Charter Date: April 8, 1978
In the Beginning…
Bill Willig presenting the FLC charter to Ford Knight.
The year 1977 was the catalyst for forming the Finger Lakes Chapter of ACBS. Ford Knight, the driving force who along with Fred Curry, Richard Morehouse, Jr., John Bradley and Dick Sherwood, sent notices to various local newspapers announcing an organizational and informational meeting for those interested in planning and promoting the “First Annual Cayuga Lake Antique and Classic Boat Show.” About a dozen showed up including Jim Brennan who was already a member of ACBS. At Jim’s suggestion, Ray Nelson, an ACBS founder was invited to speak to the group in December, 1977 to share the ACBS story. With 15 members required to form a chapter, the Finger Lakes group found 16 interested members who signed the chapter’s petition and on February 11, 1978 the chapter was approved with the charter presented on April 8, 1978.
The Show
The Finger Lakes Chapter focuses on one main boat show each year held in Skaneateles, New York. In 2024, its 46th year, the show continued to evolve with ever expanding diversity in youth programs. From youth boat judging, participation by the local Sea Scouts chapter, local library programming and a fundraiser of toy boat painting, the show continues getting better and better.
A group effort in planning and execution, Dick Sherwood, makes 150-250 wooden boats for the toy boat painting program, and (Name?) leads over 20 youth judges through training, mentorship and more. The Finger Lakes Chapter of ACBS has a thriving and enthusiastic group each of whom are willing to do their part for the organization.
Toy Boat workshop.
Events and Symposiums
In addition to the Finger Lakes Boat Show, the chapter hosts numerous symposiums at area boat shops and marinas, cruises to state marine parks and canal side villages and more. Often partnering with nearby Wine Country Chapter and Canal Society, they endeavor to create opportunities for chapter enjoyment and collaboration.
Points of Pride
In 2024, the Finger Lakes Chapter was proud to boast approximately 160 members. It regularly attracts younger members, including Noah Taylor, who at 15 years old was the youngest person to join. Today, Noah is a graduate of the State University of New York Maritime Academy.
Many of the “younger” members ACBS seeks to attract are newly retired, people who now have the time to devote to the antique and classic boating hobby. The costs of getting into the hobby can be intimidating, says Tom Beardsley, editor of the chapter’s Brightwork newsletter. But, with a little elbow grease, old boats that might have otherwise been overlooked can shine.
What a Story!
People are at the heart of any chapter and the Finger Lakes Chapter is no exception. It is those people who help to draw others in, talking about their boats and sharing history. One notable example of this took place at a Central New York boat show held in Syracuse. Finger Lakes member, Katelyn Marsden, who is an American Sign Language Interpreter, was there with her 1958 Century Roan, K’s Happy Days, when she learned of a hearing impaired show attendee. Katelyn sought this person out and through ASL was able to communicate and share in an entirely new way. It made both of their days.
Brightwork
The Finger Lakes Chapter newsletter Brightwork, has been a staple of chapter communications since its inception. With Tom Beardsley at the helm, the newsletter has won numerous Publication awards at ACBS international shows.