The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 20, Milford, Kosciusko County, 1 July 1987 — Page 27

First Flotilla Parade

The first Wawasee Flotilla Parade was held on Father’s Day, June 18, 1961. Some area residents say it was one of the most successful and wellreceived Flotillas ever held. The project was undertaken by the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce as the result of an idea attributed to Gordon “Short” McCormick. Six members of the original Flotilla committee were Tom Socks, Earl Money, McCormick, Dale Butt, Clem Lisor and

K of C founded in 1882

The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by Father Francis McGivney as a fraternal Catholic men’s organization. Today, the Knights is an international organization of more than 1.3 million men, with over 7,000 councils. This society is dedicated to the ideals of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The local council, which is named after Father Francis Pitka, was established in 1971, with Tom List serving as its first Grand Knight. Membership in the local chapter presently

ANDERSON’S A • Wawasee Boat Company ( Pickwick Road North End Os Lake Wawasee 2 19-457-4404 * • Southeast Bay Marina & Club l At The Fish Hatchery South End Os Lake Wawasee 219-856-2175 bh& • That Sailboat Place SR 13 South, Wawasee Village, Syracuse 457-4305 — Now Three Locations To Serve You — WELCOME YOU BACK TO A SUMMER OF FUN AT THE LAKE REGION i Northern Indiana's Largest Marine Complex Professional/Dependable/Insured “Trained Professional Staff To Serve You” Engine/Out Drive Repair • Insured — Professional Wood Fully Shops Cosmetic Repair * 5 Full Time Factory Premaintenance Programs v Schooled Mechanics All Work Guaranteed , j . ~ YBuE • Sat./Sun. Mechanics I J L- -»VB For Customers sjj ÜbwwwsWl ! .„, ’ ■■MK ' Al Lam ley Dick Roehm 1 1 Sales ' 1 jffij j “Products To Serve You” l < ■’v’ • All Price Ranges Luxury To Starter • Sailboats, Pontoons L( $1,000,000.00 Inventory New And Used • Tournament Ski Boats I Larry Baumgardt a Powerboats, Inboards, I/Os, Deckboats Bob Ruth Sales Sales / When you want constant year after year service and the best product ( available for the money — True Value, come and see us. Carolyn & Doug Anderson / Serving the lake area since 1929. One of Boat and Motor’s Top “10” , Oirnprc J Dealers in the USA for 1986. H owners /

Tiny Sole. This first event received wholehearted support and cooperation from businessmen and residents of the area, who wanted to show their appreciation for the people who come to the area in the summer. More than 75 entries, all built on pontoon boats, were in this first parade, which was led by Lt. Gov. Richard Ristine, honorary commodore. Eli Lilly also rode in the commodore’s boat, which was piloted by Dale Butt.

numbers approximately 30 men, with Gary Webster serving as the current Grand Knight. The Knights’ main fundraiser is the Tootsie Roll Drive, which has raised well over SI,OOO annually. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this drive are given to the special education departments in the three community junior high schools. The Knights also provide “muscle” to the Saint Martin de Porres parish by helping out with many parish activities.

The Flotilla parade became an annual event, marking the opening of the vacation season at Syracuse and Wawasee Lake. It was held on or near Father’s Day and was called the Father’s Day Flotilla. Trophies were awarded in several categories, including the “Top Pop” award and the Commodore’s Trophy. As the years went by, the event was expanded to include other events such as dances, races and beauty pageants. In a twist of fate, fire destroyed the Pickwick Block in Syracuse on New Year’s Eve, 1970 and jeopardized the future of the Flotilla parade. The newly organized Jaycees Club had taken over sponsorship and the fire destroyed all of the Flotilla records which were in the Jaycees clubroom in the basement of the Pickwick Block. This resulted in the disbanding of the local Jaycees Club. However, the plans were under way for the 1971 parade and the event went ahead, with Steve Butt as chairman. With the Jaycees out of the picture, the Flotilla was left in limbo. There was no Flotilla parade in 1972 and 1973.

Wednesday, July 1,1987 - the PAPER

held in 1961

The Flotilla was revived in 1974 when Ted Rogers joined the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. At the first Chamber meeting he attended, he was asked if he had any ideas about projects the Chamber should undertake. He replied that he had always enjoyed the Flotilla and would like to see it reinstated. He was promptly appointed chairman and encouraged to go ahead. The Flotilla committee was organized to include anyone interested in helping. This has worked well every year since. It was decided to move the Flotilla date from Father’s Day to the Fourth of July in order to have a

Happy Birthday Syracuse! TOM’S ELECTRIC® Call Tom Ist TfY Sectrical Contracting Retail Electrical Supplies A 457*2100 * R. 3, Syracuse LOCATED 1 BLOCK SOUTH OF SLEEPY OWL ON CR 56 EAST. SYRACUSE

better chance of good weather. The 1974 Flotilla Festival included two fireworks displays, a ski show, a sailboat regatta, the Flotilla Baß, the Flotilla parade and a mass parachute jump from helicopters into the lake by 15 Green Beret Army reservists. Conservation officer Earl Money was the parade marshal and Frank Putt was the commodore. The public response was good and it was decided to continue the Flotilla Festival as an annual event as long as the public interest remained. Interest has remained high and the 1987 Flotilla parade will get underway this year at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.