Our Story On The River
South Shore Boat Club began humbly on the south bank of the Illinois River as nothing more than a wooden plank walkway used by local boaters to tie up along the shoreline just downstream from the old Peru river bridge. What started as a simple dock and gathering place for river enthusiasts officially became the South Shore Boat Club on June 17, 1935, when the organization received its state charter.
1937 - First Floating Headquaters
The club’s founding officers included former Peru Mayor Joe Lemler as Commodore, William Philips as Vice-Commodore, Henry Ostertag as Secretary, and Otto Wibiralski as Treasurer. Their vision created a community centered on boating, friendship, and life along the river — a tradition that continues today.
In April of 1937, the club took a major step forward by purchasing a 100-foot-long wooden barge to serve as its floating headquarters. Just two months later, a small cabin was constructed on the barge, giving members a place to gather and socialize on the water. The nearby bridge structure provided excellent fishing, but heavy barge traffic through its narrow channel often created wakes that damaged members’ boats.
1937 - First Floating Headquaters
By the late 1940s, the old plank bridge had deteriorated and was eventually closed to both foot and vehicle traffic. With the bridge no longer providing easy access to the south bank, the club faced a major turning point. In the spring of 1950, the barge was relocated by towboat to its current home at the west end of Water Street. While the location changed, the name remained — with one humorous addition: South Shore Boat Club, “On the North Shore.”
The move proved to be a pivotal decision that allowed the club to grow and thrive. Improvements followed in the years ahead, including the installation of a ramp in 1953 (no longer functional) and a gas dock in 1955 (currently un-operational), helping establish South Shore as a true hub for boaters along the Illinois River.