On the heels of such an amazing boat show, this week we visit the history of the Bob Speltz Land O Lakes Chapter. Originally chartered in 1977 as the Land O Lakes Chapter, it was the fourth Chapter in the ACBS family. Here is the story…
Chapter History and Name:
A 1976 a boat show of about 50 mostly post-war boats held on Lake Minnetonka was the inspiration for the ACBS Land O Lakes chapter. Starting with an impressive 50 members, the chapter originally covered five states of Minnesota, South Dakota North Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Over time Wisconsin and Iowa split off to form their own chapters leaving Land-O-Lakes with three states of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota however in the 2000s the chapter absorbed members of the Clear Lake, Iowa ACBS chapter expanding its reach into northern Iowa. Today the chapter boasts approximately 350 members.
When the official charter was signed, it was noted that then Land O Lakes president, Todd Warner, had successfully advocated for the formation of a chapter that welcomed post war era boats, no small feet as pre-war boats were the standard for other ACBS chapters at the time.
The chapter’s name was changed to the Bob Speltz Land O Lakes chapter in 1982 in honor of one of its founding members and a preeminent expert on vintage boating whose Real Runabout anthology was the first of its type ever published.
Today, Bob Speltz Land O Lakes chapter continues to welcome all types of boats into its membership including fiberglass and other newer classics.
Boat Shows and Collections
The Bob Speltz Land O Lakes chapter is known for its many boat shows that attract beautiful boats while highlighting the beauty of land of 10,000 lakes. The chapter boasts several shows throughout Minnesota so that members can come together on different bodies of water.
The chapter also hosts several winter workshops annually to share knowledge and continue to grow member experiences in the hobby.
Minnesota is home to several prominent collectors and restoration businesses all of which provide outstanding knowledge and access to boats of all types. These collections have been key highlights for the 2015 and 2024 ACBS International Meeting and boat shows, hosted by the Bob Speltz Land O Lakes Chapter, both of which drew record crowds to Northern Minnesota. Opening the doors of these private museums and collections allowed for a world class experience.
Real Runabouts
One of the chapter’s founders, Bob Speltz, literally wrote the book on antique boating when he published The Real Runabouts anthology on the history of the inboard runabouts from its inception. The first of its type ever written, today a total of seven volumes have been printed and preserved with Bob’s remarkable knowledge and passion for antique boating that will benefit generations to come.
Photo credit: Rob Cassell.
Philanthropy
The Bob Speltz Land O Lakes Chapter closely partners with the Legacy of the Lakes Museum in Alexandria, Minnesota. This museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Minnesota lake culture. The chapter provides financial and historical support on an annual basis.