It was an electric atmosphere at the Keokuk Yacht Club on Friday as a large group was in the building and out on the deck overlooking the river to celebrate a milestone for the club.
The club has been in operation for 80 years now. Leah Carroll and Connie Long hosted the presentation on Friday for the anniversary. Carroll, who is one of the First Mates at the club, with husband Brian Carroll on the board, said for 80 years the river has remained a constant and the club went through changing tides with its spirits staying steady.
Current Club Commodore Dick Meyers said the club had come a long way in 80 years.
appA small group has turned into something remarkable,app he said.
He said it has been fun making memories together over the years. He also thanked the board of directors for their work. He said they work hard and listen to the clubapp members to hear about what is needed at the club and what comes next.
He also thanked the First Mates group for helping the club run smoothly through their volunteerism and using their time and talents for the club activities.
appIt runs because we care enough to be a part of it. Thatapp why it has lasted 80 years,app he said. appThe river carries our boats, but the people carry our spirits.app
Several others spoke to share memories at the club, including Gail Meyers with the First Mates, past Commodore Shawn McDowell and Michael Walton, a longtime employee at the club.
They also recognized longtime members of the club. Gary Krenmeyer was unable to attend on Friday, but he will receive a certificate and a special jacket for being the longest serving member.
His dad was a member and Krenmeyer was one of the first junior members of the club. His dad, Wendell, was one of the first members, paying $2 to join.
Kay Arthur was recognized for her longevity as one of the First Mates. She told the crowd that she had moved here in 1987 and knew only her husband and her brother. She was brought to the Yacht Club and appsuddenly, I had a family.app
Arthur also received a certificate and a jacket for her service to the KYC.
Keokuk Mayor Kathie Mahoney also said a few words. Long noted the city and the club have been partners for years.
appIt is a truly remarkable milestone of 80 years of the Keokuk Yacht Club. On behalf of the city of Keokuk, I congratulate the entire Yacht Club family,app she said.
Arthur then had the honor to wield the scissors with Gail Meyers on one side and Dick Meyers on the other, as the Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce noted the 80 years with the ribbon cutting.
More information can be found about the Keokuk Yacht Club on its website, , and its Facebook page.