The First Hundred Years: Clearwater Yacht Club, 1911-2011

the Florida officials of the Seaboard Airline Railway Association were also entertained at the club. Meanwhile, members were kept busy with buffet suppers, fish fries, ping pong tournaments, boat excursions, bridge games, luncheons, teas, and dances, dances, dances. CYC was definitely the “place to be” in the late 1930s. At one point, these regular club activities became so popular the board was forced to adopt a more restrictive guest policy so club members would

Invitation to a dance at CYC in 1936. Courtesy of the Jamieson/Cornett/Bayly family.

be able to “get a seat at the table.” John Chestnut, who was club manager at the time, was elected to the county commission in 1936—perhaps because of all that activity at the club? The club was also a favorite place for private parties and wedding receptions. In 1938, the commodore’s daughter, Miss Ann Bayly, married Mr. Walter Enos Cornett (son of club members Gardner and Alice Cornett) and, of course, their wedding reception was held at CYC. Enos Cornett later became the club’s general manager.

Miss Ann Bayly became Mrs. Enos Cornett in 1938. She is shown at her wedding reception in front of the fireplace of the Mandalay Clubhouse. Courtesy of the Jamieson/Cornett/Bayly family.

36 The First Hundred Years: Clearwater Yacht Club, 1911-2011