Buckeye Boat Club

The Walnut Valley Boat Club was started in May 1954, and was incorporated the 28th of June, 1954. On August 4, 1954 the Club Constitution and Regulations were adopted.

The dues were low so the Club used two methods to finance the Club. One method was to sell no interest shares at $25.00 each and each member was required to buy 2 shares. The shares were redeemed by the club when monies were available. They would have drawings at meetings to pay back the shares. The Club was still redeeming shares in 1969. The second method was a fund raiser in the form of a corn fest. This was a major source of income. Members sold books of chance on very good prizes, sold BBQ pork and beef sandwiches, drinks, corn, and ran games of chance. The club had big turnout for this yearly event. It took a good month of hard work to get this set up and going.

The WVBC moved to the present location in June of 1959, but still used the original site for the corn fest and some boats that year. The present property was overgrown and needed a lot of work. The only structure was the barn and it needed work also. It was built in 1888. The club was working on a lease with the city of Columbus.

The Club meetings were held at banks and libraries. The dinners were held at the Blendon Grange and other local food establishments in the area.

his was carried on for winter meetings until 1990, when the new windows and doors made it possible to use the clubhouse year round.

In going through old and not so old newsletters, things to do, build, or buy were talked about but no definite time of completing. In some minutes some things might be mentioned as purchased, done, or built. The following is a legend of accomplishments:

1953	Club house build, 30'x60' shelter house only.
1964	Windows and doors were installed. First phone installed. Charged $.10 per phone call.
1965	Restrooms were build, 10'x16'. 2000 gal. storage unit installed.
1967	Dues were $15.00, stakes $10.00, and docks $40.00
1969	Ladies auxiliary was initiated. (Discontinued in 1989)
1971	A new door was constructed in the south wall of the clubhouse. Vinyl siding was put on both ends of the clubhouse. The wood on the lower part of the barn was replaced and painted. A work bench and lights were put in the barn.
1972	Heater installed in the clubhouse at a cost of $200.00. The first 4th of July boat parade. Boat removal was charged at $1.00 a foot.
1973	The Club bought a trailer for handling pontoon boats.
1975	Walk finished going north to the driveway. First Club appreciation day was held. The 4th of July potluck had 330 people in attendance.
1976	Folding chairs were bought.
1979	The flag pole was put in. The red mower was bought.
1984	A concrete floor was put in the barn. The Club took over the rental house from the city. Had a buy-in of docks by members, $300.00 each, the club put in remaining docks.
1988	new double pane, sliding windows were put in the clubhouse. This improved the use of the clubhouse. Harold Hard resigned as Rear Commodore.
1989	A pull-down stairway was installed to the attic area. The attic area was insulated. Power fans were installed in the attic. New lights were installed in the clubhouse. A speaker system was obtained. The ladies auxiliary purchased a range.
1990	All doors were replaced. Restaurant type tables and chairs were purchased. Ceiling fans with lights were installed in the clubhouse. A complete new kitchen was installed. New grilles were put on the grounds.
1991	The bulletin board was moved to the main gate. The waste container was enclosed by a wooden fence. A John Deere tractor was bought. Restrooms were updated with new ceiling tiles and lights. Delco water was connected to the clubhouse and restrooms.
1992	A Walnut Valley Boat Club sign was put out by the road. New gate was installed. The flag pole was painted and updated the gear.
1993	Lighting and outlets were updated on the grounds. Trap rock was put around the north dock area. Repairs were made to the cove ramp. The outdoor picnic tables were painted. Restrooms were painted inside and outside.
1994	The barn supports were put in. Clubhouse was painted. A WVBC flag was purchased and flown on the flag pole.