Charter Date: November 11, 1978
Chapter History
On September 2, 1977, when ACBS was just three years old, president Bill Willig and director, Bil Morgan visited Port Huron and Sandy Duffy who knew of a Hacker Dolphin that Willig wanted to see.
During their visit, the future of ACBS was discussed including the possibility of starting a chapter in Michigan. Before the end of 1977, Sandy had received information from ACBS with details for processing an application.
Michigan membership chair, Steve Alexy, and wife Stephanie.
The petition for a new Michigan Chapter required at least 15 ACBS member names in good standing. Michigan Chapter’s petition listed 25 names: George ‘Sandy’ Duffy, Jack Speck, Peter F. Henkel, Joc Hepworth, Don Orth, Bud Aikens, Joe Kabot, Rick Blackwell, Dave Verhaeghe, James Chominski, Jim Brophy, Mark Mason, Glen Rank, Steve Moore, Jack Teetor, Art Cooper, Chuck Letts, Tom Howarth, Harold Mistele, Byrdy Barbier, Chuck Mistele, Bruce Glupker, Gari Stroh.
The petition was received by ACBS on March 26, 1978, approved at the National Board of Directors meeting on April 29, 1978, and the chapter’s charter was presented at the ACBS National meeting in Clayton, New York on November 11, 1978 making Michigan the sixth chapter in a still new and growing organization of about 500 members.
Today, the chapter has grown to approximately 300 members covering 20 states and has produced two spin-off chapters: Water Wonderland, and The Blue Water Chapter, both of which were formed by Michigan Chapter members.
Where it all Began
The Michigan Chapter is well known for being “Where it all Began!” as the birthplace of most of our iconic wooden boat builders, Chris-Craft, Gar Wood, Hacker Craft and Century all originated in Michigan as well as many smaller wooden boat builders. Michigan also boasts being the birthplace of many well-known builders of Fiberglass boats.
One of Michigan Chapter’s many boat shows.
Michigan Chapter is also well known for our annual “Where it all Began” Algonac Boat Show, in it’s 39th year in 2024, held at the Harbor Club Marina, the site where Chris-Craft Corporation originated and thrived for over 50 years. The Algonac Boat Show got its start on a smaller scale, predating the formation of the Michigan Chapter, during a July 4th Rendezvous and the July 4th Annual Boat Parade hosted by Bud and Pat Aikens. This “come and have some fun” parade was an opportunity to get a few friends with antique boats together. It was enjoyed by everyone, both watching and participating and was a part of the area’s weekend activities for decades. The rendezvous became increasingly popular and as the Michigan Chapter was formed, the Aikens, in turn, invited all of the members to the annual party. Eventually, the number of boats and people became to great to handle at the Aiken’s waterfront property in North Algonac and a new location had to be found.
The location of the rendezvous moved in 1986 to the Algonac Harbor Club facilities, the sight of the old Chris-Craft plant. Taking advantage of the increased space, the rendezvous became a full weekend boat show event.
Chapter Accomplishments
The Michigan Chapter has had numerous accomplishments since its charter in 1978. In addition to providing ACBS with three presidents, our chapter has hosted four international meetings and boat shows, with a fifth scheduled for 2026 in collaboration with Water Wonderland Chapter. Our 2018 International show was the largest attended Annual Meeting with over 200 boats.
John Adams – Director & Fleet Captain.
The Michigan Chapter hosts many shows throughout the year including Mount Clemens, Algonac, Toledo, Wallaceburg (Ontario), St. Clair, Port Huron, and Sarnia (Ontario). Also, the Chapter participates in the Detroit Boat Show, a ten day event and showcase for new fiberglass boats. Michigan Chapter’s display at the Detroit Boat Show is a great draw and many have said that these old wood boats arre a primary reason they attend.
Michigan Chapter presents two trophies each year to major contributors to the chapter.
The Harold Mistele Trophy is presented each fall by previous winners to the member who has gone beyond in his or her commitment to the club.
The Don Orth Trophy is given each spring to a member who works quietly behind the scenes for the betterment of the chapter.
In 1981, Michigan Chapter began presenting the Founders Award to ACBS International during the annual Vintage Boat Week celebration. This Mahogany award is produced by a chapter member to be given out by the national organization.
A Focus on Education
Steve & Meladee Tuzinowski in JAZZY.
Each year Michigan Chapter holds repair and restoration workshops, hosted by restorers and chapter members and open to members and guests.
Our Ship Store is a major contributor to the funding the many chapter programs. Proceeds from merchandise sales has helped to maintain a low cost for chapter dues and offsets the cost of our newsletter, many workshops and shows. It also helps to keep the cost of our Spring and Fall annual membership dinners at a reasonable level.
Come out to Michigan, where it all began! Our chapter is full of warm and inviting people, beautiful blue waters and fantastic antique and classic boats.
I am aware of two Lansing area wood boats in poor condition that may be taken to the dump shortly. I’m hoping that someone is able and willing to intervene for the purpose of salvaging what remains.