HISTORY OF ISCHODA 1886-2009 (updated 2022)

Ischoda Yacht Club, the oldest club on Long Island Sound, was founded in 1886 as the Hallika-Wallika Club by a group of boatman, mostly fisherman, as there was very little pleasure boating at that time.  In 1901, while Norwalk celebrated its 250th birthday, its name was changed to the Ischoda Yacht Club, a name from the Mohawk Indian Tribe which meant “A campfire around which the peace pipe was passed”, and indicating the peaceful relations the white settlers in Norwalk always had with the Indians.  The first meeting places of the club were in East Norwalk, then the center of the shellfish and fishing industries.  The last clubhouse across the river was located just east of the public launching ramps off Liberty Square.  In 1915, the club moved to rooms on Water Street adjacent to the Washing Street Bridge where it was to remain for 40 years.  At that time, the club rooms were located on the second story and there was only one key to the club.  The key would be lowered on a string by the steward to the thirsty members anxious to get upstairs to the welcoming and well stocked bar.  Women (third class citizens at the time) were not admitted to the club rooms under any pretext.  In 1995, the club realized that landlord Nelson Hayes was getting on in years and they must move or face a not so generous landlord.  Under the Commodore-ship of Cliff Ferris, the present property at 138 Water Street was purchased from the Home Heating Company.  The clubhouse then consisted of the present bar and game room (now dining room).  The space then occupied by  the Sea Breeze room was locker space.  In 1956 two important events happened; the club was dedicated and for the first time women and children were welcomed, but women were not admitted as members until January 3, 2000.  Currently ISCHODA has approximately 45 female members including two serving on the board.

In the 60’s the club ran into financial crisis, but through the dedicated leadership of the Commodores at that time, and the loyal support of the membership, a steady financial course was attained.  Then on April 16, 2007, the Sea Breeze room was destroyed by a fire caused by the flood waters of a Northeaster and the computer connections in the room.  In May 2009, the Sea Breeze room and adjacent dining room was demolished and construction and remodeling began to bring the “old lady” to her current glory.  As in the past, these days there is a deep fraternal feeling of fellowship among here members that makes it a true club and she is blessed by the many tradesmen she has on board who continuously improve the “old lady” and make her a sturdy ship, not letting down the original founders of the club who believed it should always be a group of men and women joined together to work and play together in the light of the brightly burning “Campfire of Peace”.