Formation of the M.V.P.B.A. [1908]

Beginnings of the M.V.P.B.A. Formation of the M.V.P.B.A Convention of M.V.P.B.A at St. Louis Regatta at Muscatine

In the morning of June 18, about forty delegates, representing the motorboat clubs which compose the Mississippi River Power Boat Association, registered at the office of the secretary on the dock of the St. Louis Power Boat Association.

Shortly after 10:30 a.m. the convention was called to order by Commodore A. C. Adams, of Muscatine, Ia. Charles P. Hanley called the roll of officers of the association, with all present. After a short address of welcome by R. H. Combs, on behalf of the St. Louis association, and an answer by Commodore Adams, the convention proceeded with business. Communications were read and committees appointed on credentials, resolutions, constitution and by-laws and racing as follows:

Racing: Charles P. Hanley, Muscatine, Ia., chairman; R. H. Combs, St. Louis; A. F. Percefull, Burlington, Ia. Credentials: E. Corcepius, Fort madison, Ia., chairman; Frederick Swaine, St. Louis; G. M. Palmer, Burlington, Ia. Constitution and By-laws: A. C. Decker, Keokuk, Ia., chairman; C. P. Hanley, Muscatine; Grant C. Marsh, South Side Motor Boat Club of St. Louis. Resolutions: Dr. J. F. Dixon, Burlington, Ia., chairman; J. W. Meyers, of Quincy, Illinois, and A. C. Decker, of Keokuk, Iowa.

The convention adjourned at 2 p.m. to give the committees time to work. When the afternoon session was convened, the reports of the various committees were accepted. The racing committee handed in a report suggesting that all races of the Mississippi Valley Association should be for the championship of the respective classes, and that such boats as entered the classes would run regardless of power or equipment, without handicap.

An election of officers resulted as follows: Commodore, R. H. Combs, St. Louis; vice-commodore, Dr. J. F. Dixon, Burlington, Ia.; rear-commodore, A. C. Decker, of Keokuk, Ia.; secretary, I. W. McArthur, St. Louis; treasurer, J. M. Hobbs, Fort madison, Ia. The annual convention of the association and the regatta for 1909 will be held at Burlington, Ia., and will take place on July 5 and 6.

The St. Louis Power Boat Association leaves St. Louis on June 27 on its annual cruise to Muscatine, ia., at which place will be held the 1908 regatta, and from present indications the fleet will be composed of about fifteen boats. The regatta will take place on July 3 and 4, and seven races will be run on these dates.

(Transcribed from MotorBoat, June 25, 1908, p. 26)

[Thanks to Greg Calkins for help in preparing this page. —LF]

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