This Is What the Paper Says
An archived issue of the White Lake Yacht Club News offers a fascinating snapshot of community engagement during the 1930s. The article, titled “Activities of the Chamber of Commerce,” outlines efforts made by the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism and enhance the local economy. Clarence C. Pittinger, chairman of the budget committee, oversaw projects including the printing of 10,000 revised White Lake folders. These folders advertised regional attractions from the Chippewa Council Boy Scout Camps to Muskegon. Among their initiatives were promoting activities like golf, tennis, fishing, and swimming. The Chamber also backed the distribution of the Michigan Tourist Guide and supported public band concerts performed by the Whitehall High School Band. Mrs. Gordon P. Meinert was noted as the bureau manager at the time. Additionally, the paper highlighted the collaboration between local businesses and the Michigan Tourist and Resort Association, which used professional photography to market the area. The Chamber had even begun working with the Grand Rapids Association of Commerce and the North Muskegon Board of Trade. Their work aimed to make Whitehall and Montague more appealing destinations through promotions, signage, and even harbor clean-up projects. One creative outreach included a photography contest encouraging residents to submit scenic local images for future promotional use.
The Founding of the White Lake Yacht Club
The White Lake Yacht Club (WLYC) began in 1902, started by a group of sailing enthusiasts who gathered on the shores of White Lake. At the time, White Lake and Lake Michigan were already popular spots for recreation, and the club offered a formal place for organized sailing and social activities. Originally located at the White Lake Channel, WLYC moved across the lake to its current site on the south shore in 1920. Over time, the club expanded beyond sailing to include tennis courts, a clubhouse, a junior sailing program, and special events. These offerings helped WLYC become a long-standing center of summer life in Whitehall and Montague.
During its early years, the club not only supported competitive sailing but also created a unique sense of community. Many families returned year after year, and generations grew up participating in WLYC events. The club’s dedication to promoting youth sailing helped it maintain an important role in the region’s sporting culture. Its regattas attracted sailors from around the Great Lakes, and its facilities continued to grow with new buildings and updates that respected the club’s nautical heritage.
The White Lake Yacht Club News Legacy
The White Lake Yacht Club News served as a vital communication tool for both members and the surrounding community. Launched to cover events and activities during the summer season, it offered news updates, photographs, club announcements, and features on local happenings. It was more than just a newsletter—it was a snapshot of summer life in White Lake.
From regatta results and community bulletins to promotions for local businesses and updates from the Chamber of Commerce, the paper created a bridge between seasonal visitors and year-round residents. It preserved memories from past decades and kept traditions alive. In the pre-digital age, this newsletter served as a primary form of storytelling and celebration within the club.
Today, archives of White Lake Yacht Club News remain a treasured historical resource. They show the deep connection between recreation, business, and community spirit that helped shape White Lake into the vibrant destination it is today. Whether it was sailing stories or civic updates, the publication captured the unique charm of life by the lake.
Anne Dake
April 11, 2025 at 10:06 pm
Hi Owen, thanks for your interest in the yacht club. Yes, the WLYC News magazines are fascinating!
A couple of corrections, it was Clarence Pitkin, not Pitking
Second the club was started in 1903, not at the channel, but in Montague near what is Dowie’s Point.
The clubhouse house was built in 1906 in the present location on the south side of White Lake, on property donated by George Mason. . Membership wained after about 1910-12 and was rekindled in the early 1920s when Clarence Pitkin and Al Pack sponsored the power boat races. There is a wonderful history of the club written by Dan Yakes, called “Looking Aft”.
Thanks again for your interest! Anne Dake
Owen Raeth
April 18, 2025 at 3:37 pm
Thank you for taking the time to enjoy and read the article. I apologize for the misinformation and will be correcting that in the article. Thank you for your comment.
Barb Brow
April 12, 2025 at 10:04 am
Nice job. However, there are a few corrections that need to be made.
The WLYC was started at a dilapidated farm house located on Long Point on the North side of White Lake – not at the Channel. (That area later became a resort called the Duskewrera Club.) The membership of the Yackt CLub started with 25 members. Wishing 2 years it was up to 125 so they began to look for a new location.
George Mason had some property on the South side of White Lake near the former Lakeside Inn which he sold in 1906 and that’s when the WLYC was built. The WLYC prospered until 1915 when it was forced to close. At that time it was taken over by the White Lake Golf Club, as many of the members were the same for both groups.
The WLYC reorganized in 1926 and leased the property from the WYGC until 1981.
Otherwise, it was a very nice article.