The United States Power Squadrons

Back in 1912 when power boating was still in it's infancy a group of men from the Boston Yacht Club, Marblehead MA, instituted special activities for motor boats, including instructional classes on the proper handling of these craft. They became known as the "Power Squadron of the Boston Yacht Club". The idea soon spread and in 1914 a national organization was formed.

This organization is what we know today as "The United States Power Squadrons". The wars in Europe prompted the Squadrons to train their members in activities patterned after the U.S. Navy. As it became apparent that the United States would be entering the war, USPS organized more extensive courses and opened them to non-members as well as members. Some 5000 Squadron trained men entered the Armed Forces and many receive commissions due in part to their training. As the years passed and times changed, USPS changed with it. The militaristic objectives of war-time were put aside and the organization returned to its emphasis on teaching the theory and practical application of seamanship, piloting and navigation. No longer were the Squadrons strictly for power boaters, but were open to anyone interested in small boat handling.

The Attleboro Power Squadron, Inc.

Approximately thirty years after the beginning of USPS (1950), four men from the Attleboro area began attending boating lectures given by the Narragansette Bay Power Squadron (NBPS) at Brown University. Upon successfully passing their classes they became members of NBPS. Their enthusiasm grew as they took more courses and they began interesting others from the area in what the Power Squadron had to offer.

In the late forties they began talking about starting a Squadron in Attleboro. To this end, these men and others began actively recruiting members of NBPS from the Attleboro area. In 1949 the Attleboro Squadron began operating, but without a Charter.

Marshall Gross acted as Liaison Officer and Ed Morse as his Assistant. Classes were held at various places in Attleboro. On the night of 18 November 1949, forty men gathered at what is now the Brook Manor Pub (formerly Curt Winters' Holiday IN / with one "N"), in South Attleboro - and began the process of becoming a recognized Squadron. At a subsequent meeting, at the American Legion Hall on North Main Street (now the site of office condos), the petition to obtain a Charter was signed. The name "Attleboro Power Squadron" won by only two votes over sixteen other contenders.

It was on 5 June 1950 that the Attleboro Power Squadron officially received her Charter. The presentation was held at the Moose Club (formerly the Taxpayers' Hall), on Thacher Street, in Attleboro. Our first slate of officers were:

The Rendezvous

The Attleboro Power Squadron held its first Rendezvous on 2 August 1952. The event was set up as a Predicted Log Race that would culminate in a lobster boil at the Taunton Yacht Club. The weather, however, did not cooperate and the rain came down in torrents. As would become a tradition among squadron members, spirits were not dampened and a great time was had by all. Of those who entered the race, six boats completed the race. Upon reaching their destination, the winners and losers alike, were rewarded with vast quantities of lobster. This feast was followed by a dance at the club house.

Women in the United States Power Squadrons

It may surprise some of our newer members to know that the acceptance of women as members of USPS is a relatively recent development. The United States Power Squadrons was started as a boating fraternity (men only).

USPS, however, remains a private organization and a person needs to be invited to become a member. This is not an attempt to discriminate against any individual on the grounds of sex, race, nationality or creed, but rather a means of avoiding the rules and restrictions placed on public organizations by our government bureaucracies. Theoretically this also provides a means of screening out those individuals who would be disruptive or incompatible with the general membership. Women have in fact, played an important role in the Power Squadron. From the beginning, women have participated in the Attleboro Power Squadron and many have gone on to become Squadron Commanders.

Among the eight to receive their AP certificates in the 1949 - 1950 class was Wanda Chandler. And, almost from the beginning, there was included in APS a group called the Women's Auxiliary of the Attleboro Power Squadron, affectionately know as "The WAAP'S". Although their contributions were many, they are most remembered for the exceptional Costume Party they organized each Fall.

The contributions of the women of the Attleboro Power Squadron are continually growing. 

Speaker's Nights

APS has had many excellent guest speakers over the past forty years. Here are just a couple I wish I had been around to hear: - on 6 February 1953, the noted author of sea stories, Edward Rowe Snow, gave a talk on "The Romance of the Sea"; at the Change of Watch on 20 March 1958, Rear Admiral Donald B. MacMillian, Arctic Explorer, gave a presentation . . . That would have been a night to remember!

The White Whale Auction

The first "White Whale Party" was held on 30 April 1956. It was, at that time, a part of what was called the "Launching Party" (today's Fitting Out Party). It was a huge success, with the Squadron netting $190.00. These events have been held ever since, although they are two separate events today.

The "Duffle Bag"

The idea for a Squadron publication was suggested by P/C Ed Morse, at a meeting on 15 April 1956. The first issue was published in may of 1956, without a name. The name "The Duffle Bag" was suggested by Alice Sweet; the first cover design was by Dick Sweet, son of our third Commander, Howard H. Sweet, N. This award winning publication has been a vital link for our members ever since.

The Squadron Pennant

The Squadron Flag was designed by P/C Warren C. Gibson, N, and submitted for approval by National in 1956.

Historian Note

These are the origins of just a few of the many things we may sometimes take for granted. Our Squadron History is rich only through the contributions of its dedicated members. If we are to remain a strong and vital influence in our community, we need the involvement of all our members.