Belvidere Boat Club was organized in April of 1964 by a small group of anxious boaters. When the Club originated, it was known as the “Beer-Canners”. The first meetings of the Club were held in a house rented from Gentz Marina. The name was soon changed to Belvidere Boat Club because Belvidere Bay was the geographical location where most of the Club Members moored or met.
The principle interest of the Club was fellowship, safe boating and family fun. As a result, the Club grew in membership, and on January13, 1968, Belvidere Boat Club received their Charter from the State of Michigan.
In June of 1972, the Club moved onward and upward in the boating community with the purchase of property on the North Channel.
A seawall was constructed, a flagpole erected and a year after year, there was noted progress. Eventually, canals were dredged, fill dirt added, docks built, electrical service installed and the membership continued to grow.
After many year of negotiating, a miracle happened in June of 1977. The Club purchased the adjoining lot making a complete island. At this same time, another dream was realized with the purchase of a new cottage clubhouse and having it moved on the island. A lagoon, new wells, more electricity, more dredging and fill have been the order of the day and we now have better than three and one-half acres of land.
In 1982, the Club erected a lighthouse, which has been appropriately named “The Belvidere Light”. One of our founding members and Past Commodore, Bob Holmes was instrumental in getting our light house put on the navigational charts.
1991-1992 were years of great progress. A decision was made to put in a septic system, the clubhouse was enlarged and remodeled, a new BBC sign was constructed in front of tour lighthouse, and the island was introduced to the beauty of landscaping.
1993-1994 we continued on our path. The remodeling was completed and finishing touches were added. BBC was then introduced to the luxury of water at each well and underground wiring with stanchions and lights to enhance the island’s beauty.
In 1995 there was more construction. A two-car garage replaced the shed to provide storage of the Club’s assets.
In 2003, BBC, through the special efforts of NEW members, erected a first class lighthouse replacing the old Belvidere Light. Spring of 2004 brought yet another change to the landscape at BBC Island. A 2,200 sq. ft. deck was added to the club house to further enhance the socializing experience as well as better enjoying ‘our little slice of paradise’. In 2006, the pavilion part of the deck was installed with full enclosure window and screen canvas drops to keep out inclement weather and help extend the boating season!
To date, new flooring has been laid in the clubhouse as well as new trim and window treatments. Future plans are to upgrade the seawall and dredge around the island due to low water
We have indeed grown into one of the better Clubs in the Anchor Bay area!
Membership enrollment as of January, 2008, stands at 33 members. Our business plan is intended to unite the Belvidere Boat Club members with common direction and effort in order to regain the full charter of 55 members!
