Historical Happenings of Note

by Shirley Weersing, MBYC Historian

Since the publication last year of Memories of Macatawa Bay Yacht Club several inquiries have arisen that might be of interest to members. This summer MBYC was contacted several times for information or copies of the booklet.

The State of Michigan Library in Lansing called to say they had an "urgent" request for two copies. They paid for the booklets and mailing costs with a credit card and Marilyn sent them off post haste. Now the booklet is available as a resource in that library as well as Herrick District Library in Holland and the Holland Archives at Hope College. The source of the "urgent" request remains a mystery.

A relative of "The Wizard of Oz" author L. Frank Baum, probably a great grandson, stopped in at the Club office and asked to see the "Memories" book with its reference to Mr. Baum and then purchased a copy. Frank Baum was a resident of Chicago and Macatawa and served on the MBYC board in 1902.

Another interesting phone call came from Texas requesting a fax of page 23 mentioning the Waukazoo Cup donated by J. C. Everett and J. C. Post, owners of the new Waukazoo Resort. He said the cup was still in his family but his mother had it made into a lamp.

The Club distributed the "Memories" book to all members in 1999 when it was published during the Centennial Year, and it is still delivered to new members along with the Log. Other copies are available for $15 to members who wish extra copies perhaps for gifts.