The Vision for the Vermilion Lagoons (1928)
In the early twentieth century, the land between Linwood Park and the Vermilion River was little more than low-lying swamp owned by the Linwood Park Association and Patrick Smith. Neither owner had plans to develop the property.
In 1928, contractor Lou Wells, owner of the L.A. Wells Construction Company, saw something different. He envisioned transforming the marsh into a waterfront residential community featuring:
• Lagoon-style waterways
• Waterfront homes
• A beach and pavilion
• A yacht club with docking facilities
Wells purchased the property and began dredging channels to form the Vermilion Lagoons. The work also allowed him to keep his dredging equipment active during the winter months.
By 1929, major progress had been made. The lagoon channels were dredged, three homes had been built, and a beach pavilion and bulkhead were constructed at the end of Anchor Way. Access to the Lagoons originally came from Lake Road (Liberty Avenue) and Park Drive, connected by a bridge between Park and Portage Drives near present-day Willow Lane. The bridge was removed in 1931 when the current entrance near Linwood Park was created.
History of the
Vermilion Yacht Club*
The story of the Vermilion Yacht Club begins with the transformation of a quiet stretch of marshland along the Vermilion River into one of Lake Erie’s most vibrant boating communities. From its beginnings during the depths of the Great Depression to the thriving family club, it is today, the Vermilion Yacht Club has been shaped by vision, perseverance, and a shared love of boating.
*Based on history by Commodore John G. Robinson, Inter-Lake Yachting Yearbook (1965), p.67 and later additions by Mrs. Robert M. Henshillwood
Promoting a Boating Community
To promote the new development, Lou Wells partnered with John G. Robinson, editor of Power Boating magazine. The first announcement of the Vermilion Lagoons appeared in the January 1930 issue, followed by consistent advertising from the Wells Realty Company.
That winter, Wells and Robinson traveled to Vermilion to present the investment opportunity. Wells offered to donate land for a yacht club on the condition that the community would build the clubhouse.
Despite their enthusiastic presentations—and even offering complimentary refreshments—the proposal initially failed to attract supporters.
A Near Miss in 1932
The idea of establishing a yacht club resurfaced in 1932 when the Cleveland Yachting Club faced financial challenges. Their Rocky River Island location had become costly due to high rent demanded following a bankruptcy years prior.
Lou Wells proposed that the Cleveland Yachting Club relocate its headquarters to Vermilion. In exchange for building a clubhouse and docks, Wells would donate the land entirely.
The proposal was presented at the club’s annual meeting that fall. It failed by a single vote — 16 to 15.
The narrow margin highlighted how close Vermilion came to becoming its permanent home.
Founding the Vermilion Yacht Club (1933)
Only weeks after the vote, Wells approached several Cleveland Yacht Club members with a new idea: Create an entirely new yacht club in Vermilion.
On January 19, 1933, a group of yachtsmen met at the Cleveland office of W.P. Hurford on West 9th Street and officially formed the Vermilion Yacht Club.
The first officers were:
• William H. Thomas – Commodore
• C.R. Warner – First Vice Commodore
• W.P. Hurford – Second Vice Commodore
• John G. Robinson – Rear Commodore
• C.L. Chafee – Secretary-Treasurer
Commodore Thomas had served as Commodore of the Cleveland Yacht Club the previous year.
There were only twelve charter members, but they moved forward boldly with plans to build a clubhouse and create dockage for their boats.
To protect the club’s property, two organizations were established:
• Vermilion Yacht Club – the membership organization
• VYC Co., Inc. – a corporation created to hold title to club property through appointed trustees
This structure ensured that the club’s assets would be protected from potential financial difficulties.
Building the Clubhouse
Club member Emory Rhodes drew plans for the original clubhouse. A contract was awarded to Rasmus Hanson of Cleveland for construction.
The total cost of the building was $3,000, a remarkeable figure even for the Depression era.
Twelve members personally signed notes guaranteeing the loan needed to finance construction. The debt was repaid in full within about a year.
Members themselves painted the interior and exterior of the building, while their wives’ organized parties, lectures, and events to raise money for furnishings.
The Vermilion Yacht Club was truly built through the dedication and hard work of its members and families.
