History of Labor Day at TYC

        by Jim Rogers

    In the old days when I joined the TYC in 1970, Faith Peckham ran the swim program and the closing event on Labor Day. I worked with her and learned her techniques.

    All the swim races were in the river and included a cross river swim that attracted adults as well as juniors. Depending on the tide, the starting point was on the Portsmouth side, north or south of the TYC. Our dock was the end of the race.

    Diving contests were held from the float which was filled with kids every day of the summer!

    Sail races were also held. A sunfish race began at our dock and went south around Gould Island before returning to our dock. Matt Moran ran this event for at least 15 years.

    Also, a "homemade boat" race was held near our beach. Whoever stayed afloat the longest won!

    A greased watermelon was thrown off of the dock into the water where dozens of kids tried to "bring" it ashore.

    Beach games included a sandcastle contest made from real beach sand, a tug-of-war (rope supplied by Roger Winiarski) and an egg throw.

    After the games, we had a hot dog/hamburger cookout. I cooked 100 of each. No one ever complained except the brats who wanted cheese on their burgers!

    When all was eaten, Faith (and then I) would gather all into the club where trophies and ribbons were presented to the winners of each event.

    The Race Committee chair would then present trophies to the winning boats who competed in the Wed. night series. There were not as many awards at that time. During the 1990's the sailors had their own night at the TYC. Chip's mom and dad would assist me at the grill where I cooked a zillion half chickens!

    The final event was the awarding of the Commodore's Trophy. The Commodore would take the floor, congratulate all present and then made the Award based on the individual's participation during the year.

    Faith Peckham was one of the best organizers in the club. She kept activities alive and focused on Labor Day.

    Dee and I have tried to keep this tradition going.

    In the late 1980's Ginny Eagan and I sponsored several teenage dances throughout the summer, on the Sat. of Labor Day weekend and every other week through Halloween. We were fortunate that Ginny's son had a four piece band and would play for half of the dance receipts! If they received $15 each, it was a lot!

    Event planning for Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends can be tricky as many sailors are away. Now, however, we do have a more diversified membership that plans differently than in previous years.

    I wish you well with this idea, and we will support it, also, but we will also be present on Labor Day to keep the tradition for this generation of youngsters and those to come!