Evening star., 1939-04-30
One Devotee Travelled
500 Miles for Each
Weekly Lesson
U. S. P. S., Of Which D. c.
Man Was Builder, Does
Nationwide Service
BY MALCOLM LAMBORNE, Jr.

I\utIOu- w lOS SSINISC
n BY MALCOLM LAMBORNE, Jr.
A yachtsman who commuted a
total of 500 miles for each weekly
lecture given by United States
Power Squadron unit in Ohio last
winter is only one of large number
OF enthusiasts who are coming to
: realize the benefits derived from
boating's fastest growing organiza-
!, ton.
From all sections of the country
not only along the coast-comes
word of the unprecedented response
to these free courses in plotting and
small-boat handling, which are
given each year by more than 35
local squadrons According to one
report. 440 persons attended the
opening session in one city where no
more than 70 persons were expected.
- The Potomac River Power Squad
! ron within several weeks will pre-
sent plotting certificates to SIS new
members and certificates of prof.
cheney to five women, all of whom
successfully passed recent eXamina-
tions following eight weeks instruc-
ton. This is the largest number
ever to be admitted to the local
group since its beginning in 1915.
Has Great Supporters Here.
j From it's inception in that very
nautical port of Boston in 1914, the
u. S. P S. has found enthusiastic
. supporters among Capital yachts
Jnen, two of whom held the office of
chief commander-Dr A. B. Bennett
and j. Edwin LaWton. And today, as
1the organization celebrates its silver
9anniversary, third Washingtonian,
'hard-working Arthur Middleton, is
at the helm.
It's pretty common knowledge how
the squadron began as an auxiliary
to the United States Navy with the
idea that it would be helpful to the
country in time of war and how later
I,equadrons turned to teaching of the
2intracacies of plotting and naviga-
Ition. But after the war activities
were at low ebb, with memberships
off and squadrons passing out of
existence.
Few people realize Dr. Bennett
was responsible for it's rehabilitation.
The very last person to admit his
part in it, he was elected chief COM
mander in 1920 and in four years
brought the organization into the
prominence it now enjoys through
out the United States.
nr Rappof& Ct;JJ A,@;,o
Still active in local squadron af-
fairs, doc" Bennett organized the
Potomac group in the spring of 1915,
sitter 20 fellow yachtsmen had in
structed each other in the first
course of plotting.
The present chief commander
comes into his office well qualified
TOR its increasing duties. Middleton
has served in the Army. Navy and
Marines-he was an officer in the
Nicaragua Expeditionary Force
and as secretary in the American
Legation at Lisbon. In between he
has managed to keep Offices both
here and in New York as a patent
attorney.
Middleton Is rear commodore of
The Port Washington Yacht Club
On Long Island and a member of
the Columbia Y. c. in New York.
As member of the Corinthian Y. c..
here, IN which group he held the
Office OF vice commodore, and as a
charter member of the Washington
Canoe Club, Middleton cruised ex-
tensively on the Potomac. His yen
for adventure led to the rediscovery
at the old stone quarries of Aqua
Greek from where, so goes the story,
came much of the stone used in the
construction of the White House and
the Capitol.
Big Season Is Assured.
Capital squadroneers are looking
forward to busy season under
Comdr. Wilbur Barnes. Next month
the annual dinner in honor of new
members will be held, to be fol-
lowed in June with the traditional
rendezvous down the Potomac to
Gunston Cove
Late in July a group of local
cruisers will join with Chesapeake
Bay boatmen and under Coast
Guard convoy, sail north to attend
the New York's World Fair.
AS result of its success last year,
, q second inter squadron rendezvous
at st. Michaels, Md, in connection
with the Miles River Y. c. regatta
the first week end in August is being
planned. The season af1oat con-
eludes over Labor Day, with another
rendezvous at either Occoquan or
Nattawoman Greeks.
In order to relieve the national
Offices from additional duties, sep
Srate squadrons have been grouped
under rear commander. This area
includes Hampton Roads, Potomac
River, Patapsco River, Wilmington
and Delaware River Squadrons and
has as its head Walter Boehme of
Baltimore. The group met here
recently and discussed matters of
local interest.
Whenever you see the distinctive
flag of the organization flying from
q yacht you can be sure its skipper
is a qualified pilot, is actively doing
his part of increasing safety af1oat,
Is cooperating with Federal mar
itime agencies and is trained to be
. of use to the country in time of a
national emergency.