TREASURE COAST BOATING
YACHT CLUBS
55
After opening, the Pelican quickly became a favorite spot for wedding receptions.
Pictured in front of the new Club’s ballroom fireplace was Philip Gates Sr.,
Alto “Bud” Adams Jr., Joe Michael, Garland Hays, Rhul W. Koblegard Sr., Sunny
and Hazel Koblegard, Sis Koblegard, Mary Ann Koblegard Bryan, Jean Arnold,
and Evelyn Elliot.
hall became the main club, and when funds ran short, they demolished
the chapel and used the lumber to complete the construction.
Gladwin was skipper for the local Sea Scout Ship, Edwin Binney, so
he moved the Sea Scouts onsite into the old post office building.
The club officially opened in 1947. Charter members (the first
100) of the Pelican Yacht Club included Frank Rowell, Sr., who
served as commodore from 1947-49, Robert Gladwin (who held
certificate No. 1), Philip C. Gates Sr., Ruhl “Sunny” W. Koblegard
Jr., Wallace Sample, Robert Terry, Dr. H. B. Goodwin, and Albert E.
Backus (who painted a mural on a wall of the bar). One of the first
weddings held at the new club was that of Ruhl Koblegard Jr. and
Hazel Kennedy.
Through the years, the club experienced some rough financial
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Slot machines were kept in a small room near the bar. When funds
ran short, the slots were opened up to supplement the club’s income.
In 1957, members built the beautiful pool overlooking the Fort Pierce
Inlet. Sixty cabanas were available for lounging.
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