Gathering Place for Toronto Yachtsmen
NOTE: Although this article has no date, one can presume it was written some time in the mid-1930's, since Shellback began in 1934 ... and so, the routine has little changed over the years. Although this article has no date, one can presume it was written some time in the mid-1930's, since Shellback began in 1934 ... and so, the routine has little changed over the years. Does anyone know where Ellen Bradley's Tea Room was?
Some three years ago a small group of Royal Canadian Yacht Club members in Toronto decided that the inactivity imposed upon them by the long Canadian winter was hard to bear, and that kindred souls should get together during that long spell. The idea of weekly luncheon meetings in some downtown restaurant was conceived and "The Shellbacks' Club" got under way.
But, like most beginnings, its course led over many a shoal and the club managed barely to survive during its first two years. The speakers were few and far between, the attendance fluctuated from a maximum of thirty to a minimum of three or four, and the "locale" had to be changed several times. With the beginning of the present season, however, the club blossomed out; seventy to a hundred Toronto sailors were getting a lot of fun every Wednesday at "Ellen Bradley's" tea room on Adelaide Street.
Several factors combined to bring success. First, there was a good speaker every week. The subjects covered everything from long ocean voyages in small boats to shooting rapids in barges during the Klondike gold rush and the art of buying yachts so as to keep well "ahead of the game" as you go along. There is also an "oilskin chorus" which sings chanties, perhaps not altogether melodiously but most heartily. A shield hangs above the speakers' table, all quite shipshape with its "cockscombings" and fancy knots on the bell lanyard. There is no constitution, no membership fees nor officers; anyone interested in sailing is welcome on Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at "Ellen Bradley's," upstairs. Just pay the half dollar for your lunch and you're in.
N. A. Beketov
But, like most beginnings, its course led over many a shoal and the club managed barely to survive during its first two years. The speakers were few and far between, the attendance fluctuated from a maximum of thirty to a minimum of three or four, and the "locale" had to be changed several times. With the beginning of the present season, however, the club blossomed out; seventy to a hundred Toronto sailors were getting a lot of fun every Wednesday at "Ellen Bradley's" tea room on Adelaide Street.
Several factors combined to bring success. First, there was a good speaker every week. The subjects covered everything from long ocean voyages in small boats to shooting rapids in barges during the Klondike gold rush and the art of buying yachts so as to keep well "ahead of the game" as you go along. There is also an "oilskin chorus" which sings chanties, perhaps not altogether melodiously but most heartily. A shield hangs above the speakers' table, all quite shipshape with its "cockscombings" and fancy knots on the bell lanyard. There is no constitution, no membership fees nor officers; anyone interested in sailing is welcome on Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at "Ellen Bradley's," upstairs. Just pay the half dollar for your lunch and you're in.
N. A. Beketov