Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-10
4 FINE BOAT CLUB.
The Farragut, Of Chicago,
Takes the Lead.
HISTORY OF ITS GROWTH.

Among tho Boat Clubs Of Chicago Its
Supremacy Is UnQuestiened-The Mag
niacent Club House Described by Edith
Seasons Upper in Outing.
For many years rowing has been popular
In Chicago, and the city boasted several in
dependent clubs, but there was no concerted
plan of action until September, 1886, when
the Chicago Navy" was organized, which
comprises all the various clubs of the city
and suburban towns. Previous to this the
active boating had been done by the Farra-
gut, Delaware, Pullman, Tippycanoe and
Evanston clubs.
Both from the fact that it is the oldest set
tier, and from its record, the Farrugut club
must take supremacy. It was organized
March 10, 1872, and Incorporated July l.,
1875 The feet at that time consisted Of ono
barge, the Farragut, and the timber house Of
the Illinois Central Railroad company was
its boat house.
In the spring Of 1873 boat house, which
cost $780, was built at the foot of Twenty
first street. This was destroyed by a storm
Ia 1874. Another was erected in its place,
which was later moved to Riverdale, on
Calumet river, to be used for training pur-
g
81 900, was erected on the old site. In No
vember, 1877 this house, as well as that Of
the Chicago Barge club, in its immediate
neghborhood, was completely destroyed by
storm, and only three boats were saved. The
next year two story brick boat house was
built at the foot of Twenty fifth street, cost
ing 81, 900. The first floor was used for stor-
ing boats and the second was devoted to So
<,ia civ a
home for the club But it would seem that
Fate had a special grudge against the Farra-
gut, for, it becoming necessary to move the
boat house nearer the lake to make way for
the encroachments of railroad, in the
month of March, 1888, furious storm
arose and destroyed it, with twenty expen-
sive boats.
temporary house was at once erected and
new boats we're purchased, and the ambition
of the club was fred rather than daunted by
ito repeated disasters. It was fast outgrow-
I ing the former narrow limits of the organi-
cation, and at this juncture its president,
Lyman B. Glover, proposed that they should
build an elegant club house on some eminence
overlooking Lake Michigan, and simply pro-
vide storage for boats near the water.
THIS rather startling proposition speedily
gained favor, and the result is shown In the
superb club house which stands on lofty
elevation on Lake Park avenue, overlooking
the vast expanse of the blue lake which
stretches before it. 1t is model of correct
and elegant architecture. From its balloon
les and observatory one commands view of
the entire city as well as the lake. Indoors
it is most conveniently arranged for the COM
fort and pleasure Of its habitues, the hall and
staircase being especially beautiful. 1t is
finished throughout IN hard wood, and its
fireplaces are handsomely tiled, with the
initials of the club inserted There are two
spacious parlors, directors room, card room
and billiard room on the first floor On the
second is q large gymnasium and dancing
hall, which is also equipped with good sized
stage for dramatic purposes.