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) was founded in 1903 at a dilapidated farmhouse on Long Point, on the north side of White Lake. That spot later became home to the Duskeweera Club resort. The club originally began with just 25 members, but membership quickly grew. Within two years, interest had swelled to 125 members, and leaders began looking for a better location to accommodate the growth.
In 1906, George Mason sold land on the south side of White Lake, near the former Lakeside Inn. That’s where the first official WLYC clubhouse was built, and it remains the club’s present location today. WLYC prospered during its early years but was forced to close in 1915. At that time, the White Lake Golf Club took over operations, as many of the same families belonged to both clubs.
A Revival and Racing Era
The WLYC reorganized in 1926, leasing the property from the White Lake Golf Club until 1981. Membership, which had declined after 1910, was revived thanks to community leaders Clarence Pitkin and Al Pack. Their sponsorship of powerboat races in the 1920s helped rebuild excitement and participation. These events not only drew large crowds but also solidified WLYC’s reputation as a hub of summer entertainment and recreation. The club’s emphasis on boating, social events, and community-building helped it endure and thrive for decades to come.
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.
This article has recently been updated based on the information provided by some of our readers. Thank you for reading and continue commenting.
