Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia.

Amateur, competitive rowing has existed on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia since the eighteenth century. The sport gained in popularity throughout the nineteenth century, particularly after 1822, when the construction of a dam across the river created a type of “pool” and, in turn, optimal rowing conditions.

The Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia was founded in 1858. It is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the United States. By charter, "[the Schuylkill Navy’s] object is to secure united action among the several Clubs and to promote amateurism on the Schuylkill River."

At its founding there were nine clubs and approximately 300 members. The member clubs of the Navy were all located along a stretch of the Schuylkill River, where it flows through Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Most of the clubs being located on the historic Boathouse Row. Clubs represented at the founding included America, Camilla, Chebucto, Falcon, Independent, Keystone, Neptune, Pennsylvania, and University Barge Club. Current member clubs include Fairmount Rowing Association, Crescent Boat Club, Bachelors Barge Club, University Barge Club, Malta Boat Club, Vesper Boat Club, College Boat Club, Penn Athletic Club Rowing Association (Penn AC), Undine Barge Club, Philadelphia Girls' Rowing Club (PGRC), Gillin Boat Club and St. Joseph's University and St. Joseph's Prep. At least 23 other clubs have belonged to the Navy at various times.

The Schuylkill Navy and its member clubs still host many races. In 1953, the Navy convinced the Dad Vail Rowing Association to move its regatta to Philadelphia. It has remained since. The Dad Vail is possibly the largest collegiate regatta held and usually signifies the end of the spring rowing season for most collegiate teams. Other major regattas held each year include the Thomas Eakins Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (sponsored by the University Barge Club) and the Frostbite Regatta. The Navy also sponsors other athletic endeavors including a basketball league and an annual cross country race. The latter has been held since 1899, with only a few interruptions during World War II.

Bibliography

Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia. The Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia: Her History and Records . Philadelphia: Press of Security Bank Note Company, 1899.

Blackwall, Christopher. Flashing Oars Rowing on the Schuylkill, exhibition catalog. Philadelphia: Philadelphia Maritime Museum, 1985.

From the guide to the Schuylkill Navy records, 1859-2009, (Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library)