A medley of maritime anniversaries, tricentennial celebrations and a steam tug?s 100th birthday party have engaged the Baltimore waterfront this year like a Las Vegas headliner. Next up is the 75th anniversary of the Propeller Club of the Port of Baltimore. A formal dinner and dance to celebrate the occasion was held recently at the Tremont Grand Hotel in downtown Baltimore.
Chartered in 1931 as a “Port” Chapter of the Propeller Club of the United States, Baltimore?s current roster has about 350 active members. Membership embodies business individuals directly involved with the port, including stevedores, tug pilots, steamship agencies, freight forwarders, custom house brokers, and other support businesses.
Charity fundraising is the chief goal of the non-profit organization, according to the club?s communication officer, Rick Schiappacasse. Two-thirds of the club?s proceeds go to charities and scholarships centered on maritime related organizations and other charities including Ronald MacDonald House and the House of Ruth, Schiappacasse said.
A big chunk of funding comes from the Propeller Club?s CrabFeast, which annually draws more than 3,000 maritime workers to Baltimore.
At the national level, the Propeller Club promotes the economic welfare of our ports and shipyards, and encourages the development of foreign trade. The main directive is to educate legislators and the public about all waterborne commerce, notably the essential role of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Conceived in 1922, the Propeller Club of the United States evolved from a small group of men engaged in the maritime trade who gathered to discuss mutual problems and the future of American shipping.
The most pressing problem at that time was how to make best use of surplus ships from World War I. The solution was paved by The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 which provided for the sale of government owned ships to both citizens and aliens and directed the U.S. Shipping Board to establish world trade routes.
In 1923, the original maritime group formally established the Propeller Club of the Port of New York. Shortly thereafter, similar clubs organized in Boston, New Orleans and Tampa, Fla. A national association was formed in 1927, with constitution, national officers, bylaws and treasury. Baltimore was the 15 member added to the burgeoning association.
Today, the Propeller Club of the United States musters 53 national chapters and 33 clubs abroad with about 10,000 members.
A longtime export analyst and consultant, Joseph R. Hughes? maritime-related articles have appeared in numerous publications. He is a native Baltimorean. E-mail your questions to him at [email protected].
