Club started. When digging eventually began in the Fort Myers area, interest in our club picked up. The hope at that time was to purchase land directly on the ICW, but that was not to be. By the time the canal digging was past South Venice, the Club had only accumulated $5,000.
The land where the clubhouse now stands was purchased for $5000 in 1966, which exhausted the treasury. In order to erect the building it was decided to sell 100 life memberships at $100 each. This raised $10,000 which built the north half of the clubhouse. The building was opened for the first time on New Years Eve, 1967.
In the period 1970-71, the size of the building was doubled and we purchased the land to the south which is now our parking lot.
Each succeeding administration made many improvements to the Club. At one point, it was found necessary to enlarge the galley and restroom areas. Lacking the necessary funds, it was decided to sell bonds to the Club members. These bonds were paid off in a few months. One major improvement outside the clubhouse was building the sea wall, which is now overgrown with mangroves.
Our club has forged ahead due to the hard work and dedication of so many, the cooking, set-up, maintenance and grounds keeping, decorating, purchasing, and reservations (God Bless Them All) who try to keep everyone happy. And, of course, we cannot forget the EVEN KEELS, the ladies who we could never do without.
